Composite LINK System Computer Console Selection

Transcription

1 Composite LINK System Computer Console Selection General: The Composite LINK System is the latest generation of classroom management control equipment for instructors to use in computer based training classrooms. The video that each student views on their individual display/monitor is controlled by the instructor with the touch-of-a-button on the Composite LINK System Computer Console (CCC) touch screen. There are two computer console selections. A comparison chart is shown on page 2. Both operate the same the main differences are size, speed and cost. 10 Computer Touch Screen Console Composite Computer Console (CCC) Power Up, Power Down Button Stylus Plug Power Supply into side of CCC 15 Computer Touch Screen Console Composite Computer Console (CCC) Buttons on side of CCC Speaker Volume Control Brightness Control Power Down Use tab on screen to Power Down Power and all other Peripheral Connections Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 1

2 General Power Up/Power Down for both Composite Computer Consoles. The CCC has it s own power supply. It is necessary to keep the power supply connected when using the Link System. There is a battery in the 10 CCC that operates for a couple of hours without external power. However, it is best to have the power supply connected to keep the battery charged at all times. To power up the CCC, push the Power Up button on the right side of the CCC as shown. Push and release quickly (less than 4 seconds). The CCC will come to life. Once the system power is applied, the system will automatically display the console control buttons. The control buttons are at the top and student icons arranged just like your classroom as seen by the instructor. This will take about (20) seconds. NOTE: To power down the LINK System, select the Shutdown button in the upper right corner of the console display. This provides an orderly shutdown to allow the students/trainees to use the classroom computers independent of whether the LINK System is powered on or off. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 2

3 Composite LINK System Configuration Diagram Single Configuration System Configuration Comments The above configuration is a single Instructor, single video LINK System. By selecting any of the touch screen buttons, the LINK System sends commands to a Composite Cage to any number of LINK Control units. There are two different possible video sources; the instructor s computer or any type of computer (like a laptop) connected to the AUX IN on the Logic Control Board (WINLCB). The default selection is the Instructor s computer. In a single video LINK System, all connections to and from the Trainee workstations are connected to the Composite Cage. In many configurations, not all nine slots in the cage are used. The number of LCs connected to any one leg can differ and depends upon the classroom layout and number of workstations. Usually all power for the LINK Control units is connected to the cage. There are two power supplies for this purpose. If more power is required, additional power supplies are positioned at the beginning of a leg. There is one power switch for one or two power supplies, depending on what is required. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 3

4 Composite LINK System Configuration Diagram Dual Configuration System Configuration Comments The above configuration is a single Instructor, dual video LINK System. By selecting any of the touch screen buttons, the LINK System sends commands to two independent LINK Systems simultaneously house in one cage (shown in the center of the diagram). There are two different sources of video, one each to the Logic Control board. The signal paths are designated as System A and System B as shown above. The cables and associated LINK Control units are marked accordingly. All power to the LINK Control units is connected to the cage. There are two power supplies for each of the two systems located on the left and right edges of the cage. There is a power switch for each set of power supplies. Electrically there are two independent LINK Systems in one housing. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 4

5 Composite LINK System Controller Power up/diagnostic Light Definition POWER UP LINK SYSTEM CONTROLLER POWER SWITCH Power is applied to the Logic Control Board (LCB) via the rocker switch located on the left front of the LCB. When toggled ON, the green LED on the switch will light. In turn, various diagnostic lights across the front of the LCD will light. DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS There are a number of real-time diagnostic LEDs located across the front of the LCB to assist the operator/technician and ACS personnel to trouble shooting a LINK SYSTEM problem. The meaning of the LEDs are described as follows. POWER LIGHTS There are four green LEDs that indicate that power is distributed within the LCB. They are 12.0, 5.0, 3.3 and 5.0 volts. These LEDs are green and glow the same magnitude. INSTR-H/V When the instructor computer video source is connected to the LSB, the H/V LEDs indicate that the horizontal and vertical signals are present within the LCB (a source is connected to the port labeled INSTR IN on the rear of the LCB is connected). CONT This flashing LED indicates that commands from the CCC or some remote computer system is being received by the LCB. This can be a command used within the controller or commands sent to any number of LINK Control (LC) units. BUS IN-H/V & S/D The flashing LEDs for Strobe & Dump signals indicate that the signals are present on the VIDEO BUS IN port. Should any of the bus cables be disconnected or not connected to the BUS IN port, these lights will not light. It is possible that either LEDs will not light due to a malfunction of the corresponding circuit. The brightness is a function of how often the bus is in use. The BUS-H/V IN LEDs are for future diagnostics. BUS OUT-H/V & S/D Same as above except the LEDs Strobe & Dump signals indicate that signals are sent from the LCB onto the bus and are going out the port labeled BUS OUT. The BUS OUT H/V OUT are for future diagnostics. BUS-K/M There are two LEDs (clock and data) that indicate when mouse and/or keyboard activity is on the bus IF the K/M is implemented in hardware. With K/M control with software, these LEDs will not light in use. POLL The system, at selected times, gathers data from the Student LCs units. When this takes place, the LED will light indicating commands are sent to the LCs to collect data. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 5

6 System Requirements To install the Composite LINK System Mouse/Keyboard and LINK Express control software on your computer, you must meet the following minimum requirements: Minimum requirements: Processor: Intel Pentium class 333 MHz (PII equivalent or higher) Operating System: Instructor o Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 sp6 o Microsoft Windows 2000 o Microsoft Windows XP Student o Windows 98 o Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME) o Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 sp6 o Microsoft Windows 2000 o Microsoft Windows XP * ACS recommends that the latest service packs and critical updates be applied for optimal Windows operation by visiting Minimum RAM Requirements 64 MB (96 MB or higher recommended) Hard Disk Hard disk space required to install: 160 MB (temporary) Hard disk space required to run: 70 MB LinkSystem Software requires 150 KB.NET Framework requires 60 MB Display Video: 1024x bit Network TCP/IP protocol installed Client for Microsoft Networks Input Device Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device Other Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later is required (click to get the latest version of Internet Explorer) Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 6

7 K/M Control Software You must have Administrator privileges to install or uninstall the Composite LINK Systems Mouse/ Keyboard and LINK Express control software. Installing the Student K/M & LINK Express Control Software This component is installed on the computers that will be controlled using the Composite LINK System. 1. Place the CD in the drive of the Student computer. If the setup does not start automatically, browse to the CD and run Install.exe by double clicking on it. If you downloaded the install from our web page, run Install.exe from your downloaded location. 2. Read and Accept/Deny License Agreement You are required to accept the license agreement to proceed. 3. Select Student Component Click on Student and click Next. 4. Choose the default destination folder (recommended) for installation, and Click Install. Install location The software will not run from a network (mapped) drive. 5. A dialog box will notify you with the name of the student PC. Using the Instructor/Student form in your orange Instruction Manual provided with your system, enter the name of the student PC with the associated student LINK Control (LC) unit number. 6. The software communicates on the default port The final screen summarizes your installation. 8. Click Close to complete the installation. Installing the Instructor Repeat for each student. This component is installed on the computers that will administer and control client computers. 1. Place the CD in the drive of the instructor computer. If the setup does not start automatically, browse to the CD and run lnstall.exe by double clicking on it. If you downloaded the install from our web page, run lnstall.exe from your downloaded location. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 7

8 Installing Instructor Continued 2. Read and Accept/Deny License Agreement You are required to accept the license agreement to proceed. 3. Select instructor component Click on Instructor, and click Next. 4. Choose the default destination folder (recommended) for installing, and Click Install. Install location The software will not run from a network (mapped) drive. 5. A configuration dialog will prompt you for some required details. Please refer to the next section of this guide for more information. 6. The final summarizes your installation. 7. Click Close to complete the installation. Initial Configuration After installing the Composite Link System Software, the instructor will require configuration. The following is an overview of the configuration screen. Serial Port: This is the number of the serial port the software will use to communicate with the instructor s computer and LINK System console (MCC). Most computers are not labeled as to the port number. If there is no keyboard/mouse control action (the K/M Button is selected on the MCC), use another serial port on the Instructor s computer. The LCB will operate regardless of which serial port is used on the instructor computer. TCP Port: This is the TCP/IP port the software uses to communicate with the student PCs. This value MUST be the same on all student PCs and the instructor PC for the LINK System to function correctly. Only change this value if you are required by your network configuration. For example, this value might be changed to be compatible with a router or firewall. If the default port is changed, each student must be updated by opening the Hybrid Student.exe. config file found in the installation folder using notepad and correcting the line <add key = port value = /> where is replaced with the desired port number. The changes will take effect upon reboot or log off/on. Number of LC s: The total number of student computers that are going to be connected to the Link System (DO NOT INCLUDE THE INSTRUCTOR IN THE COUNT). After these settings have been configured you will need to enter a Link ID and Computer Name for each student computer in your classroom (form). Repeat these steps for each student name. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 8

9 Initial Configuration Continued 1. First click on a computer in the list at the bottom of the screen. 2. Enter the appropriate Link ID number in the box labeled Link ID from the Instructor/Student Form. Another way is to enter the appropriate Link ID in the box labeled Link ID. The Link ID can be found on the bottom of the LC connected to the respective computer. It can also be found on the classroom layout drawing provided in the Instruction Manual. 3. Enter the computer name in the box labeled Computer Name from the Manager/Client instructor Form. The computer name is the name as it appears in your Network Neighborhood. In Windows 2000 Right click on My Computer and choose Properties from the menu. Under the Network Identification tab it appears as Full computer name. In Windows XP Right click on My Computer and choose Properties from the menu. Under the Computer Name tab it appears as Full computer name. In Windows 98/ME/NT Right click on Network Neighborhood and choose Properties from the menu. Under the Identification tab it appears as Computer name. 4. Click Save to save the layout file, then click Done to close the dialog. Uninstall To uninstall the LINK System Software, it MUST be uninstalled from both the Instructor and Student computers. If not, it will not be completely uninstalled. Follow the procedures below on each PC (instructor and student) to remove the software: 1. Browse to the installation directory. Default install directory is: C:\Program Files\Applied Computer Systems\Hybrid 2. Run (double-click) the application uninst.exe 3. Select Uninstall from the dialog. 4. Select Close to exit. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 9

10 Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Composite LINK System Manager (Instructor)/Client (Trainee/Student) Form LC Computer Name LC Computer Name LC Computer Name No. No. No Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 10

11 Video Console Button Definition NOTE - Control Buttons are those buttons at the upper portion of the console display while the icons reference the students. Console Buttons [Video / KM] tab selected. RESET This button will clear any previous command selected. AUX-IN TO LOCAL Used when another computer, for example a laptop, is attached to the Link System controller. When this button is activated, this source replaces the instructor s computer. All other buttons operate the same. STUDENT-TO-PROJECTOR To put any student image on the projector (provided there is a projector), select this button and then select any student icon. Receive Student This button is activated by default. To receive a student image, simply select the appropriate student icon. By selecting another student, it will automatically cancel the previous student s image. The student does not know you are viewing his/her image. Shutdown Select to power down the MCC. The user should use this feature for an orderly shutdown. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 11

12 INSTRUCTOR-TO-PROJECTOR This selected button will put the instructor s image on the projector. K/M To enable Keyboard and Mouse control, a student s image has to be selected. At any time, the instructor can take control of the student s computer and assist the student with any problem. Selecting the K/M button again reverts control to the student and enables the instructor to view the student image. The K/M operates the same whether the it is implemented hardware of software. FREEZE INDIVIDUAL Any student s keyboard and mouse can become inoperable by selecting this button and the desired student icon. FREEZE ALL All student keyboards and mice can become inoperable by selecting this button. Control can be given back to the students by selecting the control button again. BLANK INDIVIDUAL By activating this control button and selecting any student icon a black screen will be displayed on the respective student s monitor and freeze their keyboard and mouse. BLANK ALL Selecting this button displays a black screen on all students monitors. This also automatically freezes the students keyboards and mice. TRANSMIT INDIVIDUAL By activating this button and selecting the desired student icon you will transmit the instructor s image onto the student s monitor. By selecting another student icon you will do the same on the selected student icon. Selecting the same icon will toggle the operation. TRANSMIT ALL This control button selection transmits the instructor s image to the students monitors. The CCC console would look like that of Figure 1 that displays (4) students and the instructor station. Note the red (x) indicates the keyboards and mice are frozen. SCAN This control button selection will receive the image from each student in sequential order. The time between each sequence is between 2 to 3 seconds. The instructor can push the scan button at anytime and stop the sequence. The last selected student image will remain until the RESET control button is selected. STUDENT VIEW When selected, this will enable the student to view the instructor s image. The student can view the image at anytime by pushing the CALL button on their audio console or selecting help from the Hybrid Console. The student can regain control of their computer image by pushing the CALL button again or for the Hybrid System by selecting function key F1 (XP, NT, 2000 only). Student Call The student can request Help by right clicking on the ACS orange/black dot logo icon in the system tray. Choose Request Help from the pop up menu. On the console a small question mark (?) icon will appear on the appropriate student icon indicating the student is requesting help. If the student has a hardware console, push the CALL button. ASK QUESTION The instructor can quiz the class with a verbal question and get the response from each student by selecting this button. This will cause a small window to appear in the lower right hand corner of the student s display. The student responds by selecting the appropriate choice. Upon entering the selection, the window will disappear. The results of each student is displayed on the CCC, with total results and individual answers by each student icon. If the student has a hardware console, push the REPLY button until the appropriate answer appears. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 12

13 Console Buttons [Settings] tab selection. ENABLE/DISABLE This button will allow the instructor to enable or disabled any student icon. Select the student icon to disable, select again to enable. Any student icon that is disabled will remain in the local mode and any command sent via the Composite Link System will not effect those disabled icons (student stations). The student is no longer under the control of the LINK SYSTEM. The disabled icons are gray in color. When completed, select the ENABLE/DISABLE control button to complete the operation. There is no limitation to the number of student icons disabled or enabled. CHANGE LAYOUT Select this control button, then select any student icon with the stylus and drag it to the new desired location. When completed, select the CHANGE LAYOUT control button to complete the operation. Use the vertical and horizontal selections for ease of positioning the icons. Calibrate Touch Screen Should you need to re-calibrate the touch screen (Composite Computer Console) for any reason, select this button and follow the instructions on the display. When completed, touch the screen to return to the menu. Hardware Settings THE CUSTOMER IS NOT TO USE THIS BUTTON. If you accidentally select this button, then select CANCEL to exit the process. Edit Names You can name the student icon anything you choose by selecting this button. Once selected, use the stylus to select the student icon to be changed. Use the small electronic keyboard to enter the new name. To rename another student icon, select the desired student icon with the stylus and repeat the process. To exit, select the Edit Names button again. Scan Rate The default scan rate is set for five seconds. By selecting this button, the scan rate can be selected to the desired setting. To exit, select the Scan Rate button again. Reset Configuration This button is used to change the Composite Console configuration on-site by an instructor/technician when changes (adding or deleting LC s) are made to the classroom. Assistance can be obtained from ACS to re-configure the classroom, if required. Scan Order It is sometimes necessary to change the logical order of the classroom. This can be accomplished with this button and by selecting the LCs in sequential order. You may want to rename each LC by using the Edit Name button. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 13

14 LINK Audio System ACS has designed two types of Audio Systems for two different types of applications. The first one is designed around the need for the instructor to communicate with the trainees on an individual basis while the second system is designed around a Language Lab environment. The later can be configured into groups of trainees. LINK Audio System (LAS) Commands The LAS is a stand-alone system, completely independent of any LINK Video System. The trainee or instructor can listen to their Local Audio with separate channels for the left and right ear. The audio can come from any type of source, including a computer, CD player, etc. In a classroom setting, the output is usually connected to individual headsets but external speakers with amplifiers will operate as well. Communications between the instructor and trainees (always under the instructor s control) with this audio hardware system can take place independent of any LINK Video Systems. The definitions of each command button is described below. RESET This button will reset any previous command selected. TALK TO IND. By selecting this control button and any trainee icon, the instructor can talk to a selected trainee (student). TALK TO ALL By selecting this control button, the instructor can talk to all trainees simultaneously. The trainee s microphone input is not selected with this command TALK W/IND. By selecting this control button and any trainee icon, the instructor can talk with a selected trainee just like a telephone with two-way conversation. With this command, the trainee s microphone TALK W/ALL By selecting this control button, the instructor can talk with all trainees. With some co-operation, all the trainees and the instructor can hear each trainee s voice like a telephone party line. LISTEN LA (Local Audio) Select this control button and any student icon, the instructor can listen to the selected trainee s local audio the same audio as what the trainee can hear. SHARE LA (Local Audio) Select this control button and any Trainee/Instructor icon will share the selected Trainee/Instructor s local audio with all other trainees. This enables any recording from any computer can be shared with any of the other trainees. Listen to Mic Select this button and any trainee icon. This will enable the instructor to hear any trainee s voice when the trainee speaks. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 14

15 Language Lab Audio System This display of the Audio tab is a set of control commands to communicate with the students on an individual basis. RESET This button will reset any previous command selected. GROUPS Selecting this control button will bring up a set of commands that are used to talk to and talk with groups of students. TALK TO IND. By selecting this control button and any student icon, the instructor can talk to a selected student. TALK TO ALL By selecting this control button, the instructor can talk to all students. TALK W/IND. By selecting this control button and any student icon, the instructor can talk with a selected student. TALK W/ALL By selecting this control button, the instructor can talk with all students. LISTEN LA (Local Audio) Select this control button and any student icon, the instructor can listen to the selected student. SHARE LA (Local Audio) Select this control button and any student/instructor icon will share the selected student/instructor s local audio with all other students. Listen to Mic Select this button and any student icon. This will enable the instructor to hear any student Mic. Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 15

16 (Language Lab Audio System continued) CONSOLE BUTTONS [Audio] tab selected. This display of the Audio tab is a set of control commands to communicate with the students in a group. RESET This button will reset any previous command selected except groups. Use the control button REMOVE GROUP to delete any group or the control button RESET ALL GROUPS to delete all groups. INDIVIDUAL Selecting this control button will bring up a set of commands that are used to talk to and talk with individual students. ADD GROUP Groups are created using this button. Note groups are created in sequential number order only (side by side). Once selected, do this: 1. Select the beginning student icon of a group (either up or down in sequence) and then the end student icon of the given group. All students within the group have the same color. 2. To create another group, repeat the above sequence. Any size group can be created. NOTE: Each created group will have a unique color. (In Figure 2 there are two groups created by the process described above.) Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 16

17 (Language Lab Audio System continued) SET GROUPS This button is used to select a source for each group. Follow these steps: 1) Select Ch1 or Ch2 (These two choices represent two independent audio buses. 2) Then select one of the (5) possible choices a) Source 1 (An audio source connected to one of the above choices.) b) Source 2 (An audio source connected to one of the above choices.) c) Instructor Local d) Student Local (Select a student source from within a group) e) Clear (remove any source) 3) Add TOGGLE GROUP MICS button at this time if desired. NOTE Changes can be made only if the SET GROUP button is selected. TALK TO GROUP When selected, the instructor can then select any student icon in a group and talk to all the students within that group. REMOVE GROUP Select this control button and then select the group that is to be deleted. TALK WITH GROUP When selected, the instructor can then select any student icon in a group and talk with all the students within that group. RESET ALL GROUPS When selected, all groups will be removed. LISTEN TO GROUP Select this control button, then select a student icon within the group. This enables the instructor to listen undetected to all students within the group. Select another group and the process is repeated. TOGGLE GROUP MICS Select this control button and then select any student icon within the group. By continuously selecting any student icon, all the microphones within the group will toggle on and off. TOGGLE STUDENT LOCAL Select this control button and then select which local audio icon within the group to use as a source. By continuously selecting any student icon, the audio source will toggle on and off. TALK ON CHANNEL By selecting this control button and then control buttons Ch1 or Ch2, the instructor can talk to all the students associated with the groups that are connected to either of these channels. LISTEN TO CHANNEL By selecting this control button and then control buttons Ch1 or Ch2, the instructor can listen to all the students associated with the groups that are connected to either of these channels. SET STUDENT (None) This control button is used to select a source from any student computer and send it to either Ch1 or Ch2 which could be more than (1) group. The source does not have to come from a student computer within a group. On the control button, the student number selected will appear in place of the words (none). Applied Computer Systems, Inc. Page 17