eZSharePro - Telephone Interface System

Introduction:

eZSharePro ® provides a way for you to share digital recordings stored on your computer or any other recording device (i.e. tape, digital, mp3, etc.) with another person via the telephone.

eZSharePro ® is a simple but powerful concept. The device itself is simple, but it integrates all of the functions needed in one handy package. To make it work, you need:

The eZSharePro ® telephone interface device.
A second phone line (i.e. Teen line, Cable, DSL or wireless) is needed to play audio recorded links from an internet website.
Two cables, included in the package, shielded, with 3.5mm stereo phone plugs on each end.
One cable, included in the package, shielded, with a 2.5mm stereo phone plug on each end.
A cordless phone or cell phone having a 2.5mm connection for an external headset.
An external headset that works with your telephone.
A computer (laptop or desktop) with sound connections; input and output.
Self-powered speakers for the computer.
A microphone suitable for connecting to the computer thru the eZSharePro ® (used for the AUX MIC).
A sound source. Any sound source will work with the eZSharePro ® device if it has a speaker or output connection. Example: Go mobile with a cell phone, eZSharePro ® device and mp3 player.

The software required is part of the Windows operating system.

Installation:

Refer to the diagram in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The eZSharePro ® Rear Panel.

Use the cable with the 2.5mm plugs to connect the eZSharePro ® connection marked PHONE into the headset connection on your telephone.
Plug your headset cable into the eZSharePro ® connection marked: HEADSET.
Plug the speakers into the eZSharePro ® connection marked TO SPKRS.
Use one of the cables with 3.5mm plugs to connect the computer's output connection to the eZSharePro ® connection marked COMP OUT.
The output connection at the computer is usually colored green.
Use the remaining cable to connect the computer's input connection to the eZSharePro ® connection marked COMP IN. This connection is usually colored red.
Attach the computer microphone to one of the computer speakers such that the microphone's sound inlet faces the speaker's face. Use a rubber band or tape to affix it. Plug it into the eZSharePro ® connection marked AUX MIC.

This completes the required connections.

The Switches:

Figure 2. The eZSharePro ® Top Panel.

There are a number of switches on the eZSharePro™ device:

Switch Name	What it does?
Speakers off/ on	Turns the speakers off and on.
Source AUX MIC on/ off/ DIRECT	Selects the source for the sound that is sent to the telephone. The center position is OFF. On uses the actual sound coming from the computer speakers to send to the telephone. The speakers must be turned on and turned up for this to work. Other sounds from the room may be transmitted to the listener. Direct uses the audio from the computer to send directly to the telephone. The speakers may be on or off. The audio level from the computer determines how loud things will be at the listener's ear. Other sounds from the room are not transmitted to the listener unless you have the headset mic turned on. NOTE: Keep the switch in the middle position unless you are actually sending sound down the line.
Headset eZSP/ COMPUTER	Connects the headset to the computer or to the telephone via the eZSharePro ® . When set to the COMP position, no other functions of the eZSharePro ® are available except the MIC off/ on and RECORD off/ on functions.
Record off/ on	Controls the audio sent to the computer for recording.
Mic off/ on	Turns the headset mic OFF or ON.

Using the eZSharePro ® :

Here are some suggested ways to use the eZSharePro ®

Play a file for someone (direct):

Speakers	Source	Headset	Record	H S Mic
OFF	Direct	eZSP	OFF	As required

Set up your computer to play the file (locate it, ensure that it will actually play, be ready to click the play button). Make the switch settings as above, then click the PLAY button to play it back for the other person. You can switch your headset mike on or off as needed to make comments. Use the computer's volume control to balance between your voice and the computer's audio.

Play a file for someone using the AUX MIC:

Speakers	Source	Headset	Record	H S Mic
ON	AUX MIC	eZSP	OFF	As required

Use the Headset With the Computer:

Speakers	Source	Headset	Record	H S Mic
As required	OFF (center position)	Comp	N/A	As required

In this configuration, the headset microphone feeds your computer's audio input, and the computer's audio output feeds the headset's receiver/ earphone. You can do this while you're talking with someone; they'll not be disconnected (it will be as if you put them on hold). You might do this during a conversation to confirm that a file is ready to be played to the person at the other end of the call. You can also use this to record yourself using the computer. The RECORD or the MIC off/ on switches let you silently switch the mic on and off.

Record a telephone conference call, personal testimonial, or training calls:

Speakers	Source	Headset	Record	H S Mic
As required	OFF	eZSP	ON	As required

Ensure that the computer is ready to record. You can test it easily by switching the headset to the Computer position and talking into the headset microphone. There are some controls that you need to access to ensure that the volume level is high enough. Usually you find these in Start/ Programs/ Accessories/ Entertainment. You'll need the Sound Recorder and the Volume Control applications up and running.

NOTE: You can get free recording software from Audacity - available via a free download. It has more functionality than the simple-minded recorder that comes with Windows and it's easy to use and it comes with a video tutorial. With this software you can record wave files and then render them to .mp3 files (and soon .wma files). These compressed formats require less disk space for storage so you can keep more of them on hand at one time. These files will play on Microsoft Media Player series 9 or 10 - which is also a free download.

Troubleshooting:

First - Ensure that all plugs are completely inserted into the corresponding connections.

Feedback (howling/ squealing):

This can be caused by the computer passing sound from its input to its output. Use the eZSharePro ® RECORD switch to stop it.

This can also happen when using the strap-on mike. If you're not playing back to the other person, switch off the strap-on mike.

This can also happen when using the speakers. If you're not playing back to the other person, switch the SOURCE switch to the middle/off position.

If you are recording and have the speakers turned up too loud, this may also cause feedback via the headset's mic. Either turn the speakers down, or switch off the headset mic.

No Sound:

Ensure that the connection marked FM COMPUTER OUTPUT is connected to the computer's output connection (sometimes it has a graphic showing a pair of headphones). This connection is usually colored green.

Can't playback to the phone unless the speakers are switched on:

The cables connections are hooked up back words. Switch the cables marked TO SPKRS and FM COMPUTER OUTPUT at the eZSharePro™ unit. (i.e. take the one plugged into TO SPKRS and insert it into the FM COMPUTER OUTPUT; then take the one that was in the connection marked FM COMPUTER OUTPUT and plug it into the connection marked TO SPKRS).

Can't get telephone audio into the computer:

Ensure that the cable connected to the eZSharePro ® connection marked TO COMPUTER INPUT is plugged into the computer's audio INPUT connection (usually colored red, may have a graphic showing a microphone).