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How To Use UCSC Classroom Document Cameras

  1. Unlock the media cabinet or lectern and turn the projector on. Faculty members and graduate students can look up classroom media codes using these Classroom media access code instructions or call the phone number on the media cabinet.
  2. Some classroom media systems are controlled by a touchpanel. Look for a glass panel on the top of the lectern or the front of the media cabinet. Tap the panel to wake it up then enter the media code.
  3. Other rooms have push button controlled systems. These rooms do not require an access code. Press the "Projector on" button.
  4. Connect the VGA cable coiled on the side of the media cabinet to the port on the center of the back of the camera. Usually this is labeled "RGB". Do not connect it to the port at the left side labeled "extern in". Select "VGA" on the media system.
  5. Select "Document Camera" as the media source. If the camera does not turn on automatically, press the power button at the back left of the camera.
  6. On the camera head (the top part of the camera) there is a wheel or pair of buttons to zoom the camera in or out, adjust as needed.

Troubleshooting 

  1. For cameras that are mounted on carts, if the camera does not turn on, make sure that the power cord from the cart is plugged into a wall AC outlet, the other end of that cable is firmly plugged into the camera's power supply (located on the underside of the top shelf of the cart) and that the power supply is plugged into the port on the back of the camera labeled "power".
  2. If the camera turns on but there is no image projected, double-check that its video cable is plugged into the output from the camera and not the external input. In rooms with pushbutton systems this output is labeled "RGB". In rooms with touchpanel systems it is labeled "HDMI" or "DVI".
  3. If the camera has been folded down onto its base, grab the ring or handle in the center of the camera's support arm and push it toward the back of the unit. You may have to place your other hand on the base of the camera to hold it steady while the arm raises. When the arm is all the way up, turn the camera head so that the lens is facing downwards. 
  4. If the image from the camera is reversed, turn the camera head so that the lens is facing to the back or front, then turn it so it is pointing downwards again.
  5. If the camera continually shifts its focus between your hand and the paper you are writing on, place a piece of paper with writing on it on the camera, wait until it has focused on that, then turn auto-focus off by pressing the button labeled "AF" or "Auto". The autofocus light should turn off. 
  6. If the camera is on but its light is off, press the right-hand button on the camera base that has a light bulb icon over it.
  7. If these steps do not solve the problem, please contact Classroom Technology at the phone number on the media cabinet or submit trouble ticket by emailing classroomtech@ucsc.edu. Classroom Technology can usually fix media system problems in just a few minutes so your class can continue.