Vidicode V-Mic User manual

V-Mic Manual EN v1.5 Juli 2020 © 2020 Vidicode 1
V-Mic
Manual
v1.5

V-Mic Manual EN v1.5 Juli 2020 © 2020 Vidicode 2
1Introduction....................................................................3
2Getting started...............................................................4
2.1 Hardware installation.......................................................4
2.2 Software installation ........................................................5
2.2.1 Call Recorder Apresa.............................................................. 5
2.2.2 V-Archive software on a PC................................................... 6
2.3 Checklist for Tunnel connection ......................................7
3Web interface and Settings ...........................................8
3.1 Access with a network cable ...........................................8
3.2 Web settings page............................................................8
3.3 Settings............................................................................10
3.3.1 V-Mic Information ................................................................ 10
3.3.2 Network Settings ................................................................. 12
3.3.3 External Storage Settings.................................................... 13
3.3.4 Recording Settings ............................................................... 14
4LED’s .............................................................................17
5Special functions ..........................................................18
5.1 Access Settings with Wi-Fi .............................................18
5.2 Factory Settings ..............................................................20
5.3 Firmware Update ............................................................21
6Technical Specifications ...............................................22
7Revision History ...........................................................24
8Acknowledgements .....................................................25
8.1 Privacy..............................................................................25
8.2 Liability ............................................................................25

V-Mic Manual EN v1.5 Juli 2020 © 2020 Vidicode 3
1Introduction
The V-Mic is a hardware and software solution for the recording of
audio, coming from a microphone. The supplied hardware unit can
operate stand-alone and has a built-in microphone, but can also be
connected to a professional external microphone. The recorded data is
stored digitally onto an SD card and is sent optionally over the network,
in which case the data is wrapped into a special Tunnel-format that can
be received by the Call Recorder Apresa or by the V-Archive software
running on a Windows PC. The external Apresa recorder or V-Archive
software can both interpret the Tunnel-format and make playable audio
files from it, together with the original date and time of recording.
The use of an SD card is mandatory and must be FAT32 formatted. The
recorded data is stored in WAV file format on the card. Depending on
whether a Tunnel has been defined or not, the files are sent over the
network or can be read later by the V-Archive software.
The V-Mic can operate completely stand-alone and when the capacity of
the SD card is big enough, it can store data for days or even weeks.
Connection to the V-Mic is made with a network cable or by using Wi-Fi.
The web interface can be accessed by using a standard browser. The
cable must be connected to the Ethernet port (100 Mbps, Full-Duplex).
The V-Mic is a member of a family of compatible products that can be
used to create all sorts of recording solutions. There are V-Taps for VoIP,
Analog and ISDN telephony and there is a V-App for mobile recording.
All of these products will communicate with the Apresa Corporate or
Apresa Cloud-based recording solutions.
The V-Mic needs to be powered through a 12V DC plug, or a USB cable
or a LAN cable with PoE.
A FAT32 formatted SD card must be inserted to store the recordings.

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2Getting started
2.1 Hardware installation
The V-Mic is out-of-the-box ready to use:
•Insert an SD card (up to 32 GB, FAT32 formatted).
•Connect a 12V DC plug, USB or a LAN cable with PoE for power.
•Wait for the red light to go off.
(By default, the V-Mic records from its internal microphone.)
•Press the button to start recording; the green light goes on.
•Press the button to stop recording; the green light goes off.
•The recorded audio is now stored in a WAV file on the SD card.
To fine-tune the audio settings or to setup a connection to external
software, you have to access the settings in the web interface. Then it is
needed to connect with the network, using a browser (see here).

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2.2 Software installation
External software can be used to receive the recorded audio files that
are produced by the V-Mic, and to archive them into a database. The
files are sent via a special Tunnel protocol, that must be setup in the
web settings page of the V-Mic. The Tunnel data stream can be send to
the Call Recorder Apresa or the V-Archive software.
2.2.1 Call Recorder Apresa
The Call Recorder Apresa is recorder software running on the Linux
Debian operating system. The Apresa can receive Tunnel data from the
V-Mic, convert this data into audio files and store these into its own
database.
The Apresa can receive multiple streams from many V-Mic and V-Tap
units simultaneously. In that case, the recordings of different locations
are centrally stored in one database.
To setup the Apresa to act as a Tunnel server for a V-Mic (or V-Tap), go
to System settings, Network tab and enable ‘V-Tap’as is shown below:
NOTE: The IP address of Apresa is the “External Storage IP” in the V-Mic.

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2.2.2 V-Archive software on a PC
The V-Archive software for the PC can, just as the Apresa, receive audio
files via a Tunnel from the V-Mic unit, and store these files into its own
database. The V-Archive software can also receive multiple data streams
from different V-Mic and V-Tap units simultaneously.
Note: During installation of V-Archive, the V-Mic needs to be connected
once to a USB port on the same PC.
To setup the V-Archive software to accept connections from a V-Mic, go
to Options, Setup, Recording tab and enable ‘V-Tap connections’:
NOTE1: The PC’s IP address is the “External Storage IP” in the V-Mic.
NOTE2: Be sure that the PC’s firewall is open for TCP port 2016, the
default “External Storage TCP Port” in the V-Mic unit.
The V-Archive installer will try to do this automatically.
NOTE3: The V-Archive software does not need licenses to receive from
the V-Mic unit.
The V-Archive software for the PC is further not described in this
manual; see for more details the V-Archive manual.

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2.3 Checklist for Tunnel connection
A connection between V-Mic and Apresa or PC software is needed to get
the recorded data automatically into a user accessible database.
The following checklist can be used to setup this Tunnel connection:
1) Install the Hardware, and note that, only during installation of V-Archive,
the V-Mic needs to be connected once with USB to the same PC.
2) Install Apresa or V-Archive PC Software and enable V-Tap connections.
3) Get access to the V-Mic over the network by opening the settings page in a
browser. This can be done with a network cable or with Wi-Fi.
4) On that page, the IP address of the Apresa or the PC with V-Archive must be
entered as the “External Storage IP Address”and the “External Storage via
Tunnel”must be enabled.
5) Any firewall must have a rule that makes it possible to receive from TCP port
2016, the default “External Storage TCP Port”. This tunnel port number can
be changed, when needed.
During installation of V-Archive this port is automatically opened, when this is
allowed by the PC.
6) To see if the PC receives something from the V-Mic, it is possible to make a
network trace for test purposes.
In V-Archive, go to menu Actions and select ‘Network trace’, press Start, make
a short recording by pressing the button twice, wait 20 seconds, press Stop
and then Save. From the zip file 'tunneltrace.pcap' can be analyzed with
Wireshark.
The Apresa recorder has a similar option to make a network trace in menu
Tools, System.
7) The SD card in the V-Mic should contain “.WAV” files. The SD card can be
read by the V-Archive software in menu File and ‘Import from V-Tap’.
The WAV files can also be opened by explorer on a PC with audio playback.

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3Web interface and Settings
There are two ways to access the web interface of the V-Mic:
1) With a network cable, connected to the LAN. See below.
2) With Wi-Fi, after putting the V-Mic in a special ‘config-mode’,
see Access Settings with Wi-Fi.
3.1 Access with a network cable
In the case of using a cable, DHCP is default enabled and the V-Mic can
be accessed with a browser by entering the address:
http://vmicXXXXXX.local
XXXXXXis the serial number, as it is found on the bottom of the device.
Note: It may take some time after first connect before the local name is known to the network.
When this does not work, the MDNS protocol is probably not active on
the network. The IP address, given by the DHCP server (if present), may
then be difficult to track down. Then, the best way is to set a static
(fixed) IP address, by using an SD card:
Defining a Static IP address with an SD card:
. Create a text file on your PC, named “IP”.
. The first line in this file must hold the IP address.
. Copy “IP.TXT” to the root-directory of an SD card.
. Insert the SD card into the V-Mic unit.
. The IP address has now changed and can be accessed.
. The file “IP.TXT” is deleted from the card by the V-Mic.
3.2 Web settings page
After entering the IP address in your browser, the settings page of the
V-Mic appears, as is shown on the next page.
By pressing the Submit and Restart button, the settings are saved by the
V-Mic and the unit restarts. Any ongoing recording is stopped, the file
on SD is closed, and after a few seconds the new settings are activated.

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V-Mic Manual EN v1.5 Juli 2020 © 2020 Vidicode 10
3.3 Settings
The settings are divided into groups that are described in the following
paragraphs.
3.3.1 V-Mic Information
Name of this V-Mic
A custom name for this V-Mic. For example "Meeting_room". This
name will show up on the tab "Local ID" when using V-Archive or
Apresa. The maximum length for the name is 16 characters.
Ethernet IP Address
The Ethernet IP address to access this V-Mic when using a LAN cable.
When the ‘Ethernet IP Mode’is on DHCP, the IP address is obtained
from the server.
The field is blank when the V-Mic has no Ethernet IP address.
Wi-Fi IP Address
The IP address when the V-Mic is connected with Wi-Fi to a router or
other access point. Fill in the Wi-Fi settings below.
Ethernet MAC Address
The Media Access Control (MAC) address of each device operating on
an Ethernet network is an unique identifier that is needed to route
the packets over the LAN. This address cannot be changed.
Wi-Fi MAC Address
The unique Wi-Fi MAC address that cannot be changed.
Serial Number
The serial number can also be found on the bottom of the case of
the V-Mic.

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Firmware Version
The version of the software running on this V-Mic. The button
behind is used to update the software; see Firmware Update.
Current Clock
The current value of the internal clock. This date and time will be
used as a timestamp on all recordings. The clock is automatically
synchronized with your computer after pressing the "Submit and
Restart" button below.
Last Settings Change
Shows the last time the settings were changed and updated.
Total Space on SD in MB
Total space on the inserted SD card. If this number is 0, the SD card is
not accepted and the red light should be on.
Free Space on SD in MB
Remaining space on the SD card to store recordings.
Recording Time Left on SD
Remaining time on the SD card to store recordings. This time changes
when the Recording Settings below changes.

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3.3.2 Network Settings
Ethernet IP Mode
When on DHCP, the V-Mic will try to get an IP address automatically
from the DHCP server. When on Static, the next three fields must be
filled in manually.
Static Ethernet IP Address
When the IP mode is on Static, the IP address must be filled in
manually. An invalid address causes the V-Mic to be unreachable
when using a cable. Only IPv4 addresses are possible.
Static Ethernet Subnet Mask
When the IP mode is on Static, the Subnet Mask must be filled in
manually. Usually on 255.255.255.0
Static Ethernet Gateway
When the IP mode is on Static, the Gateway must be filled in
manually. Used to get access to the internet and normally set to the
IP address of the local router.
Wi-Fi State
This sets the behaviour of the internal Wi-Fi module. When the V-Mic
has a cable connection, the Wi-Fi does not have to be enabled.
Wi-Fi can be used for accessing the web interface or to send the
recordings to the external storage server. However, it is
recommended to only use Wi-Fi when a cable is not possible.
Wi-Fi Name
Wi-Fi Password
The name and password of the Wi-Fi access point to connect to for
sending recordings to the external storage.

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3.3.3 External Storage Settings
External Storage via Tunnel
This enables or disables synchronization with V-Archive or Apresa as
the external storage server (Tunnel Server). When enabled, the next
two fields must be filled in. Then a TCP tunnel connection will be
used to send files over. When both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are enabled,
the V-Mic will only use Wi-Fi when there is no cable connected.
External Storage IP Address
The IP address of the external storage server (a PC running V-Archive
or a Call Recorder Apresa). Only fill in an IPv4 address. A hostname,
URL or IPv6 is not accepted.
External Storage TCP Port
This port number is used by the tunnel protocol to send recordings
over to the external storage server. Default on 2016. Firewalls must
be open for this TCP port!
Delete Recordings from SD
To save space on the SD card, the recordings can be deleted after
they have been sent to the external storage server.
Encryption Password
By entering a password here, encryption of the Tunnel protocol is
enabled. This means that all data that is sent to the external storage
server will be encrypted. The password must be the same as is
entered in V-Archive or Apresa, else no files can be decrypted.
Firewalls must have a rule to let through TCP port 2016.

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3.3.4 Recording Settings
Recording Presets
The presets will provide a quick setup for some basic recording
configurations. The audio quality will be high in all cases. After
selecting a preset, the individual settings can be changed to your
needs. The following presets can be selected:
Preset Built-in Microphone:This is the default setting, recording
from the built-in microphone.
Preset 3.5mm Microphone:Records the audio from a microphone
that is plugged into the 3.5mm MIC2 jack.
Preset Phantom Microphone: Records the audio from a microphone
that is plugged into the 6.35mm MIC1 jack. Phantom power is also
switched on!
Preset Aviation Headset:Special setting for a headset, used by
aviation pilots.
Recording File Format
The Recording File Format sets the compression type, the sample rate
and the number of channels in the WAV files on SD. This determines
the quality of the recording for playback later on and also the
remaining recording time for storage on the SD card.
The following formats are available:
Storage Rate
U-Law 8 bit, 8kHz, Mono 8k bytes/sec
A-Law 8 bit, 8kHz, Mono 8k bytes/sec
U-Law 8 bit, 16kHz, Mono 16k bytes/sec
A-Law 8 bit, 16kHz, Mono 16k bytes/sec
U-Law 8 bit, 8kHz, Stereo 16k bytes/sec
A-Law 8 bit, 8kHz, Stereo 16k bytes/sec
U-Law 8 bit, 16kHz, Stereo 32k bytes/sec
A-Law 8 bit, 16kHz, Stereo 32k bytes/sec
PCM 16 bit , 16kHz, Mono 32k bytes/sec
PCM 16 bit , 16kHz, Stereo 64k bytes/sec
PCM 16 bit , 48kHz, Mono 96k bytes/sec
PCM 16 bit , 48kHz, Stereo 192k bytes/sec

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NOTE: Not all formats can be combined with all Input Source
selections below. The unavailable combinations will be
greyed out.
Recording Input Source
Selects the input source for the recorded audio. This can be the
6.35mm MIC1 jack, or the 3.5mm MIC2 jack, or the built-in
microphone. Switching between mono and stereo is done
automatically. The following selections are available:
File Format
MIC1 jack Mono
MIC2 jack Mono
Built-in Mic Mono
MIC1 jack + MIC2 jack Stereo
MIC1 jack + Built-in Mic Stereo
MIC1 jack with Headset Stereo
Phantom Power
Phantom power is a 48 Volt power source on the 6.35mm MIC1 jack.
Enable this option if you have a Phantom enabled microphone.
In combination with automatic level detection, this option needs to
be on always.
Audio on OUT jack
Output the audio from the here selected input to the built-in 3.5mm
jack. When enabled, output will always be on, even if there is no
ongoing recording.
The audio can come from the 6.35mm MIC1 jack, or the 3.5mm MIC2
jack, or a stereo mode from a headset on MIC1 for aviation.
NOTE: The output must be enabled, when automatic recording with
audio detection is done.
Maximum File Size
Split the recording into shorter WAV files. This prevents loss of data
when the power or SD card is suddenly removed. The time per file
(recording-part) can be selected here.

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Recording Volume
Sets the amplification of the recorded audio. On ‘Automatic’will
adjust the volume automatically, depending on the input signal.
Recording Boost
Extra amplification of the input signal on top of the Recording
Volume, also when that is on Automatic.
Recording Trigger
Select the trigger mode to start and stop recording. When on Audio
Detection, recording is done automatically and the next three
settings are used (Automatic Recording). With or without button
means, that recording can be paused or not when pressing the
button.
When recording automatically, the 3.5mm output jack must be
enabled for audio detection.
Automatic Recording Sensitivity
The sensitivity that will trigger a recording. Note that increasing the
recording volume will also increase the sensitivity.
Automatic Recording Start Time
The minimum time the audio needs to be above the sensitivity level
in order to start the recording. When the time is too short a lot of
environmental noises will cause a recording to start.
Automatic Recording Stop Time
The minimum time the audio needs to be below the sensitivity level
in order to stop the recording.

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4LED’s
Red LED steady on: To indicate an error. If the Red LED is on, the device
is not booting or an SD card is not detected.
Red LED flashing: To indicate a problem; either the SD card is full or the
write-protect is enabled.
Green LED steady on: To indicate that the device is recording. Do not
remove power from the device during recording, otherwise the recorded
data is lost.
Green LED flashing: To indicate that the device is in automatic
recording mode and that it is waiting for audio. If there is enough sound
to trigger a recoding, the Green LED will turn steady.
Blue LED steady on: To indicate a network connection. Either Wi-Fi or
Ethernet is successfully connected.
Blue LED flashing: To indicate network activity. The device is now
sending a recording to either an Apresa or the V-Archive software.
Orange LED steady on: To indicate that the device is on and powered.
Orange LED flashing: To indicate that the device is in ‘config-mode’and
can be accessed with Wi-Fi.
All LED’s are flashing: The V-Mic is in Firmware Update mode.

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5Special functions
The various special functions are described in the following paragraphs.
5.1 Access Settings with Wi-Fi
When a network cable is not available, you can access the web interface
using Wi-Fi. To put the V-Mic in this special ‘config-mode’, follow the
steps below:
•Remove all power from the device.
•Press and hold the button on the device.
•While holding the button, apply power to the device.
•Hold the button for 3 seconds more, then release the button.
•The device should now be flashing its orange light.

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•Take a mobile phone or laptop, and connect with “V-Mic…..”
•Open a browser on the phone or laptop and enter in the
search bar the IP address 192.168.1.1
•You have now access to the web settings page of the V-Mic.

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5.2 Factory Settings
If you want to reset the V-Mic to factory default settings, you can follow
the following steps: (this will not delete recordings from the SD card)
•Remove all power from the device
•Press and hold the button on the device.
•While holding the button, apply power to the device.
•Hold the button for 10 seconds more, then release the button.
•The device should now be flashing all of its lights and the
settings are back to factory default.
•After all the lights have flashed for a couple of times, the V-Mic
continues in special ‘config-mode’. This means, that it will open
the Wi-Fi access point for configuration and the yellow LED is
flashing.