Copyright: ® IBM Science and Technology


Contents

	Introduction
	How to
	Buttons
	Troubleshooting


Introduction

The IC Phone Window


How to

Configure network parameters

Select an IC Phone server

Configure voice mode

Call another user

Hang up

Receive a call

Call back previous callers

Find other users

Adjust the volume

Adjust microphone sensitivity

Adjust voice quality

Mute the microphone

Configure the Mwave modem

Exit the application


Buttons

Setup

Call / Hangup

User List

Mute

Speak/Listen

Help

Exit


Troubleshooting

Initialization Problems

Setup Problems

Calling Problems

User List Problems

Sound Problems


The IC Phone Window

The main IC Phone Window gives you access to any features you need. Click on the different areas of the graphic displayed here to find out more.


Configure network parameters

Configuring your IC Phone network parameters enables you to register your Email address with the IC Phone server. In this way, other IC Phone users can locate you.

To configure your IC Phone network parameters

1.	Click the Setup button in the main IC Phone window. The IC Phone Setup dialog is displayed.

2.	Type your Email address in the space provided. If you've already configured your system, you should see the Email address you typed previously.

3.	In the User Information field, type any text you like. This text will appear next to your name when other users look through the User List.

4.	In the IC Phone Server field, enter the name or address of the IC Phone server. Alternatively, click the Server List button and select a server from the IC Phone Server List dialog.

5.	Choose the Ok button.


Select an IC Phone server

When you configure your network parameters, you should select the server that will enable you to locate other IC Phone users.

To select an IC Phone server

1.	Click the Setup button in the main IC Phone window. The IC Phone Setup dialog is displayed.

2.	In the IC Phone Server field, enter the name or address of the IC Phone server. Or click the Server List button. The Server List dialog is displayed.

3.	Select the desired server and click the Ok button. IC Phone enters your selection in the Setup dialog.


Configure voice mode

If your computer has a full duplex sound card, you can configure the IC Phone for use with your computer speakers or with headphones.

To listen to callers on your computer speakers

♦	Click the Speakerphone radio button in the Setup dialog.

To listen to callers on your headphones

♦	Click the Headphones radio button in the Setup dialog.

If your computer has a half duplex sound card, you can configure the IC Phone for either Automatic or Manual mode. In Automatic mode, the IC Phone software automatically controls the Speak/Listen mode. In other words, as soon as you stop talking, the IC Phone switches to Listen mode, so you can listen to the other user talking. In Manual mode, you control the voice mode by using the Speak/Listen button. When you finish talking, you click the Speak/Listen button to switch the IC Phone to Listen mode.

To switch the Speak/Listen mode automatically

♦	Click the Automatic radio button in the Setup dialog.

To switch the Speak/Listen mode manually

♦	Click the Manual radio button in the Setup dialog.

Related Topics

Speak/Listen


Call another user

The IBM IC Phone lets you place calls to other users.

To call another IC Phone user

1.	Click the Call button in the main IC Phone window. IC Phone opens the Calling to dialog.

2.	In the space provided, type the Email address of the user you want to call.

3.	Click the Call button.

Alternatively, you can click the User List button.

Related Topics

User List


Hang up

You'll want to hang up once you've finished your call.

To hang up at the end of a call

♦	Click the Hangup button in the main IC Phone window.


Receive a call

You can receive an IC Phone call at any time. When you receive a call, IC Phone opens the Receiving Call dialog. The dialog displays the Email address of the caller.

To accept a call

♦	Choose the Yes button and begin speaking.

To refuse a call

♦	Choose the No button. IC Phone will not connect the caller.


Call back previous callers

IBM IC Phone allows you to easily call back previous callers.

To call back a previous caller

1.	Click the Call button in the main IC Phone window. IC Phone displays the Calling to dialog.

2.	Click the Called You button to open a list of users who tried to call you.

3.	Select the user you want to call and click the Call Back button. Or, double-click the name of the user you want to call. IC Phone places the call.


Find other users

You can locate other IBM IC Phone users who are online.

To locate other IC Phone users

1.	From the main IC Phone window, click the User List button. The User List dialog is displayed.

2.	To search for a specific user, type his or her Email address (or part of it) in the Search String field, and click the Search button. To stop the search, click the Stop button.

3.	To see a list of all the IC Phone users currently online, click the All Users button. The User List window opens displaying the names of all online users. To stop the User List display, click the Stop button.

4.	Click the name of the user you want to call and then click the Call button. Or, double-click the name of the user you want to call. IC Phone puts a call through to the selected user.


Adjust the volume

The volume level of your loudspeaker determines how loud or soft you hear the voice of your caller.

To adjust the volume of your loudspeaker

♦	On the Volume control slider, drag the scroll box to the left to lower the volume, or to the right to raise the volume.

Or

♦	On the Volume control slider, click the right scroll arrow to raise the volume by small increments. Click the left scroll arrow to lower the volume level by small increments.


Adjust microphone sensitivity

For versions that support this feature, the microphone sensitivity determines how far the speaker must be from the microphone in order for his/her voice to be picked up. For example, if you don't want the microphone to pick up other people speaking in the room, you may need to decrease the microphone sensitivity. Alternatively, if the remote party has difficulty hearing you, you may need to increase the microphone sensitivity.

To adjust the sensitivity of the microphone

♦	On the Mic Sensitivity control slider, drag the scroll box to the left to lower microphone sensitivity, or to the right to raise it.

Or

♦	On the Mic Sensitivity control slider, click the right scroll arrow to raise the sensitivity by small increments. Click the left scroll arrow to lower the sensitivity by small increments.


Adjust voice quality

If you find the voice quality a bit choppy, you may need to adjust the Voice Quality.

To adjust voice quality

♦	On the Voice Quality control slider, drag the scroll box to the left to lower the voice quality, or to the right to raise the voice quality.

Or

♦	On the Voice Quality control slider, click the right scroll arrow to lower the voice quality by small increments. Click the left scroll arrow to raise the voice quality by small increments.

Note: As voice quality increases, the delay of the remote party's voice also increases.


Mute the microphone

IC Phone allows you to turn off microphone input. Callers will not be able to hear your voice.

To turn off sound

♦	Click the Mute button (so that it looks pressed in) in the main IC Phone window.

To turn sound back on

♦	Click the Mute button (so that it no longer looks pressed in) in the main IC Phone window.


Configure the Mwave modem

If your PC is equipped with IBM's Mwave card, the card functions both as a modem and as a multimedia sound card. As a modem, the Mwave card can connect in 14400 (V.32bis) mode or in 28800 (V.34) mode.

Currently, the IBM IC Phone cannot be used when the Mwave modem is connected in 28800 mode with error correction. To enable IC Phone operation, you should disable the Mwave modem's error correction or set the modem to work in 14400 mode.

To disable the Mwave modem's error correction in Windows95

1.	From the My Computer folder, open the Dial-Up Networking folder.

2.	Using the right mouse button, click IBM Global Network, and select Properties from the popup menu.

3.	In the Properties dialog, click the Configure button. The Configure dialog is displayed.

4.	In the Configure dialog, choose the Connection tab.

5.	Click the Advanced... button. The Advanced Connection Settings dialog is displayed.

6.	In the Advanced Connection Settings dialog, unselect the Error Correction checkbox.

7.	In the Extra Settings field, type "AT*TH8\N0".

8.	Click the Ok button in all open dialogs.

To disable the Mwave modem's error correction in Windows 3.1

♦	Add "AT*TH8\N0" to the modem initialization string in your dial-up software.

To change the Mwave mode to 14400

1.	Disconnect from your Internet provider. If you are using the IBM Internet connection, click the Disconnect button.

2.	Open the Mwave Modem application. The Mwave Modem main window is displayed.

3.	From the Options menu of the Mwave Modem application, select Settings.... The Options dialog is displayed.

4.	In the Maximum Speed box, choose the radio button labeled "14400 (V.32 bis)".

5.	Choose the Ok button to close the Options dialog. Click the X button at the upper right corner of the main window to exit the Mwave Modem application.

6.	Connect to your Internet provider again.

7.	Activate the IC Phone application.


Exit the application

If you no longer want to place or receive calls on the IBM IC Phone, you can exit the application.

To exit the IC Phone

1.	Click the Exit button in the main IC Phone window. If you are in the middle of a call, IC Phone asks you to confirm that you want to end the call.

2.	Choose Yes. IC Phone hangs up and exits the IC Phone application.


Setup

You can use the IC Phone Setup dialog to configure your IC Phone. Clicking this button opens the IC Phone Setup dialog. This dialog allows you to set up your Email address, IC Phone server, and audio hardware.

To configure your IC Phone network parameters

1.	Type your Email address in the space provided. If you've already configured your system, you should see the Email address you typed previously.

2.	In the User Information field, type any text you like. This text will appear next to your name when other users look through the User List.

3.	In the IC Phone Server field, enter the name or address of the IC Phone server. Alternatively, click the Server List button and select a server from the IC Phone Server List dialog.

4.	Choose the Ok button.

To configure the IC Phone voice mode

If your computer has a full duplex sound card, you can choose to use either your computer speakers or headphones by selecting the appropriate radio button.

If your computer has a half duplex sound card, you can choose either Automatic or Manual mode. In Automatic mode, the IC Phone automatically switches to Listen mode when you stop talking, and switches to Speak mode when the other user stops talking. In Manual mode, you click the Speak/Listen button to change from Speak to Listen mode and vice versa.


Call / Hangup

Clicking the Call button opens the Calling to dialog. Type in the Email address of the person you want to call.

The Calling to dialog contains a Called You button. Clicking this button opens a list of the last 10 users who placed calls to your Email address since you registered. The button is disabled if you did not previously receive calls. Select one of the users in the Callers List to call him/her.

The User List button opens the User List.

The Hangup button is enabled when you are in the middle of a call. Clicking this button terminates your call.

Related Topics

Call another user


User List

Clicking this button opens the User List dialog, where you can search for or call other IC Phone users.

To search for a specific user, type his/her Email address (or part of it) in the Search String field, and click the Search button. To see a list of all the IC Phone users currently online, click the All Users button. The User List window opens displaying a list of all online users' Email addresses. Select the user you want to call and click the Call button, or double-click the Email address of the user you want to call. IC Phone places a call to the selected user.


Mute

Clicking this button turns the microphone input on or off. When the microphone input is off, callers will not be able to hear your voice.

To turn microphone input off, click the Mute button so that it looks pressed in. To turn microphone input on, click the Mute button so that it no longer looks pressed in.


Speak/Listen

Clicking this button switches you from Speaking to Listening mode and vice versa. When you finish saying something, click this button to listen to the other user. When the other user has finished talking, click this button and begin talking. This button is available only if you selected Manual mode in the Setup dialog.


Help

Clicking this button opens the IC Phone Online Help window. For information on how to use online help, press F1 on your keyboard.


Exit

Clicking this button closes the IC Phone application.

If you are in the middle of a call, IC Phone asks you to confirm that you want to hang up, and then exits the IC Phone application.


Initialization Problems

This section lists some of the error messages and problems you may encounter during initialization. The section lists the problems and their solutions.

Initialization Problems

"Failed to initialize IC Phone device"

"Failed to communicate with IC Phone server"

"Failed to initialize WinSock"

"Connecting to IC Phone server. Please wait..."

"Invalid IC Phone server"


"Failed to initialize IC Phone device"

Cause

Another application is currently using the sound card.

Recommended action

Close all other applications that are using the sound card.


"Failed to communicate with IC Phone server"

Cause

This problem may be due to one of the following:

1.	Your Internet provider software is not working properly.

2.	The IC Phone server specified in the Setup dialog is incorrect.

3.	Heavy network load.

Recommended action

1.	Check and reestablish Internet connection if necessary.

2.	Correct server information in the Setup dialog.

3.	Try again later, when the network load is lighter.


"Failed to initialize WinSock"

Cause

There is a problem connecting to the Internet. This can occur if your Internet provider software is not configured properly, or the modem connection to your Internet provider has dropped.

Recommended action

Check your Internet connection and reestablish it if necessary.


"Connecting to IC Phone server. Please wait..."

Cause

This message is displayed when the IC Phone first starts, or if you changed the server field in the Setup dialog. Starting communication with the server may take some time.

Recommended action

Wait for the server verification to complete, or cancel the dialog, and check the server settings in the Setup dialog.


Troubleshooting - Initialization Problems - "Invalid IC Phone server"
"Invalid IC Phone server"

Cause

IC Phone could not connect to the server specified in the Setup dialog, or you have lost the connection to your Internet provider.

Recommended action

1.	Press the Setup button and select an IC Phone server from the Server List.

2.	Check that you are connected to an Internet provider.


Setup Problems

This section lists some of the error messages and problems you may encounter when using the Setup dialog. The section lists the problems and their solutions.

Setup Problems

"Please fill in your Email in the Email field"

"Spaces are not allowed in the Email address field"

"Please fill in the Email and Server fields"

"Invalid IC Phone server"

"The IBM IC Phone application cannot be used when..."

"To call, you must connect to an IBM IC Phone server"

"To view the user list..."

"Connection in progress...please wait."

"The IC Phone application could not connect to the..."

"Connecting to IC Phone server Please wait..."


"Please fill in your Email in the Email field"

Cause

When filling in the Setup dialog fields, you left the Email field empty.

Recommended action

Fill in your Email address.


"Spaces are not allowed in the Email address field"

You are advised to "Please enter a valid Email address."

Cause

When filling in the Setup dialog fields, you used spaces in your Email address.

Recommended action

Fill in your Email address without spaces.


"Please fill in the Email and Server fields"

Cause

When filling in the Setup dialog fields, you left the Email or Server field empty.

Recommended action

Fill in your Email address.

Choose a server from the Server List.


Troubleshooting - Setup Problems - "Invalid IC Phone server"
"Invalid IC Phone server"

Cause

Could not connect to the server specified in the Setup dialog.

Recommended action

1.	Press the Setup button and select an IC Phone server from the Server List.

2.	Check that you are connected to Internet provider.


"The IBM IC Phone application cannot be used when..."

the Mwave modem is connected in 28800 mode (V.34)

To use the IBM IC Phone application:

1. Disconnect from your Internet provider.

2. Either disable the Mwave modem's error correction, or set the Mwave modem to 14400 mode.

3. Reconnect to your Internet provider.

4. Activate the IC Phone application again.

For further information , refer to the online help."

Note: This problem can occur only in the MWAVE version.

Cause

The Mwave modem is attached in 28800, causing it to overload. The IC Phone cannot work in this mode.

Recommended action

1.	Exit the IC Phone.

2.	Disconnect from your Internet provider.

3.	Disable the Mwave modem's error correction, or set the Mwave modem to 14400 mode.

4.	Reconnect to your Internet provider.

5.	Restart the IC Phone.

Related Topics

Configure the Mwave modem


"To call, you must connect to an IBM IC Phone server"

Cause

The server specified in the Setup dialog is invalid.

Recommended action

Click the Setup button to configure the IC Phone parameters.


"To view the user list..."

you must connect to an IBM IC Phone server."

Cause

The server specified in the Setup dialog is invalid.

Recommended action

Click the Setup button to configure the IC Phone parameters.


"Connection in progress...please wait."

Cause

You called someone. Establishing a connection may take some time, depending on the network load.

Recommended action

You can wait for the call to go through, or cancel the call by pressing the Cancel button.


"The IC Phone application could not connect to the..."

IC Phone server.

To connect to the IC Phone server:

1. Make sure you are connected to your Internet provider.

2. Press the IC Phone Setup button and select a server from the Server List."

Cause

IC Phone could not connect to the server specified in the Setup dialog. It is possible that you are not connected to an Internet provider, or you do not have a valid IC Phone server selected in the Setup dialog.

Recommended action

1.	Make sure you are connected to an Internet provider.

2.	Click the IC Phone Setup button and select a server from the Servers List.


"Connecting to IC Phone server. Please wait..."

Cause

Could not connect to the server specified in the Setup dialog.

It is possible that you are not connected to an Internet provider, or you do not have a valid IC Phone server selected in the Setup dialog.

Recommended action

Wait for the connection to complete.

Or

1.	Cancel the connection by pressing the Cancel button, and then

2.	Verify that you are connected to an Internet provider.

3.	Click the IC Phone Setup button and select a server from the Server List.


Calling Problems

This section lists some of the error messages and problems you may encounter when calling other users. The section lists the problems and their solutions. The term Friend@Somewhere is used to represent any other IC Phone user.

Calling Problems

Unable to receive calls, although not connected

Friend@Somewhere is busy

No Answer

"Friend@Somewhere is not active any more"

"Friend@Somewhere is not registered"

"Connecting with Friend@Somewhere"

"You cannot call yourself"


Unable to receive calls, although not connected

Display shows: "Friend@Somewhere is trying to call you."

Cause

When the Call dialog is open, it is just like having a real phone off the hook.

Recommended action

Close the Call dialog, or use the Called You option (from within the Call dialog) to return the call.


Friend@Somewhere is busy

Cause

Friend@Somewhere is currently connected or calling someone.

In this version, you can receive only one call at a time.

Recommended action

Choose the Ok button, and try calling later.

(Friend@Somewhere is notified that you called, and can call you back automatically.)


No Answer

Cause

Friend@Somewhere did not press Ok, when asked if they wished to receive your call.

Recommended action

Choose the Ok button, and try calling later.

(Friend@Somewhere is notified that you called, and can call back automatically.)


"Friend@Somewhere is not active any more"

Cause

This may be due to one of the following:

1.	Friend@Somewhere you are calling, has exited the IC Phone application by disconnecting from the Internet provider. Currently Friend@Somewhere is not registered in the Server's User List.

2.	Heavy network load.

Recommended action

1.	Check the spelling of Email address you are calling.

2.	Try selecting the user from the IC Phone User List.

3.	Try again later, when the network load has decreased.


"Friend@Somewhere is not registered"

Cause

Friend@Somewhere is no longer listed in the IC Phone server database. Users are registered to the IC Phone server's User List only while they have the IC Phone application running.

Recommended action

1.	Check the spelling of Email address you are calling.

2.	Try selecting the user from the IC Phone User List.

3.	Tell the user you want to call, that they should run the IC Phone application.


"Connecting with Friend@Somewhere"

Cause

Establishing a connection may take some time, depending on the network load.

Recommended action

You can wait for the call to go through, or cancel the call by pressing the Cancel button.


"You cannot call yourself"

Cause

You tried calling your own Email address.

Recommended action

Choose the Ok button and call someone else.


User List Problems

This section lists some of the error messages and problems you may encounter using the User List. The section lists the problems and their solutions.

User List Problems

"List of active users failed. Try again."

"Search in user list failed. Try again."

"Loading user list...please wait."

"Searching for matching users, please wait..."

"0 matching users"

"To call another user from the list, you have to hangup"


"List of active users failed. Try again."

Cause

1.	Heavy network load.

2.	Invalid IC Phone server specified in the Setup dialog.

Recommended action

1.	Try calling again later.

2.	Click the Setup button and select an IC Phone server from the Server List.


"Search in user list failed. Try again."

Cause

1.	Heavy network load.

2.	Invalid IC Phone server specified in the Setup dialog.

Recommended action

1.	Try calling again later.

2.	Click the Setup button and select an IC Phone server from the Server List.


"Loading user list...please wait."

Users List status shows: "Loading user list...please wait."

Cause

Retrieving the names in the user list takes time.

Recommended action

Wait for list.

Or

To stop loading, press STOP.


"Searching for matching users, please wait..."

Users List status shows: "Searching for matching users, please wait..."

Cause

Retrieving the names in the user list takes time.

Recommended action

Wait for list.

Or

To stop searching, press STOP.


"0 matching users"

Cause

No users were found in search specified.

Recommended action

You can see a list of all the users by pressing the All Users button.

 Or

Change the search letters, and choose the Search button again.


"To call another user from the list, you have to hangup"

Cause

You tried calling a user by double clicking one of the users in the User List, while you were engaged in another call.

Recommended action

Hang up, and try calling again.


Sound Problems

This section lists some of the sound problems you may encounter during a voice conversation. The section lists the problems and their solutions.

Sound Problems

No sound is heard

Others can't hear me

Sound is "choppy"


No sound is heard

Cause

This may be due to one of the following:

1.	The sound card is not installed properly.

2.	The speakers or headphones are not attached, or not working properly.

3.	The volume in the main panel is too low.

4.	The Manual button is in Speaking mode.

5.	The Automatic switching mode is not working properly because there is a lot of background noise.

Recommended action

1.	Click the middle bar in the application. Verify that you can hear the IC Phone logo.

2.	Check that the sound card is installed properly and that the speaker/headphones are working, by running the Windows Media Player application.

3.	Raise the volume by changing slider volume.

4.	If you are using Manual mode, click the Manual button to switch to Listening mode.

5.	In the Setup dialog, switch to Manual mode by selecting the appropriate radio button.


Others can't hear me

Cause

This may be due to one of the following:

1.	Sound card may not be installed properly.

2.	The microphone may not be working properly.

3.	The Mic Sensitivity in the main panel is too low, in versions that support this feature.

4.	The Manual button is in Listening mode.

5.	The Automatic switching mode is not working properly because there is a lot of background noise.

Recommended action

1.	Use the Windows Sound Recorder application to check your microphone and sound card installation.

2.	Raise the Mic Sensitivity by moving the slider on the IC Phone main panel.

3.	If you are using Manual mode, click the Manual button to switch to Speaking mode.

4.	In the Setup dialog, switch to Manual mode by selecting the appropriate radio button.


Sound is "choppy"

Cause

This may be cause by heavy network load, or you may have the Voice Quality slider adjusted very low.

Recommended action

Adjust the Voice Quality by moving the slider in the IC Phone's main window.

Note: The higher the voice quality, the longer the delay.


Glossary of Terms

automatic mode

configure

dropdown list

Email

full duplex mode

half duplex mode

IC Phone

IC Phone server

input sensitivity

Internet

Internet provider

manual mode

modem

Mwave card


automatic mode

If your computer has a half duplex sound card, as soon as you stop talking, the IC Phone automatically switches to listen mode (where you can listen to the other user talking).


configure

To setup a system according to specific parameters


dropdown list

A list of options that drops down from the field you are working in. Click one of the options or use your mouse to drag the highlight bar down to the desired option.


Email

Electronic mail messages transmitted between Internet users. IC Phone uses the Email address as a key for locating online users.


full duplex mode

This refers to communication where data is sent and received at the same time. For example, when two people are engaged in a call, full duplex means that both people can talk at once and interrupt each other.


half duplex mode

This refers to communication where both sides can send and receive data, but not at the same time. For example, when two people are engaged in a call, half duplexity means that each one of them must speak in turn, and the callers cannot interrupt each other.


IC Phone

IBM Internet Connection Phone. Software that enables you to speak to other users who are connected to the Internet.


IC Phone server

The IBM IC Phone server that provides directory services for locating IC Phone users.


input sensitivity

Determines how far a speaker must be from the microphone in order for his/her voice to be picked up.


Internet

A wide area network connecting thousands of separate computer users all over the world.


Internet provider

A company providing Internet connection services. You use your modem to connect to the company's computer, which then connects your PC to the Internet.


manual mode

This mode enables you to manually switch from Speaking to Listening (and vice versa). Use this mode when there is a lot of background noise that is interfering with the automatic switching used in the Half Duplex mode.


modem

A device that takes digital data from a computer, and converts it into a signal that can be transferred over telephone lines. This signal is then converted back into digital data for the receiving computer.


Mwave card

IBM's multimedia card, that provides both modem and sound functions in one card.


Message Bar

The text displayed in this area keeps you informed of the IC Phone's activities.


Call /Hangup Button

Clicking this button opens the Calling to dialog, where you can enter the Email address of the person you want to call. If you're in the middle of a call, click this button to hang up.


Setup Button

Click this button to open the IC Phone Setup dialog, where you can set up your Email address, IC Phone server, and audio hardware.


Help Button

Click this button to open the Online Help window.


User List Button

Click this button to search for or call other IC Phone users.


Mute Button

Click this button to turn the microphone input on or off.


Exit Button

Click this button to close the IC Phone.


About the IBM WebTalker
About the IBM IC Phone

Click this button to find out about the IBM Internet Connection Phone.


Volume Slider

Drag this slider's scroll box to the right and left, to adjust the volume of your loudspeaker.


Voice Quality Slider

Drag this slider's scroll box to the right or left, to adjust the voice quality.


Mic Sensitivity Slider

In versions that support this feature, drag this slider's scroll box to the right or left, to adjust the microphone's sensitivity.