Contents
SPKQQ Ver.3.33E

By Hiroki Nakayama

CONTENTS

<1> INTRODUCTION

<2> INSTALLATION

<3> SPKQQ SETUP

3.1 CUSTOMIZATION

3.2 REGISTRATION

3.3 REMOVAL

<4> Q & A

<5> MISCELLANEOUS

<6> SUPPORT


Introduction
<1> INTRODUCTION

SpkQQ is a shareware.  If you are going to use it on a continuous basic, please submit US$10.00 to the developer.  For further information on registration, please read the REGISTRATION section.

LIABILITY:

  Developers of this program will not take financial, legal, nor any other responsibilities that may result from usage of this program.  Files contained in SPKQQ.LZH file are distributed "as is" and without any expressed and implied warranties.  The user assumes the entire risk of using the software.

DESCRIPTION:

Recently, personal computers is beginning to already come equipped with multimedia functions.  Additionally, many add-on boards are available to add multimedia extensions to a existing PC.  However, most notebook computers and entry model desktops do not support DSP chips nor do they have capability to add a sound board.

SpkQQ is Windows device driver to play *.WAV files using the internal speaker available on most if not all personal computers.  Thus, it will allow computers without a sound board to play *.WAV files without any additional hardware.  On the other hand, SpkQQ has a following limitations when compared to a sound board:

- Sound calculation is done entirely by the CPU and puts heavy load on it.  Other application might pause while the computer is producing sound.

- Sound is produced using the internal beeper which might be inferior to a speaker used by the sound board.

- Recording is still not possible.

Even with these limitations, SpkQQ is capable of producing one of the finest sound compared to other sound driver available.  With this, I firmly believe that if your system does not have a sound board and if you are not intending to purchase one, SpkQQ will be invaluable to your system.

SpkQQ is a shareware.  You are able to evaluate the product for 1 week. After that time, the program will cease to run.  If like the product, please submit a payment from the CompuServe SWREG.

SWREG number: xxxxxxxx

Please read the registration section in the SpkQQ Help for further information.

FEATURES:

  1. Mouse pointer will not stop while *.WAV files are replayed.

You will be able to move your mouse pointer while *.WAV files are being replayed.  Furthermore, the program support RS-232C interrupts so you will even be able to play sound files while sending mail.

  2. Support over sampling.

SpkQQ is able to calculate your system performance and readjust the *.WAV sampling rate.  If you set SpkQQ to replay at a high sampling rate, it is possible to (depends on your system performance) replay at a higher sampling rate than when the sound was originally recorded.  	The program is possible to produce a crystal quality sound if the system is able to provide high performance.

  3. Support most PCM and WAV format files.

SpkQQ is able t replay files with the following specifications:

Format:	PCM-WAVE (if MSACM.DRV is installed in your system, ADPCM files may be played)

Sampling Rate:	8kHz-65kHz

Bit length:	8, 16 bit (8 bit quality)

Channels:	mono, stereo (L and R will be mixed)

MSACM.DRV is included in the Microsoft Windows Sound System.

  4. Allow customization through various parameters.

Replay parameters such as volume and echo can be set from the dialog 	box.

  5. Includes SpkQQ program and files installer/remover.

SpkQQ comes equipped with its own installer and remover to simplify 	program installation/removal.


Installation
<2> INSTALLATION

SpkQQ is a Windows device driver and not an application.  The software must be installed in your system.  Once installed, it will stay install until it is explicitly removed.

WARNING: SpkQQ must be installed and removed using the setup program(SPKSETUP) included in SPKQQ.LZH file.  Do not attempt to install it from the [Control Panel]-[Drivers]. SpkQQ will not be properly installed.

REQUIREMENT:

Make sure that you have at least the following hardware and software before attempting to install SpkQQ on your system.

Hardware

80386SX or higher machine

4MB or more RAM

1MB of free hard disk space

Software

MS-Windows 3.1

INCLUDED FILES:

Before installing SpkQQ in your system, please make sure that the following files are included in the SPKQQ.LZH file.  If it is not, it is not a proper copy of the program.  Please contact the developer.

SPKQQ.DRV	SpkQQ Driver

SPKQQ9F.DLL	DLL for NEC 98 notebooks

SPKQQ98.DLL	DLL for NEC PC-9801 series computers

SPKQQAT.DLL	DLL for IBM-AT compatible computers

VXDSVR.386	Enhanced mode driver

SPKSETUP.EXE	Setup program (includes SpkQQ remover function)

SPKDLG.DLL	Setup program dialog boxes

SPKSETUP.INF	Temporary file used during setup

SPKQQ.HLP	Help file

JINGLE1.WAV	Sample *.WAV file (Jingle)

GUIT1.WAV	Sample *.WAV file (Guitar 1)

GUIT2.WAV	Sample *.WAV file (Guitar 2)

GUIT3.WAV	Sample *.WAV file (Guitar 3)

ORDFRM.WRI	Order form

README.TXT	Introductory DOS file (be sure to read this file before proceeding)

INSTALLATION:

WARNING:

1. SpkQQ setup program requires TADA.WAV and DING.WAV files.  If either of these files are not in the \WINDOWS directory, copy it from the WINDOWS disk.

2. Near the end of SpkQQ installation or update, Windows must be restarted.  Please close all applications before initiating the following steps.

To install or update SpkQQ in your system, please do the following steps:

 1. Uncompress the SPKQQ.LZH file into a directory.

 2. Run the SPKSETUP.EXE file included in the uncompress SPKQQ.LZH file from the Program Manager ([File]-[Run] menu selections) or from the File Manager.  For more information on running program from the Program or the File Manager, consult the Windows manual.

 3. When the SpkQQ Setup dialog box appears, choose the [Install] button if SpkQQ is not already been installed, or choose the [Update] button if SpkQQ is not already installed.

 4. When the Environment dialog box appears, choose the circle to the left of the [IBM/AT Compatible].  The circle should turn into a bullet mark.  (Choose the circle next to the [NEC 9801/PC 486 Series] if you really have a Japanese NEC computer).

 5. Choose the [OK] button.

 6. When the SpkQQ Installation dialog box appears, enter the drive and the directory name where the SpkQQ Help and sample *.WAV files are to be copied.

 7. Choose the [Start Installation] button.

 8. When the Restart Windows dialog box appears, choose the [Yes] button to restart Windows and finish the installation or choose the [No] button to exit the installation and restart Windows later (exit Windows manually).

Windows must be restarted to use Spkqq.

 9. If the [Yes] button was chosen, the installation program will copy the files to the drive and directory specified and restart the Window.   SpkQQ Group with SpkQQ setup icon and several sample *.WAV files will be added to the Program Manager.

10. Choose the "SpkQQ Setup" icon.

11. When the SpkQQ Setup dialog box appears, choose the [Customization] button.

12. When the Customization dialog box appears, choose the [CPU] button to adjust to the optimum sampling rate on your PC.  Next, choose the [Test] button.  You should hear some music coming out from your PC.

If you did, that's it.  SpkQQ is properly installed in your system.  It will automatically be installed every time Windows is started.

Choose the [OK] button to save the settings.

If you didn't, try increasing the volume (drag the volume lever to the right).  Choose the [Test] button once again.  If you still didn't hear any music, please send us a mail.

If SpkQQ is installed in your system, you will be able to replay *.WAV files.

Try replaying some sample *.WAV files included with the program.

If you are still having problems installing SpkQQ.


If you are still having problems

If you are having a problem installing or removing SpkQQ, please try the followings:

1. Be sure that there is at least 1MB of free hard disk space on the installation drive and on the Windows drive.  If there is less than 1MB of available disk space, please delete some unwanted files.

After 1MB of free hard disk is available, try install or removing SpkQQ.

2. If SpkQQ still can not be installed or removed, file sharing system might be interfering.  SpkQQ accesses the SYSTEM.INI file during installation and removal, but SHARE.EXE or VSHARE.386 may interfere and terminate the process.

In this cases, please disable these programs temporary.

(a) Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and insert REM before the SHARE.

i.e. REM C:\SHARE.EXE

(b) Edit the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI file.

Search for [386Enh].

Search for DEVICE=VSHARE.386 and insert a ";" before DEVICE.

i.e.   ;DEVICE=VSHARE.386

(c) Re-boot the system and try installing or removing SPKQQ.

Please re-set the AUTOEXEC.BAT and \WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI file after installing or removing SpkQQ.

On the other hand, if SpkQQ still does not be installed or removed from your system, please contact us.  Support


Setup
<3> SPKQQ SETUP

  SpkQQ Setup dialog box if used to  customize, install, register, and remove SpkQQ from your system.

1. Customize

When Customization button is chosen, SpkQQ customization dialog box will appear.  Sound production parameters can be adjusted from this dialog box.

2. Install

When the Installation button is chosen, SpkQQ installation program will be executed if SpkQQ is not already installed in the system.  If old version of the program is currently installed, Update button will be displayed instead of the Installation button.

3. Register

When the Registration button is chosen, SpkQQ registration dialog will be displayed.  This dialog box is used to register your copy of SpkQQ.  Once registered, registration dialog box will cease from appearing and you will be able to use it on a continuous basis.

4. Remove

If you wish to remove SpkQQ driver from your system (if you decided that it wasn't for you or if you decided to buy a sound board), choose this button.  It will remove SpkQQ driver from Windows (it will not delete files).

This button can only be selected when the SpkQQ driver is currently installed in Windows.


Customization
3.1 CUSTOMIZATION

Speaker and its surrounding circuits differ for each PC model.  Thus, to reproduce the best possible sound on your system, parameters should be adjusted to your computer model.  Unfortunately, some computers can not be adjusted to erase all the noise (;_;).  With this in mind, please adjust the following parameter to make your internal speaker produce the best sound possible.

Volume

Volume radio box controls the sound volume.  The lever could be moved from 0 (lowest volume) to 100  (highest volume).  In actual play circumstances, 10 is the highest volume possible, but most waves have not yet reached a peak.  Therefore, it is possible to play even at volume level 15 to 20.  However, if loud sound was recorded, setting the volume level to be greater than 10 will distort it .  (sample *.WAV files included with SpkQQ are loud sounds).

Sample Rate

Sample Rate radio box controls the interval at which sound wave is to be sampled.  The lever could be moved from 10k to 200kHz.

Theoretically, higher sample rate will produce better sound.  However, faster CPU is required to play at a higher sampling rate.  In addition, I/O limitation will distort the sound if it is set too high beyond your system capabilities.  Choose the Calibrate to measure your system performance and automatically set the sampling rate.  Moving it a little above or below this default setting will probably provide the best setting for your computer.

Furthermore, selecting Boost and Delay will put additional  strain on the CPU.  Therefore, please lower the Sampling rate if these options are selected.

Slow CPU

If the computer is too slow that even after lowering the sampling rate to 10kHz, the sound does not seem quite right, check this box.  Checking this box will lower the quality of the sound, but it will put less demand on the CPU.

Calibrate

Choosing the [Calibrate] button calibrates the optimum Sampling Rate given the current settings.  If you have a fast machine, choosing Performance may set the Sampling Rate to be higher than 100kHz, but it's usually the case that the actually optimum setting is somewhere between 40kHz  and 50kHz.  (^ ^;)

Boost

When Boost is selected, low to medium level sound will be boosted.  If you are having hearing low sound with the internal speaker in your system, select this box.  However, depending on a sound, it might get distorted.  Furthermore, selecting Boost puts some demand on CPU, and it is  recommended that Sampling Rate be lower.

Mute

When Mute is selected, SpkQQ will cease to produce sound.  If you want to play an action game which does not a way to turn off the sound, this check box may be useful.

Disable External Control

When Disable External Control is checked, other programs will not be able to control the speaker volume setting.  Some programs (e.g. After Dark) set the speaker volume but does not reset after the program is closed.  If you want to keep the volume constant, check this box.

Level Volume

When Level is checked, SpkQQ will automatically readjust the amplitude of a WAV file  as it is playing a WAV file so it will sound louder.  A low sound will be boosted and loud sound's volume will be lowered to make it sound louder as a whole.  Furthermore, sound level as a whole will have more leveled volume to provide better sound.  It is ,therefore, recommended that Level be checked.  Checking Level, however, will put some burden on the CPU so it is suggested that the  Sampling Rate be Recalibrated.  Furthermore, it is recommended that the Volume be set lower than 10 to avoid noise.

Delay

Echo effect is created when Delay is selected.  When it is selected, additional burden is put on the CPU so it is suggested that the  Sampling Rate be Recalibrated.  To adjust the delay parameter, choose the Adjust button.  An Delay Adjustment dialog box will appear.

Delay Time

The Delay Time radio box is used to set delay time by milliseconds intervals.

1 - 30 	Flanger effect

100-199	Short echo effect

200+	Echo effect

Delay Level

The Delay Level radio box is used to set delay sound volume.  The level can be moved between 0 (lowest volume) to 8 (highest volume).  When it is set to 8, the delay will have the same volume as the source sound.

Feedback

The Feedback radio box is used to set how many times the delay is to be repeated.   The value can be set between 0 and 8.  When it is set to 0, the delay will sound with the source sound.  On the other hand, when it is set to 8, the sound will be repeated over without decay.

Test

Play  the *.WAV file specified by the Test File.

Test File

Enter the name of *.WAV file to play when Test button is chosen.  A  Test Selection dialog box can be  opened by choosing the Browse button to assist file selection.

Disallow Interrupt

When Disallow Interrupt is select, all other software will not be able to interrupt when a sound is being produced.  This will create a better sound, but you will not be able to move your mouse pointer, enter characters from a keyboard, nor use telecommunication software.  Please use care when selecting this option.

FM Sound

When FM Sound is checked, SpkQQ will use the FM Sound system instead of a regular internal beeper.  Actually, the internal beeper will produce a better sound.   This is because FM sound system is a 4-bit sound system while an internal beeper system is a 8 bit sound system.

NEC 98 Note

If SpkQQ is running on a computer like NEC 98 note (Japanese model) which controls speaker volume by software, select this option.

Save

When Save box is checked and the Customization dialog box is closed by selecting the OK button, the next played *.WAV file will be saved in the file specified in the File Name:  entry box..  After saving to a file, the Save box will automatically unchecked.

Save can be used to record sound produced by Video for Windows and by a games.

Register

Choosing Register will open the Registration dialog box.

SpkQQ.Drv:

The current SpkQQ driver version is displayed after the SpkQQ.Drv:.  If the driver is currently not installed in your system, this field will be blank.

OK

Save the current settings to the WIN.INI file and close the Customization dialog box.

Cancel

Close the Customization dialog box without saving the changes.

Help

Display SpkQQ help


Registration
3.2 REGISTRATION

SpkQQ is a shareware.  To use it on a continuous basis, you will need to register (US$10.00).  With registration, you will receive

1. A registration number which will stop the registration dialog box from displaying on your screen

2. Right to use SpkQQ on a continuous basic

3. Support

Registration can be done from the SWREG forum on the CompuServe:

SWREG ID: 3999

If you do not receive a registration number within 1 week after you register by SWREG, please send us a mail.

If you can not register via SWREG, you can send us a check or a money order:

fill out the included ORDFRM.WRI and send it with a check payable to

Yasuko Ozawa

Unipac Tours, Inc.

151 N. Michigan Ave.

Doral Plaza, Suite 1902

Chicago, IL  60601

U.S.A.

If you send us a check, we will require from 4 to 6 weeks to process the check and to send you a registration number.  If you still do not receive a registration number after this time, your mail may have gotten lost.  Please check if your check has been cashed and if it has, please send us a mail.

New version of SpkQQ will be available in CompuServe libraries.

Registered users are free to download any new version and use them with the same

registration number.

Be sure to test that SpkQQ runs correctly on your system before registering.

Support for SpkQQ is provided by Internet and CompuServe E-mail.  If you

have any question, opinion, suggestions, or other comments, please send any E-mail to:

Hitoshi Ozawa	Internet:	HCC00417@niftyserve.co.jp

CompuServe:	100220,3402

WARNING:

We will not be available on the following days:

Dec. 22 to Jan.6

April 22 to May 10

August 1 to August 17

Registration submitted in these days will be processed after we return.


Removal
3.3 REMOVAL

If after a week, you decide that you do want SpkQQ on your system, remove the SpkQQ driver from you Windows by executing the following steps:

1. Open the SPKQQ Setup dialog box.

2. Choose the Remove button.

3. Choose the YES button to remove the SPKQQ driver.

4. Choose the YES button to remove SPKQQ and its settings..

5. Choose the YES button to restart Windows.

If you are still having problems removing SpkQQ.

WARNING: Near the end of SpkQQ removal process,  Windows will be restarted.  Please close all applications before initiating the following steps.

NOTE:         SpkQQ files including the registration file will not be deleted when SpkQQ driver is removed from Windows.  Therefore, if you do not delete these files, SpkQQ may be re-installed on to your system without re-registration.


Q_and_A
<4> Q & A

Some commonly asked questions are answered below:

1.  If for some reason you are unable to restart Windows, do the following steps:

a) Boot up DOS.

b) Move to the drive where the Windows is installed.

(e.g. C:)

c) Move to the Windows directory.

(e.g. CD WINDOWS)

d) Copy the SYSTEM.SPK to SYSTEM.INI

(i.e. type COPY SYSTEM.SPK SYSTEM.INI)

e) Try starting Windows once again.

If you still cannot start Windows, please send me a mail with your system configuration.


Miscellaneous
<5> MISCELLANEOUS

DISTRIBUTION:

This file can be freely distributed if the following conditions are obeyed:

1. If it is to be copied to another forum or to another distribution channel, please contact the developer to let us know exactly where it is to be copied.  We will need this information to maintain and upgrade Graffiti for Windows at all locations.

2. This program can be distributed only in the original archived SPKQQ.LZH formatted file.  Do not change this file or any files within.

3. Please make it apparent that SpkQQ is a shareware.  Please state it this in the program description.

4. If this program is to be mentioned in any article, please send a E-mail to one of the developers.

The developer is willing to discuss other means of distribution.  Please send a mail to one of the E-mail addresses below.

COPYRIGHT:

SpkQQ is copyrighted to Hiroki Nakayama.  No part of program, data, or any other file in the SpkQQ.LZH file may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from Hiroki Nakayama.

Afterthought

My work involves using computers and music synthesizer.  With the current trend toward faster CPUs, software could be written to produce better sounding digital signals and my work began to become more exciting.  Within this circumstance, SpkQQ is a very handy tool that it allows me to sound wave files from my Windows.

I actually want to make a speaker driver supporting timer interrupts.  If I could develop such a program,  I will be able to run other processes (e.g. applications) while producing sound.  Of course, with this program  I will be able to play AVI files and watch moving pictures while listening (if CPU speed permits).  With DOS, I was able to create such a driver, but it just doesn't seem possible with Windows.

To produce a speaker driver capable of interrupts, the timer interrupt must be at least 10kHz.  Most software (not only Windows software) do not permit long interrupts.  Windows device driver (probably the display driver) seems to forbid long interrupts.  Even with 486DX2-66MHz machine, I was only able to get 1kHz interrupt.  1kHz does not create a very good sound, so I had not choice but  not to support timer at this stage.

In recent year, copyright on sound files is becoming a problem, but the sample wave data included with the program was recorded by me.  Please listen to it as much as you like (^_^).

Hiroki Nakayama

Other Programs by the Hiroki Nakayama

Following programs are available(as of October 14, 1994):

1. Graffiti (FREEWARE

    Draw a graffiti on your Window.  Supports spray paint, pen, bloody paint and other fun drawing components.  WINFUN - 3 GRAFTI.LZH.


Support
<6> SUPPORT

Support for SpkQQ is provided by CompuServe E-mail.

If you have any question, opinion, suggestions, or other comments, please send any E-mail to:

Hitoshi Ozawa	    CompuServe:100220,3402  	(LDD00657@niftyserve.or.jp)

Hiroki Nakayama	    Nifty Serve:SGT02603 	(SGT02603@niftyserve.or.jp)

We will not be available on the following days:

Dec. 22 to Jan.6

April 22 to May 10

August 1 to August 17

Registration submitted in these days will be processed after we return.