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Summary
This article aims to explain how to use the Alger 110 podium through quick operating instructions, in-depth operating instructions, and troubleshooting tips. It provides steps for beginning, conducting, and ending class with the podium; information about equipment in the podium; and steps to resolve common issues. Alger 110 includes podium technology installed that is considered "Zoom Capable" or "Hybrid" and can accommodate video conferencing with built-in microphone and camera capabilities. Use the quick links to quickly jump to the desired section.
Quick Start Instructions
Podium Style
The following are pictures of the podium in its default state and with its drawer pulled out.
To begin class
- If the touch panel is dark, tap the screen to wake it up
- Tap the screen where it says Press HERE to begin
- Wait for the system to start up
During class
- Select a source using one of the three options at the top of the touch panel
- For Blu-Ray, control the device with its built-in controls
- For Laptop, choose between a wired connection (HDMI or VGA) or wireless (ShareLink)
- For PC, control the camera’s position and zoom with the touch panel buttons. In the meeting, set the speaker to Extron HDMI and microphone to MediaPort 300
- Select which display will show the source at the bottom of the touch panel
- Turn the projectors on or off with the buttons under "Display 1" or "Display 2"
- Control the room or microphone’s volume levels by clicking Mic Controls
To end class
- Tap the System Off button
- Tap the Power Down button to confirm
In-Depth Instructions
Quick Links within In-Depth Instructions
Electronic Podium Overview
The podium is located at the front of the classroom, between class seating and the projector screens. The majority of classroom's electronic equipment is installed in the rack built-into the podium. Please note the following technology in the rack that's intended to be controlled by users of the classroom:
- (1) Dell OptiPlex desktop computer
- (2) Blu-Ray Player
Other equipment located/installed in this rack should only be configured by ITS staff as needed for troubleshooting.
Extron Touch Panel Overview
The classroom is equipped with an Extron touch panel built-into the top of the classroom podium. This touch panel allows you to switch between different sources, adjust the classroom audio volume, and turn the projector on/off. In the photo below:
- (1) Source buttons
- Blu-Ray - selects the Blu-Ray player installed in the podium to be displayed on the projector(s).
- Laptop - selects laptop or another computing device plugged into the HDMI or VGA at the podium or connected wirelessly via ShareLink to be displayed on the projector(s).
- PC - selects the Dell OptiPlex Windows PC installed in the podium to be displayed on the projector(s).
- (2) Control buttons
- Display 1 and Display 2 - turns the respective projector on or off while the room is on.
- Program - shows the audio level of the room and provides controls to raise, lower, or mute the audio.
- Mic Controls - shows the audio level of the room and of the various microphones, and provides controls to raise, lower, or mute the audio.
- Select Display to Route Source - provides options for which projector or projectors will show the source.
- System Off - turns off the room.
- Help - provides contact information to reach the ITS Help Desk.
Turning Classroom Projector and Electronic Classroom Equipment On
Turning on the projector in the classroom is completed by tapping the touch panel where it says Press HERE to begin.
Turning Classroom Projector and Electronic Classroom Equipment Off
Tap the System Off button to turn begin the shutdown process. Select Power Down to confirm the change.
Connecting a Laptop (HDMI)
The Alger 110 podium is equipped with an HDMI cable and VGA cable, as illustrated in the photo below.
Connect the laptop using the HDMI cable. After connecting the laptop, tap the Laptop button on the Extron touch panel. Then tap the Laptop (HDMI) button. While this input is labeled Laptop (HDMI), it can be used for any device that can connect over HDMI, such as a tablet.
After connecting the laptop, the viewing settings may need to be adjusted. On Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers, select the Windows key and the P key at the same time (Win+P) to bring up options to duplicate the display, extend the display, or select only the laptop screen or the projector screen for viewing while the laptop is connected. The pop-up in Windows displayed will look similar to this:
On Macintosh computers running recent versions of macOS, select Control Center from the top right of the Menu Bar, and then select Screen Mirroring, which can be used to configure the display settings to the projector.
Additional settings can be done by going to System Settings (or previously System Preferences) and selecting the Display settings.
If unusual issues are encountered connecting a laptop to the projector, for example - where it's not being displayed as expected, please try performing a restart on the laptop while it's plugged into the HDMI cable at the podium to see if that resolves the issue.
Connecting a Laptop (VGA)
Connect the laptop using the VGA cable. After connecting the laptop, tap the Laptop button on the Extron touch panel. Then tap the Laptop (VGA) button. While this input is labeled Laptop (VGA), it can be used for any device that can connect over VGA.
After connecting the laptop, the viewing settings may need to be adjusted. On Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers, select the Windows key and the P key at the same time (Win+P) to bring up options to duplicate the display, extend the display, or select only the laptop screen or the projector screen for viewing while the laptop is connected. The pop-up in Windows displayed will look similar to this:
On Macintosh computers running recent versions of macOS, select Control Center from the top right of the Menu Bar, and then select Screen Mirroring, which can be used to configure the display settings to the projector.
Additional settings can be done by going to System Settings (or previously System Preferences) and selecting the Display settings.
If unusual issues are encountered connecting a laptop to the projector, for example - where it's not being displayed as expected, please try performing a restart on the laptop while it's plugged into the VGA cable at the podium to see if that resolves the issue.
Connecting a Laptop (ShareLink)
Tap the Laptop button on the Extron touch panel. Then tap the ShareLink button on the Extron touch panel. This input can be used for any device that does not have a physical HDMI or VGA port.
- On the projected image, an IP address will be shown in the bottom left corner. Type this address into your web browser to get to the ShareLink website.
- On the website, you will have the option to (1) download the Windows app, (2) share your screen through the web, or (3) download the app for other platforms. Choose one of the options to continue, but option (2) is recommended for most use cases. The following steps go over options (1) and (2).
- If downloading for Windows, clicking DOWNLOAD will bring you to the Extron Download Center where the file is automatically downloaded. Click Open file
- Follow the installation window's prompts to install ShareLink
- Open the ShareLink application
- If the ShareLink doesn't appear automatically, click the plus (+) button
- Enter the IP address shown on the projected image's bottom left corner. Click NEXT
- Enter the universal RIC ShareLink password and then click NEXT. The password is ric
- Enter the 4-digit code shown on the projected image's bottom right corner. Click CONNECT
- Click the plus (+) button to bring up the "Share Content" menu. More than one piece of content can be displayed at a time. The following content sources are available for use:
- Mirror Screen - mirrors everything on your device
- Mirror Application - mirrors only one specific application that you choose
- Share Image or Video - lets you browse through your device's files to choose an image or video
- To stop displaying all content, click the Remove All button, and click REMOVE on the popup window
- Alternatively, click on the content you want to stop displaying, and then click the Remove button
- To disconnect from the ShareLink, click Leave, and click LEAVE SESSION to confirm
- If sharing over the web, click WebShare.
- Enter the 4-digit code shown on the projected image's bottom right corner. Enter the universal RIC ShareLink password. The password is ric. Enter a name for your connection. Click CONNECT
- The following content sources are available for use:
- Browser tab - mirrors a specific tab in one of your web browsers
- Window - mirrors only one specific application that you choose
- Entire Screen - mirrors everything on your device
- Click Share once a content source is chosen
- Close the browser tab connected to the ShareLink to end the session
Using the Camera and Microphones
To use the camera and microphones for a virtual meeting, the PC source must be selected on the touch panel. Only the PC is able to conduct a virtual meeting using the camera and microphones built into the room.
Please note, the microphones will work and be heard through the room's speakers no matter the source chosen on the touch panel. It is only when conducting a virtual meeting that PC must be selected for the microphones to be heard in the virtual meeting. This room has five built-in microphones that are ready for use over the speakers and in virtual meetings:
- 1 lectern microphone
- 2 wireless handheld microphones (kept in the large, black Shure bags in the podium's drawer. See Quick Start Instructions)
- 2 wireless lapel/lavalier microphones (kept in the small, black Shure bags in the podium's drawer. See Quick Start Instructions)
To turn on the lectern microphone, press its button (highlighted below) so the red light is on. To turn off the lectern microphone, press its button so the red light is off.
To turn on the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch (highlighted below) so the LED screen is on. To turn off the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch so the LED screen is off.
To turn on the wireless lapel/lavalier microphone, flip its switch (highlighted below) so the LED light is green. To turn off the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch so the LED light is off.
In your video conferencing application, ensure that the speakers are set to use the Extron HDMI and that the microphone is set as the Speakerphone (Extron MediaPort 300). In Zoom, pictured below, check the audio settings by clicking the (1) Up arrow (^) where it says "Audio." You can also click the (2) Audio settings... button to open the full Zoom audio settings.
The camera can be tilted up or down, or panned left or right using the (1) arrow buttons. To quickly reset the camera to its default position and zoom press the (2) home button. To zoom in or out, use the (3) plus (+) or minus (-) buttons. To quickly change to a predefined position and zoom, press one of the (4) numbered presets. One preset is a close-up of the podium, one is a close-up of the center whiteboard under the projector, and one is a wide, centered shot of the whole room.
Adjusting Program and Microphone Volume Levels
Adjusting the program and microphone volume levels in the electronic classroom can be accomplished through the Extron touch panel.
The program volume level - what is heard through the room's speakers - can be adjusted using the (1) arrow buttons. The up arrow increases volume, while the down arrow decreases volume. The (2) Mute button will mute the audio. When using the Dell OptiPlex PC installed in the classroom or a laptop, verify that the audio output on the computer is not set to mute or off as well.
The lectern microphone volume level - how sensitive the lectern microphone is to noise - can be adjusted by clicking Mic Controls. The Mic and Audio Control page has separate arrow and mute buttons for the program volume level and microphone volume levels. Click the Close button to return to the main screen on the touch panel. For assistance in adjusting the other microphone volume levels, please call the ITS Help Desk at 456-8803 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, you can email helpdesk@ric.edu to put in a ticket for a technician to take a look at the issue at a later date.
Projection Mute
The video signal to either projector can be temporarily turned off by selecting Mute under "Display 1" or "Display 2" on the Extron touch panel. Select Mute again to restore the video signal to the projector.
Blu-Ray Player Control
Select Blu-Ray on the touch panel to switch to the input. Control the device by using its built-in controls. Also, verify the Blu-Ray player in the rack is powered on.
Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
Note the highlighted location of the power button of the monitor in the photograph below, in the event the monitor at the podium is powered off.
Projector
Two projectors are installed in the wall of the classroom, located towards the back of the room. The projector's video output is displayed on the projector screen.
Camera
A BirdDog PTZ camera is installed in the classroom. It is available for use and can be controlled while using the PC input on the touch panel.
Microphones
This room has five built-in microphones that are ready for use over the speakers and in virtual meetings:
- 1 lectern microphone
- 2 wireless handheld microphones (kept in the large, black Shure bags in the podium's drawer. See Quick Start Instructions)
- 2 wireless lapel/lavalier microphones (kept in the small, black Shure bags in the podium's drawer. See Quick Start Instructions)
These microphones will work while any input is selected on the touch panel. For virtual meetings, PC must be selected on the touch panel and users must speak into the microphones for remote participants to hear them.
The lectern microphone volume level - how sensitive the lectern microphone is to noise - can be adjusted by clicking Mic Controls. The Mic and Audio Control page has separate arrow and mute buttons for the program volume level and microphone volume levels. Click the Close button to return to the main screen on the touch panel.
To turn on the lectern microphone, press its button (highlighted below) so the red light is on. To turn off the lectern microphone, press its button so the red light is off.
To turn on the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch (highlighted below) so the LED screen is on. To turn off the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch so the LED screen is off.
To turn on the wireless lapel/lavalier microphone, flip its switch (highlighted below) so the LED light is green. To turn off the wireless handheld microphone, flip its switch so the LED light is off.
Speakers
Speakers are mounted in the ceiling at 4 points around the room. The speaker shown in the photo is the right speaker.
Phone
An Avaya phone is installed in Alger 110 near the entrance of the room.
Troubleshooting Tips
Projector Keeps Turning Off
To resolve this, please make sure you are not using the projector's white remote. The projector needs to be turned on using the touch panel only. If the issue keeps occurring and the touch panel was used to turn on the projector, please call the ITS Help Desk at 456-8803 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, you can email helpdesk@ric.edu to put in a ticket for a technician to take a look at the issue at a later date.
Monitor is Blank or Goes into "Power Saving Mode"
To resolve this, please go through the steps below:
- Ensure the white power button of the Dell OptiPlex computer is lit up
- If it is not, press the button until it lights up and see if the image appears on the monitor.
- If the PC is on but there is no image on the monitor, click PC on the touch panel.
- If the PC is projected, select the Windows key and the P key at the same time (Win+P) to bring up the display options and choose "Duplicate"
If the issue keeps occurring and the "Duplicate" option was selected, please call the ITS Help Desk at 456-8803 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, you can email helpdesk@ric.edu to put in a ticket for a technician to take a look at the issue at a later date.
Zoom Audio/Microphone Not Working
In your video conferencing application, ensure that the speakers are set to use the Extron HDMI and that the microphone is set as the Speakerphone (Extron MediaPort 300). In Zoom, pictured below, check the audio settings by clicking the (1) Up arrow (^) where it says "Audio." You can also click the (2) Audio settings... button to open the full Zoom audio settings.
Projector Keeps Flickering
For this issue, please call the ITS Help Desk at 456-8803 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, you can email helpdesk@ric.edu to put in a ticket for a technician to take a look at the issue at a later date.