VTEL Galaxy Upgrade Information



The information below pertains to NCIH sites, using a VTEL codec, interested in upgrading to the Galaxy platform. Depending on when your VTEL unit was built it is one of two types, a PC-2 or a PC-3. The upgrade path is different depending on the type of PC unit. To identify whether your VTEL Codec is a PC-2 or PC-3 chassis, refer to the VTEL serial number located on the back of the unit (It will look like this: TC08205). If the VTEL serial number is below TC08205 (i.e. TC05975) it is a PC-2 chassis and will need to be replaced in order to accomplish the Galaxy upgrade (see TYPE-2 ESA-to-Galaxy upgrade with replacement PC-3 chassis). If If the VTEL serial number is above TC08205 (i.e. TC09575) it is a PC-3 chassis and will only need software installation in order to accomplish the Galaxy upgrade (see TYPE-1: Software ESA-to-Galaxy upgrade on an existing PC-3 chassis).

TYPE-1: Software ESA-to-Galaxy upgrade on an existing PC-3 (may include memory upgrade)
This upgrade will be provided at no cost to your site in most cases. The upgrade involves adding 128 MB of RAM and changing out the operating system (OS) from Windows 95 to Windows 98. Galaxy requires a minimum of 128 MB of memory and no other OS will be supported. If the codec has less than 128 MB of RAM it may be necessary for the NCIH site to purchase a RAM DIM stick at a cost of approximately $100. All local information on the codec's hard drive will need to be backed up since the OS will be rebuilt. Contact your NCIH Regional Coordinator to obtain the upgrade package and coordinate the the date/time. In order to conduct the upgrade the NCIH site will need to provide access to the NCIH room for approximately 1/2 day. Staff training on the operation of the new software and testing will also need to be conducted.

TYPE-2: ESA-to-Galaxy upgrade with replacement PC-3 chassis
It is recommended that if you fall into this category that you contact your NCIH Regional Coordinator to discuss the various technical issues. In certain cases there is a cost to the NCIH site for the purchase of a new PC-3 chassis which is approximately $1,920.00. This cost has been negotiated with many NCIH Room Integrators to trade out your existing PC-2. Three original codec cards from the PC-2 chassis will be reinstalled into to the new PC-3 chassis. All local files contained on the PC-2 unit will need to be copied over to the new PC-3.

After both types of upgrades, your VTEL codec will be operating on the Windows 98 OS, have additional RAM and utilize Galaxy software. The new Galaxy software runs an application called Vtouch and has a completely different Graphical User Interface (GUI) then ESA-Appsview. Vtouch is to Galaxy as Appsview was to the ESA system. User training will be conducted by your NCIH Regional Coordinator or NCIH Room Integrator after the upgrade is completed. Each NCIH site facilitator should commit adequate time to become familiar with Galaxy software functionality.

Please refer to this page for updates on the status of this project or feel free to contact an NCIH staff member.




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