Plain Talking Demo provides easy to use access to the Macintosh speech synthesiser (MacInTalk).
Plain Talking Demo can remember and recall 360 words or phrases allowing users to construct complete dialogues with a few clicks. Provision has also been made for alternative input devices through the allocation of the following command keys:
Phrase buttons: Command 1 to 0
Talk button: T
Clear button: B
Learn button: L
Delete button: D
Cancel button: - (minus)
The full version will provide other features - why not suggest a few? Please use the addresses below.
Getting Started
Once you have installed the 5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT) in your Scripting Additions folder ( if you are not sure how to do that, see below) and restarted your computer, you are ready to do some Plain Talking.
Plain Talking has been designed to provide maximum access with minimum keystrokes. It works like this.
Say you type the letter 'a'; that action calls up any words or phrases you have stored that start with the letter 'a'. The same goes for the rest of the alphabet and the numbers zero to nine. Pressing any one of them will recall up to ten words or phrases which will appear on the screen buttons.
If you want to use one of the words or phrases that appear, simply click on it or use it's command key combination (command 1 to 0). It will be typed for you.
You can then add other words or phrases until the text you want spoken is complete. When it is, click the Talk button (command T).
Learning words or phrases
To make the best use of Plain Talking, you need to teach it your most commonly used words and phrases. This is how you do it.
First, type the word or phrase.
Second, click the Learn button (command L). The word or phrase will be allocated to a free button. If there are no free buttons for that letter or number, you will be asked if you want to replace a button you have previously used.
If you do decide to replace an existing button, you simply confirm that you do and then click the button you want to replace.
If you decide you do not want to replace any of the buttons, click Cancel (command -)
Deleting words or phrases
You can delete words or phrases at any time by clicking the Delete button (command D). You then click on the button you want to delete.
If you decide you do not want to delete anything after all, click Cancel (command -)
Distribution
Plain Talking Demo may be freely distributed as long as the software and this ReadMe are not modified. The package should include:
This ReadMe
Plain Talking Application
5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT)
Plain Talking Installer
Plain Talking Demo can be uploaded to BBS and Internet Archives where no charge is made for downloads. It may be included on magazine cover CDs.
System Requirements
68030 or better
System 7.5
AppleScript 1.1
Macintosh Speech Manager (MacInTalk)
5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT)
Where Everything Goes
Plain Talking needs to use 5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT). The OSAX must be installed in your scripting additions folder. Installation can be carried out manually or by using the supplied custom installer.
Automatic Installation
The custom installer requires that a freshly installed copy of the Plain Talking Folder is at the top level of your hard disc. That means you should be able to see the Plain Talking Folder as soon as you open your hard disc.
To install a fresh copy of the Plain Talking Folder click twice on the Plain Talking.sea icon. You should select the top level of your hard disc when prompted.
Once you have a fresh copy of the Plain Talking folder installed at the top level of your hard disc, you will find the custom installer in the Plain Talking Folder. Click twice on the custom installer icon to carry out the rest of the installation.
Manual Installation
If you decide to install the OSAX manually, please follow these instructions carefully.
You should drag 5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT) from the Plain Talking Folder to your Scripting Additions folder. You will find the Scripting Additions folder in the extensions folder in your System Folder.
After installing 5HOTA Speech OSAX(FAT) you must restart your computer.
Please send bug reports and comments to 5HOTA@rickisvk.demon.co.uk
Beta testers on First Class can send reports to: Feedback for 5HOTA,CCIS
Please include details of the machine that you are running the Beta on and include a list of any “Third Party” extension. This will help us check for any compatibility problems.
Warranty Information
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS'. Five Horsemen Of The Apocalypse Software (referred to as 5HOTA hereinafter) offers no warranties and makes no representations, either expressed or implied, as to the quality of the software or documentation, or as to any effects of the use or misuse of the provided software or documentation, or as to the suitability of the software to any particular task. 5HOTA shall not be held liable or responsible to any person or entity or representative thereof for any alleged or actual claim, liability, lost profits, or lost or damaged computer data, software, or hardware, whether these are caused or claimed to be caused directly or indirectly to use or misuse of the provided software or documentation.
