Connecting radio audio

Each audio source feeds a channel (for example Fireground or Dispatch). Create the channel first under Admin → Channels → Add channel, tick Fireground or Dispatch to match what it carries, and save. Then add the source under Admin → Audio sources → Add source.

Your department's audio stream

The best source: it's under your control and close to real time.

• Type: Internet audio stream. Stream URL: the address. Channel: the one you made.
• Within a few seconds the source shows RUNNING with a moving level meter.

Broadcastify

Broadcastify feeds need a Broadcastify Premium login: links copied from the web player expire.

• Type: Internet audio stream, then Broadcastify feed. Enter the feed number (or paste the feed's page link) and your Premium username and password.
• Broadcastify runs 15 to 60 seconds behind real time. Set Stream delay under Transmission detection (advanced) so timestamps match when words were spoken.
• Make sure your use complies with Broadcastify's terms.

A scanner or receiver plugged into the PC

• Type: Sound card / audio device. Audio system: Windows (DirectShow).
• Device: pick the input, for example Line In (Realtek Audio).

If the list is empty, check the input works in Windows sound settings, and under Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone allow Let desktop apps access your microphone.

Scanner software on the same PC

ProScan, Unitrunker or a web player play through the speakers. Use a virtual audio cable:

1. Install a virtual audio cable driver (for example VB-CABLE) and restart.
2. Set the scanner software's output to CABLE Input.
3. Add a Sound card / audio device source with CABLE Output as the device.

Trunked systems (SDRTrunk, trunk-recorder)

• Recorder folder: point FiregroundScribe at the folder where the recorder saves one file per call. Talkgroup and radio IDs come along.
• Recorder upload: choose Recorder upload (HTTP), Generate an API key, and set the recorder's server to http://<this-PC>:8080 with that key.

Tuning

With Adjust to background noise automatically on (the default), FiregroundScribe learns the background noise of each source and starts a transmission when the audio rises clearly above it, like a scanner's squelch. Usually nothing needs changing. If it does, open the source → Edit → Transmission detection (advanced):

The audio quality badge on each source warns about no audio, clipping (too loud) and constant static. Admin → Vocabulary teaches it your unit names and local streets, which makes transcripts much more accurate.