FAQ’s for a Projector on a Cart or Table
Last updated by Eric M. on May 5, 2009
- Why doesn’t the document camera display an image?
- What if the LCD projector doesn’t work?
- How do I clean the air filter and remove the 100 hour filter warning?
- How do I get a replacement bulb when it burns out?
- How do I fix a broken focus ring on the document camera?
- Can I get a new document camera or projector remote if I lose mine?
- Can I unlock the equipment from the table or cart to store during vacations?
Why doesn’t the document camera display an image?
Try these steps when you cannot see an image from the document camera;
- Double check that the document camera has power. The power cord is in two pieces, so make sure the first cord is connected to the power block (you should see a green indicator light on the power block) and that the other end of the power cord is connected to the “DC 12V” port on the back of the camera.
- Double check that all cables are connected securely. The VGA/RGB cables should have screws that hold them in place, but sometimes these come loose.
- Make sure that the gray USB cable is not connecting the document camera and computer. When this is connected, it disables normal usage of the document camera. See this document for directions about how to properly use the USB cable.
- Look at the screen to see if the projector is showing an error message. If it says “No display detected on Video”, then the input is set wrong. Press “VGA” on the projector remote (button near the top) until the the projector looks for input on RGB1.
- Look at the status light above the document camera control panel. It may be orange instead of green (for VGA output) or red (for standby). To fix this, press the “Camera” input button on the top of the camera or remote, then press the “VGA/TV” button on the document camera control panel once and the status light should then display in green and shortly after an image should appear on the screen. The purpose of this button is to output the image to the video port instead of the VGA port, but since we don’t use the video cable the image does not get displayed.
- If the camera is still not displaying, it might need repair. In that case you should contact Work Control.
What if the LCD projector doesn’t work?
- Make sure the power cord is connected securely at both ends.
- Check to make sure the power is switched on. You should see a red power light even when the lamp is turned off. If not, turn on the power switch, which is located on the side next to where the power cord connects, to the “1″ position.
- If the power light is on, but will not turn on using the remote, try pressing the “Standby” button that is on the projector unit. If it turns on then you might have a problem with your remote, such as needing new batteries.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, call Work Control. They will ask for;
- Room number
- Serial number (not just the barcode)
- Description of the problem.
They should give you a work order number and will pick up the equipment from the school (they should have their own key to unlock equipment).
How do I clean the air filter and remove the 100 hour filter warning?
Occasionally when starting up your LCD projector, you will see a message that says, “Reminder: 100 hours passed after the last filter check…” This is a sign that your projector may need to be cleaned.
Warning: If you see the message “CHECK THE AIR FLOW”, this is a warning that the air filter truly has become clogged with dust and needs to be cleaned immediately. Ignoring this message could cause the projector to malfunction or even catch fire. If you see this message, immediately put the projector into standby then clean the air filter.
- Turn the projector off, and unplug the power cord. Allow the lamp time to cool.
- While supporting the projector with one hand, use your other hand to pull the filter cover (located just under the lens) forward away from the projector.
- Before cleaning the filter move away from the projector to keep dust away from the open lamp.
- Remove the air filter from the filter tray by pulling up on the handle.
- Clean the filter with an air can, vacuum, or by blowing away the loose dust.
- Secure the air filter in the air filter tray by pressing and snapping down on the 6 corners.
- Re-attach the filter cover to the projector by aligning it with the grooves on the projector. Press the filter all the way in until it locks.
- Turn the projector on and reset the filter time (see instruction below).
To reset the filter timer after cleaning the filter;
- Click “Menu” on the projector remote.
- Near the bottom of the menu, you should see a line that says something like “Filter time: 105h”.
- Press the down arrow on the remote until “Filter time” is highlighted.
- Press “Reset” on the projector remote (very bottom right corner).
- You will get a prompt to confirm the reset. Press the up arrow on the remote to select “Reset”.
- The main menu should now say “Filter time: 0h”. Press “Menu” on the remote to clear the menu from the screen.
View Filter Cleaning Movie
Note: Elementary School teachers should view this movie only before and after school. Viewing the movie during school will decrease the “speed” of the internet for your building.
How do I get a replacement bulb when it burns out?
Bulbs will not be kept in buildings because they have a shelf life. New bulbs can be obtained by contacting Work Control with the following information;
- Model number of the projector.
- Bar code (on the side of the projector) and serial number (on the bottom).
How do I fix a broken focus ring on the document camera?
Note: this applies only to the 300i and 300p models. It doesn’t apply to the auto focus model.
This doesn’t always work, but try turning the camera upside down, giving the camera head a light tap, and turning the focus ring until it catches hold of the lens.
If it doesn’t work, then you may need to call Work Control.
Can I get a new document camera or projector remote if I lose mine?
Buildings are responsible for the purchase of lost projector and document camera remotes. New remotes can be ordered from Troxell Communications;
- Projector: Hitachi HL-02208 remote control (fits all 200 series projectors) – $24.95
- Document Camera: Avermedia REMOTE300i/p – $19.95 (be sure to specify which model you have 300I, 300P, or 300AF)
Can I unlock the equipment from the table or cart to store during vacations?
Head custodians have a key to the cables locks that secure the projectors and document cameras. Teachers can ask their custodian to unlock their presentation station equipment for storage.
If the custiodian does not have a key, he/she may make a request for a key from Fran Clifton. She will provide the key to the school’s IT or network analyst to deliver to the custodian, along with a form to be signed by the custodian and returned to Fran. In addition, the building’s Instructional Technology specialist and network analyst have keys to the cable locks.
