Self Service Assemblies / Events?

[SteveB_NI]

Assemblies happen on a regular basis here and quite often require ICT / AV set up. Our year heads are asking if they can set up their own assemblies (wow! - and this enthusiasm must be embraced!) but this leads to a potential risk of equipment being damaged.

 

What do you do for self-service assemblies? How do you help ensure the equipment isn't damaged / stolen, including the remotes?

 

At present I set up a laptop, plug in HDMI & network cable. Lower the projector screen & switch on projector. Simple enough - but the stage layout means the laptop, cables and projector remote could be easily stolen. A box of assembly equipment is an option I'm thinking of, but the only suitable safe location is too far away.

 

Thanks in advance

[hardtailstar]

Our year heads are asking if they can set up their own assemblies

 

Have you had a lie down? haha

 

In my last school (primary) they had a locked cupboard with all equipment in, all they had to do was take out the laptop and place it on top and plug in cables to a box in the wall and laptop.

 

The remote was on a chain in the cupboard so it didnt go missing.

 

I would check it a couple of times a week to make sure its all working and nothing missing.

 

Seemed to work well for the 5 years I was there.

 

The key was kept with reception and signed out.

[SamanthaD]

At the extreme end of things - everything we do here is pretty much self service.

 

Projector - on a security mount (projector can only be removed with a key)

Screens - electrically operated

PC's - in a locked / secure lectern

Remotes - RS232 panels (no remotes needed)

Laptops - HDMI / VGA flyleads for connection to their own laptop.

 

In essence anyone can go to one of our systems, find the control panel and press ON, screen lowers, projector turns on, volume is set and the installed PC appears. Microphones are available at a preset level (one on the lectern and usually a tie-pin radio mic, these occasionally go missing but usually because someone's walked off and not realised it's on!) but otherwise everything else is in a secure, locked lectern. Works for us in an inner city campus with over 250 rooms.

[keyboards]

We've got a Pc in a lockable cabinent with a wireless keyboard mice AIO, no one can get to the PC, all they can do is use the keyboard and login, so the worst that can happen is the keyboard goes walkies

Projector they can use the remote

Sound they flip a switch and it all turns on

[mikeishere555]

I've often contemplated some elaborate setup involving extension leads, a wheely trolley and a load of cable ties to create a portable assembly setup. Could have laptop, projector, speakers all set up and plugged into the extension so all the end user has to do is plug in one power lead and wheel the trolley to where they want it.