Technology-MISC Tips-Penn State Erie

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Audio-Visual Tips

Below is a list of equipment operating tips to assist you. If you have further questions regarding the use of AV equipment, the Copy and Multimedia Center staff are available to offer detailed operating instructions.

Overhead Projector

Many classroom projectors have a built-in spare lamp feature. The top-front panel of the projector has a slide bar. Sliding this bar to the opposite side (from the failed lamp position) will activate a new lamp, restoring operation. Some of the beige models have a slide lever located on the rear panel to activate a spare lamp. Please notify CMC if you experience any difficulties.

Slide Projector

All slide projectors are auto-focus types, with some models having a control panel switch to activate/deactivate this feature. For most uses it is recommended that this feature be on. Initial focusing of the first couple slides should be adequate for clear viewing of the remaining slides. Slides with warped, creased, or frayed mounts will likely result in focusing or jamming problems. To properly insert a slide in the carousel, hold the slide near a light source orienting it to allow normal viewing. Now rotate the slide 180 degrees (upside-down) and insert into the carrousel's slot. The carrousel's retaining ring must be threaded on to eliminate jamming or forced ejection of slides.

16mm Film Projector

To correct a film that jitters and jumps, simply turn the function knob to the 12 o'clock position, which will stop all operation. Rotate the knob to the FWD position to continue the film, this resets the film's loop. If problems persist, notify CMC.

Projection Screens

Many classrooms contain multiple screens of various size, but all of them operate the same. Screens should be pulled down no further than the size of the projected image. An overextended screen may bind and not retract. To remedy this situation, a quick but gentle tug (gripping the pull bar at its bottom) should release the mechanism and allow it to retract.

Video/Data Projector

These projectors contain a special high intensity lamp that requires a short warm-up period (approx. 30 sec.). If the operator should cycle the projector on and off too quickly during the warm-up period the unit will enter into a safety mode and the image will not be projected for some time after. When through using the projector, it should only be turned off by either using the hand-held remote or the power button located on its top panel. Some models (Sharp & Toshiba) will prompt the user via a small pop-up window at the bottom of the screen, that requires pressing the OFF button twice on the remote control to power down the projector. Not pressing the OFF button twice will result in the projector turning itself back on after a short delay and substantially lower the lamp's life.

Computer Desks/Podiums

Access to these enclosures requires a key. CMC will unlock the cabinet for the occasional-use request; however, for those who need ongoing access, a key can be signed out for the semester. This key will access all Technology Classroom podiums, including both lecture hall cabinets. All computers, whether mobile carts or within cabinets, have access to the campus network and its established programs, including the Internet. Software problems and special programming concerns should be directed to CMC by calling x6121. We will attempt to correct problems along with the aid of the Computer Center.