ZipLine 3.0 is a web-based way of joining a ZipDX multilingual call as an interpreter. It requires only your computer, a headset and a supported web browser. It acts as a soft phone, but includes special tools to control the flow of interpretation.

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the ZipLine 3.0 web phone.

1.What do I need to use Zipline 3.0?

To deliver interpretation using ZipLine 3.0 you require the following:

• A personal computer (Windows, Mac, Linux or Chromebook)
• Google’s Chrome web browser
• A reliable, wired connection to the internet (no Wi-Fi!)
• A high-quality headset
• A quiet place to work

Our Starting Guide For Interpreters is an online tool to take you through the process of getting ready to use ZipLine 3.0.

2. Can I use Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari to access ZipLine 3.0?

No! For the purpose of delivering interpretation ZipLine 3.0 only works in Google’s Chrome web browser.

3. How do I join a call using ZipLine 3.0?

1. You must be using Google’s Chrome web browser.
2. Log into www.zipdx.com using your email address and PIN.
3. Once logged in you will see your Home page, which includes listings of calls to which you were invited. If the call in question is about to start. but has not yet started, you will see it listed in the Pending Calls.

At 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call you will see a Web Phone icon listed for the call. Clicking on this icon will launch ZipLine 3.0 in a new browser window, joining you to the call as the first participant.

4. If the call has already started you will see it listed under In Progress Conferences.

Clicking on this icon will launch ZipLine 3.0 in a new browser window, joining you to the call.

4. I hear the call on my computer speakers. How can I hear it in my headset?

If you hear the call participants via speakers other than your headset, you need to change the device used for audio playback. This can be done even without leaving the call.

In ZipLine 3.0 simply access the pull-down menu beside the speaker icon and select the item corresponding to your headset. An analog headset may be labeled simply “Headphones.” A USB headset should be indicated by name, like the VXi Envoy Office pictured above.

5. How do I select a different microphone?

You can use the microphone pull-down menu to select a different microphone. Select the one that corresponds to your headset.

If you have an analog headset the appropriate device may be listed as merely “Default” or “Microphone.” If you have a USB-attached headset it should be listed by name, as was the case with the VXi Envoy Office, pictured above.

Tip – if you’re not sure which microphone is being used, tap on your headset microphone with your finger. To others on the conference, this should sound like a loud, sharp thump. If it doesn’t, the headset microphone is not currently being used.

6. What do I do if I cannot hear the call at all?

If you cannot hear anything at all you should use the following diagnostic process:

1. Ensure that your headset is connected to your computer.
2. Ensure that the playback volume is not turned down. Note that some laptops have a button that silences sound playback.
3. Make certain that you have the Conference Dashboard open.
4. Use the conference dashboard to verify that other participants have joined the call and someone is actually talking.
   • The other participants on the call are listed on the left side of the Conference Dashboard.
   • The current active speaker in the upper right area of the window.
5. Make certain that you have the ZipLine 3.0 web phone open. You should have accessed the ZipLine 3.0 using the “web phone” button on your HOME page.
6. Check the connection status shown in the lower part of the web phone.

 

• If it says “connected” the web phone was able to reach the ZipDX server.

• If it says “disconnected” the connection has been lost.
  • Click on the button labelled “Play Test Sound” you should hear a sound in your headset.
  • If you hear the sound, click on the “Call” button to try reconnecting.
• If the status reported is anything else it was not able to reach the ZipDX server. You may have a network problem.
  • Confirm that you have internet access by trying to reach another web site using a web browser.
  • If you can reach another web site something about your network is blocking access to the ZipDX server. This must be investigated by someone familiar with your local network.
  • If you cannot reach any other web site then your computer may be offline. You must ensure that the computer has reliable internet access.

7. I'm having difficulty hearing everyone on the call. How do I adjust the volume in my headset?

ZipLine 3.0 includes a simple volume slider that provides the ability to adjust the volume in your headset.

This control defaults to its right-most position, which is 100% of system volume. It’s primary function is to provide a convenient way to reduce the volume in your headset.

If the control is already fully to the right and you still need more volume, you must use the system volume control of your computer to make the change.

On a Windows computer, access the desktop, then click on the speaker icon in the lower right portion of the task bar to access the volume controls.

Note: Some USB headsets have a built-in volume control. This is the same as using the system volume control of your computer.

8. I'm having difficulty hearing a key participant. How do I adjust the volume of just that person?

If you have trouble hearing a specific participant you have two options:

1. If they are using a speakerphone ask them to get closer to the phone or pickup the handset.
2. If that’s not practical, and you are either an Interpreter or Host on the call, you can use the Conference Dashboard to increase their volume.
   • Locate them in the list of participants. The current active speakers are listed in the upper right window.
   • Click on their entry in the list

This will reveal a menu with settings that include the ability to adjust their volume up/down in several steps.

In making this adjustment you are changing their volume for everyone on the call.

9. My voice too soft/loud. How do I adjust my microphone level?

Adjustments to your microphone level must be made using the sound controls native to your computer.

On a Windows computer:

• Access the Control Panel.
• Click on “Hardware & Sound.”
• Click on “Manage Audio Devices.”
• Select the “Recording” tab.
• Click on the entry for your headset.
• Click on the “Properties” button.
• Select the “Levels” tab.
• Adjust the levels slider & click on the Apply button.

The change in level should be immediate, even if you are active on a call.

The scope of adjustments offered varies depending upon the type of headset in use. Some may offer both “Microphone Level” and “Microphone Boost.”

Be careful not to overdrive the level which can distort your audio. The voice activity meter in ZipLine 3.0 is useful in determining if your mic level is too high. When speaking normally it should not be continuously red.

10. Chrome will not allow ZipLine 3.0 to access my microphone. How to I fix this?

When you first launch the ZipLine 3.0 web phone Chrome prompts you to allow access to the microphone. If you agree, Chrome stores that setting for use whenever you may access ZipLine.

If you accidentally tell Chrome to block microphone access it stores that setting instead. Later attempts to use ZipLine 3.0 will not be given access to the microphone. Nor will you be prompted about the matter.

Google offers this guidance on editing the preferences for device access within Chrome.

11. Are there any keyboard shortcuts in ZipLine 3.0?

Yes! The ZipLine 3.0 webphone has the following keyboard shortcuts:

For these shortcuts to work the browser window running the webphone must have the focus.

12. Why don't I see the buttons for controlling interpretation?

If your ZipLine 3.0 window looks like the one pictured below one of two possible things has happened:

1. The conference call has not been setup for multilingual operation.
2. You have not been assigned the role of Interpreter for this call.

The controls for interpretation are only displayed when the multilingual settings have been setup, as described in our Guide to Creating A Multilingual Conference AND you have been assigned the role of Interpreter for this call.