CU-SeeMe Set-up &Trouble-Shooting
Hardware & Software Updates
Last CUSeeME update: July 24, 2002
Current Notice posted: July 22, 2005

IMPORTANT NOTICE!:

Because of increasing difficulties we have discontinued use of CUSeeMe
and are using Netmeeting instead.  Netmeeting is a free product
which is available for download over the Internet.
  Registered students will receive information via email about computer set-up
and practice sessions in preparation for the fall classes.

Thank you for your patience!

The following info. is not current.  It is provided for reference only:

CU-SeeMe 5.0

The only version of CU-SeeMe which is readily available is the most recent version: 5.0.  This version requires Windows 98/2000 Pro or Windows ME operating system; a Pentium III processor; minimum 56 Kbps modem.  If you can still find copies of the older Pro version, 4.0.1 (which runs on Windows 95, a Pentium I, and slower than 56 K), you are welcome to use it.  The new version (5.0) is supposed to be fully compatible for participants using older versions.

System Requirements for 5.0 (newer verson)
PPP for dial up connections
56 Kbps modem, LAN, Cable, or ISDN connection
10 MB hard drive
Windows: Me, 2000 Professional, 98SE
64 MB RAM
Pentium III 500 MHz with 64 MB of RAM (Recommended)
(Pentium II 233 MHz with 64 MB of Ram (Min. Required)
Microphone or headset
Speakers or headphone
16 bit sound card and drivers
16 bit full duplex sound card needed to send and receive audio.

Optional Hardware (To send video):
Digital video camera (serial, parallel, or USB)
(USB or FireWire digital webcam required to send video)
Standard analog video with video capture card

System Requirements for 4.0 (older verson)
PPP for dial up connections
10 MB hard drive
Modem bandwidth 33Kbps or faster
Internet or LAN connection with IP address
Minimum of Pentium 133 MHz Processor with 32 MB of RAM
Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0
TCP/IP - Microsoft TCP/IP
Microphone or headset
Speakers or headphone
16 bit sound card and drivers

Optional Hardware (To send video):
Digital video camera (serial, parallel, or USB)
Standard analog video with video capture card

Purchase information for CUSeeMe

CompUSA is the only local store I know of that carries both versions of CUSeeMe.   I've been told that Best Buy and Walmart may also carry CUSeeMe.  Here is a link which should allow you to purchase the CUSeeMe software online: http://www.cuseemeworld.com/  Ignore the message at the top of the page which says: "You must log in or join first."   Just scroll down to the bottom and click where it says: "Buy CUSeeMe 5 Now."  This summer (as of July 24, 2003) the price is reduced to $39.99. 

SET-UP FOR CUSeeMe v. 5.0

For the basic 5.0 installation and set-up instructions go to the following CUSeeMe support link: http://support.cuseeme.com/cu5/   Once you have installed the software follow these steps to create a contact card for connecting with the Oxford classroom:

  1. Open up the CUSeeMe program to the Home-Conferencing Companion;
  2. Click on "File" in the menu up above;
  3. Click on "New Favorite" in the list of options;
  4. For Nickname type in "Oxford Mercury;"
  5. For the IP Address type in the series of four numbers (eleven digits) which I sent out via email;
  6. Leave the Conference Options blank (Conf. ID; Password);
  7. Click "OK;"
  8. To test your new connection double-click on "Oxford Mercury" under "Favorites;"
  9. You should now be in the ETS Server/Schoolhouse.  Scroll down to room ID # 6,
      "Lund" Classroom;
10. Click "Go;"
11. You should now be in the classroom.  Go ahead and try using the microphone in the
      top, left-hand corner of the screen.  Place the cursor arrow of your mouse over the
      mic button, hold it down, and try speaking into your microphone at home.  If the
      system is working properly, you should see some green bars appear next to the mic
      botton on your screen.
12. To exit the classroom click on the special Hang-Up button, the jumbo-sized "X" over on
       the right side of your screen.
13. You should now be back on the Conferencing Companion page.  To exit the CUSeeMe
       program click on "File," and scroll down to "Exit Companion."  

    CUSeeMe FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for version 5.0: http://support.cuseeme.com/cu5/
    CUSeeMe upgrades are available at: http://www.wpine.com/software/cu-product-request.html  
           (For upgrades you will be asked for your original CU-SeeMe serial number.  You can find it by opening up your
            CU-SeeMe program to the Phonebook and clicking on "Help," "About CU-SeeMe," "More.") 

SET-UP FOR CU-SEEME PRO 4.0.1

    Run CU-SeeMe and click first on "Addresses" in the upper task bar, then on "New Conference."  Type in "Oxford/Mercury Server" for the Nickname and the IP address (contact Dr. Lund if you don't have it; it's a series of eleven numbers in four sets);  Click OK. 

    Then click on "Tools," "Preferences."  Under preferences start at the top, and select each item in order, making the following adjustments:

    1. "General" - See that the "Launch Conferencing Companion when machine starts" option is disabled (NOT checked);

    2. "Personal Info." - Since tutorial protocol requires that students use their real names in the blank for "Nickname" write the student's first name and last initial, e.g. "AnneL."

    3. "Audio" - See that the "Automatically turn on microphone" option is disabled (NOT checked); then click on the "Tuning Wizard" and follow the instructions until completed;

    4. "Video" - If you have installed a camera note select the MJPG video codec;   

    5. "Network" - Set the speed of your bandwidth one level BELOW the maximum rating of your modem.  For example, if your modem is rated at 56 K, then set your Network Bandwidth to "Modem 33.6."  If your modem is rated at 33.6, then set your Network Bandwidth to 28.8.  Then select "Custom" and set your maximum send and receive settings to "18." 

    6. "Gatekeeper" - See that this option is disabled (NOT checked);

    7. "Directory Services" - See that this option is disabled (NOT checked);

    8. "Call Notification" - See that this option is disabled (NOT checked);

    9. "Collaboration" - See that this option is disabled (NOT checked);

    10. "Advanced Settings" - Set the "Audio" codec to "G 723 6.4 kbps" (Mac users try Delta-Mod 16 kbps); See that the "full duplex" is disabled (NOT checked); Under "Collaboration" leave all of the boxes disabled (NOT checked); select the "Prompt" option for when to "Start collaboration services when available"; (There are no recommendations for now regarding the remaining options in "Advanced Settings").  When finished, click OK.     

Audio & Performance Trouble-Shooting

HOW TO IMPROVE CU AUDIO/PERFORMANCE

1. When exiting either version of CU-SeeMe, especially 4.0.1, make sure to exit the classroom by using the Phone/Hang-up icon (the jumbo-sized X in 5.0) and then exiting the Conferencing Companion/Phone Book by using File/Exit. In no case should you exit CU-SeeMe by clicking on the little "X" in the upper right hand corner.  One CU-SeeMe technician has warned that failure to exit CU-SeeMe properly can "distort all of your settings."

2. Make sure that no other programs are running on your computer (email, call notification, anti-virus, etc.).  Turn off other programs AND make your internet connection BEFORE starting up your CUSeeMe program.  Then, open up your CUSeeMe program to the Conferencing Companion and go to Tools/Preferences (upper left-hand corner of your screen) and scroll down the list.  Make sure that most special features are turned off (un-checked), for example:
 
   1) "automatically turn on  microphone at start of each call" in Audio;
    2) "automatically send Video at start of each" in Video;
    3) "enable gatekeeper" in Gatekeeper;
    4) "notify incoming calls" in Call Notification;
    5) "enable Full-duplex" in Advanced Settings/Audio.

(Mr. Hinrichs has even advised that, using Windows 95, students use CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up the task manager and shut down all programs except "Explorer," "Systray," and "Rnaapp."  If you get really desperate, it's worth a try!)   

3. Once you're inside the Oxford classroom, if you are having difficulty with your audio, turn off your camera.  Even if you don't have a camera, the software may be trying to "send" and "receive" video.  Right-click on your name in the Participant's list and make sure the "Show video" and "Send video" are both un-checked (turned off).        

4. Check your current ISP connection speed.  Go to: http://computingcentral.msn.com/internet/speedtest.asp   If your current connection is less than 30, you will undoubtedly have problems.  Try exiting CUSeeMe and disconnecting from your ISP just long enough to re-connect.  Keep re-connecting until you get a speed at or above 35.  If your ISP can't give you that much speed after a few tries, then you may want to change your ISP.  Always establish your internet connection first, before running CUSeeMe.

5.  If your microphone isn't working, or if it's too loud/soft/fuzzy, you need to check your Windows Volume Controls.  The CUSeeMe microphone setting can only control your volume so much.  Check your volume levels and audio quality settings in Windows 95/98 by right-clicking on the little yellow speaker icon in the task bar or going to Start/Programs/Accessories/ Entertainment.  First select "Adjust Audio Properties," and see that "Playback" and "Recording" are enabled.  If you have the option  select "CD Quality" for your "Preferred Quality."  Then select the "Open Volume Controls" option, and follow this path: "Options/ Properties/ Recording," and see that all the little boxes below are checked.  Click "OK," and then find the "Microphone" Balance.   See that the "Select" under Microphone Balance is checked and that the slider for the microphone is not higher than the middle position.  This is the only option under Recording which should be selected.  Leave the "Line-In" and other options un-selected.  The slider for the microphone can be raised more later if more volume is needed.  (My system works best with the slider near the bottom.) 

6. If you're running an older machine on a dial-up modem and having audio trouble, you might try this.  Go to My Computer|Dial-up networking, right click on your ISP and select Properties|Configure and try making your maximum modem connection rate 28.8 or 33.6 (this may be necessary for optimal audio quality even if you have a higher-speed connection than 28.8 or 33.6).  If it doesn't seem to help, or makes things worse, then return this setting to your maximum connection speed.

7. If you're running an older machine on a dial-up modem and having audio trouble, you also might try this to get more stable modem performance.  Try enabling hardware flow control and error control. To do this under Win 95 go to Start|Settings|Control Panel l Properties| Connection|Advanced. Check "use flow control" and mark "Hardware (RTS/CTS)". Also check "use error control" and "compress data." Some ISPs with older equipment may not support these settings. Please contact your ISP for specifics.

8. As a rule, you should use a regular ISP connection, not with shared providers like AOL or CompuServe.  However, recently these providers have been upgrading to full TCP/IP connections.  For example, America Online 3.0 for Windows 95 works with CU-SeeMe Pro. (NOTE: AOL 3.0 for Windows is not the same as America Online 3.0 for Windows 95.)  However, you must meet these three conditions:

  1. Windows 95
  2. CU-SeeMe Pro V4.0
  3. AOL 3.0 for Windows 95

For more information on using CU-SeeMe with providers like AOL or CompuServe please check with those providers and see the CU-SeeMe FAQ at the following link: http://support.wpine.com/cuseemepro/ (type "AOL," "CompuServe," etc. in the FAQ search box).  The new version of CUSeeMe comes with a built-in "Firewall Test."   Open up CUSeeMe and go to Tools/ Prefs / Firewall, NAT and click on "Test if I'm behind a NAT."  Here's a link for others to use for the Firewall Test: http://support.cuseeme.com/
Just scroll down to "Test Your Firewall" and follow the instructions.  If there's a problem with AOL (or another ISP) it should show up during the test.    Your ISP should not use a "Proxy Server" or have you behind a firewall. If they do, ask them to help you work around it. If they can't or won't take you out from behind the firewall, or give you a way to work around it, switch ISPs.   The Proxy settings to work around a firewall are as follows: In Netscape: Start the Netscape program/ Select "Options" Menu from the top bar/
Pick the "Network Preferences..." Item/ Select the "Proxies" tab.   In the New Netscape Communicator: Select "Edit" Menu from the top bar/ Pick the "Preferences" Item/ Select the "Advance" [+] tree/ Select the "Proxies" [+] tree.  Pick the "Manual Proxy Configuration" option and click on "View..."/ Then enter the following settings:

EITHER:

HTTP proxy : 203.25.122.2 port: 8080 (Main Proxy)
FTP proxy : 203.25.122.2 port: 8080
Gopher proxy : 203.25.122.2 port: 8080
Wais proxy : 203.25.122.2 port: 8080

OR

HTTP proxy : 203.25.122.1 port: 80 (Back-up Proxy)
FTP proxy : 203.25.122.1 port: 80
Gopher proxy : 203.25.122.1 port: 80
Wais proxy : 203.25.122.1 port: 80
Click "OK"

9. Be sure your mic is plugged into the right jack on the sound card on your computer. Try switching jacks. The best way to trouble shoot your audio problems is to see if you can record and play back sound using the sound recorder.  You can find the recorder at Start | Programs | Accessories | Multimedia | Sound Recorder.  If you can not record and playback sound with the sound recorder, your problems are not with CU-Seeme but your mic or soundcard.   Your mic should be in the "Mic in" hole on your sound card.

10. Double check physical connections, such as the speaker and mic wires.

11. Check all volume controls on speakers and/or mics, and check the Windows volume controls and CU-SeeMe volume control sliders (if you start by setting everything at about halfway, you'll be about right and can then adjust as necessary).

12. Try a new microphone.  The "head-set" style seems to work the best with CU-SeeMe, and is very handy when you're reaching for books and notes, etc.  They cost a little more, but seem to be of a much highter quality.  After my last upgrade, I couldn't get any sound out of my system at all until I tried a head-set microphone.  In my experience the stereo pc headsets work best.  The free-standing microphones usually have more trouble.  I have a head-set mic made by Andrea electronics which I got at a local computer store for about $ 25.00.  But I think that any of the headset mics should work fine.  We also have a Radio Shack "Optimus" which works fine.   If you purchase an Andrea brand (or similar) headset microphone, look for a model number beginning "NC" (Noise Cancelling) rather than "ANC" (Active Noise Cancelling).   The  NC mic requires less voltage and seems to work better than the ANC.  

13. Make sure "Full duplex" is not running.  On some versions of CU-SeeMe it automatically turns itself on every time you launch CU-SeeMe, and must therefore be un-checked each time. 

14. Make sure that you're using the same audio codec as the tutor and other participants.  In many cases your microphone will not transmit any sound if you're on a different audio codec.  We will begin the year by trying to use G.723.1 elemedia (6.4 Kbps).  The teacher will alert you if there is a change.

15. Sometimes you will hear another student, but suddenly lose them.  In that case try clicking on your Speaker icon.  By clicking it off and then back on again, you will often be able to free up the blocked audio transmission. 

16. Turn off video if anyone is sending video. Click the "Video" button, then "close all video."

17. In at least one case, a student whose microphone was transmitting a loud buzzing sound solved the problem by turning "Full duplex" on (rather than off, as is usually the correct setting).  

18. Double check all of the instructions above, especially the initial settings for "Send/Receive" rates and modem speeds ..

19. See if you can find a computer person among your friends and acquaintances, or perhaps another online student, who can help you trouble-shoot the problem(s) from previous experience.  Usually the solution is not complicated, once the source of the problem can be identified.

20. Call Whitepine tech support at (603) 594-2804.  Online support is free for the first 90 days after the original purchase.  However,  there is a mandatory charge of $ 25.00 per/incident after 90 days, and there is often a significant wait.    When you can get through, they are usually able to provide good support.   Their hours are 8:00AM- 8:00PM, Monday-Friday (EST).  You may also try FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) CUSeeMe online support for version 5.0 at: http://support.cuseeme.com/cu5/ or for earlier versions at:http://support.cuseeme.com/home_404.html   You can also request free online email support at: http://www.expressresponse.com/cu_corp/    Pax Christi vobiscum!