Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Relay
Instant Relay
- What is Hamilton Instant Relay?
- How do I establish a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- What is a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- How do I make a Hamilton Instant Relay call?
- Is Instant Relay compatible with MacIntosh?
- Can I give the Communication Assistant (CA) instructions prior to the call?
- Do I have to use "Go Ahead" (GA) with Hamilton Instant Relay?
- How do I save my conversation?
- How do I print my conversation?
- Can a voice user call me through Hamilton Instant Relay?
- What is an Hamilton Instant Relay Text Message?
- What is a Missed Call?
- Can I receive calls without establishing a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- How many Hamilton Accounts can I set up?
- I have set up both AOL® Instant Messenger™ and Google® Talk screen names in my HomeTown Number Account — where will my calls go to first?
- What happens if someone tries to call me and I am not logged in with my registered screen name(s)?
- How do I retrieve Text Messages?
- How do I retrieve Missed Call Messages?
- Is there a limit of how many Text Messages can be left and/or retrieved?
- What is my personalized number?
- How do I share my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)?
- How do I edit my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- I have forgotten my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account User ID. What do I do?
- I have forgotten my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account Password. What do I do?
- How do I obtain my Hamilton Contact Cards again?
- Can I receive calls from those who know my Hamilton Instant Relay Screen Name, but not my Hamilton HomeTown Number?
- Can I make international calls through Hamilton Instant Relay?
- Can I make "900" calls via Hamilton Instant Relay?
- Can I use Hamilton Instant Relay in Spanish?
Web Relay
- How do I place a call with Hamilton Web Relay?
- What types of calls can I place using Hamilton Web Relay?
- Can I place a call using VCO with Hamilton Web Relay?
- Can I place a call using HCO with Hamilton Web Relay?
- Does Hamilton Web Relay provide for accessibility features for users who are deaf-blind or use alternative keyboard technology?
- Do I have to log-in to use Hamilton Web Relay?
- Can I have my call translated between typed ASL and English?
- Can I use my existing Hamilton Relay Customer Profile with Hamilton Web Relay?
- How do I request a number from my Frequently Called Numbers list that I have set up in my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- Can I copy/paste text from another document?
- How do I save my conversation?
- How do I print my conversation?
- How can I switch my Conversation Style between IM and Real Time modes?
- How does the IM mode work?
- How does the Real Time mode work?
- How do I change my font and background colors, font style, and size?
- What if I don't see the end of my conversation or the CA's conversation?
- Can I place a call using Hamilton Web Relay in Spanish?
- Can I give the Communication Assistant (CA) instructions prior to the call on Hamilton Web Relay?
- Do I have to use "Go Ahead" with Hamilton Web Relay?
- Can I make Hamilton Web Relay calls via pagers or PDAs?
- Is Hamilton Web Relay compatible with MacIntosh?
- Is Hamilton Web Relay compatible with Linux?
Internet Relay
Instant Relay
- 1. What is Hamilton Instant Relay?
- Hamilton Instant Relay allows you to make and receive relay calls at any time using AOL® Instant Messenger™ or GoogleTalk®.
- 2. How do I establish a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- Visit "My account" under Hamilton Instant Relay.
- 3. What is a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- A Hamilton HomeTown Number Account is like a profile, establishing preferences on how your calls are handled. Having a Hamilton Account allows callers to leave you a message that is sent to your email address, or for a Missed Call notification of the calls you have missed to be sent to your e-mail and/or pager address. You are given a local Hamilton HomeTown Number for the screen names you have registered.
- 4. How do I make a Hamilton Instant Relay call?
- Using AOL® Instant Messenger™ or Google® Talk, add "ThatsHamilton" to your buddy list. Type in the phone number of the person you wish to call and send it. A Communication Assistant (CA) will connect with you directly.
- 5. Is Instant Relay compatible with MacIntosh?
- You can use iChat with AOL® Instant Messenger™ buddy name and send a message to "ThatsHamilton" with the phone number of whom you wish to call. You can also add Hamilton to your iChat buddy list — "ThatsHamilton". You can also receive calls while on iChat. Register for your 10-Digit number today!
- 6. Can I give the Communication Assistant (CA) instructions prior to the call?
- It is not possible to provide instructions to the CA prior to the call, however you may provide the number of the person you wish to call, then provide instructions the moment you are connected to a CA.
- 7. Do I have to use "Go Ahead" (GA) with Hamilton Instant Relay?
- You are not required to use "GA" with Instant Relay. However, the use of "GA" may be helpful for the Communication Assistant (CA) in relaying your call efficiently.
- 8. How do I save my conversation?
- Click on "File" on the IM conversation screen, then click on "Save Window". Select where you wish to store your conversation file.
- 9. How do I print my conversation?
- Click on "File" on the IM conversation screen, then click on "Print". Your print manager will then pop up.
- 10. Can a voice user call me through Hamilton Instant Relay?
- YES! Voice users can call YOU with Hamilton Instant Relay. You will need to set up your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account today to get your own local 10-digit number and receive calls on your Instant Messenger application.
Visit "My Account" under Instant Relay and get your own Hamilton HomeTown Number today!
- 11. What is an Hamilton Instant Relay Text Message?
- Instant Relay Text Message is a cool function that allows you to know who has tried to call you via your Text Hamilton HomeTown Number when you were not able to answer the call. Missed Call messages are sent when the person has left a message.
- 12. What is a Missed Call?
- The Missed Call function is a cool way to know who has tried to call you via your Internet Relay HomeTown Number when you were not able to take the call and the person has declined to leave a message.
- 13. Can I receive calls without establishing a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- With Hamilton Instant Relay, you must have a HomeTown Number that you share so that you can receive calls.
- 14. How many Hamilton Accounts can I set up?
- You will only need to set up one Hamilton HomeTown Number Account, as it can include a screen name from each AOL® Instant Messenger™ and Google® Talk, along with Hamilton VRS and Hamilton Web Relay. If you have a need to register more screen names, you are more than welcome to set up another Account!
- 15. I have set up both AOL® Instant Messenger™ and Google® Talk screen names in my HomeTown Number Account — where will my calls go to first?
- When you receive a call, you will receive an Instant Message on whatever application (s) that you are logged into. If you respond from one, the other will be notified that you have answered the call using another screen name or application.
- 16. What happens if someone tries to call me and I am not logged in with my registered screen name(s)?
- We will notify the caller you are not currently logged on, and give them the option to leave a message. Then either a Text Message or a Missed Call message will be sent to your registered e-mail and/or pager address.
- 17. How do I retrieve Text Messages?
- Hamilton Instant Relay Text Messages are sent to your preferred e-mail and/or pager address. In the e-mail you will see the message the person who attempted to reach you has left.
- 18. How do I retrieve Missed Call Messages?
- Missed Call Messages are sent to your preferred e-mail and/or pager address. In the e-mail you will see the phone number of the person who attempted to place a call to you.
The number will not be made available if the caller has blocked their phone number from being available to Caller ID. - 19. Is there a limit of how many Text Messages can be left and/or retrieved?
- No. You can retrieve as many Text Messages as callers have left in attempting to reach you.
- 20. What is my personalized number?
- When you create a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account, you are given a local 10-digit number for each location you register. This will allow any caller to conveniently call you for free, using Hamilton Internet Relay, and, when you are not available, they will be able to leave you a message through Text Messages which is sent to your e-mail.
- 21. How do I share my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)?
- We've provided a couple of ways to do this.
First, you have the opportunity to print out personalized Contact Cards. You can access this option through your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account confirmation e-mail, or at "My Account."
In addition to the Contact Cards, you can share your Hamilton HomeTown Number(s) by sending an e-mail to friends and colleagues. You can access this option through your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account confirmation E-mail, or at "My Account."
We have designed the cards and the e-mail for your convenience.
- 22. How do I edit my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- You can edit your Hamilton Account by logging in with your User ID and password. Visit "My Account" under Hamilton Instant Relay
- 23. I have forgotten my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account User ID. What do I do?
- Visit "My Account", and click on "Forgot User ID". You will be prompted to enter your e-mail address that was registered in your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account. You'll then receive an e-mail with your User ID.
- 24. I have forgotten my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account Password. What do I do?
- Visit "My Account", and click on "Forgot Password". You will be prompted to enter your e-mail address and select your secret question and enter the answer you established in your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account. You'll then receive an e-mail with a new password. You can then log into your account and change your password to one of your choosing.
- 25. How do I obtain my Hamilton Contact Cards again?
- Visit: "My Account" and log in to obtain your personalized Hamilton Relay Contact Cards.
- 26. Can I receive calls from those who know my Hamilton Instant Relay Screen Name, but not my Hamilton HomeTown Number?
- No, in order for you to receive calls, callers will need to call you using your Hamilton HomeTown Number associated with your Hamilton Account. Share your Hamilton HomeTown Number with everyone you know today!
- 27. Can I make international calls through Hamilton Instant Relay?
- Hamilton Instant Relay users cannot place international calls.
- 28. Can I make "900" calls via Hamilton Instant Relay?
- Hamilton Instant Relay will not process "900" calls due to billing and potential fraud issues.
- 29. Can I use Hamilton Instant Relay in Spanish?
- Hamilton Instant Relay is available in Spanish. To place calls, type Spanish or Espanol in the IM to ThatsHamilton on AOL® Instant Messenger™ and Google® Talk when initiating your calls. To receive calls in Spanish, establish your Spanish HomeTown Number Account at "My Account".
Web Relay
- 1. How do I place a call with Hamilton Web Relay?
- Click on "Make a Call" and log in with your User ID or as a Guest.
- 2. What types of calls can I place using Hamilton Web Relay?
- You can place a variety of call types using Hamilton Web Relay. You can place calls to any standard telephone user, VCO user or HCO user.
- 3. Can I place a call using VCO with Hamilton Web Relay?
- VCO, short for "Voice Carry Over", is for people who talk but have difficulty hearing. With VCO, you can talk directly to the person you are calling and have his or her responses typed back to you by the Hamilton Relay Communication Assistant (CA). Two-Line VCO is an enhanced version of VCO. You can use Two-Line VCO to place calls through Hamilton Web Relay. Two-Line VCO allows a customer with two telephone lines to use one line for speaking directly to a hearing person while the other line is used to receive the hearing person's typed responses. This feature provides a more natural flow of conversation without the pauses of traditional VCO calls.
Please note that you must have two telephone lines and 3-way calling capability to use this feature.
To place a Two-Line VCO call, follow these steps:- Enter your voice phone number (your second line) in the Number to Dial box.
- The CA will dial your voice number and type to you "Dialing xxx-xxx-xxxx, Ring 1,2,.." While they are calling, type "This will be a VCO Call, you are calling my phone." Answer your 2nd line using your voice. Ask the CA if they can hear you. The CA will type back a response on your computer. Tell the CA to hold.
- Place the CA on hold on your voice phone as required to create a conference call.
- From your voice phone, dial the number of the person you want to talk to.
- Connect the conference calling feature immediately on your voice phone.
- When the called person answers, the CA will start typing that person's spoken words to you. (Relay will not be identified or explained by the CA.) You will begin speaking directly to the person called; there is no need for either person to wait for a "Go Ahead". The CA and relay will be invisible.
- Enter your voice phone number (your second line) in the Number to Dial box.
- 4. Can I place a call using HCO with Hamilton Web Relay?
- HCO, short for "Hearing Carry Over", allows people who are speech disabled with hearing to listen to the person they are calling. The HCO user then types his/her conversation for the Communication Assistant (CA) to read to the standard telephone user. Two-Line HCO is an enhanced version of HCO. You can use Two-Line HCO to place calls through Hamilton Web Relay. Two-Line HCO allows a customer with two telephone lines to use one line for listening directly to a hearing person while the other line is used to send your typed messages to the CA. This feature provides a more natural flow of conversation.
Please note that you must have two telephone lines and 3-way calling capability to use this feature.
To place a Two-Line HCO call, follow these steps:- Enter your voice phone number (your second line) in the Number to Dial box. Once you have connected with the CA through Hamilton Web Relay, type to the CA that this will be a 2-Line HCO call.
- The CA will dial your voice number. You will see (DIALING XXX-XXX-XXXX), (RING 1, 2, ... ) Answer your voice line. Then type to the CA "HELLO CA I AM GOING TO MAKE A 2 LINE HCO CALL. I ("WANT or "DO NOT WANT") YOU TO IDENTIFY AND/OR EXPLAIN RELAY. I AM GOING TO PUT YOU ON HOLD AND CONFERENCE IN ANOTHER PERSON. I CAN HEAR YOU AND THE OTHER PERSON. I WANT YOU TO VOICE WHAT I TYPE, WHILE I TYPE IT. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"
- When the CA has confirmed that s/he understands, type "WHEN THEY ANSWER THE PHONE PLEASE VOICE (type your greeting before dialing your call)."
- On your voice phone, place the CA on hold, as required to make a 3-way call.
- When you hear dial tone, dial the number of the person you want to call. Once you have finished dialing IMMEDIATELY hit the button to conference/join the call. This will allow the CA to hear the person answer and immediately voice your greeting if requested.
- Enter your voice phone number (your second line) in the Number to Dial box. Once you have connected with the CA through Hamilton Web Relay, type to the CA that this will be a 2-Line HCO call.
- 5. Does Hamilton Web Relay provide for accessibility features for users who are deaf-blind or use alternative keyboard technology?
- Hamilton Web Relay has several features that will allow a deaf-blind user to make relay calls. The font size can be changed with a maximum of 48-point size. There are a variety of colors available to allow the deaf-blind user change the background of the text boxes and font to make the conversation easier to read.
Upon request, Communication Assistants (CAs) will also type at a slower speed for relay users who request a slower text display speed rate and will maintain the typing speed throughout the call in order to maintain efficiency.
- 6. Do I have to log-in to use Hamilton Web Relay?
- If you wish to enjoy the benefits of your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account settings and to receive calls using your HomeTown Number, you can log into Hamilton Web Relay. To place calls with Hamilton Web Relay, Log in with your User ID, or as a Guest.
- 7. Can I have my call translated between typed ASL and English?
- Once you have connected to the CA you may request a translator by typing "CA ASL translator please." Your typed words will be translated/voiced into English, and what the voice users says will be translated into ASL structure.
- 8. Can I use my existing Hamilton Relay Customer Profile with Hamilton Web Relay?
- Currently you cannot use your existing Hamilton Relay Customer Profile with Hamilton Web Relay. However, you can establish your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account simply by registering today!
- 9. How do I request a number from my Frequently Called Numbers list that I have set up in my Hamilton HomeTown Number Account?
- If you have a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account set up, you may either tell the CA to speed dial number 1 from your calling list, or request the CA to please dial "Joe" from your calling list. Register today if you do not have a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account set up with Hamilton Relay.
- 10. Can I copy/paste text from another document?
- Yes. With Hamilton Web Relay, you can copy/paste text from another document into the box used to type your conversation. This allows you to prepare portions of your conversation ahead of time so you say everything just the way you want.
- 11. How do I save my conversation?
- Click on "Save" on the right hand side. A web page will appear with your conversation on your Internet browser. Click on File, and Save to your computer.
- 12. How do I print my conversation?
- Click on "Print" on the right hand side. A web page will appear with your conversation on your Internet browser. Click on File, and Print.
- 13. How can I switch my Conversation Style between IM and Real Time modes?
- On the right hand side, click on your preferred conversation style before placing your call.
- 14. How does the IM mode work?
- The IM conversation style means that you send your message to the CA by hitting the "enter" key on your keyboard or by clicking the "send" icon on your screen. Using IM mode does not require you to use "GA".
- 15. How does the Real Time mode work?
- The Real Time conversation style means that your conversation automatically goes to the CA as you type your message. Using Real Time mode requires you to use "GA".
- 16. How do I change my font and background colors, font style, and size?
- At the bottom of your call screen, select the item you wish to change, the font style, size, color or background color and choose your preferred style. You can choose exactly how you want your conversation to appear on your screen.
- 17. What if I don't see the end of my conversation or the CA's conversation?
- Make sure that the scroll bar on the Conversation Text box has scrolled to the bottom of the box.
- 18. Can I place a call using Hamilton Web Relay in Spanish?
- Spanish Relay is available through Hamilton Web Relay. To use this feature, select the Spanish option prior to placing a call. This will ensure that you reach a Communication Assistant (CA) who is fluent in Spanish. Your calls will be relayed in Spanish. English to Spanish/Spanish to English translations are not available with Hamilton Internet Relay.
- 19. Can I give the Communication Assistant (CA) instructions prior to the call on Hamilton Web Relay?
- At this time you can't send instructions to the CA prior to the call. You can type instructions in your text box as soon as you are connected with a Hamilton Relay CA.
- 20. Do I have to use "Go Ahead" with Hamilton Web Relay?
- This depends on which method you choose for sending your conversation to the CA.
- Using IM mode allows you and the CA to type at the same time. This means you can interrupt and do not need to use "GA"s.
- Using Real Time mode, you need to use "GA"s so the CA is aware of when you are done typing.
- Using IM mode allows you and the CA to type at the same time. This means you can interrupt and do not need to use "GA"s.
- 21. Can I make Hamilton Web Relay calls via pagers or PDAs?
- It is not practical to attempt a Hamilton Web Relay call via pagers or PDAs due to existing technology. However, Hamilton Relay offers a wireless solution, Hamilton Instant Relay utilizing an Instant Messenger application. For more information, check out Instant Relay.
- 22. Is Hamilton Web Relay compatible with MacIntosh?
- Using Mozilla Firefox, you can place and receive calls on your MacIntosh!
- 23. Is Hamilton Web Relay compatible with Linux?
- Using Mozilla Firefox, you can place and receive calls on Linux!