Getting Started: Teaching Venue Instructions
This guide will show you how to use the lecture theatre controller system to turn on the equipment, select the correct source you require and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Step 1 : Turn on the Audio Visual (AV) Equipment
Most of our teaching venues are equipped with an Extron MLC 100 Control Panel at the lecture theatre podium, as pictured below. Use this to begin.
- Press the ON button on the Control Panel on the podium.
- The system takes about 90 seconds to turn on.
Step 2: Using the PC
- Press the PC source button on the Control Panel on the podium.
- The campus login page should appear on the PC once you move the mouse. If not, you may need to turn on the lecture theatre computer by pressing the Power on button on the computer.
The Power button on the PC (make sure it is illuminated)
- Login using your University of Galway campus account credentials Staff: login using [email protected] (e.g [email protected])
Once Logged in you can use any of the appplications available on the PC (Powerpoint, Internet, Word, Excel, Teams, Zoom etc)
- Select the Laptop button on the Control Panel on the podium.
Connect the VGA or HDMI cable to your laptop's VGA or HDMI port. If you are using an adapter, plug the adapter into your laptop and connect the relevant cable provided to the other end.
HDMI connection
All teaching venues have been upgraded with an HDMI Connection. HDMI carries your video and audio signal. It is better to use a HDMI connection instead, where possible, as it outputs a higher resolution and will also carry audio, if you wish to play sound from your computer in your session, through the room speakers.
VGA Connection
All teaching venues have a VGA connection for connecting a laptop. This is an older connection, and if you wish to play audio from your laptop during your presentation, please also plug in the 3.5mm Jack lead into the headphone output of the laptop, from the podium Control Panel.
Turn on your laptop. After your desktop has loaded, your laptop image should project. If it does not, please follow the instructions below that pertain your laptop's operating system and connection used.
- You will have connected the VGA cable to your laptop's VGA Port.
- Select the correct source from the Control Panel labelled VGA.
- Turn on your laptop. After your desktop has loaded, your laptop image should project.
- If the laptop does not display on the main screen, please follow these steps:
- While holding the Windows button located on the keyboard, press "P". Your display options will appear.
- OR Toggle the FUNCTION Button (“Fn”) key combined with the proper “F-Number Key” on your laptop. Check for a small video monitor icon or “CRT/LCD” along the top row of your laptop.
VGA is available in most of our teaching venues. Please check your specific room to see which connections are available.
How to connect your MAC
- Connect your power supply to your MAC Laptop
- Connect adaptor to the VGA cable
Setting up your Mac for video mirroring
Video mirroring projects the image that appears on your laptop monitor.
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Displays, then click Display.
- Ensure both monitors are set to the same resolution.
- Click Arrangement, then select Mirror Displays.
Setting up your Mac display as an extended desktop
- On your Mac, choose Applemenu >System Preferences, click Displays, then click Arrangement.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
If your Mac doesn't detect a connected display
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu >System Preferences, click Displays, then click Display.
- Click the Detect Displays button. (You may need to press the Option key to see the Detect Displays button.)
Note: If this does not work, you may need to reset the adapter connection to the laptop or restart the laptop.
- Connect your laptop using the HDMI lead.
- Select the correct source from the Control Panel labelled HDMI.
- If the laptop does not display on the main screen please follow these steps:
- Hold down the Windows Button and press “P” at the same time.
- Toggle the FUNCTION Button (“Fn”) key combined with the proper “F-Number Key” on your laptop. Check for a small video monitor icon or “CRT/LCD” along the top row of your laptop.
Some of the newer laptops, particularly Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro don’t have VGA or HDMI ports and an adaptor is required to convert from one port to HDMI.
In these cases, your MAC laptop will either have a Thunderbolt port, Mini Display Port or a USB-C port.
If you are unsure you can check on the below link to see which port you have on your machine. You will need to purchase the correct adaptor in order to connect to the Audio Visual Services through HDMI or VGA. (HDMI would be the preferred option).
How to connect your MAC
- Connect your power supply to your MAC Laptop
- Connect adaptor to either HDMI cable
If image does NOT automatically appear
- Open System Preferences, then Displays and choose Detect Displays.
- Under the Arrangement tab select the Mirror Display box if you wish to have the image from the Projector match the one on your MACbook
Newer laptops may not have a VGA or HDMI port. If your laptop does not have a VGA or HDMI port, you will need to purchase an adaptor that allows you to connect one of these two cables to your laptop.
Step 3: Check your audio
Adjusting Audio Volume
You can adjust the volume on the speakers by increasing or decreasing the volume until the desired level is reached.
It is also better to control the volume from the PC by adjusting the speaker volume on the podium Control Panel until the desired level is received.
Step 4 : Turning off the system
At the end of your lecture, you can turn off the system. To do so, follow these steps:
- Press the OFF button to turn off the system
- Log off the PC to exit your UDS account