Quick Start - Using In-Person Only Classroom AV

What you’ll need

  • Your laptop and any required dongles/adapters.
  • Ethernet-capable laptop if using PollEverywhere (strongly recommended).

System behavior at a glance

  • The touch panel shows a splash screen with a Start button. The system will also auto-start when you connect USB-C or HDMI.
  • The main page shows one input labeled “Laptop.” Tap the hamburger icon for a pop-up menu with Auto, USB-C, HDMI, and a toggle option (leave at default unless instructed by support). Auto is selected by default.
  • The projector reaches full brightness in about 6 seconds. A 35-second startup timer on the touch panel prevents shutdown until the projector is ready to accept commands.
  • “Blank Screen” on the touch panel hides the image while keeping audio active.
  • If no device is detected, the projector displays a room-specific “Source Not Detected” splash and will auto shut down after 5 minutes.

Step-by-step: Start the system and display your laptop

  1. Position the Teaching Station
  • Use the height controls under the front right edge of the desk to raise/lower to a comfortable height.
  1. Connect your device
  • USB-C: Preferred if your laptop supports video over USB-C (DisplayPort alt-mode). Carries video, audio, and USB data for the Chat 170 mic.
  • HDMI: Carries video and audio. Does not carry USB data; the Chat 170 mic will not appear if you only use HDMI.
  • USB-A (optional, for mic): If you are using HDMI but need the Chat 170 microphone, also plug in the cubby’s USB-A cable.
  • Ethernet (optional): For the most stable connection—especially with PollEverywhere—plug in the cubby Ethernet.
  1. Start and select the input
  • The system will auto-start when USB-C or HDMI is connected. If needed, press Start on the touch panel.
  • On the main page, the input is “Laptop.” To manually choose a source, tap the hamburger icon and select Auto (recommended), USB-C, or HDMI.
  1. Confirm your laptop’s display settings
  • Windows: Press Windows+P and select Duplicate (recommended) or Extend. If no image, open Settings > System > Display and click Detect.
  • Mac: System Settings > Displays > choose Mirror or Extend. If no image, click Detect Displays (hold Option if needed).

Get audio through the room speakers

  • Touch panel volume: Use the up/down arrows on the right side; Mute toggles on/off. The label will show “Laptop.”
  • Laptop/app volume: Raise your laptop’s master volume and the application’s volume (Zoom/YouTube/PowerPoint).
  • Choose the correct output device:
    • Windows: Click the speaker icon and select your HDMI/USB-C output (often shows the projector or Digital Audio (HDMI)).
    • Mac: System Settings > Sound > Output > select the HDMI or USB-C device (often shows the projector name).
  • Audio path note: Audio travels from your laptop to the switcher, then to the projector; the projector’s audio out feeds the amplifier and speakers. If picture is up but sound is missing, recheck your OS output device and the selected input.

Use the Chat 170 microphone (for Zoom captions or basic capture)

  • USB-C: The mic appears automatically when connected via USB-C.
  • HDMI users: Also connect the cubby’s USB-A cable so the mic appears to your laptop.
  • Select the mic in your app:
    • Zoom: Settings > Audio > Microphone > choose “Chat 170.” Enable Live Captions/Subtitles if needed.
    • Teams: Settings > Devices > Microphone > choose “Chat 170.” Enable live captions if required.
  • Placement: Set the mic on the Teaching Station surface, unobstructed. Speak at a normal volume.

Blank Screen (hide image, keep audio)

  • Press Blank Screen on the touch panel to temporarily hide the projected image. Audio will continue unless you mute volume.
  • Press Blank Screen again to restore the image.

Network tips

  • Wi-Fi: Connect to campus wireless as usual.
  • Ethernet: Strongly recommended for PollEverywhere and other live-interaction tools. Plug in and follow any OS prompts to authenticate.

End of class

  • Disconnect and tidy: Unplug USB-C/HDMI/USB-A/Ethernet; coil cables back into the cubby.
  • Shut down: Press System Off on the touch panel and confirm. The projector will cool down automatically. Do not use physical projector buttons.

Quick fixes (2-minute troubleshooting)

  • No image or “Source Not Detected”:

    • Firmly reseat the cable at both your laptop and the cubby.
    • On the touch panel, confirm Auto or the correct input (USB-C or HDMI) in the hamburger menu.
    • Try the other cable type (USB-C vs HDMI).
    • Windows: Windows+P > Duplicate; Mac: Displays > Mirror or Detect.
    • If you’re using an adapter or dock, try a different one or connect directly.

  • No sound from room speakers:

    • Raise touch panel volume and ensure Mute is off.
    • Raise laptop/app volume.
    • Select HDMI/USB-C as the output device in your OS.
    • Reseat the cable and reselect the input on the touch panel.

  • Mic not working in Zoom/Teams:

    • If connected via HDMI only, also connect the cubby’s USB-A cable so Chat 170 appears.
    • If using USB-C, confirm the mic shows as “Chat 170” in your app and select it explicitly.
    • Check that the app isn’t set to “Same as system” if the system default is incorrect.

  • Touch panel or projector controls locked:

    • The 35-second startup timer prevents shutdown until the projector is ready. Wait for the timer to finish, then try again.
    • If the touch panel seems unresponsive, call support for remote assistance.

Helpdesk and hours

  • Fastest: Submit a support request at av.as.cornell.edu (QR code is on the projector splash and Teaching Station sticker).
  • Phone: 607-882-1646
  • Email: as-avhelp@cornell.edu
  • Support hours: weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • After hours: submit a ticket or leave a message; we will review during next business hours.
  • During teaching hours, call or submit a ticket immediately. We can often begin remote troubleshooting right away and dispatch a tech within about 10 minutes.
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