Lecture Recorder

dinb · 10-05-05, 11:15 PM

Is it possible to use the Axim to record lectures? I tried doing this with the built in recorder but for some reason that stops recording after like 4 min or so even though the pda is not turning off? Any suggestions on setting or 3rd party software.

Gigi · 10-05-05, 11:20 PM

The built-in recorder isn't able to make long recordings. Try notem instead:

http://www.freewareppc.com/multimedia/notem.shtml

10-05-05, 11:27 PM

Thanks for that link Gigi.

I was just wondering about the same thing. Thought inspired by all the electronic voice recorders in Office Depot.

Gigi · 10-06-05, 05:44 AM

notem is not perfect, but it does allow you to record in mp3 format and adjust quality, which really helps when you have a lot to record!

auntbeckymac · 10-06-05, 06:21 AM

I used Vito Sound Explorer, and it worked great. It's simple to use and it will record in MP3. It will also record to a destination you choose - like a CF card.

In addition to Sound Explorer, I recommend geting a CF or SD card that has at least 512 MB if you want to store the files on your Axim for a length of time - they get fairly large. To get the best recording in class, try sitting where you can have the Axim plugged in during class - esp if you don't have an extended battery. Also sit as close to the front as possible and aim the speaker toward the instructor. Might also wanna play with the mic gain settings to make sure you are getting it all, and have the volume all the way up.

Sounds like a lot of fuss, but once you get it situated, the Axim will record a 3 hr class very well, and you will have it down to a routine to make setup faster. Sound Explorer worked best for me as far as software went.

Before you record the lectures, it may not be a bad idea to ask the instructor if they mind if you do so. Some profs get fussy about it.

:)

a67543210 · 10-06-05, 03:54 PM

If you are using noteM, make sure you set the quality to MID. If you set it to high, it will not work even with a 624Mhz processor. Even at Mid, the quality is very good. At high,the sound cracks because the processor is not fast enough to process it. Until we get the new 1048Mhz ARM processor that is to come, we have to stay at MID quality.
If anyone recorded with noteM at high, I would be glad to know.

a67543210 · 10-06-05, 03:56 PM

Also, remember if you are using an Axim, the microphone is very very sensitive so if you are in a noisy enviroment, try reducing the sensitivity. If you are in a quiet enviroment, you can increase it. However, play with it to see what it feels like having a high sensitivity in a noisy place or the other way around.

10-06-05, 05:05 PM

If space is an issue, you might want to look at Resco Audio Recorder:
http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/audiorecorder/default.asp

It can record in .ogg which is space saving... and can also record in .spx, which is even MORE space saving.

It also has a neat feature which will tell you, based on the settings, how much time you can record. If you know a lecture will be 3 hours, and it says it can do 4, you know you're set and won't run out in the middle of the lecture ;)

10-06-05, 05:08 PM

if you are recording to your cf/sd card make sure the write speed is fast enough or it will be all choppy when u play it.

10-09-05, 01:03 PM

I've tried using noteM a couple of times now and while the sound quality is really quite impressive, the first lecture got cut off after 3mins (recording to built in storage) and the second after 6 mins (recording to SD card). What am I doing wrong - I needed it to record for 30 mins.