AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1565          09/18/96 
 
 
 
TITLE:  MConnect Speakerphone Volume Fluctuates
 
 
SUMMARY 
 
   Multimedia Connect Speakerphone volume 
   fluctuates during conversation.
   
   This issue applies to all systems that are 
   preloaded with 'Multimedia Connect' software.    


ISSUE 
 
   When using the speakerphone, the volume of both the caller and 
   the user fluctuates as if the gain on the mic and speakers is 
   being adjusted.    

 
BACKGROUND 
 
   Multimedia Connect and the modems used by AST implement 
   "Automatic Gain Control" (AGC) to adjust the sound levels to 
   achieve the best sound available for speakerphone. 
   In previous builds of Multimedia Connect, the AGC was considered 
   too aggressive by some users. Concerns were voiced that the sound 
   fluctuated too much.    

 
ACTION 
 
   Update to the latest build of Multimedia Connect by identifying 
   the current build of Multimedia Connect on the computer, then 
   downloading the correct update. Use the chart below to identify 
   which upgrade to download.
    
   *** If the currently installed build of Multimedia Connect is for 
   the Boca/AT&T modem , be sure to download and install the latest 
   modem drivers BEFORE installing the upgrade for Multimedia 
   Connect. The latest drivers are available as BATTDRV.EXE.***    

 
NOTES 
 
   Finding your build of Syncro Multimedia Connect.
   
   1. Launch Multimedia Connect 
   2. Click on the "computer" icon in the title bar.
   3. Choose "About..." from the drop down menu.
   4. Read the "Product ID" for the number that matches the chart below.
   
   
   Product ID # MC18022052120106US-0395
   
   In the Product ID there are two sets of numbers that are needed 
   to identify the current version installed on your computer. 
   First, ascertain which build is present. 
   
   The build is represented by the three numbers after "MC18". If 
   the number IS "092" then you have the latest build of Multimedia 
   Connect and no upgrade is needed.
   If the numbers after "MC18" are NOT "092" then follow the 
   remaining steps to identify the modem and the correct update for 
   your computer. 
   
   Next, look at the two numbers just BEFORE the "US". Match the 
   numbers on your screen to the ones below to identify which 
   version is currently on your computer.
   
   05---- Sierra 14.4 Download MCONNSRA.EXE
   06---- ATI/ATT 	 14.4 MCONNATT.EXE
   15---- Boca/Rockwell 28.8 MCONNRCK.EXE
   18---- Boca/ATT 	 28.8	 <A HREF="ftp://ftp.ast.com/MISC/MCONNATT.EXE">MCONNATT.EXE</A> + BATTDRV.EXE
   19---- ATI/ATT 28.8 MCONNATT.EXE
    
   All files listed above are available from any of AST's On-Line 
   services as follows:
   
   AST WWW Site: http://www.ast.com
   AST On-Line! BBS: See IB0001.TXT
   CompuServe: GO:ASTFORUM
   Prodigy: Jump: astsupport
   
   *Refer to IB0001.TXT for a list of AST's international BBS numbers.
   
   To decompress these files, create a temporary directory on your 
   harddrive, copy the downloaded file to that directory, and run 
   the file.    

 
TAN 001711RL 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 
The information in this data sheet is subject to change without  
notice. AST Research, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or  
editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or  
consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance,  
or use of this material. This material contains information protected  
by copyright. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form 
without prior written consent from AST Research, Inc.  
All rights reserved. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 
01