Equipment Troubleshooting Guide


Equipment Index


   
   

 

 
Portable Data Projectors
Problem Suggestions
No Power

Is the power cord plugged in?

Turn on the Main power switch located on the back of the projector

Turn on the lamp switch located on the remote control

Reset data projector by turning off main power switch, unplugging for 20 seconds, plugging projector back in, and turn on main power switch
Projector turned on, computer image not displayed

Set input setting to computer by pressing the "input" button on the remote control (on some models thisbutton is called "mode" or "data")

Make sure the cable is connected to the proper computer port

Laptop computers: refer to owners manual to determine how to turn on the external monitor port. (Usually hold down the FN key and press F4)

Desktop machines: connect data projector first, then boot up computer.
Projector turned on, video image not displayed

Set input setting to video by pressing the "input" button on the remote control (on some models this button is called "mode" or "data")

Make sure the video cable is connected to the "video in" port on the data projector

Make sure the video cable is connected to the "video out" port on the DVD or VCR.
Image out of focus Rotate the lens focus ring back and forth until the image is sharp
Image too large or too small for screen

On some models, turn zoom ring on the lens until the image is the size desired

On older models, move projector away for the screen to increase the image size, move projector toward screen to decrease the size.
Lamp not turned on, but projector fan working

Wait for fan to stop, then press the on button to start up the projector again

Lamp failure, contact Instructional Media

 

 
Digital Video Camera (Mini DV)
Problem Suggestions
No power

Check that battery is installed

Turn "power" switch to "play" or "camera"

Dead battery, charge battery or use power cord

Camera will not record

Make sure a videotape is installed

Make sure the videotape record tab is not set to save

Make sure the "power" switch is set to "camera" not "play"

(some cameras) Make sure the camera is set to "tape" not "card"

Remove lens cap

Camera will not play videotape

Make sure the "power" switch is set to "play" not "camera"

Rewind videotape

Check battery

Make sure the camera is set to "tape" not "card"

Search for video using "REC SEARCH" buttons

Camera will not play when connected to television

Check troubleshooting tip "camera will not play videotape"

Make sure the video cable is connected to the "AV" port on the camera

Make sure the video cable is connected to the "video" and "audio" input on the television

Make sure the television is set to the proper video input

 


 

 

 
Digital Voice Recorder
Problem Suggestions
No Power

Slide "hold" switch away from the hold position

Change batteries

Recording doesn't play back

Make sure proper folder is selected by pressing the "folder/menu" button

Rewind recording to beginning by pressing the "- +" button

Turn up volume

Recording won't erase

Search for the recording using the "folder/menu" button

Press the "erase" button once, then one more time after "File Erase?" message is shown
 

 

 


 

 
VCR/DVD in Stadium Classrooms  
Problem Suggestions
No Power

Make sure unit is plugged into cart and/or into wall outlet.

Turn on main power switch located on upper left side of unit.

Unit turned on but nothing is displayed on Projector or Television Monitor

Make sure Elmo document camera is turned on

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to AV-1 or video setting.

Make sure video cable is connected between video out of document camera and video input of television montior.

Turn on television or projector

Set projector or television to VIDEO input.

Video displayed on projector or monitor, but no sound

Make sure the Anchor speaker is turned on.

Turn up volume on Anchor speaker.

Check audio cables:
audio out from DVD/VCR to audio in on Elmo
audio out from Elmo to input on Anchor speaker

 


 
  Multimedia Projection Cart (MPC)
Problem
Suggestions
No Power Check the power cord it should be plugged into an electrical outlet

Check main power switch beneath cart work surface

Check all components they should be plugged into the cart’s power strip

Turn all components on
 
Computer Monitor Does Not Display Anything Turn on computer monitor

Check if monitor is plugged into power strip

Turn on data projector (data projector must be on to view images on the computer monitor)

Check that the cable running to the data projector input is plugged into the monitor port on the PC, and the monitor is plugged into the output of the data projector
 
NCC Network Cannot Be Accessed Check that the computer network cable (phone cord connected to the network card on the PC) is plugged into the data plug on the network LOC (wall jack) 

Try the other data plugs on the LOC

Look for another LOC in the classroom and try it

Contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance (ext. 5440)
 
Data Projector Lamp Is Not Lit Make sure unit is plugged into the cart powerstrip

Press orange power button on back of data projector

Press the on / off button on the data projector remote control
 
Data Projector Displays A Blue Screen, Not The Computer Image  Using the data projector remote control, press the input button twice (the reason the screen was blue was because the projector was set to display the optional "video" input)
Data Projector Image Too Large Or Too Small Move the entire MPC closer to the projection screen to reduce the size of the image

Move the entire MPC away from the projection screen to increase the size of the image
 
Data Projector Image Not Focused Turn the data projector lens clockwise or counterclockwise until the image is clear
Projected Image Keystoned (Larger At The Top Than The Bottom) Turn the red keystone correction knob on the rear of the data projector until the image is square
Projected Image Is Too High Or Too Low On The Screen Turn the data projector’s front feet counterclockwise to raise the image

Turn the data projector’s front feet clockwise to lower the image
 
Mouse Does Not Function Check that the mouse is connected to the mouse port on the rear of the computer

Try wireless remote mouse

Unplug wireless mouse transmitter from the PC and plug mouse cord into the mouse port and RESTART COMPUTER
 
Wireless Mouse Does Not Work Check that the wireless mouse transmitter is plugged into the mouse port on the computer. If not, connect it and RESTART COMPUTER

If the wireless remote mouse batteries are dead, replace or connect regular mouse
 
Laptop Computer Connected, Does Not Project Check that the data projector is tuned on

Check that the laptop is turned on

Make sure the cable running from the laptop monitor "out" port runs to the data projector "in" port.

Make sure the data projector "RGB" input is selected

Check that the laptop display toggle function is set to display on another monitor. Each laptop is different, pressing the key with the small monitor icons in combination with "alt" or "ctrl" should toggle between the laptop monitor and an auxiliary device.

The laptop must be set to display 800 x 600. This is accomplished by opening the control panel, selecting the display icon, selecting advanced set up, and choosing 800 x 600 as the resolution.

 

 MPC Directions Page

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Goldspohn 20 Multimedia System
Problem Suggestions
No Power Check if the power cord is plugged into electrical outlet

Turn on power strip on top of mobile desk

Turn on all components
 
Data Projector Lamp Is Not Lit Press the power button on the data projector remote control
Computer Network Cannot Be Accessed Check if the network cable that runs from the network card on the back of the PC to the LOC at the front of the classroom is connected

Call ITS Help Desk (ext. 5440)
 
Computer Error Messages / Problems Call ITS Help Desk (ext. 5440)
Computer Images Displayed On Monitor But Not Projected Using the remote control, turn on data projector

Press MODE button on remote control two times to select the RGB input

Computer Images Displayed On Computer Monitor And Projector, But Not On Television Monitors The computer is not connected to the television monitors, therefore, computer images cannot be viewed on the television monitors
Computer Audio Not Heard Check if switcher is turned on

Turn the audio knob on the switcher to computer

Check if amplifier is turned on

Check volume level

Check if amplifier is set to the tuner input

Only speaker button A on the amplifier should be depressed, check that speaker button B is off.
 
VCR Not Functioning Turn on VCR

 
VCR Running, But Video Not Projected Using the data projector remote control, select the video source by pressing the MODE button

Check if the switcher is turned on

Turn the projector knob on the switcher to VCR
 
VCR Running, Video Not Seen On Television Monitors Check that the switcher is turned on

Turn the monitor knob on the switcher to VCR

If the television monitor is turned off, press individual power buttons

VCR Running, No Sound Check that the switcher is turned on

Turn the audio knob on the switcher to VCR

Check that the amplifier is turned on

Check volume level

Check that the amplifier is set to the tuner input

Only speaker button A on the amplifier should be depressed, check that speaker button B is off
 

Back to Troubleshooting Guide Equipment Index

 


 
Portable Data Projector
(Sharp XGE 690U)
Problem Suggestions
No Power Check projector is plugged into electrical outlet

Turn on projector by pressing orange power button on rear of machine

Press on / off button on data projector remote control
 
NCC Network Cannot Be Accessed Check computer network cable (phone cord connected to the network card on the PC) - must be plugged into the data plug on the network LOC (wall jack)

Try the other data plug on LOC

Occasionally, there are two LOCs in a classroom. Look for another and try it

Call the ITS Help Desk (ext. 5440)
 
Computer Images Not Displayed On Computer Monitor Connect cable from PC monitor output to data projector input

Connect computer monitor cable to data projector output

Turn on data projector 

DATA PROJECTOR MUST BE TURNED ON TO DISPLAY IMAGES ON COMPUTER MONITOR
 
Computer Images Not Projected Connect cable from PC monitor output to data projector input

Connect computer monitor cable to data projector output

Turn on data projector 

Press input button of data projector remote control two times until RGB is displayed
Data Projector Lamp Is Not Lit Check that data projector is plugged in

Press orange power button on back of data projector

Press the on / off button on the data projector remote control
Data Projector Displays A Blue Screen, Not The Computer Image Using the data projector remote control, press the input button twice (the projector was set to display the optional "video" input)
Data Projector Image Too Large Or Too Small Move the projector closer to the projection screen to reduce the size of the image.

Move the projector away from the projection screen to increase the size of the image. 
Data Projector Image Not Focused Turn the data projector lens clockwise or counterclockwise until the image is clear
Projected Image Keystoned (Larger At The Top Than The Bottom) Turn the red keystone correction knob, on the rear of the data projector, until the image is square
Projected Image Is Too High Or Too Low On The Screen Turn the data projector’s front feet counterclockwise to raise the image

Turn the data projector’s front feet clockwise to lower the image
Optional Video Image Not Projected Check that video cables connect the OUTPUT of the video equipment to the data projector INPUT

Turn on the data projector

Press input button of data projector remote control two times until video is displayed 
VCR Running, Video Projected, No Sound Check that audio cables connect the video equipment’s Audio OUTPUT to the data projector audio INPUT

Raise audio level of data projector by pressing the volume button on the data projector remote control

Data projector in mute phase, press mute button on video projector remote control
 

Portable Data Projector Directions Page

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Stadium Classrooms
Problem Suggestions
Equipment on counter has no power

Check power cords.

Computer does not function properly

Contact the ITS Help Desk (5440)

Computer is turned on but does not project onto Smart Board

Turn on Data Projector

Press Computer button on data projector remote control until "Computer 1" is displayed on screen.

Check PC RGB connections from computer to wall outlet

Data Projector will not turn on

Press the power button on the remote control

Make sure the on/off switch located on the side of the remote control is set to on.

Make sure the main power switch on the data projector is turned on

Make sure data projector is plugged in.

Press the power button located on the data projector

RESET DATA PROJECTOR: Turn off main power switch on data projector, unplug data projector power cord, wait 20 seconds, plug projector power cord back in, turn on main power switch.
Smart Board not working properly See the Smart Board Help page on the ITS web page.
http://www.noctrl.edu/library_ncc/frame_top.shtml
Elmo Document Camera will not show on Smart Board

Turn on document camera. Power switch is located on left hand side of unit.

Make sure the document camera is plugged in.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to internal. Button is located on front of unit.

Data projector must be turned on.

Set data projector to video by pressing the VIDEO button on the data projector remote control.
Elmo Document Camera will not show on television monitor

Turn on document camera. Power switch is located on left hand side of unit.

Make sure the document camera is plugged in.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to internal. Button is located on front of unit.

Turn on television monitor.

Make sure television is set to video 1 input.
Videotape will not show on Smartboard

Make sure VCR is turned on.

Elmo document camera must be turned on.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to AV-1 or video.

Turn on data projector

Set data projector to video by pressing the MODE button on the data projector remote control.
Videotape will not show on television monitor

Make sure VCR is turned on.

Elmo document camera must be turned on.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to AV-1 or video.

Turn on television monitor.

Set television monitor to video 1.
Laptop computer will not project on Smartboard

Connect the laptop computer RGB cable to wall outlet marked Laptop Connection.

Turn on data projector.

Set data projector to COMPUTER 2

Set laptop display to 800 x 600 or 1024 x 763

Use laptop display function to toggle between laptop display and external display. Check laptop manual for instructions.

 

Smart Board will not control laptop computer The Smart Board only controls the classroom computer.

Back to Troubleshooting Guide Equipment Index

 
 
LAC 16
Problem Suggestions
Equipment on counter has no power

Check power cords.

Computer does not function properly

Contact the ITS Help Desk (5440)

Computer is turned on but does not project onto Smart Board

Turn on Data Projector

Press Computer button on data projector remote control until "Computer 1" is displayed on screen.

Check PC RGB connections from computer to wall outlet

Data Projector will not turn on

Press the power button on the remote control

Make sure the on/off switch located on the side of the remote control is set to on.

Make sure the main power switch on the data projector is turned on

Make sure data projector is plugged in.

Press the power button located on the data projector

RESET DATA PROJECTOR: Turn off main power switch on data projector, unplug data projector power cord, wait 20 seconds, plug projector power cord back in, turn on main power switch.
Smart Board not working properly See the Smart Board Help page on the ITS web page.
http://www.noctrl.edu/library_ncc/frame_top.shtml
Elmo Document Camera will not show on Smart Board

Turn on document camera. Power switch is located on left hand side of unit.

Make sure the document camera is plugged in.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to internal. Button is located on front of unit.

Data projector must be turned on.

Set data projector to video by pressing the VIDEO button on the data projector remote control.
Elmo Document Camera will not show on television monitor

Turn on document camera. Power switch is located on left hand side of unit.

Make sure the document camera is plugged in.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to internal. Button is located on front of unit.

Turn on television monitor.

Make sure television is set to video 1 input.
Videotape will not show on Smartboard

Make sure VCR is turned on.

Elmo document camera must be turned on.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to AV-1 or video.

Turn on data projector

Set data projector to video by pressing the MODE button on the data projector remote control.
Videotape will not show on television monitor

Make sure VCR is turned on.

Elmo document camera must be turned on.

Make sure Elmo document camera is set to AV-1 or video.

Turn on television monitor.

Set television monitor to video 1.
Laptop computer will not project on Smartboard

Connect the laptop computer RGB cable to wall outlet marked Laptop Connection.

Turn on data projector.

Set data projector to COMPUTER 2

Set laptop display to 800 x 600 or 1024 x 763

Use laptop display function to toggle between laptop display and external display. Check laptop manual for instructions.

 

Smart Board will not control laptop computer The Smart Board only controls the classroom computer.

Back to Troubleshooting Guide Equipment Index

 

 

 

 
Elmo Document Camera 
Problem Suggestions
No Power

Make sure unit is plugged into cart and/or into wall outlet.

Turn on main power switch located on upper left side of unit.

Unit turned on but nothing is displayed on Television Monitor

Make sure video cable is connected between video out of document camera and video input of television montior.

Make sure document camera is set to INTERNAL setting.

Set television to VIDEO input.

Lights on Elmo aren't on

Press the upper button to turn on the upper lights.

Press the base button to turn on the base lights (used for transparencies).
 

Image not in focus

Press the auto focus button.

Press the focus + or - buttons to manually focus the image.

Raise the camera head to its highest position.

Image too dark or too light

Adjust the iris control located inside the small door on the camera head.
 



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Panasonic Camcorders
Problems Suggestions
No Power (Using Battery) Insert camcorder battery into battery chamber on camera

Dead battery - charge battery using camera power supply for two to four hours before using
No Power (Using Power Supply) Plug in the power supply into an electrical outlet

Connect the power cable from the power supply to the camcorder power plug at the back of the camera

Turn on camcorder
Battery Cannot Be Inserted Into Camera Align the battery so the + terminal on the battery matches the + printed on the camera
Videotape Cannot Be Inserted In Camcorder Turn power on

Align videotape so the reels face the inside of the camera, and the spine faces up

Wrong type of videotape, VHS tape is required
No Picture In The Viewfinder Check the power source, it should be connected properly

Remove the lens cap

Check the dew indicator. If the camera detects dew, it will not operate until the dew evaporates. Allow camera to reach room temperature. 
Camcorder Will Not Record On The Videotape  The record tab has been removed from the videotape to prevent accidental erasure of the previously recorded material - use another videotape

Camera function set to player only; turn selector to camera function
Auto Focus Does Not Operate Check the focus switch, it should be set to "auto"
Time And Date Is Visible In The Viewfinder Press the "display" button once or twice until the time and date are removed

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Slide Projectors (Kodak)
Problem Suggestions
No Power Check that the slide projector power cord is connected to an electrical outlet (either on an AV cart or wall)

Check that the AV cart is connected to an electrical outlet

Check that the power cord is connected to the slide projector

Turn on slide projector using the switch on the rear of the machine
Fan Running, Lamp Not Visible Check the slide projector switch, it should be set to lamp

Place slide carousel on top of projector and press forward button (lamp cannot be seen until a slide is inserted into projector).

Lamp burnt out, replace lamp with spare lamp kept in carrying case, or call Instructional Media at ext. 5723
Projected Image Too Small Or Too Large If the projector is equipped with a zoom lens, turn the lens clockwise or counterclockwise until the image is the desired size

Move the projector closer to the projection screen to reduce the size of the image

Move the projector further from the projection screen to increase the size of the image
 
Carousel Will Not Align With Projector Line up the notch in the carousel (number 0) with the tab on the projector (near the slot where the slide will drop into the projector)

Check that the opening (located on the bottom of the carousel) that allows a slide to drop out of the carousel, is aligned with the number 0 slot. Holding the slide carousel upside-down (with the locking ring attached to prevent slides from falling out) turn the bottom of the carousel until it locks into place.
Projector Out Of Focus Turn black knob at the front of projector until image comes in focus
Slide Will Not Advance When Forward Button On Remote Is Pressed Check that the remote cable is connected to the projector

Slide Projector Directions

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Portable Data Projector (Sony)
Problem Suggestions
No Power

Make sure the projector power cord is plugged in.

Turn on the data projector by pressing the green power button on the remote control or on the unit itself.

Computer does not project

Make sure computer is turned on.

Make sure RGB cable is connected between the computer RGB out and the data projector RGB input.

Set data projector to Computer by pressing the INPUT button.

Set computer display size to 800 x 600.

Video does not project.

Make sure the VCR is turned on.

Make sure video cable is connected between the VCR video out and the data projector video input.

Set data projector to video by pressing the INPUT button.

Back to Troubleshooting Guide Equipment Index

 
 
 
TV / VCR Combination (Panasonic) 
Problem Suggestions
No Power Check that the TV VCR is plugged into the electrical outlet on the AV cart

Check that the AV cart is plugged into an electrical outlet 

Press TV VCR power button
Videotape Inserted, No Picture On Screen Check the power cords and button

Set videotape to beginning of program
Picture On Screen, But No Audio Adjust volume level using volume + buttons on TV VCR
TV VCR ON, Cable Television Not Seen On Screen Connect coaxial cable from antenna in connector on back of TV VCR to the cable TV source in classroom (located on LOC)

Follow on-screen instructions to auto-program television stations

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Ceiling Mounted Data Projection Systems
Problem Suggestions
Computer does not function properly

Contact the ITS Help Desk at 5440

Data projector does not turn on

Make sure on/off switch located on side of remote control is set to on.

Make sure main power switch located on data projector is turned on.

Make sure data projector power cord is plugged in.

Reset data projector:
Turn off main power switch on data projector, unplug data projector, wait 20 seconds, plug data projector back in, turn on main power switch, press on button to turn on lamp.

Data projector is on, computer is on but not displayed on big screen

Set data projector input or mode button to COMPUTER or DATA depending upon model.

Check RGB cables running between computer and wall outlet.
Data projector is on, VCR is on but not displayed on big screen

Classroom may not be set up to display VCR on projector.

Set data projector input or mode button to VIDEO


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
16mm Film Projector 
(Bell & Howell)
Problem Suggestions
No Power Check that the projector power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet (on an AV cart or wall)

Check that the AV cart is plugged into an electrical outlet

Turn projector motor switch to the forward position
Projector On, Film Will Not Thread Automatically Push autoload lever #2 forward

Place motor switch in forward position

Check that lens housing is closed

Check that the exciter lamp cover is firmly in place

Check for obstructions in the film path

Check the "run - still" knob, (it should be in the run position)

Check the film leader (white part at the beginning of film) it should be free of defects. Use the film trimmer located under the lens to trim the defects off of the leader
Projected Image Out Of Focus Turn the focus control until the image is sharpened
Projected Image Too Large Or Too Small Move the projector closer to the projection screen to reduce the size of the image

Move the projector further from the projection screen to increase the size of the image
Projected Image Not Centered In Lens Move the Framer Knob to properly center the picture within the aperture
Film Running, But Not Seen On Screen Turn motor switch to forward, lamp position

Lamp burnt out, replace lamp with spare lamp kept in carrying case, or call Instructional Media at ext. 5723
Film Running, No Audio Turn on the volume control knob

Adjust the volume using the volume control knob

Check that the projection speed lever is not set to "silent"

Replace exciter lamp
Film Will Not Rewind Or Is Rewinding Too Slowly Run film completely through projector, move take-up-reel arm to raised position, attach the end of film to the hub of the front reel 

Turn motor switch to reverse position

Press and momentarily hold the rewind button located at the top of the projector

Back to Troubleshooting Guide Equipment Index

Instructional Media Equipment Directions        Instructional Media Home Page
 

Revised 08-06
Send comments about this page to Tom Gill, thgill@noctrl.edu