Smartboard Unifi 35 problems 600i

[badcommander]

Anyone experienced problems with this board. also known as 600i I think. The problems are.

 

When writing with the pen the actual pen line lags behind very very slowly. Likewise with the eraser. Also the actual content (writing) may not always be removed by the eraser. Changing the eraser size ( bigger-smaller) does not always work. I have had the original installation company look at it, and the smart techies themselves. I am not a fan of these boards. Non confident teaching staff find them overcomplicated.

[badcommander]

Allegedly this board will not work with smartboard software below version 9.5. I might add that it doesnt seem to work with higher versions either ....

[HodgeHi]

The only time time i have seen slowdown on these boards along the line that you mention, is when i had them connected to a Mac mini through Parallels. It was only then that the board slowed down. This is just a standard smartboard though not an integrated one. I put it down to a resource issue since the minis where running at almost 100% memory and CPU usage according to ARD anyway.

 

These minis were core 2 duo 1.8, the ones having problems were running Leopard with Parallels and 1GB ram. So the resources would definitely have been an issue.

 

They also had integrated graphics. Since moving them over to Bootcamp, i have not seen the slow down issue again.

[badcommander]

The installation company and smartboard techies tried to fob me off with usb, ram and processor not up to the job excuses. I tried various pc's and new laptops that were definitely within the spec quoted in the installation manual for the board. Still the same problem though. The school has two of these boards and they both have the same problem.

[bizilizi]

I have used my smartboard daily for the past 18 months, but recently it has started to switch off for no apparent reason after about 10 minutes.

 

The green onn/off switch stays green, but the lamp goes out. I have to disconnect from mains to get it to restart, then it only works for about 5 minutes.

 

All very frustrating. What do yo think the problem is?

 

Thanks,

Liz

[MYK-IT]

badcommander:

We have over 35 SBs, approx 10 being the newer SB680i with Unifi35 projectors. It may be worth trying the SB standalone, without a computer being connected. (The SB680i can work standalone) to see if the problem persists, and this may help you with process of elimination.

 

bizilizi:

A few things to try are:

 

-Attempt a hard reset, by pressing the button on the lower right corner of the SB680i where the USB connects to

 

- Check the system info settings to check the bulb life. If nearing 2000 hours it may be time for another bulb. Remember to reset the counter afterwards. Follow this

 

- Remove the cover where the projector bulb is, and double check the connections. We have had 2 bulbs initially appear faulty, but it was just the case of 1 (of the 2 white) leads had come off the connector spade at the rear of the bulb itself

 

- If all else fails, contact Steljes, their support for more recently purchases is great, on-site usually next day, with a replacement SB / Projector if required.

Edited March 23, 2009 by MYK-IT

[western]

I have used my smartboard daily for the past 18 months, but recently it has started to switch off for no apparent reason after about 10 minutes.

 

The green onn/off switch stays green, but the lamp goes out. I have to disconnect from mains to get it to restart, then it only works for about 5 minutes.

 

All very frustrating. What do yo think the problem is?

 

Thanks,

Liz

 

Its more likely that the projector is overheating. clean the filters!!

[bizilizi]

Thanks, I had wondered about cleaning the filters, but have been told that the 600i range doesn't require filter cleaning! Is that right or wrong?

 

Liz

[MYK-IT]

Correct, there are no (end user) filters to clean etc.

 

Have you tried the suggestions i previously posted??

[bizilizi]

Yes, I've tried a hard reset ....no joy.

 

I switched the SM on without being connected to the computer....it still went out after ca 5 mins, so the prob isn't with the computer or software.

 

Haven't checked connections yet...I know our technician doesn't want anythng oepned up as it would nullify the guarantee, but I will suggest it tomorrow.

 

Thanks for all your help.

 

liz

[Oops_my_bad]

Long shot but you could try upgrading the firmware? I have a firmware CD for our 600i somewhere, PM me if you'd like it sending. Otherwise I think you can download it from the smart website

[rjmcleod]

SMARTBoard firmware update:

 

SMART - Front Projection SMART Board interactive whiteboard, Firmware update wizard

[FN-GM]

If the board has garuntee contact smart about it. I take it liz your a teacher?

[bizilizi]

Yes, thanks. I am a teacher......can't work without it . Will check firmware.

[badcommander]

In my opinion updating the firmware was quite a complicated business, so take your time with it, in my instance it didnt solve any problems. The smartboard works fine when not used via a laptop/ workstation, though this is not helpful for staff who wish to have access network shares.

 

bizilizi:

I have had instances where the smartboard seemed to go off. What it is actually doing is going into the equivalent of a sleep/hibernation to conserve energy when it is not being used actively. There are settings on the smartboard menu to tell it to not to do this. I cant give more details from memory but will post later if you cant find them. I am at that particulare school on Fridays only.

[bizilizi]

Thanks...really appreciate the comments.

 

We are in the throes of a week's inspection...so have decided to manage without it today..Will have a look at the software later.

 

LC

[TommyCooper]

bizilizi:

It sounds like the projector's overheating. There aren't any filters on a Unifi 35 but there are a couple of vents that I've seen get blocked-up by dust and dirt. The main one is on top of the projector, directly above the lens. The other one runs all the way along the top of the base unit, between the speakers.

 

Try cleaning both the vents using a hoover with a small brush attachment, but for safety make sure the projector is switched-off at the plug while you do this.

[DavidScott]

bizilizi:

It sounds like the projector's overheating. There aren't any filters on a Unifi 35 but there are a couple of vents that I've seen get blocked-up by dust and dirt. The main one is on top of the projector, directly above the lens. The other one runs all the way along the top of the base unit, between the speakers.

 

Try cleaning both the vents using a hoover with a small brush attachment, but for safety make sure the projector is switched-off at the plug while you do this.

 

 

This is sound advice and I'm 99.9% sure that this will resolve your problem. If you are still having problems I would recommend a call into Steljes Technical Services department, they can be reached on 08450 724999.

[bizilizi]

Thanks TommyCooper,

 

I shall certainly get out the vacuum cleaner tomorrow!

 

As I am working in Germany, we'll have to get in touch with a local supplier if the problem persists.

 

Best wishes,

Liz

[ninjadingle]

Hi all.

 

I'm also having problems with my Unifi 35 projector cutting out. I've tried vaccuming the projector head, checked the internal connections, all seem fine. Tried putting the fan speed to high, master reset.... Still cuts out and overheats.

 

The lamps not even done 1000 hours yet! Any other ideas welcome.....

[DavidScott]

Hello ninjadingle

 

I would recommend a call into Steljes Technical Services at this point as it sounds as if you have done your homework. They can begin to troubleshoot the situation with you and you will know at least that if you require a technical visit then you are speaking to the right people.

 

They can be reached on 08450 724999.

 

Best of luck

[avguy]

"Hi all.

 

I'm also having problems with my Unifi 35 projector cutting out. I've tried vaccuming the projector head, checked the internal connections, all seem fine. Tried putting the fan speed to high, master reset.... Still cuts out and overheats.

 

The lamps not even done 1000 hours yet! Any other ideas welcome..... "

 

 

This is the lamp I know I am a year too late but for others in this fix you may try cleaning first but order a lamp.

[john]

I had this same problem, its now a hat stand in my server room, not that I wear hats or need a hat stand in my Server Room! (the kids and some staff have a better name for it but they are not repeatable on here, all I can say is the shop that sells what they call it usually don't have windows and you need to be of a certain age to go into them!!)

 

Anyway, it wasn't just a quick chuck it decision, but after support ping pong with Steljes for 4 weeks and them saying until I buy a new lamp they won't look at it as faulty despite the lamp only having done tiny hours (under 1000!), the fact that a new lamp was over half the cost of a replacement unit and the fact it was the biggest load of tosh out there and hated by all teaching staff as complex to use, annoying and dark comapred to other units, it was decided to junk it and put in a normal projector, thus solving about 10 issues at once

[avguy]

I personally use epson projectors right now. But we do have four of the unifi projectors. Honestly I have had lamps go bad after only 25 hours before. Usually there is no warranty on lamps so ...

 

3m makes a lower cost replacement lamp if any one is interested

 

There was a few other things in the thread too like USB cables really can cause delay especially if they are over 10 feet but really noticeable after 20 feet. Also, processors and ram do make a difference as well.

 

I only take care of 700 projectors so ... glad I stumbled on to your thread even though it was later.

[The_Red_Avenger]

We solved this time-lag problem a while ago. It's to do with the Ink Aware program settings in the Smartboard Control Panel. Turn them all off and the Time-lag goes away.