
			 DECtalk PC
		 TEXT-TO-SPEECH SYNTHESIZER
			 USER GUIDE
3rd Edition,  March  1994
Copyright 1994 by Digital Equipment Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.

The reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is strictly
prohibited. For copy information, contact the Assistive Technology
Group, Digital Equipment Corporation, Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice
and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment
Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility
for any errors that may appear in this document.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such
license. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of
software on equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.
	 , DEC, and DECtalk are  trademarks of Digital Equipment
Corporation.

IBM and Personal Computer AT  are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines, Inc.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation

The installation program used to install DECtalk PC, INSTALL, is
licensed software provided by Knowledge Dynamics Corp., P.O. Box 1558,
Canyon Lake, Texas 78130-1558 (USA). INSTALL is Copyright  1987-1991
by Knowledge Dynamics Corp. which reserves all copyright protection
worldwide. INSTALL is provided to you for the exclusive purpose of
installing DECtalk PC. Digital Equipment Corporation is exclusively
responsible for the support of DECtalk PC, including support during
the installation phase. In no event will Knowledge Dynamics Corp. be
able  to provide any technical support for DECtalk PC.

FCC COMPLIANCE
FCC id: AO9-DTC07
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.  These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
radio frequency interference.  Any modification that is not expressly
approved by Digital  may void the user's authority to operate this
equipment. The speaker interconnect cable as supplied with the DTC07
interface card may not be substituted, nor altered or modified in any
way.

This equipment generates, uses and can emit radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

o Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
o Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
o Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
  that to which the receiver is connected.
o Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
  additional suggestions.

The user may find the booklet  "How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV
Interference Problems" prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful. The booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC  20402, Stock No. 004-000-00398-5.

CAUTION - ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD:
In order to minimize the risk of a fire, this module is constructed
from a UL Recognized Component Printed Circuit Board. However, it  is
not to be operated as a stand-alone product. It is to be mounted
within a UL Listed, CSA Certified product that provides it with a full
fire enclosure.

In order to minimize the risk of electric shock, this module is to be
powered from a power supply output that is provided with Overload
Protection and supplies Safety Extra Low Voltage (less than 60 volts
dc or 30 volts rms).

Note: All Personal Computers sold by Digital Equipment Corporation
meet these requirements.

Warning: Discharges of static electricity (ESD) can damage sensitive
computer components. Do not remove the module from its protective
packaging until actual installation.

			    CONTENTS.
FCC COMPLIANCE.                                                 IV.
CAUTION - ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD.                       IV.
SECTION 1 INSTALLATION.                                          1.
Introduction.                                                    1.
Upgrades.                                                        1.
Before You Begin.                                                1.
Checking the Parts.                                              1.
The DECtalk PC Card.                                             2.
 Physical Layout.                                                2.
External Speaker.                                                3.
Installing the DECtalk PC Card.                                  3.
 Tools Needed.                                                   4.
 Installation Steps.                                             4.
Installing DECtalk PC Software.                                  5.
 DEFAULT OR VARIABLE INSTALLATION.                               6.
 DEFAULT INSTALLATION.                                           6.
 VARIABLE INSTALLATION.                                          7.
Using  DECtalk PC.                                               7.
Default COM and LPT port.                                        7.
SECTION 2.  USING DECTALK PC.                                    9.
 Third-party applications.                                       9.
 Using DOS Commands.                                             9.
 Copying to a Com Port.                                          9.
 Printing to an LPT Parallel Printer Port.                      10.
 Using a Terminal Emulator.                                     10.
 Using a Word Processor.                                        10.
 Using Digitized Sound Files.                                   10.
 Using Headphones.                                              11.
 Modifying DECtalk Parameters.                                  11.
Product Support.                                                12.
 Product Warranty.                                              12.
 Bulletin Board Service BBS.                                    12.
 Post-Sales Support.                                            12.
 Customer Returns.                                              12.
Application Development.                                        13.
 DTDEMO.                                                        13.
Assistive Technology Reseller.                                  13.
SECTION 3 CONFIGURATION.                                        15.
Factory Defaults.                                               15.
Startup Problems.                                               15.
 Devices No Longer Operate.                                     16.
Configuration Utility.                                          17.
 USING DT_CONF.                                                 17.
TABLE 1.  DEFAULT SETTINGS.                                     20.
TABLE 2.  SWITCH SELECTIONS.                                    20.
 CHECKING BOARD FUNCTION.                                       21.
Customization of the startup message.                           21.
Default Communications and Printer Ports.                       22.
SECTION 4 OWNER'S INFORMATION.                                  23.
The DECtalk PC.                                                 23.
DECtalk PC Board Description.                                   23.
Hardware Requirements.                                          23.
Software Requirements.                                          24.
Distribution Media.                                             24.
Operating System Requirements.                                  24.
Physical.                                                       24.
Power Supply Requirements.                                      25.
Memory.                                                         25.
Ordering Information.                                           25.
Software Licensing.                                             25.
Post-Sales Support.                                             25.
Product Warranty.                                               25.
Customer Returns.                                               26.

				
			    SECTION 1.
			  Installation.
Introduction.
This guide provides installation and user information about the
DECtalk PC for general use and for use with screen-reading and
other third party application software. To make reading easier,
this manual uses the term DECtalk when describing the system and
system performance. Also since many users of DECtalk PC may be
visually-impaired,  descriptions are given of the size and shape
of the  board or  certain other system components. The purpose of
this manual is to assist you in installing and using your DECtalk
PC. It is not meant as a technical reference manual. For
technical details on DECtalk PC, the DECtalk PC Technical
Reference Manual is available for software developers from DECUS,
Library Order Processing, 333 South St., SHR1-4/D31, Shrewsbury,
MA  01545 or (800) 332-8755.

Upgrades.
If you already have an operational DECtalk PC and you are only
upgrading your DECTalk PC with a new version of the software,
consult the file UPGRADE.TXT for upgrade instructions.
Before You Begin.
Do not begin this installation unless:

     o   You can install an option board in your IBM or
	 compatible personal computer.
     o   You know how to configure options installed in
	 your computer or in an attached expansion unit.
     o   You know how to use basic DOS commands and edit
	 files.
	 
	 
Checking the Parts.
The DECtalk PC board and related parts are shipped to you in a
cardboard box. The following is a list of components which are
shipped with the DECtalk PC product. Check the components you
have received against this list.


(1)      DECtalk PC speech synthesizer board in an anti-        
	 static envelope. (Part  Number 54-21155).
(2)      External Loudspeaker. (Part Number 70-29613)           
(3)      Installation Manual. You are now reading this          
	 manual.
(4)      One 720 K byte 3 and 1/2 inch diskette which           
	 contains the software to load into the DECtalk         
	 PC as well as related documentation such asd an
	 ASCII text file of the User Guide.
	 
(5)      Two 360 K byte 5 and 1/2 inch floppy disks which       
	 contain the same information as the 3 and 1/2
	 inch diskette.
	 The contents of these diskettes are the same as        
	 the 3 and 1/2 inch.                                     
	 
(6)      One Audio cassette  which is a spoken version of       
	 the Installation Section of the User Guide. The
	 voices on the casette are those of DECtalk PC.
(7)      Getting Started Reference Card in  Braille as          
	 well as regular print .This is a checklist of          
	 the parts contained in the shipping container.
	 
(8)      Warranty Registration Card. Please  fill out and       
	 return this pre-addressed registration card. It        
	 will allow us to notify you of any upgrades or         
	 changes.
	 
	 
Please check the contents of your kit carefully. If any of the
above items are missing, call the Digital distributor from whom
you purchased this product.

The DECtalk PC Card.
     Your DECtalk PC is an 8 bit option card which works with IBM
PC, PC/XT, PC/AT and 100% compatible computers. The board
operates on an XT, ISA or EISA bus.

Note: DECtalk PC does not support the MicroChannel  (MCA) bus.

  Physical Layout.
The DECtalk PC board is approximately 4 inches wide by 13 inches
long.  With the front (component) side facing up, orient the
board as follows:
     1. The mounting bracket to the right and the bus connector
       tab facing downward.
     2. The bus-connector is 3 inches long by 1/3 inch deep and
       protrudes from the bottom right of the board.
     3. The DIP-Switch pack will be located on the front of the
       board just above the left hand side of the bus connector,
       the third component from the right.
     4. The external monaural speaker jack will be located on the
       upper right hand side of the board and protruding through
       the mounting bracket.
     5. The board will fit into one full-length, full-height (8,
       16 or 32-bit) slot in your PC or PC-compatible computer.
       
       
External Speaker.
     An external loudspeaker comes with your DECtalk PC. The
loudspeaker enclosure is  4 inches  by 5 inches  by  2 inches.
Orient the loudspeaker with the speaker grille facing forward.
There is a standard  1/8 inch subminiature stereo headphone jack
on the upper left-hand side of the speaker and a volume control
on the middle right-hand side. Attached to the speaker on the
lower left-hand side is a  36 in. long cable which terminates in
a 1/8 inch monaural  phone plug.  The speaker itself is a 1W,  3
inch speaker with a  frequency range of  200 - 20,000 Hz.

Note: The audio output contains self-protection circuitry which
guards against shorts or overloads. Plugging external equipment
(such as amplifiers which have one of the signal leads grounded)
into either jack could result in an overload and in reduction or
cessation of output. It may take several seconds to recover after
the equipment is disconnected. If this occurs, it will be
necessary to utilize an audio isolation transformer between the
DECtalk PC output and the grounded external equipment. Such
transformers are inexpensive and can be purchased at most
consumer electronics stores.

Installing the DECtalk PC Card.
The installation is a two-part process.

	  Part 1 is installing the DECtalk PC card into an
	       available option slot in your PC.
	       
	  Part 2 is installing the DECtalk software onto your
	       hard disk.
	       
	       
Tools Needed.
	 There are many different types of personal computers
which are compatible with the IBM PC.  It is beyond the scope of
this manual to describe all types of designs. If you have a
standard IBM personal computer, you will need only a flathead
screwdriver. If you have other PC-compatible systems, you may
need other tools, (e.g.,  5 millimeter hex wrench  for Compaq
computers or a Phillips head screwdriver for some others). Refer
to the User's Guide supplied with your computer for more
information.

Note: Prior to performing any installation of the DECtalk PC
board, turn the power to the computer OFF and unplug the power
cord from the wall outlet. Failure to do so may result in serious
injury to yourself and/or damage to your computer.


Installation Steps.
Perform the following steps to install the DECtalk PC card in
your IBM/PC/XT/AT or compatible personal  computer:


1.       Remove all diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s).
2.       Set the power switch on the system unit  to OFF.
3.       Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
4.       Remove all cables from the rear of the system unit.
5.      Remove the system unit cover. Since PCs tend to be
	slightly different, simply follow the instructions which
	came with your personal computer. Many PCs contain
	screws at the back of the system unit which must be
	removed. Most covers will then slide out towards the
	front.
6.      With the system cover off, remove the screw from the
	bracket of an available option slot on the rear panel.
	Save the screw for later use. Remove the bracket insert.
	
Note: The DECtalk PC board has a switch pack that lets you
determine how the DECtalk PC board interfaces with the PC.  This
switch pack is already set to correspond to the needs of most
users and the default settings may already meet your computer's
requirements. If you suspect that they do not, you may have to
change the settings of the DECtalk PC board or other installed
options. Refer to Section 3 on Configuration.

7.      Install your DECtalk card in an available slot as you
	would any other full-size card with the mounting bracket
	toward the rear of the unit and the bus connector
	pointing down. Firmly press the card in place until it
	is correctly seated.  Replace the screw. The bracket
	should be flush with the rear  mounting panel.
8.      Replace the system unit cover. Replacing the system
	cover is the re-verse of removing it. Follow the
	instructions which came with your personal computer.
9.      Reconnect any other cables (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.)
	to the rear of the system unit.
10.     Connect the power cable to the rear of the system unit
	and plug the other end into the wall outlet.
11.     Connect the 1/8 inch phone plug on the speaker cable to
	the connector at the rear of the DECtalk PC card located
	at  the rear of the PC. Make sure volume is on by
	turning the volume control knob on the speaker  in a
	full clockwise direction.
	
The DECtalk PC board is now installed in your system unit.

Caution: For safe operation, be sure there are no missing slot
covers when you complete the installation.



Installing DECtalk PC Software.
Note: Your system must be running DOS Version 3.3 or later.


Please follow all instructions on the audio cassette. Sighted
users will also be prompted by instructions which appear on the
screen.


Note: If you are installing from  5.25 inch diskettes, there are
two diskettes.  If you are installing from  3.50 inch diskettes,
there is only one diskette.

     1. Turn your PC ON.
	
     2. Choose a disk drive which takes either a 3 1/2 inch or
	5 1/4 inch diskette. In most systems, this will be
	either Drive A or Drive B.  Insert the diskette labeled
	DECtalk PC V4.2 - Diskette 1 into the appropriate disk
	drive (either Drive A: or Drive B:).Change the drive
	prompt to either A: or B:.
     3. At the DOS prompt, type INSTALL and press Enter as
	follows:
	
	A:\> INSTALL  (Press Enter).
     
	In a few moments, you will hear rising tones.  The
	following menu will appear on the screen:
	
	     Do the install using all the defaults.
			       or
	     Be prompted for installation variables.
				


  DEFAULT OR VARIABLE INSTALLATION.
You now have a choice of using either the Default Installation or
Variable Installation.

The Default Installation sets up a subdirectory called DECTALK
and installs all necessary files in that subdirectory. It also
adds DECtalk PC startup commands to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

The Variable Installation allows you to select the drive and the
name of the subdirectory.

Note: It is recommended that you use the Default Installation.


  DEFAULT INSTALLATION.
In the default installation:

	  Rising tones mean:  PRESS Enter.
	  Falling tones mean: CHANGE THE DISKETTE (for 5.25 inch
	  diskettes only) and  PRESS Enter.
	  
Follow the tone prompts and after a few moments, the installation
will be complete.  When the installation is complete, you will
hear the following message:

	      "DECtalk PC Version 4.2B is running."
				
				
				
  VARIABLE INSTALLATION.
If you have impaired vision and choose not to use the default
installation,  you will need the help of a sighted person as the
Variable Installation utility will not work with a screen reader.

To use variable installation, at the installation screen menu,
press the down arrow and then press ENTER.

From this point on, follow all instructions and respond to the
menu selections as requested.  When the installation is complete,
you will hear the following message:


	      "DECtalk PC Version 4.2B is running."
				
				
WARNING: If you are using the DOSSHELL command in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file, the Install utility cannot place the DECtalk
initialization commands before the DOSSHELL command. Therefore,
when using DOSSHELL, you must manually place the DOSSHELL command
as the last command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Using  DECtalk PC.
     Your DECtalk PC is now ready to use. Refer to the next
     section Using DECtalk PC for specifics.
     
Default COM and LPT port.
     The default communications ports for the DECtalk DOS memory-
resident program are COM4 and LPT3.

NOTE: The use of COM4 by the DECtalk PC will NOT in any way
interfere with the use of COM2 by other options.

To change the communication ports, see Section 3, Configuration.


				
				
				
				
			   Section 2.
			Using DECtalk PC.
				
The DECtalk PC speech synthesizer is supported by a number of
third-party software application packages. It also can be used to
speak text files sent to it by using the DOS COPY and PRINT
commands.

  Third-party applications.
There are a number of application software packages which support
the DECtalk PC synthesizer. The primary applications are screen-
access and learning programs. These applications usually contain
features for controlling the attributes of the DECtalk PC such as
speaking voice, rate and volume.  Please refer to the application
vendors' documentation for installing and using the application
as well as for setting the DECtalk parameters..


  Using DOS Commands.
There are a number of ways to output and listen to text. You may
copy a text file to a serial COM port, "print" a text file to a
parallel LPT printer port, or use a terminal emulator to type
directly to the DECtalk using the PC as if it were a terminal
connected to a COM port.


  Copying to a Com Port.
There are a number of ways to copy text files to DECtalk.  You
first need to create a text file using a text editor or a word
processor that can create text files and save that file.

NOTE: DECtalk requires that all text be terminated by a period,
exclamation mark a question mark or a comma for it to start
speaking immediately.

Then use the COPY command to copy the text file to a COM port.
For example, to listen to a file called dectalk.txt, type the
following:

	COPY dectalk.txt  COM4  (Press Enter).



DECtalk will then speak the text in the text file.



  
  Printing to an LPT Parallel Printer Port.
You can also print a file to an LPT parallel printer port. Again,
create a text file using a text editor and save that file. Then
use the PRINT command to send the text file to a printer port.
For example, to listen to a file called dectalk.txt, type the
following:

	  PRINT dectalk.txt LPT3 (Press Enter).

DECtalk will speak the text in the text file.


  Using a Terminal Emulator.
There are a number of comm/terminal emulator software packages
such as KERMIT which will support BIOS calls to a COM or LPT
device. Again, a user can create an ASCII text file using a text
editor and then run the comm package to transmit the file to the
COM or LPT port that the DECtalk PC program is set to receive.
(The default ports are COM4 and LPT3.)  In terminal emulation
mode, the comm packages will allow you to type directly to a COM
or LPT port.

Note:     The number of the com port or printer port will differ
depending upon the configuration. Use the DT_CONF  utility to
determine what ports are configured.  For example, type DT_CONF -
C to determine which ports are configured.


  Using a Word Processor.
If you are using a screen reader program, using a word processor
should not be a problem. However, you cannot send a word
processing file in its internal file format using the DOS PRINT
or COPY methods described above. The file would first have to be
converted to an ASCII text or print file before it could be sent
to the DECtalk PC.  Refer to the word processing application
documentation for specific conversion details.

  Using Digitized Sound Files.
DECtalk PC can play prerecorded 8 bit mono digitized sound files.
The files must be in the Creative Labs, Ltd.  Sound Blaster .VOC
format. The PLAY command in the DECtalk subdirectory will play
the desired file. The format for playing the file is:
	  PLAY sndfile.voc    press Enter

Utilities are usually provided with sound cards for creating
Sound Blaster compatible .VOC sound files or for converting other
sound file formats to the .VOC format. Refer to the sound cards
user documentation for details.

  Using Headphones.
The DECtalk PC speaker has a 1/8 inch stereo headphone jack
located below the volume control. Headphones with a 1/8 inch
stereo plug may be inserted into the jack. The speaker will be
disconnected when the headphones are plugged in. The volume
control will control the volume to the headphones. If your
headphone has a mono plug or a different size plug, an adapter
which adapts the plug on your headphones to the stereo jack on
the speaker can be purchased from most consumer electronic
stores.

WARNING Turn down the volume control prior to inserting the
headphones. The output level required by the headphones is much
less than that required by the speaker.

  Modifying DECtalk Parameters.
Although most application programs which support the DECtalk PC
provide the capability to change DECtalk parameters such as the
speaking voice, rate or volume, it also possible to modify these
and other parameters via commands which can be inserted into a
text file at the location where they are to take effect. The text
file must then be sent to the DECtalk.

WARNING: The use of DECtalk commands embedded in the text may
cause conflicts when used with application programs which provide
support for the DECtalk. The application may not pass the
commands embedded in the text file to the DECtalk or the embedded
commands may be spoken or the DECtalk may stop speaking. Also
most applications which support the DECtalk also control the same
parameters and will more than likely overide some if not all the
commands that are embedded in the text. It is highly recommended
that if you are using an application such as a screen access
program that you use the facilities of the application to change
the DECtalk parameters.

The file COMMAND.TXT in the subdirectory where the DECtalk files
are located(the default is DECTALK) provides information on how
to insert these commands as well as information on the
programming interface to the DECtalk.

Product Support.
  Product Warranty.
This product is warranted by DIGITAL for one year from date of
purchase. When you receive your DECtalk PC, please fill out and
return your Warranty Registration. This will also ensure that you
are notified in the event of updates.

  Bulletin Board Service (BBS).
This product is now being supported by a Bulletin Board Service
(BBS). The purpose of the BBS is to provide customers with on-
line assistance and information. To access the BBS you will need
a communications program installed on your PC and a modem
connected to it. To reach the BBS, call (508) 467-3806. You will
be prompted by the BBS to provide such information as your first
and last name and a password of your choice in order to gain
access. There will be instructions provided when you log onto the
BBS.

  Post-Sales Support.
If, after completing Chapters 1 and 2 of this Manual, the DECtalk
will not speak its startup message, call the dealer that you
purchased the product from.  If you purchased the product from
Digitals Desktop Direct please call 1-800-722-9332 and select
the Warranty and Service option at the telephone prompt. When a
support person answers the phone, please specify that you would
like installation assistance for the DTC07-AA or DECtalk PC.

If the DECtalk speaks its startup message but you are having
problems getting the DECtalk to work with an application that
supports it, such as a screen access program, you should contact
the vendor from whom you purchased the application for
assistance.

  Customer Returns.
If, during the warranty period, you determine that your DECtalk
PC requires service, please contact the Customer Return Center at
(800) 225-5385. Please refer to the product as either DTC07-AA or
54-21155.    If you purchased the product directly from Digital
Equipment Corporation, you will be asked to provide your "DEC
number" which is on the shipping paperwork.  If you received the
product from a reseller, you will need to contact the reseller
first for the applicable "DEC number".

Application Development
If you are a programmer or developer who wishes to learn more
about how DECtalk works, a Technical Reference Manual and a
Developer's Toolkit diskette can be obtained by contacting the
Digital Equipment Corporation User's Society  (DECUS) at  DECUS,
Library Order Processing, 334 South St., SHR3-1/T-25, Shrewsbury,
MA  01545 or call (800) 332-8755.  Or, if a modem is available, you
may download the Developer's Toolkit from our BBS.  The BBS number
is (508) 467-3806.  Join the user's conference by typing J 1.
Type D, for download then the file to download is Toolkit.zip.
Please unzip this file using the -D option.  This will keep the
directory structure.
		pkunzip -d toolkit.zip.
If you would like more information on becoming an application
developer for the DECtalk products, please contact Carl Leeber
in the Assistive Technology Group at (508) 467-3829.

  DTDEMO.
The DTDEMO source program files DTDEMO.C, DTTSR.H and DTDEMP.H
are included with the distribution to provide an example of using
the DECtalk PC programming interface.

Assistive Technology Reseller.
If you are interested in becoming a value-added reseller for the
DECtalk PC, please send a letter to Anne Nelson
Digital Equiment Corporation, 200 Forest ST, MRO1-1/L31
Marlboro, MA 01752, Attention: DECtalk Reseller Program.


				
			   SECTION 3.
			  Configuration.
Factory Defaults.
The DECtalk PC card is configured at the factory and should
require no active modifications on the part of the user.

If you have installed the DECtalk PC card and software according
to the instructions provided in Section One, the board should
speak the startup message.  If the board fails to respond or if
an error message is encountered, the switch settings may have to
be changed to resolve conflicts with other installed options.

It is important that you have the installation/operating manuals
for the other the devices installed in your system to be able to
determine the optional setting parameters.

Startup Problems.
If after installing the DECtalk PC option card your system or
another device fails to operate or system errors are reported,
there may be a conflict with other installed options e.g., a
scanner. This will require some adjustments to either the other
options or the DECtalk PC card to eliminate the conflicts.

For instance, if the DECtalk PC board is set to use an I/O
address that another option module uses, your computer or other
device will not operate correctly when you  power up the system.

If the system fails to start then it will be necessary to remove
the DECtalk PC option card and proceed with the DECtalk PC
software installation.  The DECtalk PC module does not have to be
installed in the system to install the software.  Once the
software installation is complete, the configuration utility,
DT_CONF,  can then be run to try to isolate the conflict.

The configuration utility, DT_CONF described below, is provided
to help you select the correct settings.  If it is necessary to
change  I/O address assignments,  the appropriate switch settings
are listed in this section. This change should be done by someone
familiar with configuring PCs.

Note: If changing the DECtalk PC switch settings does not resolve
the conflicts, you may need to remove other option modules from
the computer to identify the conflicting module(s).


  Devices No Longer Operate.
If a device such as a CD ROM drive is no longer accessible after
the DECtalk PC is installed it is probably most likely due to an
I/O Address conflict between the DECtalk PC and the particular
device. The most obvious solution is to be sure that each device
has its own unique I/O Address. However in some cases this will
not solve the problem.
     
When the DECtalk software starts up it checks for a DECtalk board
on any one of the four available I/O Addresses. When it finds
one, it initializes it and proceeds with loading the required
software into memory on the DECtalk board. Some devices, such as
SCSI adapters cannot tolerate other devices reading an I/O
address it is using. So if the adapter is using one of the
possible I/O Addresses that the DECtalk checks during its startup
the adapter will probably no longer be accessible. For instance,
if a CD ROM drive is connected to the SCSI adapter which is set
to use I/O Address 340 you will no longer be able to access the
CD ROM even though the DECTalk PC is set to use I/O Address 240.

The DECtalk can be prevented from searching through the available
I/O addresses by adding the "-b nnn" parameters to the DECtalk loading
commands in the AUTOEXE.BAT file in the system dirctory and to
the DT.BAT file which is located in the DECTALK subdirectory. The
added parameters identify the exact I/O address that is set via
the switches on the DECTalk PC card.

The following table shows the default commands and what they
would be if you wanted the DECtalk software to only initialize a
DECtalk board whose hardware switches are set up for I/O Address
240.

				 
Default,                          Revised.
DT_DRIV -r,                       DT_DRIV -r.
DT_CONF,                          DT_CONF -b 240.
DT_DRIV -c,                       DT_DRIV -c -b 240.
DT_START,                         DT_START.

Configuration Utility.
The configuration utility, DT_CONF, is provided to help identify
DECtalk PC switch settings which can be used in your
particular PC configuration.


  USING DT_CONF.
The DT_CONF utility has three options. The first option reports
on any installed DECtalk PC modules; the second option finds and
initializes all DECtalk PC modules; and the third option
recommends switch settings for the DECtalk PC module. To view the
three options available, at the system prompt type:


		  DT_CONF   -M    (Press Enter)
				
				
The following information will be displayed:


       DECtalk PC configuration program valid switches (one per
use)...
	      -C ... show installed DECtalk modules
	      -I  ... find and initialize all modules
	      -B nnn   find and initialize module at I/O base
address nnn
	      -R ... recommend switch settings


To check if DECtalk PC modules are installed and to determine
what their I/O addresses are,  at the system prompt type:

	       DT_CONF -C  (Press Enter).
	       
Assuming the module has been installed in the PC, the utility
will then display the following information:

	      No initialized modules found.
	      
	      
  Initializing a DECtalk PC Module.
Certain inconsistencies in PC compatibles may prevent the DECtalk
PC module from being initialized during system boot. The DT_CONF
initialization option can initialize the module in these cases.

To initialize an installed DECtalk PC module, at the system
prompt type:

	       DT_CONF -I (Press Enter)

The utility will then display the following information:

	       Attempting to initialize and install DECtalk PC
	       modules.
	       The system may hang during this test if the
	       modules are improperly installed. Wait at least 1
	       minute and remove the DECtalk PC module if this
	       happens.
	       Initializing DECtalk PC modules.
	       Adding module at I/O base address 340
	       One module initializeled.
	       
	       
  Configuration Recommendation.
Note: The DECtalk PC must be removed before this option is used.
Running the DT_CONF configuration utility with the -R switch will
cause the program to scan the PC for options which are already
using I/O addresses. It will then report the available settings
and recommend possible settings for the DECtalk PC. To run this
option, at the system prompt type:

	       DT_CONF -R  (Press Enter)

The utility will then display the following information:

	       Free I/O addresses are 250, 340, 350
	       
	       ++--------------------++---------++---------++
	       ||        (reserved)  ||    I/O  ||         ||
	       ||                    ||         ||         ||
	       ++--------------------++---------++---------++
	       ||  01 02  03  04  05 ||  06  07 ||  08  09 ||
	       ++--------------------++---------++---------++
	       || off off off off off||  off on ||  off off||
	       ||                    ||         ||         ||
	       ++--------------------++---------++---------++
	       I/O base address 250
	       
The message provides information on what I/O(base) addresses the
utility found to be available.

The second part of the message contains recommended switch
settings on the DECtalk PC. The switches should be set to the
recommended settings and the module should be installed in the
PC.


  No Selections Available.
If no settings are available for an I/O(base) address, then it is
necessary to determine which adapters already installed in the
system are using those settings. Many adapters are like the
DECtalk PC module in that they also have switches or jumpers for
selecting these parameters. It will then be necessary to try to
find a combination of settings which are compatible with all the
adapters you wish to run in your PC.

	       For example, suppose that DT_CONF -R indicates
	       that no I/O(base) addresses are available for the
	       DECtalk PC module. A check of the literature of
	       the installed adapters in the PC indicates that
	       the OCR reader adapter in your system uses I/O
	       address 250 but can also use 150.  The OCR adapter
	       I/O base address is changed to 150 which frees up
	       250 for the DECtalk PC module.
	       
	       Installing DECtalk PC modules .
	       Adding module at base 250,

	       One module installed.

	       

	       

  DIP-Switch Pack.
Settings are done by a DIP-switch pack on the lower right-hand
section of the board as described in Section 1.  The switch pack
lets you determine how the DECtalk PC board operates and its
default settings  already  correspond to the needs of most
configurations. If your DECtalk board is speaking, these settings
meet your computer's requirements and nothing else needs to be
done. Your DECtalk is ready to use.  However, if the board is not
speaking,  you may need to change the settings of the switch pack
on the DECtalk PC board.  This is because the DECtalk PC board is
set to use an I/O(base) address that another installed option
module uses.  If conflicts exist, consult your PC option
manual(s) and select new non-conflicting settings using the
DT_CONF Utility described above.

  Changing Switch Settings.
Place the board on a flat surface with the bus-connector  to your
lower right.  The  bank of DIP-switches is 1 in. long by 1/3 in.
deep and is located in the lower right-hand corner of the card.
There are 9 switches arranged in a horizontal row with switch 1
to the left and switch 9 to the right.  The switches are
numbered. Switches set to the   UP position are  ON  with UP
begin towards the center of the card away from the lower edge.
The factory default settings are  shown in Table 1. If no other
options are installed in your computer,  the default settings
should be satisfactory. Otherwise, adjust the DIP-switches using
a hard-tipped item such as a ball-point pen.   Never use a lead
pencil as the point may break and become lodged in the switch
pack.

TABLE 1.   DEFAULT SETTINGS.

     FUNCTION,                 SWITCH SETTINGS.

     (Reserved),               Switch  1,  2, 3, 4, 5  Off.
     I/O Address = 340-34F,    Switch  6      Off.
			       Switch  7      On.
     (Reserved),               Switch  8      Off.
			       Switch  9      Off.
     
     
TABLE 2.  SWITCH SELECTIONS.
	  I/O  Address Assignments:
	  
	       Switches,       I/O(base) addresses.
	       6,    7.
	       OFF,  OFF,       240 - 24F.
	       ON,   OFF,       250 - 25F.
	       OFF,  ON,        340 - 34F  (Default).
	       ON,   ON,        350 - 35F.
     
The DIP-switch pack default settings are therefore as follows:

     1 OFF;   2 OFF;  3 OFF;   4 OFF;   5 OFF;    6 OFF;   7 ON;
     8 OFF;  9 OFF.
  
  CHECKING BOARD FUNCTION.
If all settings are correct, the board should be able to speak
its startup message.  To make sure the board is working properly,
type the following test command:

			C:\DECTALK\DT_START   (Press Enter).

   You will hear  the following message:

			"DECtalk PC Version 4.2B is running."

  If the board still does not speak, remove the board and type:
				
			DT_CONF -R.

for  switch setting recommendation. Set the board to the
recommended settings using the DIP-switches. Place the board back
in the system unit and power up. If all settings are correct, the
board should be ready to speak.

Note: It may be necessary to remove other option boards in the
system unit to reduce the potential for conflict.

If the board does not speak after adjusting the switch settings,
check to see that the PC is powered on, the speaker is plugged
into the rear of the DECtalk PC card, and the volume is turned
full on(clockwise).

If the board still does not speak, refer to Product Support in
Section 1.


Customization of the startup message.
The command DT_START is in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file makes the
DECtalk PC speak its startup message. You can customize your
startup message by inserting a new message in quotes after the
DT_START  command. For example:

	  DT_START "My own personal message".

To remove the startup message completely, simply remove the
DT_START command from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.


Default Communications and Printer Ports:
The default communications port for the DECtalk PC memory
resident program is COM4 and the default printer port is LPT3. To
change the communications port or the printer port, at the DOS
prompt, do the following:

1. Edit the DT_DRIV command string for the DECtalk PC program.
The  INSTALL program puts this in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

2. Find the line which reads  DT_DRIV -C  -L.

3. Change the port numbers to the new  port using the following
table:


	       Comm Ports(-C),      Printer Ports(-L).
	       
	       BLANK = COM4,       BLANK = LPT3.
		   0 = COM1,           0 = LPT1.
		   1 = COM2,           1 = LPT2.
		   2 = COM3,           2 = LPT3.
		   3 = COM4.
	       
For example, to change the communications port to COM3 and the
printer port to LPT2, you would type the  following:

		       DT_DRIV -C  2  -L 1.
				
4. Save the changes to the file.

5. Reboot the system.
				
			   SECTION 4.
		       Owner's Information.
				
				
				
This section contains general information about the DECtalk PC
board. This information is for reference purposes.


The DECtalk PC.
Video terminals display information from a computer on a screen.
Printers display the same information on paper. These devices
allow you to communicate with computers through the sense of
sight. The DECtalk PC is another device that allows you to
communicate with computers. However, this device speaks
information in highly intelligible synthesized English. It allows
you to communicate naturally through the senses of  listening
(the user) and speaking (DECtalk PC).

DECtalk PC is a PC option board  and a set of software components
which, when properly loaded on a DOS personal computer, will
provide synthesized voice output of ASCII text sent to it by
other PC software applications such as "screen readers". The
interface to DECtalk PC for both commands and text is via a
memory-resident DOS driver. DECtalk PC is designed to read
standard ASCII text in an intelligible and natural manner. The
DECtalk PC board, when installed in a PC or PC-compatible
computer and used in conjunction with application software such
as a screen-reader, allows you to create your own talking
workstation.  You can hear the text you have stored in a file or
any text which appears on your computer screen.



Note:   The screen reader software application must specifically
state that it supports the DECtalk PC voice synthesizer option.
Furthermore, not all of the capabilities of DECtalk PC may be
utilized by the software application program which controls the
DECtalk PC DOS device driver.

DECtalk PC Board Description.
     The DECtalk PC board is a high-quality text-to-speech
synthesizer. The board provides hardware and firmware components
which, when coupled with special speech  synthesis software,
offer highly intelligible and natural speech.

Hardware Requirements:
	  IBM PC, IBM XT, IBM AT or 100% compatible personal
	  computer, XT, ISA, or EISA (8, 16, or 32) bit bus, full
	  length option slot for the DECtalk PC option  board.
	  
	  One diskette drive capable of reading either 5.25 inch
	  (360Kbyte) diskettes or  3.50 inch (720Kbyte) diskettes
	  to load the distribution media.
	  
	  A minimum of 20Kbytes of system memory available to run
	  the DECtalk  PC DOS driver.
	  
	  A hard disk drive with at least 1Mbyte  available
	  space.
	  
	  A system power supply that provides at least 130 watts.
	  
	  A DECtalk PC Speech Synthesizer option board.
	  
	  
Software Requirements:


Note: The minimum hardware/software requirements for any future
version of this product may be different from the specific
requirements for the current version.

Distribution Media:
     5 1/4 inch Floppy Diskette (360KB) and 3 1/2 inch Diskette (720KB).

Operating System Requirements:
     DOS Version 3.3, 4.0x, 5.0, 6.0

Physical:
     The DECtalk PC board is a full length IBM PC card that uses
the 8-bit bus connector with no "overhang" interference.
Power Supply Requirements:
     The DECtalk PC board draws approximately 2.5W. However,
because most systems will contain a number of other boards, it is
recommended that the power supply on the system be a minimum of
130W.

Memory:
     20Kbytes is required to run the DECtalk PC device driver.

Ordering Information:
     The software license, media and documentation are bundled
with the  DECtalk PC option board.

Software Licensing:
     This software product is furnished under licensing
provisions of  Digital's Standard Terms and Conditions. For more
information about Digital's licensing terms and policies, contact
your local DIGITAL office.

Post-Sales Support.
	If, after completing Chapters 1 and 2 of this Manual, the
DECtalk will not speak its startup message, call the dealer that
you purchased the product from.  If you purchased the product
from Digitals Desktop Direct please call 1-800-722-9332 and
select the Warranty and Service option at the telephone prompt.
When a support person answers the phone, please specify that you
would like installation assistance for the DTC07-AA or DECtalk
PC.

	If the DECtalk speaks its startup message but you are
having problems getting the DECtalk to work with an application
that supports it, such as a screen access program, you should
contact the vendor from whom you purchased the application for
assistance.

Product Warranty:
     Warranty for this product is a one year return-to-factory
for parts and labor. When you receive your DECtalk PC, please
fill out and return your Warranty Registration. This will also
ensure that you are notified in the event of updates.

Customer Returns.
     If, during the warranty period, you determine that your
DECtalk PC requires service, please contact the Customer Return
Center at (800) 225-5385. Please refer to the product as either
DTC07-AA or 54-21155. If you purchased the product directly from
Digital Equipment Corporation, you will be asked to provide your
DEC number which is on the shipping paperwork.  If you received
the product from a reseller, you will need to contact the
reseller first for the applicable DEC number.




