Pre-Snap Checklist

Before you try to snap your first picture, you may want to go through this simple checklist. It'll only take a second, and it might teach you something:

Make sure your video source is plugged in and turned on.

If you're using a VCR, DVD or laserdisc player put in a video and press Play. If you're using a camcorder, make sure you are powered-up and focused on your subject. If you're using a TV tuner, (such as found on your average VCR these days) tune it to an interesting channel, if you can find such a thing. For this example, make sure the images you snap are ones that you will find amusing, or are otherwise interested in seeing on your computer screen.

Make sure your video source is securely connected to the Video In connector on the Snappy Hardware Module via the included video cable.

You would be amazed how many people forget these steps before trying to snap a picture, but if you forget either of them, then you will get exactly what they got: nothing. Actually you won't get NOTHING precisely (excuse the bad grammar); what you will get is the dreaded No Video Signal Found message (figure 1).


figure 1: The No Video Signal Found Message

If you've done everything in the Pre-Snap check list and still get this message then it's a good idea to try connecting your video source directly to a TV or monitor to ensure that there is in fact a signal coming down the cable.

The Snap

OK, it's finally time to capture that first picture.

From Windows 95/NT 4.0 Explorer, double-click the Snappy icon.

This will open up Snappy on the Windows desktop.

click on that big ol' Snap button (it's blue and yellow if you're having trouble finding it).

If everything is properly connected, Snappy will grab your picture. Then it will begin processing it. You can see how far along Snappy is by looking at the LEDs around the edge of the Snappy Interface. When Snappy is done with its processing, you will see your picture display in its window from the top to the bottom of the screen.

NOTE:The first time you try to snap a picture, you may see a message (figure 2) notifying you that you'll need to check your Snappy hardware.


figure 2: The Snappy Not Found Message

It means one of the following:

You don't have a Snappy plugged in.

Snappy isn't getting any power.

The Snappy hardware is plugged in to a parallel port other than number 1.

If the last is true, you won’t need to move your Snappy hardware, all you need to do is select either of the other ports that are presented in the requester. Once the Snappy software has found the hardware, it will be able to find it every time, and you will not see this requester again. Unless, of course you move the Snappy hardware to a different parallel port, in which case it will be necessary to repeat the above steps.

Displaying The Picture And Returning To Snappy

When Snappy has done its job, you will see one of two things: your picture filling the entire screen (if it is the same size as the Windows 95/NT 4.0 desktop), or the picture centered on a black background (if it is smaller than your Windows desktop). This way you can admire the picture in all its glory.

When you are ready to return to Snappy:

Click either mouse button.

You will now see your picture in its own window (figure 3).


figure 3: The Windows Desktop, With Picture Window And Snappy

Guess what? That's all you need to know to get pictures into your PC, so you are well on your way to becoming a bona fide expert with Snappy!


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