Obsolete Skype Setup
Overview
Skype runs as a separate program in the background behind the GrandCare display. In order for it to run properly, there are several steps you will need to do during the configuration stage. You no longer need the USB keyboard provided with the HomeBase system to proceed.
Note that Skype is only supported on the system models with built-in web cameras.
All the steps can be done at the Touchscreen GrandCare system, or through the Touchscreen Emulation on the Care Menu. To access the Touchscreen Emulation:
- Log in to GCManage
- Open the Care Menu
- Click the "Touchscreen" button
- Click the "Show Touchscreen" button
Creating a New Skype Account
You may create a new Skype account from any computer, by going to www.skype.com, and clicking the "Join Skype" button. You may now do this from the Touchscreen as well. Here's how:
- Open the Gear menu on the touchscreen, or the touchscreen emulation
- Press the "Skype Config" button
- Press the "Create New Account" button
- Follow the instructions on the screen
- Keep a record of the Skype name you set up, the password, and the email address you used (in case the password needs to be reset.)
Configure Skype on the System
- Make sure that you have a Skype account to use on your computer, so you can test the video chat set up on your clients' machines
- Open the Gear menu on the touchscreen, or the touchscreen emulation
- Press the "Skype Config" button
- Enter the Skype username and password - in some cases the Skype
5. On the touchscreen: a. Press the System (Gear) button b. Enter the PIN if necessary c. Press the System button d. Press the Configure Video Chat button 6. The GrandCare display will exit, and you will be presented with the Skype EULA. Press “I Agree” to proceed. 7. The Skype login window will appear. a. Type in the Skype Name and Password that you set up b. Very Important: Check the “Sign me in when Skype starts” box c. Press the Sign In button 8. The main Skype window will appear. Type Ctrl+Q to quit Skype. 9. Once the main GrandCare screen is displayed again, go back into System/System/Configure Video Chat. You should be signed in automatically, and the Skype window, with a list of Skype contacts should appear automatically. 10. Press the contact called “Skype Test Call,” place the call, and follow the instructions to verify that Skype is working, that you can record your voice, and that it plays back correctly. 11. Type Ctrl+Q to quite Skype. 12. Now, set up the list of callers who are allowed to Skype to this Loved One’s system. (Note, for security purposes, only known callers will be allowed to have their Skype calls to this system taken.) a. Login to GCManage b. Open the Care Menu c. Click on the CallerID icon d. Add New Person, under “Known Callers” 1. First – add your own Skype information, so you can call and test the system. 2. Make sure you enter the name and Skype name. 3. If you have a picture of the person, add that. 4. If the Loved One is using CallerID for phone calls, then also include the phone numbers for this person 5. Let the Loved One or primary caregivers decide whether Skype calls should be automatically answered by the GrandCare system. In some cases it is advantageous. In others, it might be an intrusion. It’s up to the family to decide. This setting can always be changed later. 6. Save your entry. 7. Repeat for other Caregivers for whom you have this information. 13. There is often a 10 – 15 minute delay between when you enter the account information, and when a call will be completed. So wait 10 to 15 minutes before testing Skype. 14. Test making a Skype call from your computer to the Loved One’s GrandCare system. 15. Finally, test making a Skype call from the GrandCare system to your computer. a. You must have Skype running in order for the call to completed. b. At the touchscreen, Press the Skype button at the bottom, left edge of the screen. c. Select the person to call