Keith does a solo episode, and decides to tackle the topic of helping listeners to participate in our live chat room. There has been reports of having trouble getting signed in

First we look at using the Teamtalk5 client for Windows, and using the customized link that is coded to take you right into the chat room. Keith runs into some trouble, and explains how to get past it, and into the room. Sometimes you may get an error, but you are actually on the server, but not in the room.

Next, we look at the iTeamtalk app for iPhone. Before connecting, Keith walks through the preferences screen, and a few important settings to know about. The mobile app for Android should be very similar. The preferences has a lot of settings, but we’re mostly interested in how to customize your name, and set volume controls.

Finally, after a computer crash, Keith switches to his MacBook, and shows how well the Macintosh chat client opens, using the custom link on podcast.heltsley.net/live and gets logged in.

Some tips to remember:

* Have ear buds handy to use for the mobile device. The audio is sent to the earpiece, rather than the speaker. The volume is also decreased, even when switching to the speaker.

* Whether on a computer, or mobile device, using earphones of some kind helps cut down on feedback from other chat participants.

* On mobile devices, the default is to use the Transmit (TX) button. Tap to lock it down, and tap again to release it.

* Advantage to using the push to talk method include that if you’re in a noisy environment, you stay muted until ready to talk.

Hopefuly, this will give you the confidence to pop into one of our live chats. We record most Monday mornings at 10AM Central time, and you’re welcome to join us.

Music Tracks:

Thanks to Kathy Adkins for permission to include her music in today’s show.

* From her album, The Second Mile – Operator

* Live from Sorento, IL – Hello. (Recorded August 13, 2016)