Digital Acoustics TalkMaster FOCUS User manual

TalkMaster™FOCUS
Admin Console
Reference Manual

iii
Table of Contents
Welcome to Admin Console..........................................................................................................................1
Welcome....................................................................................................................................................1
Release Notes...........................................................................................................................................1
TalkMaster FOCUS Server....................................................................................................................1
TalkMaster FOCUS Server....................................................................................................................2
System Requirements...............................................................................................................................7
System Overview.......................................................................................................................................7
Solo and Enterprise...................................................................................................................................8
Fail Forward Overview...............................................................................................................................9
TalkMaster FOCUS Status ICON............................................................................................................10
Administrator Console Overview.............................................................................................................11
Using Endpoint Security..........................................................................................................................11
Logon.......................................................................................................................................................13
Common Buttons.....................................................................................................................................14
Setup Tab....................................................................................................................................................15
Setup .......................................................................................................................................................15
Settings....................................................................................................................................................15
Defaults....................................................................................................................................................17
File Locs ..................................................................................................................................................20
Paging Options........................................................................................................................................22
Queues Tab ................................................................................................................................................25
Queues....................................................................................................................................................25
IP Endpoints Tab.........................................................................................................................................27
IP Endpoints ............................................................................................................................................27
Client Types.............................................................................................................................................30
General - Configuration...........................................................................................................................32
General - Adapters ..................................................................................................................................34
Options 1 .................................................................................................................................................35
Options 2 .................................................................................................................................................38
Options 3 .................................................................................................................................................41
WiFi - Config............................................................................................................................................43
WiFi - Status............................................................................................................................................44

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eSIP - Options 1 ......................................................................................................................................45
eSIP - Options 2 ......................................................................................................................................48
ZC - Options ............................................................................................................................................49
ZC - Zone Groups....................................................................................................................................50
PTT vs Call button Feature......................................................................................................................51
eSIP Stand-alone Configuration Steps....................................................................................................52
Automatic Level Control ..........................................................................................................................56
Messages Tab.............................................................................................................................................59
Messages ................................................................................................................................................59
Paging Groups Tab.....................................................................................................................................63
Paging Groups.........................................................................................................................................63
Endpoint Members ..................................................................................................................................64
Message List ...........................................................................................................................................65
Operators Tab.............................................................................................................................................67
Operators.................................................................................................................................................67
Information...............................................................................................................................................67
Queue Management................................................................................................................................69
Group List................................................................................................................................................70
Audit Tab.....................................................................................................................................................71
Audit.........................................................................................................................................................71
Status Tab...................................................................................................................................................73
Status.......................................................................................................................................................73
IP Video Sources tab ..................................................................................................................................75
IP Video Sources.....................................................................................................................................75
Menu Options..............................................................................................................................................77
File Menu.................................................................................................................................................77
Search Menu ...........................................................................................................................................77
Tools Menu..............................................................................................................................................78
Licensing Menu .......................................................................................................................................79
Settings Menu..........................................................................................................................................81
Help Menu ...............................................................................................................................................83
Support Information.....................................................................................................................................85
Support Central .......................................................................................................................................85

Table of Contents
v
Contacting Technical Support .................................................................................................................89
About Us..................................................................................................................................................89
Glossary......................................................................................................................................................91
Index............................................................................................................................................................93

1
Welcome to Admin Console
Welcome
Welcome to the Admin Console. The Admin Console is used to configure the TalkMaster FOCUS Server
and the IP Endpoints that connect to it.
If configuring IP Endpoints to operate only with a SIP 2.0 Server, please review the eSIP Standalone
Configuration topic.
If upgrading from a previous version, please review the Release Notes topic.
For an overview of the system, please review the System Overview topic.
For an Overview of the Administrator Console, review the Administrator Console Overview topic.
Release Notes
V 6.0.2 Release August 2019
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Fixed an issue where the Text to Speech Engine on the Setup → File Locs tab change
would not affect the selected voice
Added the ability to suppress Call Queue Entries generated by an IP Endpoint when it’s Talk
button was pressed. This enables the Talk button to trigger an Event in the Event
Configuration Console. The new option is available on the IP Endpoints → Opt 3
tab. Device needs to be configured as call-button and no call queue entries
Fixed an issue where the IP Endpoint list would be disabled when creating a new Paging
Group on the Paging Groups → Endpoint Members tab, and the group type was changed
to queued
Fixed an issue that would prevent the removal of a fixed RTP port on the IP Endpoints →
Opt 1 tab
Improved the performance when loading tens of thousands of entries on the Audit tab
TalkMaster FOCUS Server
Fixed an issue where an IP Endpoint could be reported as being "Disconnected" to Consoles,
but the endpoint’s LEDs indicated it was “connected”. This caused issues with TalkMaster
communications, but SIP calls would still work
Improved the performance and reliability of sending RTP audio to IP Endpoints
Added .5 seconds of silence to the end of a pre-recorded audio file when sending it to one or
more IP Endpoints
Fixed a pacing issue when sending a pre-recorded audio file via TCP to an IP Endpoint
Fixed an issue which could occur after several weeks if many devices were continually
connecting and disconnecting
V 6.0 Release June 2018

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Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Changed the meaning of the colored ICONs in the IP Endpoints tab to indicate whether
Authorized IP Endpoints are connected to or disconnected from the TalkMaster Server
Added menu option Search-->Search IP Endpoint List (and keyboard shortcut ctrl+f ) which is
available on the IP Endpoints and Status tabs
Added menu option Tools-->Remove Disconnected Devices to remove IP Endpoint
configurations for old devices
Added the Endpoint Keep Alive value on the Setup-->Settings tab for IP Endpoints with
firmware V7.3 or greater
Improved the performance of the IP Endpoints and Status tabs when connecting hundreds
of IP Endpoints
Added configuration support for IP7s that have a wireless network connection (available in
Q3 2018)
TalkMaster FOCUS Server
Added support for changing the keep-alive time between the TalkMaster FOCUS Server and
IP7 Endpoints with Firmware Version V7.3 or greater
If Paging Group audio is sent via Multicast and the Endpoints support RTP, the Server will
send audio to the Endpoint using standard 160 byte RTP packets
Reduced the default memory size used for creating new threads to improve overall memory
usage
Optimized thread dispatching for installations with thousands of IP Endpoints
Added the ability to send a server based Message to a single IP Endpoint via RTP using the
TalkMaster FOCUS .Net SDK
Added support for IP7 Wireless configuration
V 5.2.6 Release May 2018
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added menu option Tools-->Find Device By IP Address and Tools--> Save Device By IP
Address
Added menu option Tools--> Record Program Events To File and Tools--> Open Support
Folder
Added automatic duplicate checking in the IP Endpoints tab for Location Name and SIP
Extension
V 5.2 Release June 2016
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added support for IP7s running firmware V7. PLEASE NOTE that TalkMaster FOCUS V5.2
or greater is required to discover IP7 endpoints with V7 firmware

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Added support for the new IP7-MZC Multi Zone Controller. The IP7-MZC is an IP Endpoint
that can support up to 48 zones of full-duplex audio and is designed for use in Central Station
security environments. Refer to the ZC tab on the IP Endpoints tab
Added the ability to display an internal "health" report on a device. Refer to the IP Endpoints
tab
Added the ability to add existing MP3 audio files as Messages. Please note that when the
audio file is sent to the IP Endpoints it will be converted to a uLaw wav file with an 8k sample
rate
Added support for Paging Groups that support low priority multicast audio which allows the
audio to be interrupted with normal priority audio or intercom requests. Refer to the Multicast
Address and Port on the Paging Groups tab
Added support for using the STUN Protocol when an IP Endpoint is running as an eSIP
client. STUN (if allowed by a firewall) can help improve connectivity between SIP based IP
Endpoints connecting to a SIP Server from behind a NAT'd firewall
Added the ability to password protect IP Endpoints using the IP Endpoint Security option.
IP Endpoint Security implements a Challenge Response Authentication process between an
IP Endpoint and any software program that tries to access it. IP Endpoint Security requires
IP7 Firmware V7.1.2 or greater. Please refer to the topic on Using Endpoint Security for
further details
V 5.1 Release November 2015
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added "IP Video Sources" tab to define supported Axis and RTSP capable IP Video
Cameras
Added Setting -> Video Source Types editor to add support for additional IP video sources
Added Associated Video Source to IP endpoint --> Options 3 tab
Version 4.1 Release December 2013
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Support for Software License Key, machine signing
Support for Software License Key, application of license key
Support for server-based Message Playback
Support for server-based Message Recording
IP Endpoint "IP7 Tracking Enabled" address supports UNICAST host address
Version 4.0 Release December 2012
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added the Recording Warning option to the Endpoints --> Options 3 tab to enable the IP7 to
play a warning tone when the IP7's Microphone is active

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Added the Allow Multiple Logons to the Operators tab
The Status tab lists the number of times an Operator has logged on with the same Operator
ID
Added the Export Settings and Import Settings to the File Menu for backing up and
restoring the TalkMaster FOCUS Server settings
The Audit tab now lists the starting and stopping of Monitoring sessions
The Fail Forward Overview topic has been added to this manual
Added support for configuring an IP Endpoint as a Music Injector
Version 3.0 Release January 2012
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added several new configuration options
Added the Endpoint Defaults and the eSIP Defaults tabs to streamline the configuration
process
Added the Defaults button on the IP Endpoint Configuration tab to copy in the Endpoint
and eSIP Defaults setting to a new or existing IP Endpoint
Added the Shared RTP Port for Operator Console Audio
Added the "Automatic Return" option for IP7 Fail Forward on the Options 1 tab
Added the Audio Profile settings for new AEC enabled IP Endpoints
Added the eSIP settings for IP Endpoints
Renamed the Paging Protocols tab to Paging Options
Added the USB License Key information to the Help --> About menu
Added the ability to define a Repeating pre-recorded Message
Added the ability to define Queued Paging Groups
Added the ability to define an IP Endpoint to be used as a Microphone input device for a
Queued Paging Group
Renamed the Intercom Responses tab to File Locs
Eliminated the TTS tab and relocated the option to File Locs tab
Eliminated the Info tab for IP Endpoints and relocated the Firmware Version information to
the Configuration tab
Server Corrections and Enhancements
Updated the USB License Key driver to the latest release
Added support for Queued Paging
Added support for sending/receiving Operator Console Audio via RTP
Added support for overflowing IP7 IP Endpoints configured for eSIP to a SIP Extension

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Added support for firmware updating of IP Endpoints
Improved pacing of audio paging packets for UDP and RTP operations
When sending Audio Pages via UDP Unicast, if the IP Endpoint is configured to use RTP, the
audio is sent via RTP to the IP Endpoint's dynamically assigned or Fixed RTP Port
Added the ability to use an IP Endpoint as a microphone for a Queued Paging Group
Version 2.0.2 Release December 2010
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added the ability for discovery, configuration and firmware updates to "connecected" IP
Endpoints via TCP instead of UDP, so updates can now be made to IP Endpoints behind a
NAT'd Firewall
Added the ability to define a Shared RTP Listening port for IP Endpoint audio
Added the ability to define a Fixed RTP Port for IP Endpoints on the IP Endpoints -->
Options 1 sub tab
Server Corrections and Enhancements
Added support for using Fixed RTP Ports on IP7 IP Endpoints
Added support for IP Endpoint discovery and configuration to "connected" IP Endpoints
Added support for using a shared RTP Listening port for IP Endpoints
Version 2.0 Release October 2009
Administrator Console Changes and Corrections
Added the ability to define pre-recorded Messages for 1-way paging
Added the ability to define paging Groups for 1-way paging and associate pre-recorded
Messages with each Group
Added the ability to add Groups to Operators. When an Operator logs on to the Operator
Console, the Groups and their associated Messages are included on a new tab used for 1-
way audio paging
Added the ability to select the Text-to-Speech engine to be used for applications created
using the "SayText" API from the Software Development Kits
Added an Update Now option to the bottom of the screen to dynamically send most
Administrator Console updates to the Server and Operator Consoles without needing to
restart the Server service
Added an option to use the RTP protocol instead of the TCP/IP protocol to send and receive
2-way Intercom audio
Added a Managed check box to the Intercom configuration to authorize devices added to the
system
Added a Replace option on the Intercoms tab to copy the configuration of an existing
endpoint and replace it with a new endpoint

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Added support for new Handset options to the Options2 tab of the Intercoms tab
Added the ability to Disable the Intercom's AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and manually set
the Mic Gain in the Options2 tab of the Intercoms tab
Added the ability to specify the default Microphone codec to be used when the IP7's Talk
switch is engaged
Server Corrections and Enhancements
Added support for server based Groups and Messages
Added support for Text-to-Speech
Enhanced usage memory used for Intercom threads
Added additional error and buffer overflow checking to enhance system stability
Updated the USB License Key driver to Version 7.5.0
Updated the USB License Key Installation to only install the USB Driver. The USB License
Key can still be accessed over a network by installing the Network driver separately

Welcome to Admin Console
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System Requirements
The minimum requirements* to run TalkMaster FOCUS Server and Administrator Console are:
Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2016
4th Gen Intel Core i3 or greater
4GB RAM
30 MB available disk space for software
If audio sessions will be recorded, allow sufficient space based on retention requirements. One
hour of recorded full-duplex audio takes approximately 60 MB of disk space.
Available USB port to hold the USB License Key (alternatively, Software License keys are
available)
Windows supported Sound Card with microphone and speakers (the Server does not require a
Sound Card and the Admin Console will function without one but it will not be able to record audio
Messages and will not be able to listen to recorded audio sessions. These functions can be
accomplished on other PCs.)
* These are minimum requirements. As systems grow in size and complexity, more resources are
required.
System Overview
TalkMaster FOCUS Software is an IP based server solution designed to manage and interact with up to
5,000 intercoms and paging end-points from multiple consoles, regardless of geography utilizing
standards based TCP/IP protocols. TalkMaster FOCUS Software consists of the Server, the Administrator
Console, one or many operator consoles, and additional integrated services. The Server manages the
connections between IP Endpoints, Operator Consoles, and Integrated services.
The TalkMaster FOCUS Server software is available either without a license (Solo) or with a license
(Enterprise). For additional information on the differences, see the Solo and Enterprise topic.
The Administrator Console is used to specify Server options, Intercom configurations, Queues, Operators,
Messages, Paging Groups and Video Sources. Operator Console is used to answer calls from and
initiate calls to IP Endpoints.
Queues (Logical groups) of Intercoms can be created and simultaneously managed by one or more
Operators utilizing Operator Consoles. Incoming calls from IP Endpoints are automatically routed to the
Operators assigned to the Queues. Unanswered calls are listed in priority sequence at each console that
is monitoring the Intercom. When answered, a call is immediately removed from the Calls Waiting list of
other Operator Consoles .
If a Queue's call volumes exceed defined service levels (Overflow), unanswered calls are directed to
additional console operators. The Overflow condition is automatically reset when call volumes return to
defined acceptable service levels.
Logical groups of IP Paging Endpoints (Paging Groups) can be created and listed on one or more
Operator Consoles. Operators can send live or pre-recorded Messages to the Paging Groups. The
Paging Group can be configured to deliver the message immediately or to queue the message, then send
when all intercoms are available.

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With the release of TMEE v5 support for associated IP Video Cameras has been added. Associated
Video is an additional license for Talk Master Enterprise Edition. The feature supports associating IP
Video Cameras (Axis and other IP Video Cameras that support RTSP) with a Digital Acoustics IP7
Endpoint for display in TalkMaster FOCUS Operator Console. The associated video is displayed in a
separate window when the IP Endpoint is answered. Multiple IP cameras can be monitored as a group in
a separate window.
Solo and Enterprise
The TalkMaster FOCUS Server software is available either without a license (Solo) or with a license
(Enterprise).
The TalkMaster FOCUS Installer is the same regardless of the version. It includes:
TalkMaster FOCUS Server
Administrator Console
Operator Console
Firmware Management Console
Archive Viewer Console
Restart Service

Welcome to Admin Console
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Support Central Service
Solo does not require a license and is available with the purchase of Digital Acoustics hardware. Solo
includes the ability to run the TalkMaster FOCUS Server software with a single Operator logged in with up
to 250 IP Endpoints. Solo can be upgraded to the Enterprise Edition by purchasing a License Key.
Enterprise requires a License Key that determines the number of IP Endpoints that can connect to the
Server as well as the number of Operators that can be signed on concurrently.
The following integrated services can be purchased and added to the License Key:
VoIP Connect - provides the ability to send live or queued audio messages to groups of IP
Endpoints from SIP based telephone systems
Automation - provides automated audio messages to groups of IP Endpoints based on RSS or
CAP Atom feeds as well as event based messages
Associated Video - Adds the ability to view Axis or RTSP based cameras in the Operator
Console
Fail Forward Overview
Digital Acoustics' IP Endpoints have patented fail forward technology, the ability to connect to an alternate
Server if the Primary Server Fails. All of the associated Consoles and Services also incorporate this
feature. Using Fail Forward improve the availability of critical communications.
In order for Fail Forward to work properly, the Primary Server and Fail Forward Server should have the
same settings (Operators, Paging Groups, Messages, etc). To facilitate this, use the File --> Export
option on the Primary Server, then use the File --> Import Settings on each of the Fail Forward Servers.
When using Fail Forward, the following criteria should be considered to determine how quickly IP
Endpoints will Fail Forward to an alternate Server:
Component
Disconnect
Time
Primary Server Retry
Duration
Supports Auto
Return
ii3 Endpoints
up to 45
Seconds
120 Seconds
No
IP7 V5 Firmware
Endpoints
up to 45
Seconds
90 seconds
No
IP7 V6 or greater
Firmware Endpoints
Configurable
< 10 - 45
seconds
Configurable 1 - 18 times
x 5 seconds
(5 - 90 seconds)
Configurable
Disconnect Time - The maximum amount of time required for an IP Endpoint or Console to
sense a disconnection with the TalkMaster FOCUS Server.
Primary Server Retry Duration - The amount of time the IP Endpoint or Console will
automatically attempt to reconnect with the Primary Server before attempting to connect to a Fail
Forward server.
Supports Auto Return - Whether the IP Endpoint or Console can automatically return to the
Primary Server when it becomes available. If Auto Return is not used, manual intervention will be
required to have the IP Endpoints and Console return to the Primary Server. For instance, the

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Fail Forward Server can be restarted which will force the IP Endpoints and Consoles to reconnect
with the Primary Server.
TalkMaster FOCUS Status ICON
When the TalkMaster FOCUS Server is installed, an ICON that tracks the status of TalkMaster FOCUS
Server (iEnterprise.exe) is added to the Windows system tray.
Green ICON - TalkMaster FOCUS Server is running and Licensed
Yellow ICON - TalkMaster FOCUS Server is running without a license (TalkMaster SOLO)
Red ICON - TalkMaster FOCUS Server is not currently running
Right-clicking on the ICON provides the following options:
Open TMAC - Opens the TalkMaster FOCUS Admin Console
Restart Service - Restarts the TalkMaster FOCUS Server. This option is disabled if the FOCUS
Services Status is enabled
FOCUS Services Status - Opens the TalkMaster FOCUS Restart utility used for managing all
of the related TalkMaster FOCUS services
Preferences - Displays the port used to communicate with the TalkMaster FOCUS Server. If a
change is made to this, the same change needs to be made in the Paging Options - System Tray
Port
About - Displays the version of the TalkMaster FOCUS Server and License information
Exit - Terminates the TalkMaster FOCUS Status ICON application
Digital Acoustics recommends using Windows to customize the Notification ICON settings so that it is
always visible. The procedure varies based upon the version of Windows being used.
Windows 10 - Open Settings--> Personalization--> Taskbar--> Notification Area

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Windows 7 - Control Panel --> Notification Area Icons
Administrator Console Overview
The Administrator Console must be used to configure the TalkMaster Server options, IP Endpoint
Options, the Queues, Messages, Paging Groups, Operators and Video Sources that work together is the
system. It can also be used to track IP Endpoint events, play any recorded audio and see which IP
Endpoints and Operators are currently connected to the Server.
The Administrator Console must be installed and run on the same PC as the Server.
Using Endpoint Security

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When Endpoint Security is used, a security code or password is configured for each IP Endpoint in the
Admin Console and saved into the IP Endpoint. Once a Security code has been set, both the TalkMaster
FOCUS Server and IP Endpoint will issue "challenge-response" requests in order to establish a TCP
connection. The IP Endpoint will also issue a Challenge-Response request when ever it receives a UDP
command (such as a FIND ALL request). If the correct security code is not received, the IP Endpoint will
not respond to the request.
In order to use Endpoint Security:
Check the Enable Endpoint Security option on the Setup --> Settings tab
If the same security code is to be used on each endpoint, enable the Security option on the
Endpoint Defaults tab and assign the default value
On the IP Endpoints --> General --> Configuration tab, make sue to press the Copy Defaults
button when adding (or updating) an IP Endpoint. This will automatically add the default security
code on the IP Endpoints --> General --> Options 1 tab for the endpoint. A different Security
code can also be entered for each IP Endpoint
Once all of the IP Endpoints have been configured, make sure to use the menu option File -->
Export Settings to save all configuration information to a secure location. This action must also
be taken any time security codes change or new IP Endpoints are added or replaced
If the TalkMaster FOCUS Server ever needs to be restored, the File --> Import Settings option
must be used to restore all of the security information
Once a Security code has been saved in an IP Endpoint, it will no longer respond to a FIND ALL
discovery request and the IP Endpoint will not connect to the TalkMaster FOCUS Server unless the
correct Security code is provided.
If an IP Endpoint with a Security code attempts to connect to the TalkMaster FOCUS Server, but the
Security code in the IP Endpoints tab does not match, a Failed Authentication error will be listed in the
Audit tab:
and in the Windows Event Viewer - Application Log:

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In order to restore the Security code and re-connect the IP Endpoint, one of the following option must be
used:
Change the Security code for the device in the IP Endpoints --> Option 1 tab. If the device is
not listed in the Admin Console, use the menu option Tools - Add Device Security code to set
the Security code for the device and then click the FIND ALL button. The Endpoint should
automatically reconnect within 60 seconds
Restore the Admin Console settings from a previous backup by using menu option File --> Import
Settings
Restore the IP Endpoint back to Factory Defaults (please note that this requires physical
access to the IP Endpoint). Use the FIND ALL button to rediscover it and then re-configure it.
Logon
The Logon dialog is displayed when the Administrator Console program is started.

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Logon with an Operator that has been defined with Administrative Rights in the Operator tab. The default
Logon ID is admin and Password is admin
The Administrator Console must be run on the same PC that the TalkMaster FOCUS Server software
is installed on.
If the connection to the Server is interrupted or if the Server is restarted, the Administrator Console will
automatically log back in using the Logon ID and Password that was previously entered.
Once logged on, change the Administrator password and create at least one additional Operator with
Administrator rights.
Common Buttons
Three buttons are found at the bottom of the screen. They can be used from any tab.
Update Now - used to send changes made in the Administrator Console to the Server and to Operator
Consoles that are currently logged on. The Update Now process is automatically run when the
Administrator Console is closed. This option significantly reduces the need to restart the Server
service.
Close - exits the Administrator Console.
Help - Opens the online Help.