Masterton 113 - Lecture Hall

This will outline the details and basic tips and tricks for operating the equipment in Masterton's Lecture Hall in Room 113.

Details

Masterton 113 is one of the lecture halls located on the USM Portland Campus. You can operate most of the audiovisual (AV) equipment from the touch panel connected to the lectern. Other pieces of in-room equipment include:

  • Computer
  • Lectern Monitor
  • Mounted Panel Monitor
  • LCD Projector
  • Laptop Connection (HDMI & VGA)
  • Speakers
  • Gooseneck (Podium) Microphone
  • Handheld Microphone
  • LAV Microphone
  • Document Camera

Operating the Touch Panel

Most of the room's equipment is controlled by a touch panel located on the lectern. This section describes how to use that panel, step by step.

Turning the System On

When you first arrive, the touch panel may appear as a black screen, but should turn on automatically once it senses movement in front of it. You should be presented with the following screen. Touch it and to begin the start-up process.

The start screen. It has the University of Southern Maine written on it, as well as the university's logo and a prompt to Start the system.

As part of this process, the projector will turn on and the touch panel display will change to a loading message.

Operating the System

Once it has loaded, you should be presented with the following screen.

The touch panel's main menu, described in more detail below.

From this screen you are presented with the following options :

  • Input Select: At the top of the screen is a list of inputs. By selecting an input, you choose which device will display on the monitors and projector. In order from left to right, your choices are:
    • PC: The in-room PC, located in one of the cabinets.
    • Laptop HDMI: The device currently plugged in using the lectern's HDMI cable.
    • Laptop VGA: The device currently plugged in using the lectern's VGA cable.
    • Doc Cam: Talbot Hall's document camera, also located on top of the lectern.
    • Wireless: A device connected via a wireless connection.
    • Camera: The camera located in the back of the room. This will also allow you to adjust it or use one of its built-in presets.
  • Audio Source: The left sidebar gives you the option to choose an audio source. This will determine which device will stream audio through the speakers.
    • PC: The in-room PC.
    • Instructor Station: A device attached to the lectern via an HDMI or VGA connection
    • Wireless: A device connected via a wireless connection.
  • Playback Audio: The sidebar on the right allows you direct control over the volume of the lecture hall's speakers. The top button increases volume, the middle button decreases volume, and the bottom button mutes the audio. This does not mute the audio altogether.
    • All Mic Mute: Selecting this gray button beneath the audio controls will allow you to mute all microphones connected to the system.
  • Other Options: The menu located at the bottom of the screen provides you with a variety of other options. From left to right, these options are:
    • Display Control: This controls the projector and the mounted panel monitor. You can choose to turn either of them on or off, or you can choose to mute them. If you choose to mute the monitor, the monitor will stop displaying any inputs, but will remain on.
    • Help: This button will provide you a phone number to call if you need help with technical issues.
    • Change Switching Mode: This allows you to go into 'Advanced Switching Mode', which allows you to control which inputs are displayed on which outputs (projector, panel, or lectern monitor).
    • Streaming / Recording: This will open a menu to control the camera and streaming options.
    • Power Down: Power down the system when you are finished with the room's equipment. This is described in further detail below.
    • Microphone Control: Control the volume levels of the room's microphones. The room has two wireless microphones that can be found on charging stations on top of one of the room's cabinets.

Power Down the System

Best practice is to always power down the system once you are finished with the room's equipment.

  • If you used the in-room PC, please shut that down first.
  • On the touch panel, press the Power Down button. You will presented with a confirmation screen. If you are sure that you are done with the room's equipment, hit the green Power Down button to confirm your selection. You will be presented with another loading screen as the system takes its time to shut down.
    • As part of the process, the projector and the camera will be turned off, and the monitors will no longer display any input.
  • If you used any of the room's wireless microphones, please return them to their charging station.

Basic Troubleshooting

  • Mouse and Keyboard
    • Neither are working.
      • Make sure both power switches are in the on position.
      • If both are turned on and still not operating, could be bad batteries. Give us a call and we'll come to you.
  • Computer
    • In-room computer isn't displaying.
      • Confirm computer is turned on.
        • Computers power button will be illuminated.
      • Make sure PC is selected on the touch panel.
  • Projector
    • Device isn't displaying.
      • Has the display been turned on via the touch panel?
      • Make sure proper input is selected. Try the other inputs as well.
        • Try changing inputs, then switch back to the "proper" input.
        • Some rooms have a projector mute button, make sure this isn't selected (if red, press the mute button again to turn off).
      • Make sure device is powered on.
      • Make sure device is awake by clicking the mouse, moving the mouse, and or pressing the space bar on the keyboard.
      • Double check device connections.
        • If using an adapter, try unplugging and re-plugging the connection.
        • If using HDMI or VGA directly, try unplugging and re-plugging the connection.
      • If above steps have been followed and your device is still not displaying, give us a call.
  • Audio/Speakers
    • Can't hear sound.
      • Check the volume on the touch panel. The volume levels should be displayed on the right of the touch panel, including buttons that allow you to mute the speakers or adjust the levels to your preference.
      • Check volume control of the device. Is it turned up all the way/muted?
      • If connected VGA
        • Is the headphone jack properly plugged in your computer?
        • Make sure proper audio output is selected within your audio settings of your device.
      • If connected HDMI
        • Is the HDMI properly plugged in?
        • Make sure proper audio output is selected within your audio settings of your device.
    • Crackling sound.
      • Make sure the connection is properly seated.
  • Microphones
    • Muffled / Crackling sound when using the LAV microphone.
      • Make sure the microphone is pinned properly and is not brushing up against loose clothing.
      • Does the audio crackle when the wire is moved around? It may have been damaged. Give us a call.
    • Not picking up sound.
      • Is the device turned on?
        • If the device doesn't turn on, it could be a case of bad batteries. Give us a call and we'll come to you.
      • Make sure the proper audio input is selected on your device.

Environment

  • Masterton 113
  • USM
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