14 replies to this topic

[Gary Anderson]

I haven't tried this but does anyone know if turning off some of the soft talk commands will help with the speed of soft talk? or if it makes no difference.

[Verlin Klassen]

I don't have an answer to that, but am wondering if you actually use SoftTalk and it works for you. I have tried it numerous times and always give up because it always fails after approx. 1/2 hour. When it works it is super, but it soon fails to recognize my commands. I have approached tech support numerous times and they have not come up with a solution. 
I have never talked to someone that actually uses it on a regular basis, so your post got me curious. 

[Daniel Zanoli]

I only use it when roughing in my structure. There's only a handful of tools you really need to draw a complete floor plan. Try turning everything off except the tools you really need. Then shorten up or change the word your using for what ever tool that happens to not be responding to your voice properly. I've had no problem as long as I don't ask to much of it.

[Gary Anderson]

I do use it. setup is kind of a pain but when all said and done it works well for me.

I use it for drawing modes. I also use it for making final items on my drawings such as notes and symbols. it makes  make it a very fast and efficient.

[Verlin Klassen]

Now you have me wondering why it works for you, but not for me. I wonder if there is something with my setup that is the issue. It works great for a little while and then stops, so I am thinking I should take note if it is after a specific command that it starts to fail.

[Dan Turner]

I've been putting off trying the patch repair of the last update with regards to the SoftTalk repair that has been a long time issue with this mode of drawing.

Reinstalled the SAPI5 installer and "driver" and spent the last 90 minutes with the module working with me upon start up and immediately began to recognize commands and selections....for the entire 90 minutes without a hiccup.  

It's been a bit of a waiting game for this repair...but it finally took place and the end result is the SoftTalk module test #1 is now a complete success!   I didn't see any indicators that might prove otherwise in upcoming trials.

Thanks SoftPlan Techs!!

 

Dan Turner

Conyers, Ga

[Steve Haarmann]

Dan (or Brent)

 

I assume that you are on 2018.4.8  ??

Did you reinstall the SAPI5 using the file posted on the Softplan support under utilities?

It says for 13.3.4+

Not sure if that means just version 13 or if the + means for later versions.

 

I have wanted to use this for years but have had problems with it operating consistently.

Hopefully this is a new driver that fixed issues.

 

Steve

[Verlin Klassen]

Steve, That is what I did.

I too have been looking for this for years, and have been asking SoftPlan to fix the issue. I must say I am very impressed. i have been working with it for a number of hours today and have been amazed that it just keeps on working. Thank you so much SoftPlan

Now after the good, I must add the negative that I have experienced today. SoftPlan crashed twice on me today, and otherwise in the past it was rare to have it crash. I guess that is one way to teach me to be more diligent and save every few minutes. 

[Dan Turner]

There's still a few twitchy things going on in SoftTalk...but considerably improved.

I think the investment is worth the while as long as SP is working the problems through as with any other module.  For me...it cuts time to scroll and searching out a specific tool or symbol selection.  It's not that I can't learn keyboard shortcuts...if working 100% everything involved...mouse and STalk are the ideal combination for the bulk of work.  SoftTalk has gotten used to my swearing at my own idiocy that it will erase the last line or symbol by just hearing...the well worn exclamation of "dammit!"  

I think SoftTalk can be trained to SAVE ALL and CLOSE PROJECT if it hears me utter..."I've Had Enough of THIS JOB!!!" or if I open up a tool box to get out my handy 5lb stake hammer.

SP Techs....keep plugging away at SoftTalk.  It's greatly appreciated!!

 

Dan Turner

Conyers, Ga

[Dan Turner]

I did do the patches and such for SoftTalk...but then 2020 came about and after inputting the current SAPI driver, I was disappointed with the results.  About the same time I was having issues with the logitech wireless headset via the wifi transceiver.

I'd had enough with the headset and ordered a KOSS SB/49 hardwire set.

I've had little to no problems since.  SAPI tends to have some minor issues in Win 7 to require a re-boot which is a nuisance...but the trigger to such a nuisance is actually turning off the Voice Recognition program and then trying to bring it back online.  I'd say, I'm at 98% service...with perhaps some minor non-issues that are due to my turning on a command in the config set up (there's a line to turn on for everything in symbols and general modes) other than that...the wasted time in zooming across one or two screens to a tool bar selection; then a drop down menu with more selections to follow are pretty much over.  What once took two or more steps...including search and decide time, is now simply speaking the command and making the selection to turn on any tool or make any selection.

It's not only a time saver for me now that SoftTalk is actually working with me...and vice versa.  But...the distraction of deciding what I needed and then remembering which tool bar; searching for the Icon and then going through the process....that mental exercise is no longer separating the actual work to truly simply fighting with the size of the program and tool location + function for each.  My concentration is fully on the work without losing track of what I'm trying to accomplish that session at the workstation.

It's the perfect tool for SoftPlan...and I'm truly grateful for Tech for working through the issues and bugs.  Plus...I'm grateful for my cushy Koss headphones that i can wear all day.

PLUS...I can play my selection of work music on Pandora...all instrumental, no lyrics...which completes my dream of the perfect CAD production.  It's just playing in the background without any cross talk to interfere with mic input.  The only complaint I could register would be with the Koss headset foam tube cover...I've dipped that damn thing into my coffee too many times in the past couple of months that I can't get the coffee smell out of it.

The new headset was less the $30...and has made all the difference in the world between me and SoftPlan.

By George...I think they've got it!!

 

Dan Turner, CPBD

Conyers, Ga   

[David Zawadzki]

I did do the patches and such for SoftTalk...but then 2020 came about and after inputting the current SAPI driver, I was disappointed with the results.  About the same time I was having issues with the logitech wireless headset via the wifi transceiver.

I'd had enough with the headset and ordered a KOSS SB/49 hardwire set.

I've had little to no problems since.  SAPI tends to have some minor issues in Win 7 to require a re-boot which is a nuisance...but the trigger to such a nuisance is actually turning off the Voice Recognition program and then trying to bring it back online.  I'd say, I'm at 98% service...with perhaps some minor non-issues that are due to my turning on a command in the config set up (there's a line to turn on for everything in symbols and general modes) other than that...the wasted time in zooming across one or two screens to a tool bar selection; then a drop down menu with more selections to follow are pretty much over.  What once took two or more steps...including search and decide time, is now simply speaking the command and making the selection to turn on any tool or make any selection.

It's not only a time saver for me now that SoftTalk is actually working with me...and vice versa.  But...the distraction of deciding what I needed and then remembering which tool bar; searching for the Icon and then going through the process....that mental exercise is no longer separating the actual work to truly simply fighting with the size of the program and tool location + function for each.  My concentration is fully on the work without losing track of what I'm trying to accomplish that session at the workstation.

It's the perfect tool for SoftPlan...and I'm truly grateful for Tech for working through the issues and bugs.  Plus...I'm grateful for my cushy Koss headphones that i can wear all day.

PLUS...I can play my selection of work music on Pandora...all instrumental, no lyrics...which completes my dream of the perfect CAD production.  It's just playing in the background without any cross talk to interfere with mic input.  The only complaint I could register would be with the Koss headset foam tube cover...I've dipped that damn thing into my coffee too many times in the past couple of months that I can't get the coffee smell out of it.

The new headset was less the $30...and has made all the difference in the world between me and SoftPlan.

By George...I think they've got it!!
 
Dan Turner, CPBD
Conyers, Ga

I got the Koss 49, bought the SoftTalk module and it works great for a while... then it appears to go to sleep.

Any suggestions?

[Verlin Klassen]

I have had the same experiance over the years of it working fine and then going to sleep. I think in my case it is a Windows or Microsoft issue. I haven't been able to figure out why it works fine for some but not for me.
If you can't get it to work and are serious about voice command drawing and are prepared to spend a little more money check out knowbrainer
com. They have develped commamd software that pairs with Dragon dictation software and can be used to run any program.In the case of Softplan commands are created using keyboard shorcuts and the alt commands. The commands are not quite as extensive as SofTalk because eventially you run out of keyboard shortcuts and there are no alt commands for the library items. You are able to dictate dimensions providing they are decimal inches or feet and whole inches.
I find it useful for dictating e mails or notes in onenote.

I started last fall with the software and a high quality table mike also purchased from knownrainer and have been very happy with it. This spring I ordered a Seinhauser chordless headset from them because the mike would pick up too much background sound and now am even more impressed.
If you do go that route I would highly recommend that you pay for an hour consultation just to get you started with setting up the commands. Once you get going it does not take long to set up many commands.

[David Zawadzki]

Thanks Verlin.

I will look into the Windows side and see what I can find...

[David Zawadzki]

Once I used the right audio connection in Windows, it works great!

 

Feels like cheating to just say what you want...

[Dan Turner]

A SoftTalk topic is posted under Product Suggestions that I started and got a phone call response this morning.

Well worth the read that may just be the thing to get things started....as many SoftTalk users with this common problem to post to Tech Support their conditions and symptoms for Tech Support to collate and home in.

Merry Christmas to all y'all!!