Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Lewis Lab 270
January 14, 2008

Seating Capacity = 259

Equipment Description and Capabilities

The video projector is set up to project from the following sources: the local computer, VHS/DVD player, a document camera, and from the auxiliary jacks on the tie plate. These devices are connected to the amplifier and speakers. Devices are selected and controlled from the LCD AMX touch panel, located at the top right side of the instructor's station. The local computer is connected to the backbone network and has access to the Novell server supporting the Library and Technology Services public computers. A wireless mouse is available (contact the Media Center 83059 for information).

The auxiliary jacks provided include a 15 pin female VGA connector with associated network jack and stereo ¼" mini jack (for portable computers) and BNC video connector with associated RCA audio jack (for cameras, VCRs, document cameras, etc.). AC power is also available at the podium. The auxiliary jacks are provided for clients who wish to use their own special equipment and associated cables. Connection of Macintosh or PC laptops to the auxiliary inputs requires an interface cable. This cable may be borrowed from the Media Center (Call 83059) or from the Physics Department office.

There are light switches and dimmers on the left side of the instructor’s station. Controls for the roll-down screens are located here as well: Lower the screen marked "center" on silver plate towards the left of the instructor's table.

There are two XLR jacks for microphones in the center of the instructor’s station. Wireless microphones are available from the Media Center and the Physics Department.

This room is also equipped with four 27 inch color wall monitors to display video. The power switch to turn on the monitors is located to the left of the blackboard. There is a BNC jack located at the front of the Instructor's desk (as you face the blackboard) to connect a user supplied video device to these monitors. Contact the Physics Department for information about these features.

Assistance

Instructional Technology Support Services (ITSS) may be contacted at x83059 if you wish to arrange for training on this room's features prior to using the room. Trouble reports may be reported to the Help Desk at x8HELP (84357).

Usage of the Devices

1. Power up the equipment and projector by touching the AMX touch-pad located on the top right of the podium (two or three touches may be required, one if the screen is black, one if for a room page, and one if the text says "Touch to activate system").
2. Select an input to activate the projector. There will be a delay in seeing the image as the projector warms up.
3. Power up the computer CPU and monitor if being used (buttons on monitor and computer). You must complete a LAN login to use a public computer by typing your user name and password in the appropriate fields in the opening dialog box. Remember to log out when you are done. See the document "Guide to LTS Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on use of public sites.
4. Power up the VCR DVD player (if being used)
5. Press the "Source" button on the AMX touch-pad that corresponds to the device to be projected. If the screen does not lower, press the down arrow on the screen button.

"VHS" activates the VCR, and displays the play, pause and other controls


"DVD" activates the DVD player and displays appropriate controls


"Doc. Cam" activates the document camera and projector and displays the document camera preview on the small monitor on the base of the camera. Detailed instructions for the document camera are attached.


"Aux Video" activates the auxiliary video jack and associated audio jacks for client-supplied video device and sends it to the projector


"PC" selects the local computer (and the DVD player). See the computer notes page for instructions.


"Laptop" activates the auxiliary computer jack (special 9-pin male VGA and stereo mini audio jack) for client supplied laptop.


"Picture Off" blanks the projector image


6. Volume may be adjusted by touching the Program (PGM) or Speech (MIC) buttons and then pressing the volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-pad. The "mute" button turns off the sound.
7. Return to main menu (touch "return") and press power off button to turn off the system when done. The screen will rise when the system power off button is pressed.

Power Down the Equipment

1. Before leaving the room you MUST logout of the system. Select "Start" and "Log Off". If you fail to logout, the next user of the system will have access to your account and files.
2. Remove your tape and power off the VCR, if used.
3. Press "System Power Off" button to turn off the projector and related equipment

Potential Problem Areas

• You must login to every public site computer. If you find a computer that is not displaying the login screen, the previous user failed to logout. Select "Start" and "Log Off", then follow the prompts to log on.
• The system is currently set to turn off automatically at 12 PM EST if anyone fails to turn it off. Should the system turn off inappropriately users may turn it back on with the AMX touch panel although there will be a delay while the system resets.
• Remember that a special cable is required to run laptop computers with this system. It will not work with off-the-shelf cables and adapters. Clients must know how to feed VGA signal out of their laptops.
• Note that the projector does not turn on instantly. It can take as long as 30 seconds for a picture to become visible. Please be patient when selecting inputs.
• If there is no sound, check the audio mute button and the volume up arrow on the AMX touch-pad.
• If there is no picture be sure the correct input is selected and that "picture off" has not been selected.
• The touch screen is complex at first look, but is rather simple to use. We advise all clients to familiarize themselves with it before starting a presentation.
• There may be sound problems if a wireless microphone is used in close proximity to the podium microphone.

Notes on Computer Usage

See the document "Guide to LTS Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on computer usage.

Wolf Vision Digital Document Camera Instructions
Lewis Lab 270

• The instructor's station in this room has been equipped with a digital document camera. This high quality instrument will enable you to project material from paper, transparencies or even three-dimensional objects to the projector. To operate this camera:
• Turn on the projection system using the touch-screen control. Select the document camera from the source menu
• Raise the camera arm by pulling up on the blue tab.
• If necessary, press the power button on the rear left of the base (a green light indicates on). The light should come on. If it does not, press the light button as needed. Note, this camera does not have a bottom light for overheads. The base surface is sufficiently reflective to allow use of overheads with the top light. Do not write on the base.
• Place your work on the base. You should see it displayed on the small preview monitor and on the projector screen.
• Camera controls are located on the top of the camera head:
• Focus defaults to automatic (green light on). The picture should self-focus and remain in focus as you operate the zoom. There may be a slight delay. The automatic focus can be switched off and the two focus buttons may be used.
• Zoom in and out with the blue wheel at the top of the camera head. There is a digital zoom feature that doubles the range of the mechanical zoom. The camera can resolve an object of about one inch square.
• When you are done with the camera please
• Turn off the power by quickly pressing the switch on the right side of the base
• Lower the camera by pulling the blue tab towards you.