New to VAC--Small delay

USB headsets to digital audio workstation software...
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LarryW
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Location: Garden Valley Idaho

New to VAC--Small delay

Postby LarryW » Mon Aug 31, 2020 5:21 pm

Hello all,

So I am very new to using VAC for ssb audio etc. With the help of Scott's instructions, we are now up and running Voicemeeter Potato

One thing I have noticed chatting with the boys this morning they are saying the very last part of my call sign is not coming through or cutting out. I am using a foot PTT switch on the back of the radio.
I am also seeing and hearing this on the external watt meter and Thetis mon function.

Is there anything I can do to shorten this delay or catch up (I have to hold down the ptt foot switch about 1/2 second after I stop talking)
All buffer settings are set per Scott's starting suggestions ( buffer 2048/48000 sample)


I have placed a order for the Behringer UMC202HD ---also reading through sections 6 and 7 on wu2o vac tutorial.
Regarding the ptt through the PC---It appears this can be a chore to accomplish but may be worth it!

Thank you
Larry
7000 mkll Thetis v2.8.11 21k3
P2_v2.0b
Dell XPS 8930 i5-9400/Behringer 202HD/Audio-Technica BPHS2 headset, USB PTT, Behringer XR 12 (Rack in a Box)
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w-u-2-o
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Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w-u-2-o » Mon Aug 31, 2020 6:50 pm

Larry,

It's really great to read that you are enjoying using VAC :) Now comes the next step, which is tuning for low latency.

I'm going to assume you already have the Low Latency filters selected in Setup > DSP > Options.

Until you get your Behringer interface here's a rough formula for how to proceed. Note that this is a rough formula, experimentation is the order of the day.

In the VAC setup window:

1. Change your driver to Windows WDM-KS. It is generally faster than MME. If that seems to give you stable results, then move to step 2...

2. Set your PortAudio latency to 0ms on both In and Out, and check the Manual boxes so that takes effect. If that seems to give you stable results, then move to step 3...

3. Reduce your VAC buffer size from 2048 until results get bad, then move back up a size. If you get all the way to 128 that is great.

4. Put your Ringbuffer latency settings in manual and start reducing them (In and Out together) until things get bad, then go back the other way a little.

As for setting up PTT through the PC, that's very easy. Add a serial port, either a card or USB dongle. Then build an adapter cable between your normal footswitch connector and the DE9 serial port connector. Wire it so that the PTT switch will connect DE9 pins 7 and 8 together when pressed. Then open the Setup window and select the CAT Control > CAT tab. Choose the correct port number for PTT control, RTS as the PTT signal, and check the Enable PTT checkbox.

73,

Scott
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LarryW
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Location: Garden Valley Idaho

Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby LarryW » Tue Sep 01, 2020 4:51 pm

Scott,

I had a great 30 minute qso this morning. Then Thetis started to lock up, set all settings back to the defaults, restarted rig/pc several times with no changes noted. I have attached a video showing what is going on.
Thetis will only run about 15 seconds before locking up.

If you have time, can you take a look at it and let me know what you think?
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYQVDxHjza

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYQVDxHjza

Thank You,
Larry
N7ZDR
7000 mkll Thetis v2.8.11 21k3
P2_v2.0b
Dell XPS 8930 i5-9400/Behringer 202HD/Audio-Technica BPHS2 headset, USB PTT, Behringer XR 12 (Rack in a Box)
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w-u-2-o
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Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w-u-2-o » Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:30 pm

Thetis is not locking up, you still have control. Your network connection is stopping after some sort of buffer period expires.

It would be a shame to crap up this nice thread about audio with seven pages of firmware and network debugging. Recommend you start a new topic in the main Thetis forum, in the new thread copy your last post and tell us how your network is setup and what version of firmware is in your 7000.
w9mdb
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun Apr 09, 2017 5:53 pm

Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w9mdb » Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:33 pm

Try rolling back your network card driver.
I was having pauses not quite this bad and rolling back the driver solved the problem for me.

Mike W9MDB
Mike W9MDB
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w-u-2-o
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Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w-u-2-o » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:16 pm

How are you making out with your latency reduction efforts?
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LarryW
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Location: Garden Valley Idaho

Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby LarryW » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:36 pm

All,

Regarding the disconnects-- I reinstalled firmware version 2_v2.0_pre1 and all appears to be working well.

Now we wait for the Behringer 202hd and USB to serial adapter (PTT).
As for the delay-- will hold off till we get the 202 and ptt set up-- I am very curious as to see if their will be any difference.


Also, I had been previously using the Heil pro 6 elite headset which has a 1/8 mono plug. I think will need to order a 1/8 mono to 1/4 stereo to connect to the 202hd.

73
Larry
7000 mkll Thetis v2.8.11 21k3
P2_v2.0b
Dell XPS 8930 i5-9400/Behringer 202HD/Audio-Technica BPHS2 headset, USB PTT, Behringer XR 12 (Rack in a Box)
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w-u-2-o
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Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w-u-2-o » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:36 pm

LarryW wrote:Also, I had been previously using the Heil pro 6 elite headset which has a 1/8 mono plug. I think will need to order a 1/8 mono to 1/4 stereo to connect to the 202hd.

That's not going to work, Larry. That Heil headset provides an unbalanced microphone output. The input on the Behringer is a balanced input. You will need to build or buy a proper adapter. Here's a link that explains the wiring.
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LarryW
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Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:19 pm
Location: Garden Valley Idaho

Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby LarryW » Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:08 pm

Your right-----I have a couple xlr's laying around, will have to build some thing. I would rather just buy something but will take a look in the junk drawer first.
7000 mkll Thetis v2.8.11 21k3
P2_v2.0b
Dell XPS 8930 i5-9400/Behringer 202HD/Audio-Technica BPHS2 headset, USB PTT, Behringer XR 12 (Rack in a Box)
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w-u-2-o
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Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:47 pm

Re: New to VAC--Small delay

Postby w-u-2-o » Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:43 pm

Or you could buy a really nice microphone ;)

Examples under $100 include: Behringer B1, MXL 770, MXL 990, AT2020 and a plethora of Chinese large diameter condenser mic's on Amazon that go as cheap as $20. And you'll need a mic cable :D

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