Remote video conferencing setup: Difference between revisions

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==Set up==
The current setup is a work in progress, if you improve something please document it here so we know how to use it for meetings, hybrid classes, training, hackathons, socials, LAN parties, etc.
On the office computer go to:


#[https://meet.google.com/ Go to meet.google.com] and start a new meeting. Make sure you are logged in with archive@protospace.ca to get access to any Protospace account privileges
==Quick Start==
#Ensure correct audio set up
'''On the classroom PC:'''
##Select 'More options' -> 'Settings' -> 'Audio'
 
##Speaker should be set to - VSX-822 (these are the classroom stereo speakers)
#Go to https://meet.jit.si/ and start a new meeting - can set your own funky name if wanted!
##Microphone should be set to - Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio) which is via the Polycom Soundpoint PC
#Give browser permissions to access microphone and webcam
#Copy the meeting URL and post it wherever your need it (e.g. the monthly meeting thread on the forum)
#Ensure correct device set up:
#*Expanding the microphone icon,
#**Microphones, choose Default/Same as system/name of soundcard for tabletop hardware mic '''-or-''' TANDBERG for webcam mic
#**Speakers, choose VSX-822 (these are the classroom stereo speakers) - this could also be the "Same as system" setting?
#*Expanding the camera icon,
#**should show the video preview from TANDBERG
#**if it doesn't, ensure there's not other sneaky software accessing the webcam,
#**and that the browser is allowed to access it, check via lil camera icon in address bar.
#Copy the meeting URL and '''post it''' wherever your need it (e.g. the monthly meeting thread on the forum)


==Hardware==
==Hardware==


====Microphone====
====Video====
Currently using a Polycom Soundpoint PC 3.5 mm TRS connector routed through the floor to the classroom PC. It is located on the desk.
There's a Cisco PrecisionHD TTC8-03 ("TANGBERG") camera ziptied to the monitor arm on top of the AV rack that holds the classroom PC. The arm allows for some aiming around the room, and the cable reaches the classroom PC in the AV rack.
 
The webcam has a physical shutter (iris?), and will show a Cisco logo if closed. Twist the ring on the face of the camera to open the shutter.
 
====Audio====
There's currently a few options:
 
- "TANGBERG" is the microphone built into the webcam detailed above, works surprisingly decent for that half and middle of the room.
 
- "Mic In" is the Polycom Soundpoint that is (hopefully, please don't remove) in the middle of the classroom table, with audio routed down to a 3.5mm plug in the floor which ends up in the classroom PC. This device is pretty old and quite directional, so not ideal.
[[File:363FE621-F2A6-4B88-9D0E-6AE4EC11898C.jpeg|none|thumb|Polycom SoundPoint PC]]
[[File:363FE621-F2A6-4B88-9D0E-6AE4EC11898C.jpeg|none|thumb|Polycom SoundPoint PC]]
If it is not on the desk, someone moved it and that sucks. Please don't move it.
 
 
- There's a "Virtual Audio Cable" audio device on the classroom PC that can be configured to combine multiple audio sources. Experimental and not recommended with the current hardware, so has been disabled.
 
- Anybody want to donate a ceiling-mounted cardioid mic?


==Troubleshooting==
==Troubleshooting==
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You might have to open sound settings and confirm microphones work at all. If no microphones pick up at all, that means there's a physical problem with a mic.
You might have to open sound settings and confirm microphones work at all. If no microphones pick up at all, that means there's a physical problem with a mic.
Ensure that Apps are allowed to use the audio device under windows System>Sound>Advanced>All sound devices> Input devices
If all else fails, whip out an attendee's device, log them into the call and use that for audio.


====The room can not hear participants====
====The room can not hear participants====
Confirm the speakers work as expected and are selected as output device for the call.
Confirm the speakers work as expected and are selected as output device for the call.


====I don't know the password for archive@protospace.ca====
Turn the receiver under the PC off and on again.
Contact a director at [mailto:Directors@protospace.ca directors@protospace.ca]
 
====I don't have an @protospace.ca account====
Contact a director at [mailto:Directors@protospace.ca directors@protospace.ca] or use a personal Google/Zoom/etc account, maybe in an Incognito window.

Latest revision as of 21:23, 17 November 2023

The current setup is a work in progress, if you improve something please document it here so we know how to use it for meetings, hybrid classes, training, hackathons, socials, LAN parties, etc.

Quick Start

On the classroom PC:

  1. Go to https://meet.jit.si/ and start a new meeting - can set your own funky name if wanted!
  2. Give browser permissions to access microphone and webcam
  3. Ensure correct device set up:
    • Expanding the microphone icon,
      • Microphones, choose Default/Same as system/name of soundcard for tabletop hardware mic -or- TANDBERG for webcam mic
      • Speakers, choose VSX-822 (these are the classroom stereo speakers) - this could also be the "Same as system" setting?
    • Expanding the camera icon,
      • should show the video preview from TANDBERG
      • if it doesn't, ensure there's not other sneaky software accessing the webcam,
      • and that the browser is allowed to access it, check via lil camera icon in address bar.
  4. Copy the meeting URL and post it wherever your need it (e.g. the monthly meeting thread on the forum)

Hardware

Video

There's a Cisco PrecisionHD TTC8-03 ("TANGBERG") camera ziptied to the monitor arm on top of the AV rack that holds the classroom PC. The arm allows for some aiming around the room, and the cable reaches the classroom PC in the AV rack.

The webcam has a physical shutter (iris?), and will show a Cisco logo if closed. Twist the ring on the face of the camera to open the shutter.

Audio

There's currently a few options:

- "TANGBERG" is the microphone built into the webcam detailed above, works surprisingly decent for that half and middle of the room.

- "Mic In" is the Polycom Soundpoint that is (hopefully, please don't remove) in the middle of the classroom table, with audio routed down to a 3.5mm plug in the floor which ends up in the classroom PC. This device is pretty old and quite directional, so not ideal.

Polycom SoundPoint PC


- There's a "Virtual Audio Cable" audio device on the classroom PC that can be configured to combine multiple audio sources. Experimental and not recommended with the current hardware, so has been disabled.

- Anybody want to donate a ceiling-mounted cardioid mic?

Troubleshooting

Participants cannot hear the room

Go to options on the call and start picking other microphones.

You might have to open sound settings and confirm microphones work at all. If no microphones pick up at all, that means there's a physical problem with a mic.

Ensure that Apps are allowed to use the audio device under windows System>Sound>Advanced>All sound devices> Input devices

If all else fails, whip out an attendee's device, log them into the call and use that for audio.

The room can not hear participants

Confirm the speakers work as expected and are selected as output device for the call.

Turn the receiver under the PC off and on again.

I don't have an @protospace.ca account

Contact a director at directors@protospace.ca or use a personal Google/Zoom/etc account, maybe in an Incognito window.

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