Classroom Services
Troubleshooting
The following are common problems that can be remedied by
following the instructions below. Many machines reset themselves
when being shut off and turned back on. That is always good
to try if nothing else works. Please contact Classroom Services
at x4395 or report a problem with the "Equipment
Trouble Report Form" if you cannot get the problem solved.
Computer
Computer monitor is not working
If you are not receiving a picture on your computer monitor
or a video projection of the desktop computer image, the computer
display switch (A/B box) may be switched to the incorrect
input. Typically, the computer display switch is located
beside the desktop computer. Make sure the switch is selected
to 'Desktop
Computer'.
These instructions are for projecting a desktop computer
image. If you are using a laptop see "Laptop computer will
not display on the video projector".
Computer audio is not working
If the computer audio is not working, check the following:
1. The Document
Camera/Computer Audio on control panel must be selected.
2. Volume
knob on the control panel must be turned up.
3. Audio on the computer control panel may be muted. To Fix:
Double-click on the Speaker
Volume icon on the taskbar (lower right of screen), check
to see if muted.
Contact Classroom Services if the above does not solve the
problem.
Cannot log into Novell
If you experience any problems operating the computer due
to Novell, contact the Information Technology Help Desk,
#4555.
Cannot get wireless mouse to work
The batteries may be dead in the wireless mouse. The mice
take two AAA batteries. Extra batteries are located in the
rack drawer.
Computer mouse will not move
Computer mouse will not 'click'
Computer is frozen
Typically the wireless mouse causes this problem. Find the
wireless mouse (usually in the rack or teachers station drawer)
and turn it ON (switch is on the back), make sure the regular
mouse is working and then turn OFF the wireless mouse. If
problem persists restart the computer.
Laptop computer will not display
on the video projector
Ensure that the VGA cable is plugged into the back of the
laptop and the power cord to the laptop is plugged in. Make
sure that the rack is selected to Computer. Look at the symbols
on the Function Keys at the top of the laptop's keyboard.
One of them should have the letters "LCD/CRT" or symbols
resembling a laptop and a monitor. Hold down the Function
key as well as that key. There are three different display
options. Press those two buttons until the image appears
on both the laptop and the video projector. If you are in
a room with a desktop computer installed, make sure A/B box
is selected to laptop. Usually located by tower.
top of page
Video Projector
Video Projector image is rolling
If the image you want to project is rolling on the screen,
you may try the following to fix it.
1. Switch back and forth between the computer
and rack input buttons slowly.
2. If that does not work try to turn the projector completely
off and allow to cool down. (Approximately 1 minute) Turn
back on and problem should be corrected.
Contact Classroom Services if the problem persists.
top of page
VCR
VCR tape will not play
First, make sure that you rewind the tape. If the tape is
playing but there is no image, then ensure that the video
projector is turned on, that the Rack
input is selected and that the VCR is also selected.
VCR image is rolling
If the image you want to project is rolling on the screen,
you may try the following to fix it.
1. Switch back and forth between the computer and rack input
buttons slowly.
2. If that does not work try to turn the projector completely
off and allow to cool down. (Approximately 1 minute) Turn
back on and problem should be corrected.
Contact Classroom Services if the problem persists.
Cable TV is playing and I can
not turn it off
Advance the VCR channel selector to A1 or A2 using the channel
select buttons or turn the VCR power off.
VCR will not show closed captioning
If you need closed captioning, please call Classroom Services
at x4395 at least three days in advance. The tape you are
using must have closed captioning information recorded on
it.
top of page
Overhead projector
Overhead projector will not
light up
Make sure that the overhead projector is plugged into a power
outlet that works. If there is still a problem, then the
bulb is burned out. First unplug the projector. Then to toggle
to a new bulb, open
the top cover and rotate
the changer knob to the other bulb. Close the cover and
plug the projector back in. Then call Classroom Services
at x4395 and let them know that a new bulb needs to be installed.
Overhead projector doesn't focus
The overhead projector is probably too far away from the
screen. Move the projector closer to the screen.
Overhead projector image is not
big enough
The overhead projector is probably too close to the screen.
Move the projector further away from the screen.
top of page
Wireless microphone
Wireless microphone is not
working or is cutting out
The battery may be dead. A new battery should be located
in the rack drawer. Insert a new battery into the microphone.
Make sure the clear plastic casing is removed from the battery
if it has it and the battery is installed properly.
Wireless microphone audio is
too low or too loud
If the wireless microphone audio is too low, physically move
the microphone closer to your mouth, such as on your collar.
If the audio is too loud, physically move the microphone
further from your mouth, such as to your chest.
If you think there is a problem with the audio level please
report it to Classroom Services.
top of page
Document camera
Document camera image is not
projecting
Check the front of the document camera and ensure that the
input "Doc
Cam" is selected, if it is not, then press that button.
Make sure that the video projector is turned on, that the
Rack button is selected and that the Document
Camera is selected. In labs with portable Document Cameras
make sure that the video projector is turned on, that the
Video button is selected.
Document camera color is incorrect
The document camera may be on "negative" input. Find the
button on the front of the document camera marked POSI/NEGA and
make sure it is selected to P for positive.
Document camera is out of focus
If the image is fuzzy, you can press the "AUTO" button
under focus to have the document camera focus the image for
you. Sometimes auto focus will not find a sharp focus point
and the manual controls will need to be used.
To manually focus the image, use the two "Manu" buttons, "N" and "F".
If it is still out of focus the text you are using may be
to small. Try a larger font or a different image.
Document camera image is rolling
If the image you want to project is rolling on the screen,
you may try the following to fix it.
1. Switch back and forth between the computer and rack input
buttons slowly.
2. If that does not work try to turn the projector completely
off and allow to cool down. (Approximately 1 minute) Turn
back on and problem should be corrected.
Contact Classroom Services if the problem persists.
top of page |