Technology Classroom Tips

 * These tips apply to rooms that are NOT equipped with a control panel system.

• On some projector remote controls, there is an on/off button located on the top right of the remote. Make sure this is turned on, otherwise the remote control will not function.
• When turning on the video/data projector, press and hold the "on" button on the remote control for three seconds. This will ensure that the unit is properly turned on. Next, wait to see light coming from the lens.
• In order to playback audio with your laptop computer, you must provide your own audio cable. This is normally called a "mini" to "RCA" cable. The cable connects to the headphone jack on the laptop and into the RCA jack on the Auxillary Control panel of the cart.
• In order to play back campus cable, make sure that the VCR is in the "CATV" mode. Use the Input Select button on the VCR remote control to toggle between "Line" mode and "CATV" mode.
• Don't forget to turn off the projector at the end of class period. This will save energy and lamp life for the projectors.
• Video cabinet keys are necessary in some Technology Classrooms. Contact our Customer Service team (353-3960) to request your key(s).
• All Technology Rooms have a "Quick Reference Guide" located on the side of the card. If this is missing from the room, please contact us and we will replace it as soon as possible.

Laptop computer tips

• All "PC" laptop computers use a set of function keys in order to activate the external video for viewing the image through a video/data projector. This specific set of keys will vary depending on the make/model of your laptop. The units from our equipment pool all use the "F8" key. You must hold down the "Fn" and "F8" keys at the same time.
• The recommended screen resolution when using a laptop with a video/data projector is 1024x768 (XGA). Most projectors will recognize resolutions higher than this, however the image will be compressed on the screen.

Portable video/data projector tips

• The supplied VGA cable connects to the "video out" port on the back of your laptop computer. Connect the other end of the cable into "input 1" on the projector.
• All control functions of the projector may be accessed either from the remote control or on the projector itself.

Overhead Projector Tips 

• Dark or dim images on the screen may mean that the lamp changer is in the center position. Check to ensure that the lamp changer is in the (normally) far left or right position.
• All overhead projectors in the classroom have a built-in lamp changer. The lamp changer location is noted with a sticker on the machine. In some units, the changer is located underneath the top cover. Prior to changing lamps, make sure that the power to the overhead is turned off.
• Some overhead projectors have a "color tuning dial". This is located on the left side of the projector near the bottom of the unit. If you notice either blue or brown edging in the corners of the screen image, the tuning dial may alleviate the problem.
• Clean acetate is located on the rolling stand under the overhead. If you run out, simply remove the cardboard acetate core from the front of the machine and place it on the rear roller assembly, placing the new acetate on the front.

Slide Projector tips 

• Many of the projectors have a "timer" function. The purpose of the timer is to allow the slides to automatically advance after a specified time. It is important to check this feature and turn it off if you are advancing slides manually via a remote control.
• Two types of slide trays are available for the Ektagraphic projectors, an "80 count" and "140 count" tray. The "80 count" tray is recommended. "140 trays" have a tendency to jam in the projector.
• Most projectors have a built-in auto-focus feature. This feature allows slides in similar types of mounts to keep their focus. It is important to manually focus the first slide, then turn-on autofocus. When using slides of various types and thicknesses of mounts do not use the auto-focus feature.
• A spare lamp is located inside the travel case for each projector.

DVD/VCR Combo tips 

• When inserting a videotape into the machine, insert it slowly into the compartment. Repeated forcing of the tape may cause internal damage to the VCR.