[DECtalk] dectalk express firmware

[Jayson Smith]

Hi,
There are two things you can do without downloading any software.  Both
require you to use a communications program like Hyper Terminal or
something, and to have other speech running, E.G. Elloquence, since the
DECtalk in question will be under test.
For either of the below methods, make sure your telecom program is set to
the com port where the DECtalk is located, 9600 Baud, 8 data bits, no parity
and 1 stop bit.  Now, there are two ways to proceed.
1.  Turn the DECtalk off and back on, or if it's already off, just turn it
on.  Immediately at powerup, even before the beep, it will send a startup
message over the serial port.  This message will include the firmware
version number.
2.  With the DECtalk powered up, send it the following command.
[:version speak]
This will cause the unit to speak its version number.  It won't send it to
the serial port I don't think, it just speaks it.
If your DECtalk is on COM1, there's an easier way to do this last bit.  I
have written a small program which sends the proper command to the synth.
It's hardcoded to expect the DECtalk on COM1.  If you wish to try it,
download
http://jaybird.no-ip.info/verspeak.exe
Run it with something else or nothing as your Jaws or whatever speech.  If
it doesn't work, try it again.
Yes, the DECtalk Express firmware is flashable.  I have another file of
instructions on how to do that, so if you want it let me know.  I think I've
got the firmware files you need so if you want those once again let me know.
Jayson.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Perdue" <patrick at pdaudio.net>
To: <dectalk at jaybird.no-ip.info>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2005 11:49 AM
Subject: [DECtalk] dectalk express firmware


>   Hello:
>   I have a dectalk express I bought on ebay for $49, and I'd like to know
which firmware it is
>   running.
> I'm not using the TSR, since I'm using it on a windows XP box with Jaws
> 6.0 and the included 32-bit driver for DecTalk express.
> I'd like to know a couple of things:
> 1. What do I need to run to determine the firmware on the unit?
> 2. Is the firmware flashable on the DecTalk express?
> If the firmware is flashable, and I have something newer than 4.2C,
> where can I find the older firmware?
> The reason I'm asking is because it seems to exhibit behavior indicative
> of newer firmware. I have a DecTalk PC running 4.2c, and it behaves a
> bit differently, though this could be the way the driver interfaces with
> the DecTalk. I've yet to try the express on a 9x box.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> --
> --
> Patrick Perdue (MCP, CNA)
> KE4DYI
> Greensboro, NC
> website: http://www.pdaudio.net
> Phone and SMS: +1(336)509-5583
> UK phone: 020 7558 8672
> e-mail and .net messenger: <Patrick at PdAudio.net>
> skype: Borris
> --------------------
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>
> Composition of this message started on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 11:44 AM
EDT.
>
>
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