Typing Helper
Introduction
The Typing Helper is an optional feature that helps you bridge the gap between the Mandatory Cosigner (MCS) and Cold Vault.
Inputting information on the Cold Vault often involves inputting long strings of case-sensitive alphanumeric information. One mistyped character can prevent you from accessing your on-chain assets. Given the nature of the connection between the MCS and the Cold Vault, there's no way to copy the data displayed from the proxy computer to the Cold Vault. The data must be typed into the Cold Vault by hand.
The proxy computer is used as your gateway to the MCS when synchronizing data with the Cold Vault.
How the Typing Helper works
The Typing Helper tells you what to type, one character at a time. The proxy computer sends the text string to a server, which informs the typing helper what to read out. When you type into the Cold Vault, the Cold Vault tells the server what you just input. The server compares what you really typed to what you should have typed. If they match, the next character is read out. If they don't match, the Typing helper tells you you made a mistake and informs you what you need to type to correct the error.
The Physical Device
The Typing Helper is provided to you as a preconfigured device. It is an Android tablet configured to run only the Typing Helper application.
Hardware Requirements
If, for any reason, you need to run the Typing Helper on your own hardware, ensure the hardware meets or exceeds the following:
Component | Spec |
|---|---|
Android OS | 8.0 or higher |
WiFi | Required |
Camera | Required |
Configuring the Typing Helper
The Typing Helper needs to be configured before it can be used. Once configured, it is activated from the proxy computer. Syncing between the proxy computer, Cold Vault, and Typing Helper happens automatically when everything is correctly set up.
Two devices need to be configured: The Typing Helper and the MCS.
- Configuring the connections between the devices needs to be done only once.
- Configuring the connection between the Typing Helper and the current session must be done whenever:
- A new user session is started (A user logs into either the MCS or Cold Vault).
- The Typing Helper tablet is reset for any reason.
MCS Configuration
The MCS needs a port open to "listen" for typing helper communications.
On the MCS, open TCP port 20000 for incoming traffic.
Network Configuration
Make sure the Typing Helper device is permitted on your appropriate WiFi network.
The Typing Helper requires a WiFi connection to function. As it is intended for use alongside the Cold Vault and proxy computer, make sure the room they are deployed in has adequate WiFi coverage.
Typing Helper device configuration
The Typing Helper needs to be connected to the MCS:
The application opens with a request for camera access. Select Allow while using the app.
On the Cold Vault, press ctrl + alt + Z to open the Typing Helper QR code. Scan it with the tablet.
Navigate to the network settings area of the Android tablet.
Connect to the appropriate WiFi network.
In the Typing Helper application, open settings and select CHANGE IP.
Input the MCS IP address. Select OK.
The application goes back to the IP Address configuration menu.
Select CONNECT.
The above configuration steps (MCS ConfigurationMCS Configuration, Network ConfigurationNetwork Configuration, and Typing Helper device configurationTyping Helper device configuration) only need to be performed before the first time you use the typing helper.
If you know you're on the correct network but see a communications error on the Typing Helper, tap the refresh button.
Syncing the Typing Helper to the Cold Vault
Each session, you must connect the Typing Helper to the Cold Vault before the Typing Helper can assist you.
On the Cold Vault: Press Ctrl + Alt + Z to open the Typing Helper one-time QR code.
On the Typing Helper: Open the Scan menu and scan the QR.
Press Sync. The Typing Helper is now ready to use.
Using the Typing Helper
On the Cold Vault, open the dialog requiring an input string. This may include:
- Adding a contact address
- Syncing a transaction
- Inputting smart contract data
- Restoring Cashboxes
- and more...
Upon initiating an action that requires you to input information from the proxy computer into the Cold vault, a notification window appears on the proxy computer detailing what string to input. Copy this string to the clipboard.
The typing helper can take any string. For example, when creating contacts, you may find yourself needing to copy address strings from a web browser. Whatever the source of the string, follow the steps below to utilize the typing helper.
On the proxy computer, click the three vertical dots in the upper right and select Typing Helper assistance. The Typing Helper input window appears.
Paste the string from the proxy computer notification into the Typing Helper input field.
Click Send to Typing Helper. On the Typing Helper, tap the refresh icon.
Some Cold Vault input fields have a "Let the typing helper help" link below them. In these cases, clicking the link begins the dictation.
The dictation begins automatically.
After you send the string to the Typing Helper, the tablet will begin dictating what to type, one character at a time.
