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(http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/NewsFlash.gif) *** FINALLY! BVC is released! *** (http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/NewsFlash.gif)
BVC is basically a "more Windows like" version of BXVC
BVC includes "standard" Windows features like:
- Installs to the "Program Fiiles" folder.
- Creates Desktop, Start Menu and Quick Launch icons (optionally).
- Creates an uninstall entry in Control Panel's "Add or Remove Programs" list.
- Drop-down menus.
- Configuration settings grouped by function under separate "tabs".
- "Browsing" for files instead of having to type in a file name and / or path.
Other changes include:
- Backup and restore of "User Settings", including configuration settings, Device List, Custom Command List, Listener List, user imported Audio Files, user imported Face Graphic sets, etc.
- Imports "User Settings" from BXVC, including configuration settings, Device List, Custom Command List, Listener List, user imported Audio Files, user imported Face Graphic sets, etc.
- Face Graphic sets can be easily "imported" from within BVC instead of "manually" copying and pasting files and folders.
It has taken much longer than I expected to translate, but that is partially because I am such a "perfectionist" and want everything to work even better than the original BXVC! So, it hasn't been just a matter of translation, but more like "translate and improve". Yes, I could have released BVC a while ago, and most users wouldn't have minded some "manual importing" of files, however, me being me, I want to get it "right" the first time!
While I have had some success getting basic IR functions working in Visual BASIC Express, there are a number of things I need to add to BVC before IR will be usable. A big one is "command sequences" (more or less "simple MACRO's") as each IR command that requires more than one keypress on the remote (like change to channel 244) will have to send a sequence of IR commands.
Oh, yeah, you can find BVC at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
[TTA Edit: Top scrolling marquee needed a bit more PIZAZZ! :D ]
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AWESOME Job on BVC Bill.... Thank You!
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Finally! BVC is released!
Oh, yeah, you can find BVC at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
I got to alpha/beta test the new BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm).
It was rock-solid from day one!
A great program with all the looks, use and feel of a corporate edition.
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Great job on BVC
Thanks!
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
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Keep up the great work Bill!
This truly brings ones home into the star trek era! ;)
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Great product, excellent upgrade from BXVC. Keep up the good work Bill.
On a slightly separate note, I wanted to give you all a quick update. I purchased 3 SHURE AMS22 microphones and a SHURE AMS8000 microphone mixer. The AMS line of microphones has special circuitry, having technically 2 microphones in one. The logic of the microphone only listens to the front of the microphone, at a 120 degree angle. Everything else is ignored (actually it constantly compares sounds received from the front to the ones received from the back, etc). If there is silence, the mic turns itself off. I set it up today for a test drive, to see how it works. I hooked up the 3 microphones - one in my office, one in the family room, and one in the kitchen.
Then I hooked it all up to the computer. All I can say is W O W ! I used to have to repeat every other command - now BVC understands and executes the first time, everytime (well, lets say 95% success rate). Of course, you are limited to how far away from the microphone you can be, but I setup one of the mics on the coffee table, which is only a few feet from the couch. Then I turned the TV up (pretty loud) and started talking to 'James'. I wasn't even able to hear him talk back to me (because the TV was so loud) but James executed almost every command. In my office it is very easy to talk to James, because the mic sits on my desk and it picks up everything very clearly (success rate here is 99.99%). The kitchen one has to be in a certain spot, at a certain angle for it to pick up more, but if you are in range it works just as well, regardless of how much noise is behind the mic. SO - I invested about $175 in equipment that has an MSRP price of around $2500 and have a pretty decent voice activation system. BVC is a great tool and it works OK with a regular mic. But add to it professional quality microphones and you have a KILLER system. BVC really shines with good mics.
So again, THANK YOU BILL, and keep up the great work.
(OK, now I have to go and hide the wires. I just got the mixer and wanted to test, so I don't have the system hooked up permanently - I just ran wires all over the house to see how it works. Now I have to make it more or less invisible)
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Oh, I forgot to ask - do I have to download and reinstall BVC or is it the same as the version I am using?
Thanks!
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Great product, excellent upgrade from BXVC. Keep up the good work Bill.
On a slightly separate note, I wanted to give you all a quick update. I purchased 3 SHURE AMS22 microphones and a SHURE AMS8000 microphone mixer.....
GREAT POST azzar0! Valuable information anyone interested in BVC should want to read. You should share this at www.wgjohns.com (http://www.wgjohns.com/bxvc.htm).
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Oh, I forgot to ask - do I have to download and reinstall BVC or is it the same as the version I am using?
Thanks!
Only major difference "alpha testers" will notice is that under "help" "about" there is now a credits listing. ;)
Those mics sound awesome! May have to invest in some myself! How about a link?
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Thanks guys! :D
I tried hard to make it an effortless (or at least easy) upgrade from BXVC. I'm glad to hear it is working well for everyone so far! 8)
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Great product, excellent upgrade from BXVC. Keep up the good work Bill.
On a slightly separate note, I wanted to give you all a quick update. I purchased 3 SHURE AMS22 microphones and a SHURE AMS8000 microphone mixer.....
GREAT POST azzar0! Valuable information anyone interested in BVC should want to read. You should share this at www.wgjohns.com (http://www.wgjohns.com/bxvc.htm).
This is the best add on to AHP of them all! And it's free? Are you crazy?
Anyway, Thanks a lot!
Dave: You linked to a BXVC page in the above post instead of the BVC page , which was confusing. Possibly you meant: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm
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Dave: You linked to a BXVC page in the above post instead of the BVC page , which was confusing. Possibly you meant: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm
I think Dave_x10_L meant the forums for BXVC and BVC (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php)
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Those mics sound awesome! May have to invest in some myself! How about a link?
Hi Bill,
I got mine from eBay. This auction lists the same mixer I got: http://cgi.ebay.com/Shure-AMS-8000-Mixer_W0QQitemZ200121023816QQihZ010QQcategoryZ3278QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You can also try the 4 channel version. It's the exact same thing, except it takes 4 inputs instead of 8: http://cgi.ebay.com/Shure-AMS-4000-4-Channel-Microphone-Mixer-Bid-Now-Win_W0QQitemZ280124880373QQihZ018QQcategoryZ23785QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
I found the microphones on eBay as well, but I don't see any available today (I just won another auction for the only one listed), but I am sure you can get them if you keep checking.
The other option is to go with Crown equipment, as one of the other members said in one of the BVXC posts. They also seem to be good from what he said. I wouldn't mind trying Crown, but I have enough invested for the time being :)
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This is the best add on to AHP of them all! And it's free? Are you crazy?
Anyway, Thanks a lot!
Yes, some people have told me I am crazy and should make it "hobbled" shareware at least and require payment for the "full version". :D
Thus far, I am sticking by the "Please Donate" model. However, if the number of donations keeps lagging drasticly behind the number of downloads, I may have to change my mind about relying on people's "better nature" and stop "giving it away". For now, the jury is still out. ;)
To ALL BXVC / BVC users:
To put it bluntly, BXVC and BVC represent a great deal of work on my part. If you are using either of them regularly and haven't donated, then "shame on you!" As I have said before, I have bills to pay just like everyone else, and the fewer donations people make, the more time I have to spend at my "day job" to pay the bills and the less time I have to spend on improving BVC! So, the more donations, the faster BVC "evolves".
I have so many ideas (mine and yours) that I would like to build in, but as there are only so many hours in the day and I have to spend most of them at my "day job" just to make ends meet, progress is slow.
If you like BVC and you want to see it do more, sooner rather than later, you know what to do... Make a donation for BVC! (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=donations%40wgjohns%2ecom&item_name=Donation%20for%20BVC&no_shipping=1&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8) If you don't have or want a PayPal account, just fill in the amount then scroll down and click the "continue" button under the credit card logos.
Thanks to those few who have donated, and thanks in advance to those of you who do! ;D
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This is the best add on to AHP of them all! And it's free? Are you crazy?
Anyway, Thanks a lot!
Yes, some people have told me I am crazy and should make it "hobbled" shareware at least and require payment for the "full version". :D
Thus far, I am sticking by the "Please Donate" model. However, if the number of donations keeps lagging drasticly behind the number of downloads, I may have to change my mind about relying on people's "better nature" and stop "giving it away". For now, the jury is still out. ;)
To ALL BXVC / BVC users:
To put it bluntly, BXVC and BVC represent a great deal of work on my part. If you are using either of them regularly and haven't donated, then "shame on you!" As I have said before, I have bills to pay just like everyone else, and the fewer donations people make, the more time I have to spend at my "day job" to pay the bills and the less time I have to spend on improving BVC! So, the more donations, the faster BVC "evolves".
I have so many ideas (mine and yours) that I would like to build in, but as there are only so many hours in the day and I have to spend most of them at my "day job" just to make ends meet, progress is slow.
If you like BVC and you want to see it do more, sooner rather than later, you know what to do... Make a donation for BVC! (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=donations%40wgjohns%2ecom&item_name=Donation%20for%20BVC&no_shipping=1&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8) If you don't have or want a PayPal account, just fill in the amount then scroll down and click the "continue" button under the credit card logos.
Thanks to those few who have donated, and thanks in advance to those of you who do! ;D
Bill,
Just charge a reasonable price. You will do fine. Its more work, but more return as well.
Remember record tracking and paperwork overhead costs are not free, which is an added benefit for your customers.
Free updates for one year, and keep in database so you can email back and show latest improvements made.
And just use this site as your help line :)
Or I can be your business manager and set a price with you and design/maintain support and costing centers.
Oh yeah Bill, Power Basic may be a good alternative since its closer to machine language efficiency and simpler coding as well
(once you get the correct structures down). But there was one communication flaw I don't yet remember what it was.
It may be its an internal language and can interface with almost any language internally; but it doesn't communicate with external
devices due to too many complexities (or something like that - you probably know). They have a good help site, but no one shares anything too useful.
Mostly ex IT's crying about Indians taking their jobs and trying to get you to hire them.
If you can use Power Basic, its a good deal. And its uniqueness is kind of like a copy protection, although they have many other ways.
You do need pretty good 'vision' to program with it. VB would qualify since its harder I think.
But that's only if you are feeling frisky I guess ;D
Good Luck!!
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Everyone using BVC or BXVC should donate. Think about it this way - Bill donates his time, patience, and knowledge, amongst other things, and we enjoy the benefits without the headaches associated with developing an application.
Speaking of improvements - I can't wait for the infrared stuff to work! My kids keep asking me why 'James' can't turn the TV on :)
Oh - what do I need to be able to send IR commands? I mean what hardware component? And how do I hook it up into the existing system?
I am not sure if this is on your list or not, Bill, but I would like to see it implemented when you get a chance: switch profiles so that different members of the family can talk to the system and be understood. For instance, if one the family members says "This is John", then BVC switches to John's speech profile. It will stay on that profile until someone else takes over ("This is Ashley"), etc. BVC can be configured to start up with either the last used profile or the default profile, etc.
Thanks!
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Bill,
I ran across this on my searches and thought it might help:
http://www.chipmunkav.com/
They produce an audio/video software control package and have an available SDK for plug-in development (you get a free license with that). It might be helpful for you to interact with other products, at least until you get BVC up and going in that direction. If nothing else you might see something they've done and you could replicate that functionality in BVC. In any event, check it out and make your own decision.
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Over 100,000 views of the BVC - BXVC thread. This is a very BIG DEAL.
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Bill,
Is there a way to keep a log of what commands BVC *thinks* it received? Sometimes I am too far from the PC and I don't have the nearby speakers on and I am not sure what he says, but I know it's not the command I gave. If we had a way to check the last say 250 commands received we could go back and see what it thought we said (and explain some lights on that weren't supposed to be on, etc).
Thanks!
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I copied this from the X10 stats Page. Over 100,000 views of the BVC - BXVC thread. This is a very BIG DEAL.
(http://www.geocities.com/davelanthorn/x10images/bvc100k.jpg)
Then add another 262 or so views of this thread! :o
:o :o WOW! :o :o
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Bill,
Just charge a reasonable price. You will do fine. Its more work, but more return as well.
Remember record tracking and paperwork overhead costs are not free, which is an added benefit for your customers.
Free updates for one year, and keep in database so you can email back and show latest improvements made.
And just use this site as your help line :)
I already try to keep track of the email addresses of users so I can tell them about updates, and I have a forum similar to this one on my site for tech support -n- such (although few bother to use it). ???
Or I can be your business manager and set a price with you and design/maintain support and costing centers.
I can use all the help I can get. Obviously I'm not much of a "business man"! However, I can't even afford to pay myself! ::)
Oh yeah Bill, Power Basic may be a good alternative since its closer to machine language efficiency and simpler coding as well
(once you get the correct structures down). But there was one communication flaw I don't yet remember what it was.
It may be its an internal language and can interface with almost any language internally; but it doesn't communicate with external
devices due to too many complexities (or something like that - you probably know). They have a good help site, but no one shares anything too useful.
Mostly ex IT's crying about Indians taking their jobs and trying to get you to hire them.
If you can use Power Basic, its a good deal. And its uniqueness is kind of like a copy protection, although they have many other ways.
You do need pretty good 'vision' to program with it. VB would qualify since its harder I think.
But that's only if you are feeling frisky I guess ;D
Good Luck!!
Thanks for the input. :)
For now I think I will stick with VB Express (better the devil you know). ;)
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Speaking of improvements - I can't wait for the infrared stuff to work! My kids keep asking me why 'James' can't turn the TV on :)
Oh - what do I need to be able to send IR commands? I mean what hardware component? And how do I hook it up into the existing system?
The device I am working with at present is the USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/order.htm) (I personally prefer the "USB-UIRT w/additional 56KHz IR Sensor
*BLACK USB CABLE*", as some remotes use 56KHz and it is only $5.00 more!). It hooks up to the computer running BVC through a USB port.
If you choose to order one, please try and tell them that "bill@wgjohns.com" sent you! I am trying to work out a deal with them to get a better price for BVC users and / or a small commission for improving their sales! (every little bit helps!) ;) However, I don't think they are taking me seriously so far! :(
I am not sure if this is on your list or not, Bill, but I would like to see it implemented when you get a chance: switch profiles so that different members of the family can talk to the system and be understood. For instance, if one the family members says "This is John", then BVC switches to John's speech profile. It will stay on that profile until someone else takes over ("This is Ashley"), etc. BVC can be configured to start up with either the last used profile or the default profile, etc.
Yes, this is most definitely on my to-do list! Either having multiple "recognition profiles" active at once or having a way to tell it to switch "recognition profiles".
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Bill,
Is there a way to keep a log of what commands BVC *thinks* it received? Sometimes I am too far from the PC and I don't have the nearby speakers on and I am not sure what he says, but I know it's not the command I gave. If we had a way to check the last say 250 commands received we could go back and see what it thought we said (and explain some lights on that weren't supposed to be on, etc).
Thanks!
Good idea! :D
It should be possible not only to log the "recognized phrase" but maybe even to log a recording of what it heard, i.e. the actual microphone audio!
Will take some work though, so don't expect it really soon. ;)
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Good idea! :D
It should be possible not only to log the "recognized phrase" but maybe even to log a recording of what it heard, i.e. the actual microphone audio!
Will take some work though, so don't expect it really soon. ;)
Push the actual microphone audio upgrade until later ;) A simple log would be sufficient for most of us, I think.
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Well, Drat! >:(
BVC 0.0.0.0 has a bug! :o
If you set the Attention Phrase Response to "Speak a custom phrase" it always spoke the default phrase "Awaiting command." instead of the phrase you typed in to the text box!
Thanks to GLT for pointing this out! 8)
Fortunately I have splatted it! ;D
So, BVC version 0.0.0.1 is now posted at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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Just looked over your commands to date. WOW!!! One line of code missed rounds off to zero with 9 decimal place accuracy ;D
That is truely incredible. VB is the best language since it intefaces with multiple level devices, and you can't fight Bill gates and Msft. That's the only reservation I have about usind Linux for anything. Eventually, Bill Gates will crush it. I think he's like the unspoken UK King of America.
With H.264 interface realitime/capture software and H.264 capture card, just adding on top of my deluxe workstation will work fine. And I know Bill Gates will not go out of business any time this century. And that way can use my dvd's for recording specific designated alerts.
I could just imagine watching my terrorist neighbors on cameras with subwoofers blasting in driveway, and say, "Listen up, North Ultrasonics, Nausea strength, Audible level for 15 seconds, Ion ray gun, blasts every 30 seconds for 30 minutes, South Ultrasoinics, Hyperactive Strength, Rest BVC". LOL
Bill, that is incredible, truely incredible. Just the Star Trek fans alone should make you rich. Except for IR capability and reporting, you have enough of a package to bottle now. Don't get squeezed in endless trivial laundry lists. THINK BIG!! This is the best technical product I've seen at least this century, and only Bill Gates has you beat last century, lol (but you have him and thousands of Indians and Chinese programmers beat this century so far).
Good Job!!
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Just looked over your commands to date. WOW!!! One line of code missed rounds off to zero with 9 decimal place accuracy ;D
That is truely incredible.
Yeah, I guess when you put it like that, I have a better track record than most for putting out "bug free" software! ;D
Still, it bothers me that I missed that! :o
Bill, that is incredible, truely incredible. Just the Star Trek fans alone should make you rich. Except for IR capability and reporting, you have enough of a package to bottle now. Don't get squeezed in endless trivial laundry lists. THINK BIG!! This is the best technical product I've seen at least this century, and only Bill Gates has you beat last century, lol (but you have him and thousands of Indians and Chinese programmers beat this century so far).
Good Job!!
Thanks! ;D
I'm not sure BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) stacks up to Windows. Besides, to give credit where credit is due, the VR engine that makes BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) possible is actually Microsoft's. ;)
You know, as much of a "Star Trek" fan as I am, and in as much as "Star Trek" was a major inspiration to me, I can't believe that it had never occurred to me to find some "Star Trek" fan sites to post about BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) on! :o Thanks for the idea! :D
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Bill,
Although Microsoft own's VR, it was actually created by Lernout & Hauspie: Microsoft just bought the rights after they went bankrupt - $$$.
Another good msft deal like dos and windows itself. Cash is King!
You need to incorporate fast, lol ;D
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And if you can tell if the message was not completely received to match a db item, you can have it respond in a woman android voice,
"That does not compute, please request again". Go back and look at old Star Treks and see every computer response and emulate it.
Not only for the trekeys, but for almost everyones subliminal concious. Hey wow :D
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They say; "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." That being the case, I suppose I should be flattered by the fact that homevista just posted today that his (their?) software "HomeZix" now has a free add-on module to support Voice Control.
See the posts: Topic: HomeZix voice commander (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12988.msg72071#msg72071) and Topic: Let's have a conversation with your home (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12987.0).
The description, (no, I haven't tried the HomeZix software myself), sounds like they have implemented something like BVC's (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) "Custom Commands", (i.e. you must define each command you want it to recognize manually and then speak it exactly as defined and if you want it to recognize both "on" and "off" for a device, you have to define two separate commands), without any of the built-in command logic BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has that lets you simply define a "Device" with a name and then immediately be able to issue commands "naturally", (i.e. varying the order of words, as in; "turn the light on" or "turn on the light" and even adding in words, as in; "turn the darn light on" or "Would you please turn on the light").
Well, can't blame him (them?) for jumping on the Voice Recognition band wagon, can we? :D It is the 21st century after all! :o
My only regret is that I am only one person with a limited amount of time to devote to programming. Never the less, I shall keep plugging away at developing BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) (even if I end up being the only one using it :'( )! ;D
Anyway, back to working on the IR interface. ;D
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(even if I end up being the only one using it :'( )! ;D
I will give up BVC only when they pry it out of my cold dead........ computer.
Homevista's entry into voice control is a well deserved form of high flattery (you should be blushing). You should also expect more imitations to pop-up as time goes by. But it will be hard to beat the years of user-feedback that has been intergrade into your program.
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(even if I end up being the only one using it :'( )! ;D
I will give up BVC only when they pry it out of my cold dead........ computer.
Homevista's entry into voice control is a well deserved form of high flattery (you should be blushing). You should also expect more imitations to pop-up as time goes by. But it will be hard to beat the years of user-feedback that has been intergrade into your program.
Thanks Dave!
Nice to know there is still such a thing as "user loyalty" out there! 8) ;D
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I just found a new trick for BVC. Today I created a confirmation request into BVC, by using a macro in AHP.
I give a command, and BVC says: "Confirmation required. Do you wish the (in this test case/macro) rope lights turned on"?
I have 30 secs to say "Affirmative". If I don't... no action is taken. If for some reason I was to say affirmative (normally I say "yes dear")... without the preceding request.. no action is taken.
To create the confirmation required set-up.
First, in BVC device manager, I created a device named "rope light" (this is a test... and the lights are there...so...). In device manager the rope lights are [house/unit] C1. I hadn't used the C house code yet... these are fake modules.
The in BVC listener, I set BVC to listen for C2. When it hears C2 it responces with a custom phrase only. It says: Confirmation Required. Do you wish the rope lights turned on?
In BVC custom commands, I created a custom command named: "affirmative". "Affirmative" requires no attention phrase (I unchecked the attention phrase required box). The affirmative command turns on C3
I created two macros. Confirm request macro simply is triggered by C1 ON. Which (delays for 1 sec then) turns on C2. A timer (delay) runs for 30 secs then turns on C2 OFF.
Macro #2: Confirm request 2 is triggered by C3, it is a conditional, it looks to see if C2 is ON. If C3 is triggered AND C2 is ON.... BVC/AHP turns on the rope lights (B7).
I have been wanting to incorporate more (and more) control and use into my BVC setup. I keep a little list, of things I know BVC could be made to do... but as of yet... haven't been done. I think a confirmation request, could be useful. Now I just need to create that "rope lights OFF set of commands.
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I just found a new trick for BVC. Today I created a confirmation request into BVC, by using a macro in AHP.
I give a command, and BVC says: "Confirmation required. Do you wish the (in this test case/macro) rope lights turned on"?
I have 30 secs to say "Affirmative". If I don't... no action is taken. If for some reason I was to say affirmative (normally I say "yes dear")... without the preceding request.. no action is taken.
...
Very cool Dave! 8)
Eventually I intend to write "question and answer" capabilities into BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm), but for those who want it now, this looks like a great work-around! ;D
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I have been using BXVC for a while and it works great, but now that I have gone to BVC my verbal commands are not recognized. I have performed more training sessions, but BVC still is having trouble recognizing my verbal commands. I actually tried both a few minutes ago, and BVC did not recognize the commands that BXVC did. Any comments on what to do?
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I have been using BXVC for a while and it works great, but now that I have gone to BVC my verbal commands are not recognized. I have performed more training sessions, but BVC still is having trouble recognizing my verbal commands. I actually tried both a few minutes ago, and BVC did not recognize the commands that BXVC did. Any comments on what to do?
Without more specific information, I have to ask; "After starting BVC, did you go to the "File" menu and select "Import Settings From BXVC..."?"
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"After starting BVC, did you go to the "File" menu and select "Import Settings From BXVC..."?"
Is that in the manual Bill?
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I did import my settings. It was not explicit to do this during the install (from what I remember), but after searching around it was rather obvious that that importing the settings from BXVC was the thing to do.
Now, not to worry. Both programs are now working equally bad. I now think that the problem could be a result of my 13 year old daughter who loves your program. She has been training the speech recognition portion of the program and has customized it to her voice. I need to dig into the Microsoft portion of this and see how you deal with different users. The good news is that she has learned something practical about this technology and her friends are learning too.
Thanks Bill
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I did import my settings. It was not explicit to do this during the install (from what I remember), but after searching around it was rather obvious that that importing the settings from BXVC was the thing to do.
Now, not to worry. Both programs are now working equally bad. I now think that the problem could be a result of my 13 year old daughter who loves your program. She has been training the speech recognition portion of the program and has customized it to her voice. I need to dig into the Microsoft portion of this and see how you deal with different users. The good news is that she has learned something practical about this technology and her friends are learning too.
Thanks Bill
philliec,
Thanks for the update. 8)
That was the most obvious reason I could think of that the two programs would act differently on the same machine. I'm sorry I didn't make it more obvious that importing settings was required when upgrading from BXVC. All the worse, upgrades from one version of BXVC to another didn't require an import step, which made the need to import even less obvious. That is certainly something I should work on.
Sorry about the multi-user issue... something I still haven't sorted out yet. One possibility I can think of though is that since the MS Voice Recognition engine chooses the default Speech profile for the currently logged in Windows user, it may be that if you create separate Windows user accounts for yourself and your daughter on your machine that any training and such done for MS VR would only apply to the currently logged in Windows user. I'm not sure this is true, as I have been too busy to try it myself, and it also has the drawback that changing the user to recognize requires manually logging in and out Windows users.
I'm glad to hear you, your daughter and her friends are all having fun with it! ;D
Thanks again for reporting back!
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Wow, how quickly time passes!
About time for another "status report" I think.
First, thanks go out to Tcat, and a couple others (I am waiting for a response to my emails about how they would like to be listed), for their monitary donations! 8)
Second, thanks again to GLT and Dave_X10_L for testing a (hopefully soon to be released) version of BVC that supports IR control.
Third, as mentioned above, the soon to be released version of BVC supports learning IR (Infra-red) Codes from your TV, VCR, etc. remotes, and adds functionality to "Custom Commands" and "Listeners" to allow for sending those codes out to control your IR devices! 8)
The IR device I am working with at present is the USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/order.htm) (I personally prefer the "USB-UIRT w/additional 56KHz IR Sensor *BLACK USB CABLE*", as some remotes use 56KHz and it is only $5.00 more!). It hooks up to the computer running BVC through a USB port. If you choose to order one, please try and tell them that "bill@wgjohns.com" sent you! I am trying to work out a deal with them to get a better price for BVC users and / or a small commission for improving their sales! (every little bit helps!) ;) However, I don't think they are taking me seriously so far! :(
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BVC Voice Control just keeps getting better and better.
Last night and (early this morning) I added weather reporting to my BVC setup. I wasn't the first to do this, that honor goes to david3336 at Bill's own forum (http://wgjohns.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33), where I read about it. I followed david3336's directions, while chatting with Bill (and KDR) in KDR's HA Chatroom (http://bdshost.com/ac/). Bill discovered a simpler method.... which I will describe.
I downloaded and installed the free trial version of Weather Aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/download.html). For $19.99 ($US) I will likely buy it. There are a few settings to get correct, and I don't have directions. But the basic idea is have ONE cities weather conditions and forecast downloaded to file. The file (which Weather Aloud will name) can be read (in the background) in the voice you select (I use a third-party voice from Neospeech) and then it is saved as a WAV file. I set mine to re-save every 15 minutes.
I saved the WAV file (Bill's idea) in the BVC audio file folder (C:\Program Files\wgjohns.com\BVC\User Data\Audio Files). Then I simply created a BVC Listener that plays the audio file triggered by X10 code D9. Then I created a BVC custom command the triggers D9 (the listener).
The reason I used the listener and the X10 house/Unit code is so I can trigger the weather report manually (if manually means pushing a button) or by a timer, or other (X10 triggered) event.
Now I say "computer...... outside weather please". And Kate tells me the temperature, humidity, wind speed & direction, and the time & date this information was collected (never more than 15 minutes old).
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Yes!
Dave_x10_L finally got me to try out Weather Aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/download.html) and it is really neat!
By having it read the weather to a .wav file (stored wherever you like) every so often, all that is left to do is create a "Custom Command" in BVC and tell it to play that .wav file and you have a verbal command to get the current weather conditions!
If you want to have the conditions read with an X10 signal as a trigger, you just need to set up a BVC "Listener" that responds to the X10 signal by playing that file too.
Very cool! 8)
While I have been considering adding a feature to read the weather to BVC, I'm really not sure I can top what you get by combining Weather Aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/download.html) with BVC now!
Not to mention that at about $20 Weather Aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/download.html) is a pretty cheap add on with many extra features (like a current temperature on the Windows task bar) that I probably wouldn't have included myself! :o
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And..... I recently ordered a powerflash unit and garage-door magnet switch (though the read switch off a DS10A would have likely worked just as well). When they arrive BVC will "remind" me when the garage door is left open.
Since I already have a universal module laying around, I might also create a macro to make the door auto-close.
Gosh BVC makes X10 FUN!!!
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You are certainly welcome Bill. And yes, my real first name is Tcat. (google me if you think I am kidding).
Really, I'm ashamed of the amt. of the PayPal donation. My only excuse is I'm not actively using the great work you have done. That was just a moral support "you rock". I'm not at home much as a travelling computer security trainer. (Gotta make hay while the sun is shining as an independent trainer).
I know that as the fall holidays approach, I will be "home" as people don't want to be in classes...
A brain "fart" which may or may not work.... Dragon Naturally Speaking blows away L&H, now MS speech. Seems better than IBM too. The Open Source *nix project is years behind... So if you could find "hooks" to Dragon, your efforts would multiple.
Dragon Standard is basic just outside of dictation. Dragon Preferred is available new for about $60. The ability to create custom speech (e.g. "Wish you we're here" will type "My wonderful wife, I'm warm for your form!") if you want it to. This may have excellent methods to extend BVC.
Dragon V8 is OK. Dragon 9.x is truly amazing. They are up to 9.5, which is compatible Vista. Any V8.x or 9.x licence upgrades to 9.5 I understand they also accept ViaVoice V9 for an upgrade.
I'm jazzed about Dragon V9 as it can "learn" 8-bit Bluetooth. They have done a good job with pocket recorder "training" for some time....
I don't mess with the Medical or Legal versions... seem expensive, however my students tell me its rocks in those industries.
I do know that, please forgive the term, Quads use it successfully with some small 3rd party software to do total mouse command movement.
There is major discussion about all this at http://www.speechcomputing.com
It appears to me that since it all becomes "keyboard output", hooking to the premiere SR engine would extend BVC to levels MS hasn't dreamed of. Yes, Vista Speech is a far cry from the L&H purchase. It is a total re-write. In my research, a couple folks call the new Vista speech on par with Dragon. Those who use this stuff daily, say Dragon is still far ahead of the game.
My early look agrees that Vista has done a better job with "accuracy" than before. Maybe really close to Dragon. And it appears that Dragon, even without 3rd party assist, has much more "if-then" macro capabilities. I have not tried the low end "BlueTooth" input. Not what I use Dragon for. I use it to create piles of tech books, FAST. The accuracy has "sold" me on Dragon, 5-6 years ago. Again, the Law Enforcement folks I do training with have been blown away at what the Dragon can do for them using BlueTooth and Digital Recorder.
One thing Dragon is really good at is the "context" of what was said. With a bit of work, it can really tune to a user and deliver mountains of accuracy...
Bill, I would be happy to send you a new 9.x licence and CD out of my collection of them if you want to see how it can "hook".
It is my opinion that with where you are going, if coupled with a "serious" <$500-600> PC, you really could have the 21st century "Jetson's Rosie" that would do everything but clean the house.
My last gripe is Dragon *still* uses SAPI V4 for the engine. That limits the use of my Text Aloud, Weather Aloud, and other fun and real work as I prefer to use SAPI V5 voices. So it will not "read" to me, news, emails, etc. while I walk around the house, with voices I have licenced. I'm forced to use Text Aloud. And I can see where the macro capabilities of Dragon Preferred will let me "join The aloud series" to Dragon.
In my humble opinion, the $60 or so extra expense of Dragon Preferred would really pale in comparing to putting in high-end mikes, verses the built-in mikes in X10 low end cameras. Further, I "think" there are some external DSP circuits that would take X10 audio in that would clean up the signal before Dragon got it. This would be an incredible jump in a larger install or a family where voices range from grandfathers like me, to 8 year old girls... Switch user is a given in Dragon... It is changing from one human language to another (English to Russian, for example) that is seems to come up a bit weak to make this happen on the fly... But I really haven't played with the macros... So maybe I'm the ID10T here...
Just a thought as I have 4 whole days at home :)
Tcat
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You are certainly welcome Bill. And yes, my real first name is Tcat. (google me if you think I am kidding)...
Long time professional computer geek. Author (Formally as Tim Catura-Houser), since June 2000 as Tcat Houser).
Multiple certifications.
Course designer.
All around friendly geek who cares about people and computers.
Lived in Seattle for 30 years, currently a digital nomad.
[NOTE the special attention to a GEEK-type FONT. ;) ]
Really, I'm ashamed of the amt. of the PayPal donation...
Let's see:
- Cher
- Hildegarde
- Liberace
- Madonna
- Prince
- Sting
- Tcat
[/color][/b]
Should be AT LEAST 3 significant digits to the left of the decimal point, considering the company... :P
...Just a thought as I have 4 whole days at home :)
*ANY* original THOUGHTS, compared to the usual fare of " WAH! WAH! IT DON'T WORK! " :'( whining are a pleasant change-of-pace. :)
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... And yes, my real first name is Tcat. (google me if you think I am kidding).
Actually, I looked you up from your email address when I was asking about listing you as a contributor. ;)
Really, I'm ashamed of the amt. of the PayPal donation. My only excuse is I'm not actively using the great work you have done. That was just a moral support "you rock". ...
Don't be ashamed. Any amount helps! 8) Truthfully, at this point it is mostly about the moral support. The donations and "atta boy's" help offset the feeling I get (as I watch the download count go up and receive no donations and no feedback) that everyone out there is a "user" (in the bad sense of the word) and I am a fool for allowing myself to be taken advantage of. So, thanks for reminding me that there are still good people out there who understand that a good deal of work goes into this stuff and have the conscience to show their appreciation! 8)
...
A brain "fart" which may or may not work.... Dragon Naturally Speaking blows away L&H, now MS speech. Seems better than IBM too. The Open Source *nix project is years behind... So if you could find "hooks" to Dragon, your efforts would multiple.
...
Yes, DNS is a much better VR engine IMHO also. So far, however, I have only support for SAPI 5 compliant VR engines. Hopefully in the future, Dragon will update to SAPI 5 and / or I will get around to working out support for SAPI 4.
...
Bill, I would be happy to send you a new 9.x licence and CD out of my collection of them if you want to see how it can "hook".
...
It would be interesting to look at. My initial idea was to use what was included for free or freely downloadable, however many people have asked about support for Dragon and / or SAPI 4 voices, so I am getting more "into" the idea of supporting these. "The customer is always right", right? :D
It is my opinion that with where you are going, if coupled with a "serious" <$500-600> PC, you really could have the 21st century "Jetson's Rosie" that would do everything but clean the house.
I was thinking more HAL 9000, or the Enterprise computer in Star Trek the Next Generation, or even Disney's "Smart House", but yes like George Jetson, my "button pushing finger" was getting sore! ;D
...
Just a thought as I have 4 whole days at home :)
Tcat
I did that once. :D
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Another "status report".
While testing BVC with IR support, I realized that having to sort through every IR Code BVC has learned in order to get at the one you wanted to trigger is well... "tedious" to say the least! So, I redesigned things so that you first create a named "IR Remote Control" then create a "Button" for that remote control and then learn the IR Code for that "Button". This way when you go to select a IR Code to transmit, you select a remote first and then only have to sort through the "Buttons" that that remote supports.
I still need to make sure that users that do not own a USB-UIRT will not experience errors when BVC tries to send a IR Code out. Otherwise, it is pretty much ready.
Hopefully, (assuming I don't get ill again), BVC with USB-UIRT IR support will be officially released to the general public before the end of September.
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Home for a few days again!
I'll assume you want to get Dragon V8 which will let you play with a less resource intensive Dragon, & give you a free upgrade to V 9.5 the Vista ready Dragon?
Got one here...
The difference between 8 and 9.x is incredible.
Sadly, I don't think that 9.5 is SAPI 5 ready. Reading other bit-knitters comments, SAPI 4 and 5 are different, but 5 is not "better". Reports are that 4 actually gives more support to the developer than 5. That may be why they are not chomping at the bit for SAPI 5.
Send me your address off line and I will drop the CD in the mail....
Back to pounding the course ware for CTT+ classes, and finishing my stuff for a new (non-tech) book. It will be announced at a conference on the Redmond campus next week. So I beter finish it :o
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(http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/NewsFlash.gif) *** FINALLY! the latest version of BVC with support for the USB-UIRT (learns and transmits infra-red remote codes) is released! *** (http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/NewsFlash.gif)
Other changes include:
- Listeners can now send X10 signals in response to a received X10 or IR signal.
- Listeners and Custom Commands can of course now transmit IR signals (if you have a USB-UIRT).
I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of what right now... will edit this later when my brain settles. ???
Oh, yeah, you can find BVC in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
P.S.
Those of you that have contributed should have received an email notification with the user name and password to get at the "Full Version". ;)
If you haven't yet please let me know!
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-Bill- (of wgjohns.com) YOU ROCK !!!
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Great job Bill- (of wgjohns.com) 8)
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
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-Bill- (of wgjohns.com) YOU ROCK !!!
Great job Bill- (of wgjohns.com) 8)
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
These days I only "rock" until the chair tips over! ;) ;D
Thanks Puck & KDR!
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wow......Wow.....WOW!
This is a QUANTUM leap for AHP. Thanks Bill!
Infrared ...... AND ......X10? Now I can control EVERYTHING and BY VOICE! X10 alone was only half!
Why did you choose the USB-UIRT? I know it is supported by most "high end" automation systems and is pretty cheap. Was there another choice? Luckily, I already had one (toys, toys, ....toys). Maybe X10 can buy them out for really cheap and offer the same thing on a 3-for1!
(Never mind - that is just too good of an idea for here.)
I'm having a blast with it (as yet another toy), but the fact you can use it by voice could really be a blessing to the "differently-abled". I hope those who know ones with a need will try it out.
SENSATIONAL,
X10Customer
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I'm having a blast with it (as yet another toy), but the fact you can use it by voice could really be a blessing to the "differently-abled". I hope those who know ones with a need will try it out.
I have setup my home up with a Baby Monitor (they're hidden) microphone system (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395), and I used a larger amplified speaker to act as a pre-amp of sorts, to feed other speakers I have hard wired. So I now have voice control of X10 devices up and downstairs. I have also purchased a much nicer voice for BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12224.0)..... so even if I just used BVC for announcements and timers (like the clock) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12205.msg68206#msg68206) that would be enough. You can check-out my setup at YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI).
I use a device like the RemoteSENDER (http://www.x10.com/automation/pm5900_s.html) (IR re-sender) in my home theater, another one of those and I could be up & down IR too.
I have even added a BVC Page to my own geocities Site. (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm)
AWESOME JOB ON THE NEW BVC BILL
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wow......Wow.....WOW!
This is a QUANTUM leap for AHP. Thanks Bill!
Infrared ...... AND ......X10? Now I can control EVERYTHING and BY VOICE! X10 alone was only half!
Why did you choose the USB-UIRT? I know it is supported by most "high end" automation systems and is pretty cheap. Was there another choice? Luckily, I already had one (toys, toys, ....toys). Maybe X10 can buy them out for really cheap and offer the same thing on a 3-for1!
(Never mind - that is just too good of an idea for here.)
I'm having a blast with it (as yet another toy), but the fact you can use it by voice could really be a blessing to the "differently-abled". I hope those who know ones with a need will try it out.
SENSATIONAL,
X10Customer
Thanks!
Glad you're having fun with it!
Main reason I chose the USB-UIRT to start with is that after searching for computer to IR interface devices the USB-UIRT offered the best "bang for the buck" IMHO.
- It is reasonably priced compared with others. A big factor considering us X10 users are used to getting some incredible deals compared to other technologies.
- They offered a readily available and free SDK which doesn't require "royalties". Not the easiest thing to use, I must confess. But it is easier than some of the even cheaper alternatives that required writing all of the code by hand!
- It supports the "Pronto" IR code format. There are gobs and gobs of IR codes freely shared on the web in the "Pronto" format, so BVC users can literally "copy and paste" codes into BVC that other people have "recorded"!
- It is USB connected. Most other similarly priced alternatives only connected to serial ports or parallel printer ports (both of which are less and less common on newer computers).
Yes, I truly hope that we can "get the word out" to the "differently abled", "mobility impared", and all of the other "PC" terms for people who are not blessed with the abilities that most of us take for granted!
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I'm having a blast with it (as yet another toy), but the fact you can use it by voice could really be a blessing to the "differently-abled". I hope those who know ones with a need will try it out.
I have setup my home up with a Baby Monitor (they're hidden) microphone system (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395), and I used a larger amplified speaker to act as a pre-amp of sorts, to feed other speakers I have hard wired. So I now have voice control of X10 devices up and downstairs. I have also purchased a much nicer voice for BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12224.0)..... so even if I just used BVC for announcements and timers (like the clock) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12205.msg68206#msg68206) that would be enough. You can check-out my setup at YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI).
I use a device like the RemoteSENDER (http://www.x10.com/automation/pm5900_s.html) (IR re-sender) in my home theater, another one of those and I could be up & down IR too.
I have even added a BVC Page to my own geocities Site. (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm)
AWESOME JOB ON THE NEW BVC BILL
Geeze!
What can I say Dave, but thanks, thanks and thanks again!
If I could afford to hire a promoter, it would be you!
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I originally had AFT's "Home Voice" coupled with my Home Director in 1997. The set up I had wasn't really practical, and I eventually got away from it.
Reading about BVC on this forum, got me interested again. Since I have 2 devices working with ActiveHome Pro, I got the software from Bill's site, and installed it. Dummy me was still trying to use it with the Home Director program. Bill let me know it was designed only for AHP, and when I opened that program, it was back to controlling devices with voice again!
Bill, this is much easier to use than "Home Voice" was. I'm quickly getting the hang of it.
I ordered from Dak.com, a lapel wireless mic.($49). It comes with a belt clip(9v battery), transmitter, lapel mic, and the receiver unit that pugs into your mic in. I had installed a flush mount speaker in my LR wall for the old system, and I'm still using that.
My computer is at one end of the house, and the mic works perfectly at the other end. I think they rate it at 250 ft.
The only thing I had to buy was an adapter cord to connect it to the computer.
The mic is sensitive enough that I just keep it on my LR coffee table, and can talk from the chair or sofa. It has a gain control you play with too. Or just carry it with you wherever you go in the house.
BIll's Voice Commander makes for a very cool thing to do with your home. Thanks Bill.
I'm having fun with it!
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BIll's Voice Commander makes for a very cool thing to do with your home. Thanks Bill.
I'm having fun with it!
Yes.... Bill's Voice Commander (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) is VERY cool... and very easy to setup and use. I am glad to see you've also discovered how easy it is to get your voice to BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13870.0). I have been trying to "spread-the-word" with posts about my baby-monitor setup (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395). I don't think people really understand how easy this is to do.
You already (from day ONE) have everything needed to add the (FREE) talking clock (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12205.msg68206#msg68206) too. And adding weather aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/) is really cool too. I start every morning with asking Kate (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12224.msg67321#msg67321) what the temperature is.
I've posted extensively about BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13870.0), I even have my own BVC Page (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm), and featured BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13870.0) on a YouTube Video.
This would be an excellent thread for people to post information about their BVC setups... and ask questions.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI)
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Yes.... Bill's Voice Commander (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) is VERY cool...
This would be an excellent thread for people to post information about their BVC setups... and ask questions.
Dave, I asked in another section about the talking weather. How do you go about setting that up in AHP and BVC?
I think I want to add that.
Dan
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Dave, I asked in another section about the talking weather. How do you go about setting that up in AHP and BVC?
I think I want to add that.
Dan
Also very easy.... go to weather aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/), download the free 30 day trial. Select your city, and then select some settings, like how often you would like weather aloud (http://www.nextup.com/WeatherAloud/) to retrieve weather info, and which voice you would like to use to read the info.
The (silently read in the background) info is saved as a WAV file. I selected to save the WAV file in BVC's audio file (but can be saved anywhere). New updates (my setup updates every 30 minutes) write-over the previously saved files.
Then in BVC's Custom Commands, I setup the command of "temperature" to turn ON (house/unit code) G5. Then in BVC's Listener I set BVC to play the (fore-mentioned) WAV file when BVC hears G5 ON.
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Dave,
I typed in "Temperature" and then clicked on play audio file, and chose "Flint"(my city) from the BVC Audio files. It works like that for me when I say "temperature please".
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Yes...... pretty cool huh!
I have an extra step based on a macro setup I have created. I have some handy-dandy-WAF macros that can be executed from a palmPad.
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Yes, so cool.
I think I'll try and investigate how to change to a more human sounding voice. My GPS has a "Sexy Selina" voice. I wish I could find one like that, but anything more human-like would be great.
Does the "Kate" voice you use sound natural? Does it matter if I get a 8 bit or 16 bit voice?
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Yes, so cool.
I think I'll try and investigate how to change to a more human sounding voice. My GPS has a "Sexy Selina" voice. I wish I could find one like that, but anything more human-like would be great.
Does the "Kate" voice you use sound natural? Does it matter if I get a 8 bit or 16 bit voice?
Does Kate sound natural? That's hard to say..... Kate and I have been together for a while now. She does sometimes sound like a computer voice... but [I thnk] that's just her personally.
Here is a sample Kate (http://nextupdownloads.com/neosamples/Kate.wav).
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Yes, it's borderline. I think it does sound like Jeri Ryan. Certainly more natural than the Microsoft voice.
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Yes, it's borderline. I think it does sound like Jeri Ryan. Certainly more natural than the Microsoft voice.
Yes... Jeri Ryan (or 7 of 9 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_of_Nine)). You can alter the voice to some extent once it is on your system. Vista has a new voice, Anna, that sounds pretty good.
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I just downloaded "Callie" from Cespstral. It appears in the Weather program, and it appears in the list under "voices" in BVC, however, after I choose Callie from the list and click ok, it doesn't play the voice. In the weather program it won't play either-it says "parameters incorrect"
In the weather program, I had to change the settings to SAPI5 only, just to show "Callie".
I thought MS Speech was SAPI5, I'll keep playing with it.
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I got "Callie" to work on BVC, and weather aloud. All is good, for now....
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I got "Callie" to work on BVC, and weather aloud.
ALL GOOD...... ALL EASY! I think... some people think Voice Command is so cool, so high-Tech, it would have to be difficult or require special skills. It doesn't.
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I finished up installing 16 modules with timers for the "Talking Clock". Thanks Dave for the step by step instructions.
I have the timers set to turn off at 30 minutes past, and have set a "ghost" response as the wav response. Of course after the 1st, I'll put something else in it's place.(more practice)
Being a newbie at this AHP and BVC stuff, well, it took me a good 2 hours for all 16 modules/timer settings, and the 32 settings to be programmed into BVC's Listener.
Works great.
I want to add, that I got my XTB yesterday, and now I have voice control over all my devices (7).
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I finished up installing 16 modules with timers for the "Talking Clock". Thanks Dave for the step by step instructions.
Glad to see you like the Talking Clock (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12205.msg68206#msg68206).
Being a newbie at this AHP and BVC stuff, well, it took me a good 2 hours for all 16 modules/timer settings, and the 32 settings to be programmed into BVC's Listener.
Yes... setting up Home Automation can mean spending some quality-time with your PC. But, even though my HA PC runs 24/7.... I haven't turned on it's monitor to check on it for WEEKS.
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One thing I forgot to mention in setting up the "talking clock" with BVC.
For the morning responses, she says "the time is 10 am" or 11 etc. What I had happen at first was she was pronouncing the am part as if you said "I am going to the store". So I put it in BVC like this. the time is 10 a.m
With the period she says it right. I know this is old stuff to you guys, but for a newbie like me, it was another learning experience.
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I know this is old stuff to you guys, but for a newbie like me, it was another learning experience.
I am sure these things are "old stuff" to some people... but NOT MANY. As I understand it... the voice can vary from PC to PC. So even though another users "same voice" may sound and behave similarly... there may also be slight differences. Of course even speakers [systems] and [the] users settings can change voice quality, tone, speed of speech and more.
You are among a (as-of-yet small, but) growing number of Home Automation users that have discovered and exploited the Voice technology into their systems. There has been a couple other Voice Command systems on the market for some time. But both came at a HUGE PRICE. Only very recently has advanced (PC and OS) technology's and Bills Voice Commander (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) made this reliably useable and AFFORDABLE.
I am using an old discarded P3 computer, of course AHP (and my X10 setup), a small donation to wgjohns.com (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm), A baby monitor microphone setup (at $17 each) and a couple extra $5 PC speakers, and Kate ($35). And yet, the performance of my BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)[/color][/url] system compares to what others have spent THOUSANDS to achieve using homeseerer or HAL.
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So i've stepped over into the dark-side! or the bright side I should say! What a great intuitive program. And so much fun I just started using it last night. I cannot wait to explore all of the possibilites and probasbly some possibilities that have y et to be thought up. Thank you Bill for giving us what every man needs.. A woman that actually listens and does what we tell it.. with little nagging.
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So i've stepped over into the dark-side! or the bright side I should say! What a great intuitive program. And so much fun I just started using it last night. I cannot wait to explore all of the possibilites and probasbly some possibilities that have y et to be thought up. Thank you Bill for giving us what every man needs.. A woman that actually listens and does what we tell it.. with little nagging.
Glad to hear you're having fun! 8)
Still haven't figured out how to get her to go to the fridge and get me a beer though (BVC or the wife)! ;D
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So i've stepped over into the dark-side! or the bright side I should say! What a great intuitive program. And so much fun I just started using it last night. I cannot wait to explore all of the possibilites and probasbly some possibilities that have y et to be thought up. Thank you Bill for giving us what every man needs.. A woman that actually listens and does what we tell it.. with little nagging.
Glad to hear you're having fun! 8)
Still haven't figured out how to get her to go to the fridge and get me a beer though (BVC or the wife)! ;D
Yanno.... If you could get your hands on(or make) a drive thru bank tube sending thingy......from the fridge to where ever.....hmmmmmmm
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So i've stepped over into the dark-side! or the bright side I should say! What a great intuitive program. And so much fun I just started using it last night. I cannot wait to explore all of the possibilites and probasbly some possibilities that have y et to be thought up. Thank you Bill for giving us what every man needs.. A woman that actually listens and does what we tell it.. with little nagging.
Glad to hear you're having fun! 8)
Still haven't figured out how to get her to go to the fridge and get me a beer though (BVC or the wife)! ;D
Yanno.... If you could get your hands on(or make) a drive thru bank tube sending thingy......from the fridge to where ever.....hmmmmmmm
Have to wait too long to open the beer though... gets messy otherwise! ;D
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You guys! Kate.... er.. BVC couldn't come close to doing all the wonderful things my wife does for me. BVC can't shop.
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You guys! Kate.... er.. BVC couldn't come close to doing all the wonderful things my wife does for me. BVC can't shop.
That is true.... How the heck would we get the beer and snacks in the house in the first place ..if it were not for our wives shopping.... ;D
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The (silently read in the background) info is saved as a WAV file. I selected to save the WAV file in BVC's audio file (but can be saved anywhere). New updates (my setup updates every 30 minutes) write-over the previously saved files.
Then in BVC's Custom Commands, I setup the command of "temperature" to turn ON (house/unit code) G5. Then in BVC's Listener I set BVC to play the (fore-mentioned) WAV file when BVC hears G5 ON.
I have saved the file but am not getting it to play when i say the weather command. I havent created a macro in AHP for this jsut a custom command that plays the wav file.. but it doesnt play. am I doing something wrong?
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I have saved the file but am not getting it to play when i say the weather command. I havent created a macro in AHP for this jsut a custom command that plays the wav file.. but it doesnt play. am I doing something wrong?
Be sure you "save" your custom command (in BVC) as well....
I have (at times) forgotten to save my settings in BVC, that could cause your problem. Closing BVC should produce a nag screen reminding you of any saves needed.
I only use the extra step to make the weather announcement available via a palmpad remote.
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I have saved the file but am not getting it to play when i say the weather command. I havent created a macro in AHP for this jsut a custom command that plays the wav file.. but it doesnt play. am I doing something wrong?
Mine wouldn't play either, until I moved the file from BVC's "Sample files", to "Audio files". Seems that when I saved to BVC from the Weather Aloud output, it went to the sample files, and it wouldn't play from there.
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It works now I hgad to remnnistall the trial version but i got it going.. THat's awesome! now if I can just get it to read the sports scores
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.................. now if I can just get it to read the sports scores
That would be NewsAloud (http://www.nextup.com/NewsAloud/). <link
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*** BVC Version 0.1.0.1 update released! ***
Changes:
- Corrected a BUG :-[ in Custom Commands where if you created multiple Custom Commands with the same "trigger phrase" (which should all execute in the order you created them in when BVC "hears" the "trigger phrase") all worked as expected until you asked it to send an X10 command... at that point, the remaining Custom Commands that should have been triggered would not be.
- Listeners that send X10 signals in response to a received X10 or IR signal now save whether to send the signal by RF or PLC correctly.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.1.0.1 update released! ***
Even though I had NOT noticed any of the problems mentioned.... I updated my BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm). While I was spending a little "quality time" with my HA computer I even added a couple NEW listeners, and used the respond with RF only command. Works great!
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new version rocks! I use it now to call a custom command "lights out" and it turns off multiple modules without adding a macro to my AHP. Thanks Bill!
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new version rocks! I use it now to call a custom command "lights out" and it turns off multiple modules without adding a macro to my AHP. Thanks Bill!
Cool! 8)
Glad it finally works right, and thanks for pointing it out to me.
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new version rocks! I use it now to call a custom command "lights out" and it turns off multiple modules without adding a macro to my AHP. Thanks Bill!
Cool! 8)
Glad it finally works right, and thanks for pointing it out to me.
Good job Bill!
By the way, have you read or have any opinions about Telsa, the AC inventor and proponent of wireless distributed energy?
Thanks ;D
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new version rocks! I use it now to call a custom command "lights out" and it turns off multiple modules without adding a macro to my AHP. Thanks Bill!
Cool! 8)
Glad it finally works right, and thanks for pointing it out to me.
Good job Bill!
By the way, have you read or have any opinions about Telsa, the AC inventor and proponent of wireless distributed energy?
Thanks ;D
Of course I've read about Tesla! ::)
IMHO, a genious well ahead of his time.
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I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a new and fun way to use BVC (This is the holiday season and guests always want to see my HA improvements).
OK... those squeamish about NON-X10 home automation should look away... while I type the remainder of this.
The (maybe original) HA device is available this time of year (mostly in drug stores) as a gift item. Of course... I am talking about the CLAPPER (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=83822).
Those that know me... also know I've been joking about the clapper for some time now. I have even taught my Kate 16 (AKA seven of nine) (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) to sing the "Clapper song" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsxcdVbE3mI) on request. Of course... lately when I ask her to sing the clapper song... she replies: "yeah-right... pull my finger". Kate gets more like a wife everyday.
So what does a CLAPPER have to do with BVC (or AHP or even X10)? Well I am not going to walk around the house slapping MY hands against each other!
I have a lamp on an end-stand beside my favorite easy-chair. But because of it's strategic location... my wife has refused to allow me to automate it. No push buttons or voice commands for that lamp. But she can't refuse a clapper... what would be the reason... she can't find her hands late at night?
Now all I have to do is record a WAV file of both a single and a double clap (I got the Clapper PLUS). And then teach Kate (BVC) to respond to my request to: "Turn on my lamp" by playing the appropriate WAV file. The Clapper should hear the clap/WAV and turn ON/OFF my lamp. This is serious FUN with Home Automation.
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Dave,
You've truly lost your mind. Rube Goldberg would be proud, and send my sympathy to your wife.
addition: my wife just came in and read your clapper post. she said that she'd wring your neck herself!
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now that's funny... I guess if you wantted a stobe effect you could find a clip of the begining of the song "saturday night!"
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addition: my wife just came in and read your clapper post. she said that she'd wring your neck herself!
I certainly hope I didn't offend Mrs Knightrider! But, I do think I understand her irritation. I seem to have the same problem with Kate (BVC)! She (Kate (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12224.15)) runs along fine 24/7 then .... almost like clock-work every 4 weeks she gets cranky and ether mis-understands or just doesn't respond to me.
Of course.... with Kate... I just re-boot. With a REAL wife... I guess you just have to wait those things out.
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Of course.... with Kate... I just re-boot. With a REAL wife... I guess you just have to wait those things out.
Have you set BVC\AHP to Auto reboot Kate yet Dave?
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Have you set BVC\AHP to Auto reboot Kate yet Dave?
No. I just recently found the time to start giving my system the attention it needs (and deserves). But I am now looking at intergrating some new functions using the AlertDialer and WavPlayer.
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I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a new and fun way to use BVC (This is the holiday season and guests always want to see my HA improvements).
OK... those squeamish about NON-X10 home automation should look away... while I type the remainder of this.
The (maybe original) HA device is available this time of year (mostly in drug stores) as a gift item. Of course... I am talking about the CLAPPER (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=83822).
Those that know me... also know I've been joking about the clapper for some time now. I have even taught my Kate 16 (AKA seven of nine) (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) to sing the "Clapper song" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsxcdVbE3mI) on request. Of course... lately when I ask her to sing the clapper song... she replies: "yeah-right... pull my finger". Kate gets more like a wife everyday.
So what does a CLAPPER have to do with BVC (or AHP or even X10)? Well I am not going to walk around the house slapping MY hands against each other!
I have a lamp on an end-stand beside my favorite easy-chair. But because of it's strategic location... my wife has refused to allow me to automate it. No push buttons or voice commands for that lamp. But she can't refuse a clapper... what would be the reason... she can't find her hands late at night?
Now all I have to do is record a WAV file of both a single and a double clap (I got the Clapper PLUS). And then teach Kate (BVC) to respond to my request to: "Turn on my lamp" by playing the appropriate WAV file. The Clapper should hear the clap/WAV and turn ON/OFF my lamp. This is serious FUN with Home Automation.
I thought you were joking when we discussed this! How imaginative, a voice command to play a clapping sound-efect to trigger a Clapper! :o ;D
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I thought you were joking when we discussed this!
I do have some SERIOUS FUN with BVC.... and Home Automation in general. And speaking of FUN... I've added an UN-Official BVC manual to my BVC Web Page (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).
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I thought you were joking when we discussed this!
I do have some SERIOUS FUN with BVC.... and Home Automation in general. And speaking of FUN... I've added an UN-Official BVC manual to my BVC Web Page (http://www.geocities.com/davelanthorn/bvc.htm).
Very cool manual Dave! 8)
Way more than I have managed to put together so far.
Thanks! ;D
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In chatting will Bill (of wgjohns.com (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)) last night in KDR's Home Automation Chat Rooms (http://bdshost.com/ac/)... I wondered how do people with larger HA set-ups know when their X10 devices and Macro's are activated.
I recently added a driveway alert (http://www.rkdm.com/drivewaysecurity/index.htm?OVRAW=driveway%20patrol&OVKEY=driveway%20patrol&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=906015022&OVKWID=13091324022). It works great... and I am tickled because bus traffic that passes in front of my home has made this a difficult project. At some point.. I may convert the Driveway Patrol units chime to a BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) announcement, but for now, I am content with the chime. However, warm weather will soon (I hope) be here and my (or my neighbor's) mowing could make this convenience a nuisance.
So... I plugged the chime-unit into a X10 module and set it to a house/unit code. Now it can be turned off when it might be a problem. Then I used a code from from my X10 floodlight, to automatically turn the unit back-on at dusk.
I then went to my BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) program and typed in the Voice announcements. "Driveway Alert On", "Driveway Alert Off", "The sun has set". OK... and because I have an over-active sense of humor at sunrise My BVC Kate Voice (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12224.msg67989#msg67989) says "Cock a doodle do".
So that's what made me wonder.... how does X10 users that don't use BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) or Tuicemen's X10WavPlayer (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10730.msg79480#msg79480) know when (and what) X10 devices are triggering around them. Sure I have a couple lights.. that turn on or off and a couple chimes too that serve as back-up warnings. But anymore and I'd need a scorecard.
I did a search.... and found a device that can add recorded sounds to X10 devices (http://www.intellahome.com/prod/op.html). It looks pretty sharp... but for price... I wasn't too impressed. I would think that even if BVC was only used for the added convenience of the easy to customize announcements it would be a MUST HAVE for any decent sized X10 set-up.
Plus if it wasn't for the voice commands contolling my X10.... I'd be duct-taping Palmpad remotes together.. just to have them handy.
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So that what made me wonder.... how does X10 users that don't use BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) or Tuicemen's X10WavPlayer (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10730.msg79480#msg79480) know when (and what) X10 devices are triggering around them. Sure I have a couple lights.. that turn on or off and a couple chimes too that serve as back-up warnings. But anymore and I'd need a scorecard.
Is there another practical way? :D
Before these great add-ons, I used a Chime. Only problem with that is whenever AHP started up, they would squeal like crazy until they were unplugged. Light indicators are ok, but only good if you are in visible range.
I use both BVC & X10WavPlayer. BVC for immediate & always wanted sounds (like outside camera activations) and X10WavPlayer for condition controlled sounds (since it is called from AHP).
Similar to you Dave, I have a rooster WAV file that plays at Dawn, and a cricket WAV file that plays at Dusk. This lets us know when the lights will be in auto or manual mode as we move around.
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I am a relatively new user of Bills Voice Commande (http://Bills Voice Commande)r. When I first started using AHP I would frequently push the wrong buttons on my Palm remote because I would forget push the little slide switch for 1~8 or 9~16. Several times I would fine that I had back yard lights on that I had not noticed. Then I installed BVC (http://BVC) and created device announcements like Dave x_10L suggested in his post. Now if I mess up and push a wrong button I get an announcement that says "Back yard Lights Are ON". This is very helpful and only a small part of what BVC (http://BVC) can do for you. I now have many custom commands and listeners that tell me when someone is at my front door and am working on a sensor to tell me when the garage door is open. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination. As far as I am concerned a program such as Bills voice commander (http://Bills voice commander) is a must have for any significant X10 project.
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I am a relatively new user of Bills Voice Commander (http://Bills Voice Commande)r.
More and more X10 users are trying out Bill's Voice Commander (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm). Many are also new to both X10 and the X10 forums.
I will never forget the 1st time I turned on a light by Voice Command.... what a HOOT! Now with Bill's (fully functional) free trial download.... even the "just curious" can take a minute and see what all the excitement is about.
NOTE: Don't think that turning lights On and Off is all BVC does! Bill's Voice Commander does MUCH MUCH more.
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Thats a great basic setup Dave, thanks. I know before you and Bill helped out last night I was thinking I had to add things in custom commands and such and that's what got my wires crossed. I hadn't realized that all the commands were already there and just needed to add devices.
How did or shall I say, what did you use to get more then one receiver (baby monitor) hooked to your computer via the line in?
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Bill, I sent my "donation" last night. Thanks again for the help getting me going. Those that need help, I highly recommand you drop into that chat room that is linked above and see if someone is there, they are a friendly group who want to see you smile by getting things up and running.
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How did or shall I say, what did you use to get more then one receiver (baby monitor) hooked to your computer via the line in?
Happy to share that information trol1374. Actually.... I even "wrote it all down" and posted the information here (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395) <that's a link. I should also mention that many BVC users are also using intercoms as an inexpensive and easy way to communicate with BVC.
s0urc3f0ur posted a GREAT write-up for a 2-way intercom mod (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14534.msg80929#msg80929) he performed.
I highly recommand you drop into that chat room that is linked above and see if someone is there, they are a friendly group who want to see you smile by getting things up and running.
KDR's Home Automation Chat Rooms (http://bdshost.com/ac/) are a GREAT resource! If your looking for an X10 solution.... or just for a chance to chat with other Home Automation Users. We can't thank KDR enough for providing us with this place to meet. Everyone should stop in and check-it-out.
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I have received several requests for my Voice Announcement Garage Door Reminder Macro.
It's simple enough... I created mine using a PowerFlash module, a garage door (magnetic) reed-switch, and of course BVC. Although it can also be done using a door/window sensor (DS10) and the OnAlert plug-in (which in most cases would be cheaper and easier). I have been using mine for several months and it works fine.
I hesitated to post the macro('s)... as I am not a master of macros. But I did post it HERE (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14692.msg81860#msg81860) the other day. It is actually 4 simple little macros, that tells me when the door is opening, open, or closed... and reminds me every 10 minutes if the door if left open.
You can see (and hear) the reminder in action... on the YouTube Video at my BVC Fan Site (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).
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Dave_x10_L,
While I know you have reservations about your MACRO being maybe a little crude. I personally think you are being overly critical and I, for one, am glad you finally decided to share it. 8)
There are almost always other and sometimes even better ways of accomplishing the same thing in any programming language. Even if your way doesn't turn out to be the most perfect way, at least it is a working way!
We need more users to have the guts to post working MACROS!
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I just added a new BVC Driveway Alert voice-announcement/device... and as with all things BVC... I am tickled with it.
For some time I had a difficult time detecting activity in my driveway... (without also detecting traffic on the street I live on). I resolved that problem with a $20 Driveway Patrol (a motion sensor that sends a RF signal to a doorbell type box). I did duct tape off some of the motion sensors side vision... then made it near-sighted by placing it in a modified yard-lamp. See below for an image.
The set-up worked well with no false triggers... but the doorbell unit had an awful chime. It could be turned off manually... but never was. The other day I spent some-time in the driveway removing snow. By the time the snow was cleared... the wife had completely tired of the Driveway Patrol's chime.
Today I soldered wires to the units speakers... and attached those to a PowerFlash Unit. I plugged the PowerFlash into a SocketRocket. The (fake) module that the PowerFlash module turns on... is heard by a BVC Listener.. and (my Kate16 voice) announces "Driveway Alert". And even that can be turned off by turning off the SocketRocket. If I was to forget to turn the alert (SocketRocket) back on... when the sun goes down... my X10 Floodlights turns it back on.
Great WAF.
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Dave_x10_L,
Very cool! 8) About time too! ;)
Never underestimate the value of WAF ! ;D
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About time too! ........... Never underestimate the value of WAF !
True Bill... it's about time I added that announcement... and WAF is HIGH here. So far ..using BVC.... I have automated several of the household tasks that we normally learn to "just live with".
No longer do I have to check the garage doors position (even at bedtime). Or walk to a window and peek-out to see if reflected car headlights was someone pulling into MY driveway.. or a neighbors. The talking clock helps to keep me from losing track of the time. Going to the kitchen calender to see the date.. is a thing of the past.. I simply ask the computer to "tell me the date". Because I can get the weather... by simply asking the computer... I now only turn to the weather channel when I want to see the radar report.
And a GREAT WAF feature.... checking an outside noise is a thing of the past... any warm-body (including deer) activity around the house... is automatically announced. The pleasent, warm, yet business like voice of my Kate16... has become like one-of-the-family. Kate is certainly better than a bunch of chimes, bells, and alarms.
I've added a list of most of the BVC automated announcements that has proved valuable.. to make ours lives more pleasant, secure, and worry-free.
- garage door open/closed and "left-open reminder"
- restricted area activity
- talking clock (waking hours only)
- Date or time (on request)
- Local area Weather announcements
- the "Hello" welcome (for visitors)
- Dusk/Dawn (macro activation) announcements
- Operating status (custom command)
- microphone switching - confirmation status
- confirmations for remote devices ON/OFF (several)
- Theater lighting set-up macro completion notice ("The theater is on.. enjoy the movie")
- Driveway Alert
Of course... for forum visitors that are new to BVC I like to add a link to my BVC Fan Site (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).. which has a YouTube Video so they can see and hear BVC "in Action."
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I have a new BVC YouTube Video titled How to "Voice Control" your home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmTIwtTk0ow). I think this video clearly shows just how easy it is to set-up a BVC controlled home.
I've also created a new YouTube video called "The Automated Chair" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79N_X1AWCa0). This video details how I've attached a DS10A (Door/Window Sensor) to my recliner. Then using AHP and BVC I automate some functions and added new automation. The "Automated Chair Video" was created to be humorous. Although the chair works great... and I am having a heck of a lot of FUN with it.
You can see all my videos at: My YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM).
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.0 update released! ***
Changes:
- Added new X10 Command options to Listeners and Custom Commands including support for X10 camera Pan / Tilt / Zoom / Focus and Presets.
- Added built-in voice commands for X10 camera functions that accept a value (like "Pan right 5.").
- Added a random custom phrase feature. Now, anywhere that BVC allows "Speak a custom phrase." as an option, you can enter multiple phrases separated by the pipe ( | ) character (shifted backslash on most keyboards) and BVC will randomly choose one of those phrases as its response.
- Added user settings so you can now choose how BVC responds when you say "Thank you".
- Updated the help file to catch up with the enhancements. (Still a separate download though :-[ ).
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.1 update released! ***
Changes:
- Corrected a bug where a message box would pop up showing debug information whenever BVC sent an X10 command. Thanks steven r for pointing that one out! Just goes to show pobody's nerfect! ;) ;D
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.1 update released! ***
GREAT upgrade Bill!!! I just downloaded, and installed 0.2.0.1., then made some minor changes to my BVC setup (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).
I haven't used many WAV files (sounds) with my BVC setup (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) before... but now I don't need to use any. For the attention phrase: I now have a selection of several phrases that I created... that BVC randomly selects from. It really gives my Kate [voice] even more personally than she already had [in my mind].
Thank you Bill for the great FREEBIE upgrade!!!
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Yes, thanks.
+1
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.2 update released! ***
Changes:
- Added new Program Command options to Listeners and Custom Commands to control BVC's master volume.
- Updated the help file to catch up with the enhancements. (Still a separate download though :-[ ).
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.3 update released! ***
Changes:
- Added new options under BVC's Tools - Options... menu's General tab to allow BVC to start up "hidden" (only shows up as an icon in the Windows Taskbar's "notification tray" (by the clock)) or start up "normal" (shows the main BVC screen at its default size).
- Added an icon in the Windows Taskbar's "notification tray" (by the clock) which if double-clicked, forces BVC to display itself or if right-clicked, brings up a short menu to control some BVC functions without bringing up the BVC main screen.
- Changed the "x" (close) button on BVC's main screen so that clicking it "hides" BVC instead of exiting BVC.
- Updated the help file to catch up with the enhancements. (Still a separate download though :-[ ).
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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How is this program downloaded? I went to the download page and a box pops up that tells me I'm supposed to login somewhere----where?
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How is this program downloaded? I went to the download page and a box pops up that tells me I'm supposed to login somewhere----where?
http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm is the page for the BVC downloads.
If you scroll down toward the bottom of the page, you'll see the link for the trial version of the software, "Bill's Voice Commander Version 0.1.0.1 Trial Version". Bill generously provides it free for your evaluation purposes. No passwords required. After you start using it, I'm sure you'll want to donate for the full version.
Be sure and get the currently separate (soon to be included?) BVC_Help.zip at almost the bottom of the page as well.
Bill and other BVC users are at the Home Automation Chat (http://bdshost.com/ac/) almost every evening if you have any questions.
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How is this program downloaded? I went to the download page and a box pops up that tells me I'm supposed to login somewhere----where?
http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm is the page for the BVC downloads.
If you scroll down toward the bottom of the page, you'll see the link for the trial version of the software, "Bill's Voice Commander Version 0.1.0.1 Trial Version". Bill generously provides it free for your evaluation purposes. No passwords required. After you start using it, I'm sure you'll want to donate for the full version.
Be sure and get the currently separate (soon to be included?) BVC_Help.zip at almost the bottom of the page as well.
Bill and other BVC users are at the Home Automation Chat (http://bdshost.com/ac/) almost every evening if you have any questions.
Thanks! I couldn't have put it better myself! #:)
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I really miss Kate! OK... Kate is the (Kate 16 bit Neospeech) Voice I use for my BVC setup (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm). Normally... I hear from Kate several times a day... sometimes even in the middle of the night.
But [hurricane] Ike blew through and took my electric power with him... and the days slip by and still no power. Thankfully I have a gasoline generator, a propane Bar-B-Q grill and Coleman camp cook-stove. So I am doing just fine.... but I do miss Kate.
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I really miss Kate! OK... Kate is the (Kate 16 bit Neospeech) Voice I use for my BVC setup (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm). Normally... I hear from Kate several times a day... sometimes even in the middle of the night.
But [hurrican] Ike blew through and took my electric power with him... and the days slip by and still no power. Thankfully I have a gasoline generator, a propane Bar-B-Q grill and Coleman camp cook-stove. So I doing just fine.... but I do miss Kate.
Sounds like a case of "emotional distress" to me! The power company has deprived you of one of your family members! ;)
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Sounds like a case of "emotional distress" to me! The power company has deprived you of one of your family members!
True! Kate has become an actual digital family member.
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Sounds like you need her installed on the laptop! rofl
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Well Kate returned today! After only 8 days 3 hours and 45 minutes without power.... the electric is now back on. It was very nice to hear Kate's voice again.... but seeing the cable TV picture on the TV... nearly brought a tear to my eye.
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Woo Hoo!
I just setup a ninja (believe it or not... I've never had a ninja before). Now I am configuring it in BVC. I already have my cameras setup (using a video auto-switcher) to automatically display on the living room TV when they come on. Now... being able to voice command the camera to scan the yard..... this is like science fiction.
Of course.... my YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM) is still valid... but maybe I should make a more current one to show off some of BVC new abilities.
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.4 update released! ***
Changes:
- Reworked several of the forms to allow the user to resize them so not so much scrolling is required if you have the screen space.
- Added new options under BVC's Tools - Options... menu's General tab to allow the user to decide when (or indeed if) the Face Graphic should be displayed as a resizable and repositionable "Floating Face" that floats above open windows and the desktop.
- Added the option in restore settings to restore the saved form sizes and positions.
- Updated the help file to catch up with the enhancements. (Still a separate download though :-[ ).
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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Hey check out this deal http://www.x10.com/promotions/ak10a_ed_999_1022.html (http://www.x10.com/promotions/ak10a_ed_999_1022.html) $14.99 Audio Sender.... perfect for BVC.
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I am pretty sure I had never actually posted the Automated Chair Videos. I think I merely referred to my video channel (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM)... that way I was able to delete them without messing up any X10 posts (I hate dead links).
But.. due to Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)'s request.. and because we're getting into the Home Automation season... I posted the Automated Chair - the Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZEx3oP6rO0) (A day in the life of an automated chair)
Rumor has it (and I should know... as I started the rumor) Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has purchased a video camera and is currently in the process of making some Automation Videos! I can't wait to see them myself. I am always looking for new HA ideas... and Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has a bunch. I am currently working on using BVC newer capabilities to Voice Command (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) a ninja (which I outfitted with a wired IR camera)... the fun NEVER ends!
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I am pretty sure I had never actually posted the Automated Chair Videos. I think I merely referred to my video channel (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM)... that way I was able to delete them without messing up any X10 posts (I hate dead links).
But.. due to Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)'s request.. and because we're getting into the Home Automation season... I posted the Automated Chair - the Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZEx3oP6rO0) (A day in the life of an automated chair)
What can I say? I love that video! #:)
I am currently working on using BVC newer capabilities to Voice Command (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) a ninja (which I outfitted with a wired IR camera)... the fun NEVER ends!
Cool! 8)
Rumor has it (and I should know... as I started the rumor) Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has purchased a video camera and is currently in the process of making some Automation Videos! I can't wait to see them myself. I am always looking for new HA ideas... and Bill (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has a bunch.
This is payback for getting you to re-post that video, isn't it? ;D :'
Now that you've got everyone's expectations up, I guess I'll have to actually get that camera out and play with it. :' Thanks alot! rofl
Seriously, though, thanks and thanks again for all you have done to help bring BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) out of the woodwork and into the public eye! #:)
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#:)
You two are awesome! Tanks for living on this planet!
>!
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You two are awesome! Tanks for living on this planet!
Wow that's quite a complement. I don't imagine they have ever been "tanked for living on the planet." ;)
(Sorry PajamaGuy I couldn't resist that. It's just the kind of typo I'd make.)
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I think that what Bill's program (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) has done for affordable Home Automation is nothing less than awesome. Voice Command really can add the Star Trek element to an automation setup... it has mine.
Just think of what a program like BVC can do to improve the life style... or even the quality of life... of a mobility restricted individual. I feel privileged to be able to exploit my chronic laziness and love of Home Automation to promote BVC. And as a reward... not only have I achieved the Star Trek like control I dreamed of as a kid. I have the added security and convenience of voice announcements that both my wife and I enjoy.
I rarely remember to thank Bill myself for all he has done with Voice Command... and FOR Home Automation in general... let alone for my own system. I do think my videos (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM) show I do have a passion for cutting edge automation.... and a true appreaction for BVC.
Thank You, speech recognition Home Automation software program, writting guy.... >!
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Wow! :o :-[
I don't know what to say!
Even my font is blushing!
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Well stop blushing and make some BVC videos! I just loaded a new video to my YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM) a VERY short video [called: Activity Detected] I've wanted to make for some time. Almost(?) all my videos are X10 or BVC videos of some kind. With over 12,700 views.... I hope I am having some effect.
BVC is just too darn cool to past up!
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I recently purchased some X10 stuff... I like the X10 deals... and often use them to acquire X10 extras that I may not have an immediate need for. So I picked up a CM19A.. the USB mouse-like firecracker device. I had heard in the Automation Chat Room (see link below) that the CM19A worked with AHP (and BVC).
While loading AHP onto my laptop for this test... I noticed that the AHP software even states that it is loading drivers for the CM19A.
Well I went ahead and loaded BVC on the same laptop... a Vista [OS].. and wow. It was quick, easy, and Vista's Anna's voice is very nice (and at NO extra cost). Initial tests seem to show that the CM19A's range compares to - or is at least as good - as a PalmPad remote.
Has anyone else done anything with BVC and the CM19A?
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Dave_x10_L you'll find that many thirdparty software creations if not all will work with the CM19A if they use the AHP SDK!
The trick is they must see RF which BVC does very well! ;)
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Dave_x10_L you'll find that many thirdparty software creations if not all will work with the CM19A if they use the AHP SDK!
The trick is they must see RF which BVC does very well! ;)
Yeah... the AHP install says [in a pop-up] that it loads the CM19A drivers. But the install is completely new to me... and I am just now beginning to wrap my head around what this could.. or might mean to my HA setup.
I noticed the quickness 1st... not sure it is because I was running everything on my laptop [a much newer pc]... or partly because the CM15A was out of the loop. And of course... RF range... that seems noticeably improved compared to the CM15A.
Of course... the Firecracker (CM19A) isn't aware of PLC... so it isn't without a blemish. Like I said I am just now beginning to wrap my head around this.
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Dave_x10_L you'll find that many thirdparty software creations if not all will work with the CM19A if they use the AHP SDK!
The trick is they must see RF which BVC does very well! ;)
Yeah... the AHP install says [in a pop-up] that it loads the CM19A drivers. But the install is completely new to me... and I am just now beginning to wrap my head around what this could.. or might mean to my HA setup.
I noticed the quickness 1st... not sure it is because I was running everything on my laptop [a much newer pc]... or partly because the CM15A was out of the loop. And of course... RF range... that seems noticeably improved compared to the CM15A.
Of course... the Firecracker (CM19A) isn't aware of PLC... so it isn't without a blemish. Like I said I am just now beginning to wrap my head around this.
That's very interesting!
I know several people have used the CM19A successfully with BVC, but in most cases that was because they already had one and some X10 software or other that supported it.
I wasn't aware that AHP actually installs a CM19A driver too. Cool! 8)
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That's very interesting!
Well my work on the CM19A/AHP/BVC interface may now be delayed. I've been scrambling to Voice Command (scan) a Security Camera since you gave BVC that ability.
I finally accomplished that with a simple CM15A internal antenna mod (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=17240.msg94900#msg94900) and can now... not only voice command cameras on and off... but also tell (at least one) camera where to look. And... you know me.... anything worth doing.. is also worth a YouTube Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gknj0cJkerA). The Video shows me.. in my living room, voice commanding BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm), to operate the Ninja.
Of course... BVC [and AHP with the CM15A] are located in my basement office. I am using my Baby-monitor microphone setup (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395) to get my commands [voice] to the PC. The [now exposed RF antenna] CM15A transmits the signals to the Ninja out back. With my internal cable setup... security cameras are automatically displayed on TV's that are ON.
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Dave_x10_L,
Nice video! 8)
Nice plug at the end too. :'
Thank you! :)%
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There are a few of us users running Windows 7 beta.
But not much being said in the forum here about it and HA other then AHP works with it! ::) :'
I've been running it a few days now rooting out some issues if any with the thirdparty software!
Firing up BVC I noticed 7 starts it's voice recognition I thought this was going to be and issue but results were surprising!
I was able to add devices in BVC via voice command how cool is that! :)%
Actually there is a lot you can do in BVC via 7's voice recognition (some improvement is need as always with MS)!
I fired up AHP expecting that maybe I could trigger devices from it via 7's voice recognition (no go) can't do a darn thing in it other then open/close and minimize it!
So I loaded BVC and PC Companion in FloorPlan mode. Wow what a combo with 7's voice recognition!
What BVC can't do 7 can! Of coarse again some improvement needed but I was impressed!
Notice 7's recognition bar at the top! It can be moved to the botton so it is out of the way or hidden all together via voice!
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We are on the same Page (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14508.msg95511#msg95511) Tuicemen!
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As Bill improves BVC it fits nicer into everyones settups!
Just one BVC Option needed Bill! >*< Hope to see it in the next release then Companion and BVC truely will be the combo every one is looking for! ;) :D
BVC already works better then even Windows 7's voice recognition! But combining the two is awsome!
Bill has done an awesome job at creating a program which works well with so many other programs not just PC Companion!
Thanks Bill, and Don't stop! #:)
>!
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Thanks Bill, and Don't stop! #:)
>!
Stop? rofl
Not in my lifetime (however long that turns out to be)! >!
As far as the >*< goes, I have had some success starting other programs and even passing command line options (arguments) without the need for batch files!
I still need to research a little so as to make sure that the started programs release all resources when closed. Otherwise, the resources might never be released and eventually Windows would have none left to allocate to any program! That's not "good eats". Hmm... maybe I shouldn't watch Food Network while replying. ;) rofl
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having a major problem with bvc. it will not reconise me at all. running windows vista 32 ahp 3.226 cm15. am i doing something wrong?
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What are you using for a mic? And have you ran through the Mic setup in BVC?
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just using a thrust non amp'd mic. i have run the setup from within the bvc menu too. i'm using ahp 3.226 with vista 32. mic plugged into the mic in on the sound card. any help is appreciated i really want to get this working
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just using a thrust non amp'd mic........ mic plugged into the mic in on the sound card.
Yeah the microhone plugged into the soundcard setup is fine for a little dictation in a word document. But the internal audio gain associated with the microphone input.. will distort the input with usage (input just keeps getting louder). A small little amp or pre-amp device plugged into the line-in jack on the soundcard is really what is required.
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I've been automatically (and by Voice Command) displaying security camera views on my TV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkAwQ4KXkHA)'s for some time.
Last spring a lighting strike forced me to replace my old TV with a HD one. I got the new cable box but found the selection of HD content to be very limited. So I connected the new TV to my setup in pretty much the same configuration. I realized the other day that free HD content had swelled.. AND that watching HD channels also disabled the auto display function for my camera setup. I reorganized and reconfigured so as to keep the automatically displayed camera views.
Of course there are as many solutions as setups with these things. But it was important for me to find a solution based on what products I already owned.
I setup a [7 inch 16:9] LCD TV I already owned to view its A/V input and connected it to a Video receiver. I used BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)'s USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/order.htm) to turn the TV On when the cameras are triggered On... ether by the perimeter detection setup... or Voice Command. I hadn't really used BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)'s USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/order.htm) before this. This is really cool stuff!
My BVC Home Automation computer that has the USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/order.htm) is in my basement office. The TV I wanted to remotely turn on... wasn't even on the same floor. So I used a IR resender to get BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) to turn On the TV. I posted a couple little YouTube Videos at my "channel" (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM) that shows better what I did. And I have decided to update my BVC Fan Site Page (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) to better reflect what videos I have loaded on YouTube.
While your at my channel... you may want to take a minute or so to check out some of my favorite videos... some like The Jetsons "Alternate" Opening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpBqYcGqaaw) are really funny.
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I've decided to share my videos a little differently.
Yesterday after I loaded a video to my YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM)... then placed a link to it here... I discovered the video was in the wrong format. By wrong format... I mean I had created the video in widescreen yet saved it in 4:3. That's easy enough for me to do as my camera creates MOV's yet I'm a PC user so I have to re-format to WMV and then.. edit in Windows Movie Maker.
So after I corrected the errant video and reloaded it to YouTube I then came back to the forum and edited my post with the new YouTube link. Then it hit me... I've been doing this all wrong. So I re-designed my BVC Fan Site (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm)... with current BVC related videos embeded right in the Page. Please take a few seconds to check it out (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).
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Some might say that I've been a real P.I.T.A. to the prolific 3-rd party software designers by making suggestion after suggestion to improve functionality. Just the other day, I was pestering Bill about having BVC turn off the monitor via a voice command (a power saver). Looks like Bill put out a new release earlier this morning, and guess what?
#:) Bill
Sorry if my pestering drives you (and Tuicemen) nuts, but I have never been fully satisfied with AHP and you guys fill in the gaps!
Now, for those of you who haven't donated to these creators who have been making AHP better, SHAME ON YOU!
All of our fine 3rd party software designers have worked very hard on these creations to make our lives better and will never be fully compensated for their efforts. Donating for these little widgets has cost me far less than my initial investment for a CM15A and AHP, and make AHP far greater. If more people would donate, the creators could buy more hardware to make Home Domotics even better.
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Sorry if my pestering drives you (and Tuicemen) nuts, but I have never been fully satisfied with AHP and you guys fill in the gaps!
I can't speak for Bill but I actually look forware to your pestering! rofl
We can't think of every thing nor can we 100 % debug (there would never be a new release)!
What users don't realize is Bill and my self put every cent donated into the programs either buying new hardware to work with our creations or software to interface with!
Many times these purchases are funded out of our own pockets, and we never benefit from them!
(AlertDialer cost me $200 to make, labour not included, and I give it away for free with no nags)!
What some don't realize is some adds take a long time to reseach and code! (The PC Companion weather option alone took over a year to put together)
Coding for our own pesonal use is a piece of cake, making workable for everyone else is the hard part!
Donations will never cover our time and sadly probably not our expenses! :( >*<
It may look like I'm ranting, ::) sorry, I'm not!
I actualy look forward to hearing frrom everyone about how the thirdparty software works (or not) for them!
I'm sure Bill feels the same way!
>!
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Tuicemen,
I think you said it quite well!
#:)
>!
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.5 update released! ***
Changes:
- Modified BVC's Listener code to work around an error introduced by X10 in AHP version 3.236 that prevented BVC Listeners from "hearing" X10 commands sent on the power line or when a module was commanded from within AHP.
- Added new Program Command options to Listeners and Custom Commands to turn the computer's monitor on and off.
- Updated the help file to catch up with the enhancements. (Still a separate download though :-[ ).
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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I know I've been busy making YouTube Videos lately. I know it's not really an addiction... and even if it is.. I have it under control.
But recently... a couple members of the forum have complained of having trouble setting up their BVC microphones. I myself know how alone it can feel out there all by yourself setting this up. It isn't like you can turn to a spouse, in-law, or neighbor for help... there just isn't many people doing this yet. So in an effort to get back to my roots of helping other members using these forum posts... I made another video.
I must admit... of all the videos I've made... this is by far my most boring! Named: "Microphone Setup Directions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU8Hf-LNwiw)" (descriptive... if not exciting). If your short on time... but you have two minutes and four seconds to waste.... I swear this movie can make your two minutes seem like TEN.
But... if your having trouble setting up a device-microphone... this is how it's done (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU8Hf-LNwiw). Or maybe if you haven't sold yourself on the benefits of BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) yet... checkout the other 15 videos (http://www.youtube.com/suitmanIM).
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Dave_x10_L,
Boring! ;) But very nice! #:)
May be just the rescue instruction some of the newer users need! 8)
>!
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.6 update released! ***
Changes:
- Corrected an error in the sort routines that would sometimes cause Custom Commands that had identical Trigger phrases to change order when adding new Custom Commands.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.7 update released! ***
Changes:
- Added new Listener triggers to respond to X10 All Lights On, All Lights Off and All Units Off signals.
- Decided it was silly for BVC to repeat the audio responce once for each Device found when a single voice command was issued to control a group of Devices with the same name.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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Wow! Updates without help from Murphy!
I've got to get my X10 computer working again so I can download it and play.
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Used the "All On" within the lights/siren group used for the D7000 house alarm...works beautifully. When alarm is tripped, BVC announces (throughout the house audio system) that "The alarm has been enacted. Police are on the way." Nice addition, Bill.
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.7 update released! ***
Added new Listener triggers to respond to X10 All Lights On, All Lights Off and All Units Off signals.
OMG! It isn't often (or often enough) after a project is completed that I laugh outloud or (even just chuckle) with satisfaction. Well this upgrade caused me to laugh... that evil laugh. The possibilities are truly endless.
When my DS7000 alarm is triggered: On all lights on BVC (Kate) says: "Intrusion Detected". On all units off it's "Authorities have been notified"
I am not saying I will stay with those words... but it made for an awesome test! I may switch to a siren noise.. or a male voice. I will have an outside speaker come on when the all lights on signal is detected... so whatever is spoken or played inside will be played outside as well. For many of us, this resolves the "outside siren issue" that has plagued X10 alarm users.
Very cool Bill.... a job well done! I feel like I should re-contribute to your code writting fund for this upgrade. Thank you very much!
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Thanks guys!
The sad part is, I could have added that a year or more ago!
I added all kinds of commands to send and meant to get back to adding all those to Listeners and just totally spaced it! :'
I think any X10 command BVC can send, it should be able to "listen" for too.
In other words; "More to come!"
>!
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It's been a great weekend for my HA setup!
1st I got that great upgrade (thanks again Bill). Then... since I am home alone.. I decided to just watch a DVD on the living room TV. While playing with the TV's original manufactures remote. I realized the "prev ch" button changes the TV's inputs. So I can watch TV on the cable box HDMI HD feed and "prev ch" back the the composite input to get the Video receivers feed.. which would be my X10 camera view.
This is so cool. I had converted over to a small TV on my endstand for my camera views (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmwM53yfGA)... so I could watch HD TV. But now... I can see my camera images automatically... on the bigger screen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkAwQ4KXkHA). And yet still have HD when watching TV.
How am I getting the TV's to play along with my HA? BVC now has IR control too... using the USB-UIRT (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)... and it works GREAT.
I still think the small TV idea has merit! And can/could be setup near a computer or bedroom nightstand too.
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Great idea, Dave_x10_L. Fortunately, many of the TVs in my house have Picture-in-Picture. Hitting the PIP key on the remote lets me watch both images at the same time (each TV has its own X10 video receiver). Same idea, different method.
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Regarding the WeatherAloud program - I can't seem to find the outputted wav file. I have the output folder sent to my desktop and I get nothing. Can anyone help?
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Regarding the WeatherAloud program - I can't seem to find the outputted wav file. I have the output folder sent to my desktop and I get nothing. Can anyone help?
Hummm. Not sure why it isn't showing on your desktop. Are you sure your saving a file? The file should be named something "summary1.wav". I save my wav file directly to the BVC audio folder (C:/program files/wgjohns.com/user data/audio files).
The WeatherAloud program isn't the most user friendly program I've ever used. Even though I've used it for a couple years... I don't feel as I know it very well. You could email or call the WeatherAloud support.
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Regarding the WeatherAloud program -
Running Weather Aloud with BVC? See this tutorial by Knightrider at Bills forum: http://wgjohns.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=158
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I have many critters that feel at home in my yard... many feel free to dine on my yard. I enjoy the wildlife... but the damage done is more than a nuisance.. its costly. The other day I placed an EagleEye near a planting that is being destroyed by a snacking deer. Then I set a BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) listener to be triggered by the Motion Sensor... and simply tell me that the little tree was possibly being eaten.
I have never failed to smile... after Voice Commanding (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eGD78b8UsA) on [or off] a light, or controlling a Ninja mounted camera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gknj0cJkerA) using BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) (sometimes I actully giggle). But the most functional part of BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) has been... for me.. the announcements.
I do use a couple chimes! I have one in the bedroom that chimes when the perimeter detection system is triggered. And I have one in the garage.. that will let me know if I trigger the DS7000. I also use a little RED C5 Christmas light... and a small light in a lantern.. both as X10 triggered visual warnings.
But even if I didn't use the Voice Command part of BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) the voice (or wav file warnings), the listeners, and other added functions.. and of course the announcements really makes the program indispensable.
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Over at Bill's new forum.... I was recently asked about my "follow me" command/macro. When I replied (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?topic=111.msg436#msg436)... I got the idea that maybe.. I could just upload the ahx file. Well that works at Bills forum... although that feature seems to be disabled here.
It's a great feature! I deleted all devices, timers and other macros... leaving ONLY the follow me macros and the devices required. Anyone can download the ahx file... change to house/unit codes to ones that they would use... and test the macro at their location. Then if they like the follow me macro: just click "file" (top left) and select "merge" the new file is then merged to the (selected) current ahx file.
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.8 update released! ***
Changes:
- Corrected some problems installing and running on Windows Vista with User Account Control enabled.
- Corrected the issue where BVC couldn't recognize or link to AHP, (and so couldn't control X10 devices), on 64 bit versions of Windows.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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I have hesitated to mention my BVC Fan Site (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) for some time now. All my Sites including the Fan Site (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) had been hosted for "free" by Yahoo's geocities. However those Sites disapear Oct 26th. Today I bit the bullet (sorta speak) and rented my space.
It may take some time to get everything back up to speed.
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I'm trying out BVC now. Cool stuff. :)
Question: After a few minutes while just sitting idle, it would flash a message saying something like it has reached maximum number of executions or something like that and must shut down.
Is that normal?
Thanks,
eagle
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Question: After a few minutes while just sitting idle, it would flash a message saying something like it has reached maximum number of executions or something like that and must shut down.
Is that normal?
No not normal at all. My setup runs for weeks at a time between restarts. I don't know what warning you may have received. Often windows warnings contain a set of numbers (and letters). Then.. that can then be searched... and the exact problem known. If you get it again... the exact warning.. might have more information.
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eagle,
If you are just trying out BVC, may I assume you are using the trial version and not the paid version? The trial version does come up with a nag screen after an allotted time period and shut itself down. This is to encourage you to buy the full version, which doesn't have a time limit. Not sure if this is what you're seeing but looks familiar from when I was trying the trial version.
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Thanks Dave and jrwhit.
Yes, I have the trial version. I want to make sure it runs fine on the HA pc without any issues before getting the full version.
Here's the message I get:
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Trial Version runtime limit exceeded. BVC must shutdown. Please click "Okay" and save your settings.
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There is one thread on BVC that talked only about a nag to upgrade but nothing about the system shutting down. That's why I thought I'm seeing a system error vs. an upgrade nag.
If the message I'm getting is an upgrade nag, then I'll presume that the program is working properly.
Yes? No?
Thanks,
eagle
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Trial Version runtime limit exceeded. BVC must shutdown. Please click "Okay" and save your settings.
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.... The trial version does come up with a nag screen after an allotted time period and shut itself down.
That does make sense eagle. But I must admit... I haven't tested Bill's trial version. I know it was tested.. but not by me. I've been using BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) since back when it was BXVC (2006?). Although I've used a few different updates I've never tried the trial.
I've seen a couple people with wood and title floors AND small children... that have difficulty with noise issues. And some people need a little assistant with setup. But I have never seen anyone who wanted to use BVC have any problem that would have kept them from doing so.
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Eagle,
Yes, that is the trial version "nag". It will go away once you donate and go to the full version. Looks like everything is working right. Go play and enjoy! ;D
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Thanks Dave and ITGuy.
Off I go to get the full version. :)
r,
eagle
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Made the donation for the nag-free full version. :)
Thanks Bill for a wonderful program.
r,
eagle
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Made the donation for the nag-free full version. :)
Thanks Bill for a wonderful program.
r,
eagle
Thank you for the donation!
>!
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Thanks Bill for the chance to beta test this simple yet very nice upgrade!
I should say to everyone else. Bill made a code edit/modification/upgrade to BVC... (at my request). I just got the beta version of it (although Bill fully tests everything before even releasing the beta) and wanted to say thanks to Bill (as well as mention the upgrade).
It is a just small addition to the listener list... that will allow me to write a macro that can trigger a silent attention phrase. Before you go:... saywhat? Let me explain.
With my S.A.R.A. (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19034.msg106443#msg106443) concept/project I am attempting to get my Home Automation Computer to be more about service than control. Meaning the macros and conditions would see a (programed) likely need for service... and BVC would ask me it I would like... say the TV, or radio turned on.
By setting up devices in device manger (BVC) Like TV, Radio, music. This allows me to say: "Computer" (then I wait for the attention phrase sound) then I would say: "Television ON" (you do need the USB-UIRT for that). But now... the plan is to set in my chair (the HA PC will see this) BVC will then ask me if I would like the TV or radio on. I can merely reply (in a conversational manner) television on, please (no need not to be polite).
Thanks again for the cool addition Bill!
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Is there a simple reason why I can't view the BVC help files after downloading and extracting? TIA
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Is there a simple reason why I can't view the BVC help files after downloading and extracting? TIA
From the BVC FAQ at: http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?board=5.0 (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?board=5.0)
Question:
Why do I get a message saying "The page cannot be displayed" when I try to open the BVC Help.chm file?
Answer:
Microsoft released a security update for Windows XP (this very likely applies to Windows Vista as well) that "blocks active content in .chm files to protect your system security". The solution is to tell Windows that the BVC Help.chm file is safe. To do this, right-click on the BVC Help.chm file, and select "Properties" from the popup menu. Click on the "Unblock" button (immediately below the "Advanced" button) on the "General" page. Click the "Apply" button to show the content. Once the BVC Help.chm file has been unblocked, the "Unblock" button disappears.
That do the trick?
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Well, that sounds good in theory, but I had already looked for such a thing and I don't have an "advanced" button on the "general" page (unless my eyes are as tired as they feel). :) I did get the program working well enough to get a general feel for it anyway, though. Very nice work. Windows doesn't understand me as well as Dragon yet, though. By the way, I guess it goes without saying that I can't have Dragon and BVC open at the same time.
EDIT: I lied. I was right-clicking on the actual file. I did find it by right-clicking on the zipped file. Thanks a ton. Now I can really explore your fine program. :)
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Hmmm.... I can't even find that file.
I looked in the wgjohns folder in Program files and didn't find it.
I did a system wide search and didn't find it.
Where is it supposed to be?
Thanks,
eagle
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It's a separate download on the same download page with BVC itself.
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Aha!
Thanks kk.
Just downloaded it. :)
r,
eagle
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*** BVC Version 0.2.0.9 update released! ***
Changes:
- Added the option to Listeners and Custom Commands to make BVC act as if it has just heard the Attention Phrase. This makes it possible to create Custom Commands that the user can speak as responses without having the Custom Commands always active when the Attention Phrase hasn't been heard (i.e. by unchecking the "This Command Requires The Attention Phrase" box). It also allows any Listener to act as a trigger to replace the Attention Phrase.
- Corrected the issue introduced in Version 0.2.0.8 where BVC couldn't find and import settings when upgrading from the Trial Version to the Full Version.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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Thanks Bill for the chance to beta test this simple yet very nice upgrade!
I should say to everyone else. Bill made a code edit/modification/upgrade to BVC... (at my request). I just got the beta version of it (although Bill fully tests everything before even releasing the beta) and wanted to say thanks to Bill (as well as mention the upgrade).
It is a just small addition to the listener list... that will allow me to write a macro that can trigger a silent attention phrase. Before you go:... saywhat? Let me explain.
With my S.A.R.A. (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19034.msg106443#msg106443) concept/project I am attempting to get my Home Automation Computer to be more about service than control. Meaning the macros and conditions would see a (programed) likely need for service... and BVC would ask me it I would like... say the TV, or radio turned on.
By setting up devices in device manger (BVC) Like TV, Radio, music. This allows me to say: "Computer" (then I wait for the attention phrase sound) then I would say: "Television ON" (you do need the USB-UIRT for that). But now... the plan is to set in my chair (the HA PC will see this) BVC will then ask me if I would like the TV or radio on. I can merely reply (in a conversational manner) television on, please (no need not to be polite).
Thanks again for the cool addition Bill!
You're very welcome!
>!
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I just noticed the page views on this thread... (Read 132019 times). Add that to the old BXVC thread (102937 views) and its right at 235,000 views. This sort of popularity has to be right up there with the big name and pricey Voice Control Automation Softwares.
Is there anyone out there that hasn't tried BVC yet?
I've been testing, using and posting about BVC (or the old BXVC (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=13387.msg62923#msg62923)) for over three years now myself. Amazingly... my avatar hasn't aged a day. And I still haven't stopped finding new ways to use BVC ether. Of course, your updates and upgrades help with that too.
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Dave, the number of page views really says something about the software and it's popularity. Though I installed it a couple months ago, I haven't really had a lot of time to play with it with trying to get other parts of my house set up with modules, and writing my new software (RemoteWatch x10). I did just get my new powerflash module the other day though that I set up at the top of my garage door as a status indicator. I then set up BVC to announce when the garage door is open (magnetic switch closes when door is up), and when it is closing (magnetic switch breaks connection). I want to get another powerflash now to put at the bottom so BVC can tell me when the door is closed, and when it's opening.
I was actually quite happy to hear my house speak it's first words. Now I just have to figure out how I am going to do my microphone setup for this. I have had some ideas that I have wanted to try, but just haven't had the time. I love BVC though and as you said, will never stop thinking of new ways to use it.
Dan B.
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Honestly, if it weren't for BVC I would have never gone the x10 way. :)
r,
eagle
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..... I did just get my new powerflash module the other day though that I set up at the top of my garage door as a status indicator. I then set up BVC to announce when the garage door is open (magnetic switch closes when door is up), and when it is closing (magnetic switch breaks connection). I want to get another powerflash now to put at the bottom so BVC can tell me when the door is closed, and when it's opening.
The "garage door reminder" is great. I get really high Wife Approval from that. But you don't need two powerflash modules.. or even two reed switches to get both the up and down announcement. I've written about my reminder macro (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=14721.msg81860#msg81860) and at my own Site I even have the macro available for download (http://davesdomainonline.com/x10/ahpmacro.htm). Once downloaded... it can be edited to use your own (monitored) codes... then mergered into your own AHX (AHP) files.
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The "garage door reminder" is great. I get really high Wife Approval from that. But you don't need two powerflash modules.. or even two reed switches to get both the up and down announcement. I've written about my reminder macro (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=14721.msg81860#msg81860) and at my own Site I even have the macro available for download (http://davesdomainonline.com/x10/ahpmacro.htm). Once downloaded... it can be edited to use your own (monitored) codes... then mergered into your own AHX (AHP) files.
Dave, right now with the one powerflash module, I cannot tell weather the door is ACTUALLY down, only up. When someone triggers the garage door with the door remote, I don't have a sensor for that trigger. Another thing is that the door can be paused in the middle of opening where it would stop part way up. If I had both PF modules, I can have it run a check 2 minutes after opening or closing to check weather both PF modules are in an open state indicating that the door is not all the way up or down, and then take appropriate action. I figure for the 10 bucks for the module and being able to recycle another reed switch and magnet, that is a cheap fix to the issue.
Dan
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.... the door can be paused in the middle of opening where it would stop part way up. .................
I figure for the 10 bucks for the module and being able to recycle another reed switch and magnet, that is a cheap fix to the issue.
I see your point. I placed my reed switch and magnet at the top of the door... so it sees the closed position. My door would need to break... to pause in mid-travel... which of course could happen. I guess I never planned for that event.
However... my setup records (and announces) closed... then assumes that not closed... means open (and announces that also). Then if it remains open/not closed it re-announces that every 10 minutes. Whereas stuck halfway up isn't open... I would be notified.
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My door would need to break... to pause in mid-travel... which of course could happen. I guess I never planned for that event.
My door opener is set so that if it is going down and the button is hit, car remote is pushed or my UM is triggered, the door will reverse and come back to full open. But if the door is coming up and it is triggered again, the door will stop in mid position. For this reason, I want to set a pause at the end of the open macro and check to see if it is full open. If not at full open, it will issue 2 more door triggers 3 seconds apart to cause the door to try opening fully. This is because after an open trigger, another trigger will reverse the door to closing, and another one would start it opening again. Conversely, on the close macro, I want it to pause and check that it reaches full closed.
If something is in the way of the sensor eye at the bottom of the door, it will move slightly and then reverse again. This setup will let me set BVC to tell me that something is in the way of the door sensor.
My current powerflash sensor is at the top and can tell me that the door is open, or is closing. But I want the full boat automation baby. >!
Dan
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........... I want the full boat automation baby. >!
Cool.
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I just posted (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?topic=142.new) over at Bill's forum (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php). It seems although there is less posts about BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) here.. posts at Bill's forum (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php) have increased. But this was too cool not to mention here as well. I found a post at cocoontech that explains how to get Vista's really nice Anna voice... on to an XP PC.
Read more here (http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?topic=142.new).
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Thanks Dave.
Will give this a shot.
r,
eagle
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*** BVC Version 0.2.1.0 update released! ***
Version 0.2.1.0:
Obvious user enhancements:- Added the option to Listeners and Custom Commands to make BVC Speak text from a text file.
- Added the option to Listeners and Custom Commands to make BVC Speak text from a randomly selected text file in a selected folder.
- Added the option to Listeners and Custom Commands to make BVC Play a randomly selected audio file in a selected folder.
- Added a feature in the Help menu to locate the current paths to BVC folders and to open those folders in Windows Explorer.
Not-so-obvious internal enhancements:The usual automatic and transparent conversion of the previous version's user settings to the current format.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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Couldn't decide, here or BVC Forum. Just compelled to chime in and give another THANK YOU to Bill. I love this program. I am having a blast!
Also, wanted to share some things. Not very exciting but maybe of help to current BVC users and or future users.
I did the 'modded Baby Monitor'. Thank you Dave! In the beginning all was well but it started seeming I had to be fairly close to the mic ( less than about 6ft.) for 'Anna' (sounds like a maids name :P) to catch my voice. I decided to investigate. I got the notion to open up the hole in front of the mic in the case to see if that might help. Upon opening the transmitter I found the mic hot glued somewhat crooked in it's cavity.
So, I CAREFULLY fixed that and just slightly opened up that hole. Did it help? Maybe..kind'a ..sort'a My observation right now is I can't get enough volume to the PC. Always showing 'Too Quiet '. Volume adjust on Baby Monitor is at about 3/4. Also think'n the sound card in the machine is el cheapo. Still, it works. I'll keep at it.
Reading Dave's story about how he got the Baby Monitor mod idea has...um...well, got me just a pinch paranoid that others can or could also hear when Anna and I chat.
I found this, but not being thoroughly electro savvy I cannot find an answer to the receiver end of things. I found where to get the Crystal and I do OK at soldering. (anyone who reads this and can help, it would be appreciated)
http://72.52.208.92/~gbpprorg/mil/baby_bug/index.html
Although being a decent chunk'o change for me and then modifying it, I'm considering this in the next weeks. Mostly to avoid the whole powerline/phase conflict. After checking out the user manual, I'll bet one could convert one of the 'in' ports to an out. And as my son and I would say " It would be just randy" Tweaked Austin Powers quote.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2464775&cp=&pg=1&sr=1&origkw=intercom&kw=intercom&parentPage=search
Gary
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Couldn't decide, here or BVC Forum. Just compelled to chime in and give another THANK YOU to Bill. I love this program. I am having a blast!
Welcome to what is becoming an army of BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) users. It is a great program!
I did the 'modded Baby Monitor'. Thank you Dave! In the beginning all was well but it started seeming I had to be fairly close to the mic ( less than about 6ft.) for 'Anna' (sounds like a maids name :P) to catch my voice. ....................
.......... My observation right now is I can't get enough volume to the PC. Always showing 'too soft'. Volume adjust on Baby Monitor is at about 3/4. Also think'n the sound card in the machine is el cheapo. Still, it works. I'll keep at it.
First... make sure your mini jack (from the baby monitors receiver) is plugged into the computer [sound cards] Line-in (never the microphone jack). I barely have any volume on my monitor at all.... I have fought with too much volume. You may be able to correct the PC's internal setting by running a "microphone setup". In BVC click on tools and select "set up microphone". Have your monitors volume setting turned down.
But... I had always planned on converting over to intercoms. Although I still use the baby monitors myself... I am a big fan of the intercoms.
Reading Dave's story about how he got the Baby Monitor mod idea has...um...well, got me just a pinch paranoid that others can or could also hear when Anna and I chat.
Even paranoid people have neighbors. I did some testing with mine... and mine and it just didn't have the range needed for the neighbors to listen in.
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I did some testing with mine... and mine and it just didn't have the range needed for the neighbors to listen
Thanks for the reassuring words on my paranoia. I might just buy another Baby Monitor set and do a range test myself just to set that to rest.
I followed your instruction(s) super carefull, I bought the exact Baby Monitor set, and the correct cabling, but could I have still boo-bood the modification some how, and that's what is causing the lack of volume? Right now, the modded receiver adjust is at 3/4 and the 'Line In' on PC is at roughly 3/4 volume. It's working, maybe I should just let it be.
I will check the setup... again, and re-run the microphone setup.......again. Can't say enough - Wife thinks I'm nuts, but I'm hooked.
G.
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...... Wife thinks I'm nuts, but I'm hooked.
I know that look they give us.... and I know the feeling.
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Reading Dave's story about how he got the Baby Monitor mod idea has...um...well, got me just a pinch paranoid that others can or could also hear when Anna and I chat.
One of my paranoias with using the baby monitor mod has always been that others could hear. Now I'm not trying to increase your paranoia or anything, but I feel I need to add $.02 here. When using a baby monitor to transmit your voice to your computer, do realize that you are continually broadcasting your voice out in the air. Anyone that has another baby monitor or police scanner tuned to the right frequency can hear what is going on. Not only when you chat with Anna, but everything that goes on in the room. Even though the signal may be a bit quiet for the computer, all the other person on the other end has to do is turn their volume up to hear you better. Baby monitors are designed to be very sensitive to noise in the room and can pick up the slightest whisper.
Like I say, My intention is not to increase anyone's paranoia, but just to make you aware that others could be listening. A friend of mine years ago had a programmable police scanner and used to punch in the baby monitor and cordless phone frequency ranges and just drive around the neighborhood. At times you could hear some interesting stuff. Now days cordless phones have added a little more security to their radio transmissions making it slightly harder for people to listen in, but I can't imagine there is too much security on a transmission from a twenty dollar baby monitor.
I still think though that Dave_X10_L's baby monitor solution is an ingenious cheap solution to a problem.
For what my two cents is worth.
Dan Bemowski
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......... A friend of mine years ago had a programmable police scanner and used to punch in the baby monitor and cordless phone frequency ranges and just drive around the neighborhood. At times you could hear some interesting stuff.
It's true... there are some sick puppies out there! Hopefully your friend received some help with his problems before it progressed to greater crimes. Contrary to some peoples believes... these types of crimes (and the people that commit them) aren't common. I am sure you counseled your friend in an effort to correct/help him. If someone (like your old friend) wants to listen in on you tonight a more relieable way would be to buy (http://www.spy-tronix.com/parabolicmicrophone.html) or make (http://www.instructables.com/id/Dollar-Store-Parabolic-Mic/) a Parabolic Microphone.
Millions... of Baby Monitors will be used tonight. Most Baby Monitors are left on 24/7. Whereas reasonable concern should be used in all matters involving security and privacy... Baby Monitors would not normally rate high on any list of risk assessment.
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I understand.....I will look on the bright side. My hood here has become predominantly.... :'(... lets just say I don't speak Spanish to BVC, so I have minor built in security?
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I also must admit... I have my baby monitors on X10 modules so the can be switched (on or off from one to the other). I have a follow me command/macro (the follow me macro was actually Bills idea). So I can say "follow me to the office" and the upstairs microphone [monitor] turns off and the office one turns on.
Since I don't have a need to command lights and other devices 24/7... I don't run the microphone (or receiver) 24/7. And if I was meet with friends in my living room to plan world domination... I might concider turning the mics off.
As you may know... I have been working on my setup with Occupancy Sensing (http://davesdomainonline.com/os/sensing.htm) and S.A.R.A. (http://davesdomainonline.com/sara/sara.htm) in mind. It is my hope that I can "teach" [program?] the HA PC to know when to ask questions and listen for directions. This is all trial and error... living with something for a while... and seeing how it works out.
An example would be: It is easier to hear BVC's [Kate] voice speak.. when my TV is muted.. so I can.
- Setup my BVC to listen [microphone ON] when I mute my TV.
- Or I could setup the TV to mute... when I speak BVC's attention phrase.
- Or I could do nether... and make both functions manually controlled via my Icon remote.
Other options and choices can be just as perplexing. THE FUN NEVER ENDS!!!
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Millions... of Baby Monitors will be used tonight. Most Baby Monitors are left on 24/7. Whereas reasonable concern should be used in all matters involving security and privacy... Baby Monitors would not normally rate high on any list of risk assessment.
We had our monitors on 24/7 for maybe 8 years.
If the neighbors ever heard us arguing, they were polite enough to keep it to themselves... ;D
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Confession: I have heard my neighbors arguing on their baby monitor... :'
I never told them.
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Confession: I have heard my neighbors arguing on their baby monitor...
I used to hear a neighbor that lived in the apartment below me. His girlfriend was always screaming.... but they never argued.
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I used to hear a neighbor that lived in the apartment below me. His girlfriend was always screaming.... but they never argued.
Being a married man myself, I think the key word there is "girlfriend". :o :'
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Confession: I have heard my neighbors arguing on their baby monitor...
I used to hear a neighbor that lived in the apartment below me. His girlfriend was always screaming.... but they never argued.
BTDT... :D
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What's a guy gotta do to get the full version since it is password protected??
I am tinkering around with ihouse and want to integrate it and try it out.
Thanks!! ;D
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What's a guy gotta do to get the full version since it is password protected??
I am tinkering around with ihouse and want to integrate it and try it out.
Thanks!! ;D
The latest trial version pops up a box explaining all that when you start it up. B:( ;)
>!
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>!
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Bill
I finally got BVC working to my satisfaction And it is great. In fact it has become a topic on its own. All my friends talk about it. And my grand sons love to give their command and at least they think they control the lights. I am thinking of setting BVC in their own rooms.
Here is how I communicate with BVC:
I modified a baby monitor, just as Dave had done, and I use my telephone system's intercome to talk to monitor. I do need your help to figure out how my wife too can use the system. Can BVC operate with more than one voice using the same setup? I'll need to do that for my grand sons as well or I'll have a reballion on my hands. oh the boys are only 4 & 6.
Thanks again for a flawless system and keep up the good work. Also do let me know if I can be of any help.
IPS
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...... I modified a baby monitor, just as Dave had done, and I use my telephone system's intercome to talk to monitor.
Hummm. Does that mean your [sending] monitor is in listening range of at least one phone... so using the phone intercom from anywhere in the home works?
I do need your help to figure out how my wife too can use the system. Can BVC operate with more than one voice using the same setup? I'll need to do that for my grand sons as well or I'll have a reballion on my hands. oh the boys are only 4 & 6.
Whereas Bill hasn't worked out that wife (as another user) thing yet.... my (grown) son can command my setup just fine. I wonder if the two boys will sound plenty close enough to each other as well.
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Dave
Sorry for such a late reply. You are right, monitor is right next to one of the phones. Only drawback to this setup is that when some one is using this particular phone, i get to hear it down in basement. Of course the monitor can be turned off for the duration of the call.
Boys do sound close enough. I'll give it a try on their next visit.
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.. You are right, monitor is right next to one of the phones. Only drawback to this setup is that when some one is using this particular phone....
I like that idea!
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I would like to get some ideas from you all on how to use the "speak text file" feature. I know I can surely use this feature but right now my brain went on vacation! Maybe we can share ideas on how to use this feature! :)
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I would like to get some ideas from you all on how to use the "speak text file" feature. I know I can surely use this feature but right now my brain went on vacation! Maybe we can share ideas on how to use this feature! :)
Looks like this discussion has been moved to Bill's (BVC) forums: http://wgjohns.com/forums/index.php?topic=160.msg747#msg747
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One of the reasons for speaking text from a file was to support the reading of text files created by other software. It could be anything from current weather readings or sports scores to status output from some other sensing program.
The other reason was that some people wanted BVC to speak text that was either too long or too difficult to manually enter into "Speak a Custom Phrase" style setups.
One user, for instance, wanted BVC to speak a random Bible passage every morning, but the total number and length of the passages was too much for a "Custom Phrase". Now, the passages can be stored in separate text files and BVC can randomly choose a text file (passage) to speak.
I just write the tools, it's the user's imagination that brings them to life! ;)
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And what a great tool BVC is!!!! Any other ideas? ;D
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*** BVC Version 0.2.1.1 update released! ***
Version 0.2.1.1:
Obvious user enhancements:- Finally linked the help file with the menu.
- The help file is now part of the BVC download and install.
Not-so-obvious internal enhancements:The usual automatic and transparent conversion of the previous version's user settings to the current format.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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*** BVC Version 0.3.0.0 update released! ***
Just in time for Halloween!
(Okay, so, a couple months early is better than a couple of months late!)
Finally BVC can play all of those scary sounds and songs that you couldn't get converted to .wav audio format!
Version 0.3.0.0:
Obvious user enhancements:- Added support for any audio file format supported by Windows Media Player (requires that you have Windows Media Player installed and working).
- Changed the audio file selection dialog to include all of the supported audio file formats (defaults to *.wav if BVC can't find Windows media player).
Not-so-obvious internal enhancements:- Fixed the selection of random files from a folder so that only supported file types get selected (it was selecting from all (*.*) file types, which could cause very strange results).
- The usual automatic and transparent conversion of the previous version's user settings to the current format.
Not-so-obvious internal enhancements:The usual automatic and transparent conversion of the previous version's user settings to the current format.
Get the update in the usual place at: http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm)
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......Finally BVC can play all of those scary sounds and songs that you couldn't get converted to .wav audio format!
Very COOL Bill. (And you pounded that out in less than what.. a week.. or three years.) So in non-geek this means I can update and then... I can add MP3 sounds to my audio list... right?
And, if someone doesn't remember (or didn't save) the required password for updates... they should email you with the same email (address/name) that they used when they purchased BVC.
P.S. This is very cool stuff.
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... So in non-geek this means I can update and then... I can add MP3 sounds to my audio list... right?
And, if someone doesn't remember (or didn't save) the required password for updates... they should email you with the same email (address/name) that they used when they purchased BVC.
Right!
>!
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... So in non-geek this means I can update and then... I can add MP3 sounds to my audio list... right?
And, if someone doesn't remember (or didn't save) the required password for updates... they should email you with the same email (address/name) that they used when they purchased BVC.
Right!
>!
Hmm... Has someone been talking about me behind my back? ;)
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Hmm... Has someone been talking about me behind my back? ;)
Well hell yes we have! You've been missed.
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Hmm... Has someone been talking about me behind my back? ;)
We'd talk about you to your face, but you never show up in the chat room anymore. rofl
>!