Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] Time to Upgrade? Bill Walters Fri, 3 Mar 2000 22:48:25 -0600

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Brian,

I'll answer based on my experience, which may not be typical of others on
the list...

1.  Optimum Hardware Configuration?  Not just enough to get by, but what are
you folks finding that really let's it run well, without going crazy...

I was using Cyrix MII-300 w/64k until recently.  Inadequate for decent
response if you're going to use all the "bells & whistles" plus other
programs on the machine...  If you're STRICTLY running ECS, then event the
Cyrix MII-300 should be fine.  I now use a K6-2 400 with 64K (need to add
another 64K) and think that's going to do me just fine...  I am running ECS
4.3.001, Sygate 3.1 (cable modem sharing to all machines), ACE Server  and
Remote Administrator on my ECS machine.

2.  What about BigMouth?  That's what I have now and understand it is not
supported in the Windows version.  Can I buy something that's as good or
better?

Bigmouth board is dead...  will not work with windows.  Zoom 14.4 VFP seems
to be modem of choice, although I've successfully used Creative Labs "Phone
Blaster" (it's an old ISA board)... Watch out, the newest modems using
Rockwell chips don't support local record (I think it is?)   One person
(forget who?) tied two ECS machines together via serial connection... ECS
Windows version for the gee-whizz and ECS-DOS strictly for local phone
control and telephone messaging with BIGMOUTH board.  Never did find out the
details, but I find current state of telephony adequate in the windows
version...  Windows version doesn't "hang" on speech output or telephone
answer; you can set it up so your CFG file continues to "chug" along...
Makes it nice to be able to conpletely control your message playback with
X-10 console (messge delete, backspace, etc.) which you couldn't do with
ECS-DOS and BIGMOUTH.  Also, I've added a Weeder Telephone IX board to
provide capability for logging all outgoing calls, as well as providing for
local control capability (but I've only tested that, it's not in actual
use).

3.  I'm assuming I would need to pay Mark G. for the upgrade.  How much is
it and what's the process for getting it done?

Don't remember what it was, but I'm sure it was too little.....  See Mark's
web page (www.usit.com/omnip) for details?  Download the full package (it's
over 3 MB), e-mail Mark telling him you're working on the "upgrade" to
windows.  Think you get 30 days "trial" with everything working...  You'll
need a good bit of time to test/modify your CFG to work with the new windows
versions..Be SURE to read the UPD.TXT file and as always, the list is here
to answer your questions....  You'll also need to download appropriate
speech engines from Microsoft; Mark provides link info in ECS.HTM file (the
help file)

The only way to do it is to just do it.....  think you'll find it worth the
effort unless the only way you control ECS at your house is via local phone
commands.   I know the speech capabilities (the speech package is SO much
nicer!) is worth the price of admission alone!

My two cents worth...

Bill Walters

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