Live Call-In Show via Skype for NMRA Canada Members

[skype-status skype_id=”nmra.cnd” user_name=”NMRA Canada Live Call-In Show”]

 

 

NMRA Canada Live Call-In Show

 

Starting November 2013 NMRA Canada will be hosting a Live Call-in Show with a focus on Canadian model railroading.

We will have NMRA Canada news and updates and callers will decide which way the conversations are directed.

The vision is to allow all members in Canada to ask questions, get help or just plain listen in to a conversation about model railroading.

We hope to create the feeling that you are sitting in a great hobby shop or your own basement with a lot of friends from around Canada who are just talking model trains!

We will announce the date and time for the Call-in Show here on this page of the NMRA Canada web site and in the “BLOG” section.

Next NMRA Canada Live Call-In Show:

 To be Announced


Equipment required:

  • Computer or mobile device that has the ability to run Skype
  • built in microphone to talk
  • built in speakers to listen to the conversation,
  • or purchase a headset for use (often found at dollar stores(

This improves listening quality and interaction for all participants without all the background noise being picked up by microphones.

Getting Skype:

Please set  this up well in advance of a show date.

Please follow the instructions on the Skype web site to set up Skype ahead of our planned meeting date.

You will need to give some basic information and get a Skype ID .

NMRA Canada  ID:  NMRA.cnd

  1. Skype loaded on your computer
  2. go to Contacts
  3. select Add Contact form the menu
  4. Fill in the information as required
  5. ensure my Skype name is listed and correct.

SKYPE is FREE

If in the process of you adding Skype it asks you to pay….. You are incorrectly doing the initial set up….

That extra fee is only charged when you are adding an actual Land Line or Mobile PHONE to be used.  There should be No Charge when just using your computer and making Skype to Skype calls. If you have a problem please contact presca@hq.nmra.org  (Please not during a show)

Go to Call

  1. On the left side bar  are contacts
  2. Click on it and it will dial the host
  3. The host  will then add you to the group call

Video: will NOT be used for any portion of the discussion

Etiquette

The method used by Skype to establish a conversation is not the same as talking on a regular telephone. This requires taking some extra steps to ensure good quality sound. If you’d like to participate in the meeting, please find a quiet place to call in from. Background noise (such as a radio, TV, cooling fan, or even an open window) or another conversation happening in the same room, gets picked up by your microphone even when you are not speaking. This extra noise makes it harder for our host to manage the call in real time (he may have to mute your line frequently)

While on the call, please avoid typing on your keyboard or many of the typical activities associated with the hobby workbench. Sawing, sanding, filing, and other tasks can all be heard through your mic. All these extra noise inputs can sometimes overpower the voice of the person who is speaking. They took the time and effort to call in to the meeting, and deserve an equal chance to be heard.

We would ask that all callers respect other callers on the Skype call.  Any improper language or behaviour will result in removal by the host

When there are many members on the call, you will be asked to mute your mic and the host will call you in to participate in the call allowing a  better conversation and discussions.

Please also use the instant messaging during the call to add comments to the conversation or request to ask a question or make a comment. It will add to your participation in the show.

Skype Mute

Professional radio announcers are trained to mute their own mics when coughing, sneezing, clearing their throats, or making a comment to their crew. Skype has a mute function on its control panel and in its ‘Conversation’ menu. Some microphones have their own ‘mute’ button built-in.

How to Join on a Mac

how-to-join-on-a-mac