Getting Started

Getting Started

This guide walks you through installing AnchorCast and getting it running for the first time.

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System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
• RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended (for local Whisper AI)
• Display: A second monitor or projector for the projection screen
• Microphone: Any microphone or audio interface (for live transcription)
• Internet: Not required — AnchorCast works fully offline

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Installation

Option A — Windows Installer (Recommended)

1. Download the latest installer from the Releases page
2. Run AnchorCast Setup x.x.x.exe
3. Follow the installer prompts
4. The installer will:
5. Install AnchorCast
6. Install the Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (required for Whisper AI)
7. Copy the bundled Python environment
8. Offer to download the Whisper AI speech model (~244 MB)
9. Create AnchorCast and AnchorCast Timer shortcuts on your Desktop

Note: The Whisper speech model is not bundled in the installer. You will be offered the option to download it during setup, or you can do it later from inside the app via Settings → Audio & AI → Set Up Now.

Option B — From Source

git clone https://github.com/gbkeku/anchorcastapp.git
cd anchorcastapp
npm install
npm start

Requirements for source builds:

• Node.js 18+
• Python 3.10–3.12 (for local Whisper transcription)

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First Launch

When you open AnchorCast for the first time:

1. A Welcome screen appears — click Get Started to walk through the setup guide
2. The app opens in Offline / Manual mode — this is normal
3. Your Schedule (left panel) will be empty — that's expected
4. Press Ctrl+P to open the projection window and drag it to your projector

You can revisit the Welcome guide at any time from Help → Get Started / Welcome or by pressing F1.

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First Service Checklist

• [ ] Projector connected and projection window open (Ctrl+P)
• [ ] Projection window dragged to second screen and fullscreen (F11)
• [ ] Bible translation loaded (KJV is bundled by default)
• [ ] Audio source selected in Settings → Audio & AI
• [ ] Songs added to your library
• [ ] Service schedule built
• [ ] Press Start Transcript when service begins

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Next Steps

• [Interface Overview] — Learn what each panel does
• [Projection Setup] — Detailed projector setup
• [AI Transcription] — Set up live verse detection
• [Service Schedule] — Build your first service plan