Troubleshooting classroom technology

THINK SIMPLE AND STAY CALM! Work your way into the more complicated issues. Chances are the issue is simpler than you think it is!

Issue: Projector is not Displaying Is the computer on? Has the touch panel been activated? Can you hear the projector fan? Are any lights blinking on the projector unit? If yes, the bulb may be bad. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE A BULB! Call x2020 for help.

Projection, cont. Still can’t see anything? Press the windows icon and “P” at the same time on the keyboard. Make sure that “duplicate” is selected. Is “image mute” or “MUTE” enabled on the touch panel? Touch it to disable the MUTE feature. Turn off the system. Make sure there are no blinking lights on the projector itself before restarting.

Projection Con. Does the image display correctly? If the image is out of focus or spills over the side of the screen, please report it to x2020—do not try to fix it yourself.

Projection Con. Using a laptop? If your laptop is not displaying, check the VGA/HDMI connection and make sure the cable is securely plugged in to the computer. Check “Windows” + “P” settings. If you are using a Mac, go to “system preferences,” then “display,” and check the box for “mirror image.”

Doc Cam Problems Nothing displays? Check that the document camera is turned on. (If not, there is a power switch on the camera itself.) Is the VGA cable connected to the camera? Is the lighting appropriate for your presentation? Check “lamp” or “light” settings on the camera. Not focused correctly? Check the zoom settings and, if there are manual focus buttons, use them to get a clear image.

Audio Problems - PC No audio? Check the volume level on the computer (right click on the speaker icon and choose “Open Volume Mixer” and the panel). On many p0diums, the volume level on the touch panel must be at least at the halfway mark for adequate sound. Next, check the audio jack connection to the computer to make sure it is in all the way. Make sure “audio mute” is off on the touch panel. Make sure nothing is plugged into the audio jack on the front of the computer (like headphones or the laptop connection). CAREFULLY check audio control on podium.

Audio Problems - Laptop Using a laptop? Go into “Manage audio devices” on the Control Panel, and make sure speakers, not headphones, are set as the default. If the sound is muffled or distorted, check this setting for the balance as well. Last resort, reset the podium. Still having problems? Call x2020 for help.