Troubleshooting classroom technology

Occam’s Razor When there are competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. More complicated hypotheses may prove to be correct, but without certainty, the fewer assumptions the better. In other words, think simple and work your way into the more complicated.

Stay Calm! Don’t let someone else’s crisis become your crisis! Think rationally and work your way to a solution.

Problem 1: Projector is not Displaying Is the computer on? Has the Crestron panel been activated? Does the projector actually turn on – if not, is it plugged into a wall or ceiling outlet? 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. Press “windows” and “P” at the same time on the keyboard. Make sure that “duplicate” is selected. Is the Crestron panel out of sequence? Check by turning off the system. Make sure there are no blinking lights on the projector itself before restarting. Is “image mute” off on the touch panel?

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. If the image displays on only one half of the screen, restart the podium. To restart the podium, unplug the entire system at the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

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 Is the document camera 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.