FastLynx Questions or another option???

[FastFingers]

I own my own transcription business.  I have a VDI digital dictation system in which the doctors call in via phone, are prompted to enter patient information, etc., and then they dictate (basically leave a glorified voicemail) where I am then able to call back into the system, put in my own passcode, and transcribe the dictation off with a headset.  This is run off of DOS like the old 386 and 486s.  There is no Windows operating system on this computer.  I can program this software to dial out so that it can transfer files, but my windows-based PC is not recognizing the DTMF so that the files can automatically transfer.  I am assuming I need to have some type of software that would automatically recognize the tones so that it could automatically transfer.  Do you have software that could do this between a DOS computer and windows?

My other option, after looking at your site, appears to be connecting the two computers via cables and transferring the files manually (via the Classic FastLynx?).  In looking at your Classic FastLynx, it appears that maybe I can hook these two computers up (DOS to the Windows XP) directly through your cables (need parallel for the old and USB for the new) and manually transfer the files.  The digital dictation system has a 3-1/2 inch disc drive that I would assume I can add software that way, but obviously, it needs to be a DOS-based software AND I would need software that was also compatible with windows XP. 

Maybe I am being too cheap and should just spend $10,000 to get a new dictation system, but it seems to me that transferring voice files should be relatively easy.  Any thoughts?

[Jordan]

I think FastLynx will be the best way to go. It comes with a DOS program called SL.exe. You just put this file on a 3.5 inch floppy and insert it into your DOS machine. The Windows version of FastLynx will connect to this software, and has the interface for transferring all the files. You will need to decide if you want to use Parallel or serial. If your newer machine doesnt have either of these then you are limited as to solutions. USB to Parallel adapters do not work with FastLynx. USB to serial adapters do. If you want to go through Parallel, then check to see what sort of expansion options you have. For desktop computers you can use Parallel PCI cards. For some Laptop computers you can use PCMCIA Parallel cards. These two options are also availble in Serial. You will also either need a Parallel Null Modem cable or a Serial Null Modem cable.

The FastLynx classic package comes with both of the Null Modem cables as well as a CD and 3.5 inch floppy with FastLynx on them.

[FastFingers]

Thank you for your help.  I am a little challenged when it comes to the technical side of computers so just to be sure before I purchase ... the DOS computer I have has one male serial port with 9 pins and the XP computer has two male serial port with 9 pins.  Obviously then, I should be able to use the FastLynx serial cable to connect the two, which I am assuming is what you called the "serial null modem cable" -- correct? 

Another question that this has raised -- can I set it up to do automatic transferring or is this something I must do manually?

Thanks again for your help!!  I hope my three weeks of searching is finally at an end!!!   

[Jordan]

That is correct. The serial cable has a female connection on both sides. The FastLynx serial cable is the Serial Null Modem cable.

Having it do it all automatic may be tricky, as I'm assuming that you want another program running on the DOS computer at other times. The Slave program(SL.exe) needs to be loaded on the DOS machine in order for the Windows version to connect to it. It may be best to set it up so that it does the same transfer each time, and just run the program early in the morning, or later at night so that it doesnt interfere with the Doctor's phone calls and dictation.

[FastFingers]

Thanks Jordan.  Do you guys do any consulting?  My brother-in-law works for WindRiver and has been real helpful, but out of town a lot.  If I run into snags after purchasing this, can I get further help rather than forum? 

[Jordan]

Yes. We have free tech support for our products. Just call 1.800.709.1345 and dial for tech support.

[Jordan]

You can also email support@sewelldirect.com