CL wrote:
> Scott Reynolds wrote:
> 
>> The USB part just means that it plugs into a USB port on your 
>> computer, just like those things people have instead of floppy disks. 
>> A USB connection has the advantage of not requiring you to unplug your 
>> speakers to use Skype.
>>
>> Handset means that it is not a headset and microphone combination but 
>> a juwaki like on a typical telephone. Functionally, a USB handset and 
>> a headset-microphone combo should be identical. Which you choose is 
>> just a matter of preference.
> 
> Scott,
> 
> I've got a USB handset setup, too.  I don't have all of the answers, but 
> I have a setup that works.  Maybe we can talk you through the problem.

Thank you. I certainly appreciate the help.

> The way WIN addresses the Skype issue is to give you several layers that 
> all have to work together.  There are both hardware and software 
> components to the setup, which most discussions are quick to ignore. 
> Both have to work before you get a clear signal.
> 
> I'll assume that you have checked WIN Device Manager and confirmed that 
> you have no yellow question marks next to any USB Host Controller or Hub 
> icons.  I've got multiple controllers on my everyday PC and I had to fix 
> some conflicts.

I just checked it again now, and everything looks OK.

> You didn't mention what brand of USB handset you bought.  Mine is a 
> Novac VP-840U, which is a handset only without a cradle (I have desktop 
> real estate issues).  It came with a driver CD that installed a driver 
> and an icon in my System Tray.

Buffalo BSKP-U202 here. I've installed the software (both Skype and the 
drivers) and it seems to be working okay (expect for the SkypeOut issue).

> When I installed Skype, either Skype or the handset driver (I forget 
> which one) asked me if I wanted Skype to use that driver and then it 
> created an association between the software and the device.  I know that 
> this isn't always automatic, but you should get a pop up informing you 
> if it isn't.

Yes, the handset software is associated with the Skype API.

> In Skype, under Tools->Options->Sound Devices you should set your Audio 
> In and Audio Out to your USB Device.  If you assign "Ringing" to your 
> Windows Default Device, your "phone" will ring through your speakers.

Check. This is all set up.

> Test your setup by calling "echo123" which is the Skype test call 
> number.  When you install Skype it _should_ install that as your first 
> Contact.

echo123 works great. No problems at all. I also got a Skype call from a 
nice man in North Carolina named Jim Breen (no relation to the Jim Breen 
we know from SLJ, as far as he knows). We had a nice chat and everything 
seemed fine.

> If you still have problems, the next question is whether you have a 
> firewall and whether you have given Skype permission to log on to the 
> Internet through it (BTW, DO NOT let Skype act as a Server).

Well, I have a hardware firewall (a router), but Skype seems to be able 
to access the Internet OK. Skype to Skype seems fine (so far as I can 
tell). It's just that SkypeOut always conks out after about 5 or 10 
seconds. It's really weird.

> A less common problem is when you log on to the Internet via a proxy, 
> but if you're in Japan, it is unlikely.

No proxy.

> Let us know if this works and we'll take it from there.

I do appreciate your help. Feel free to Skype me (you should be able to 
find me using either the email in this post or my real name) and we can 
try that out.

> You can get very old waiting for Skype to answer you.  They give 
> themselves a 72 hour window and, if you're an international phone call 
> junkie, like me, that is an eternity.

I can imagine. If the problem with SkypeOut is never resolved but I can 
use Skype to talk to other users I'll still be satisfied. It would be 
nice to have the whole thing working, though.

-- 
_______________________________________________________________
Scott Reynolds                              scottreyn@gmail.com