SamanthaD

Less of a NM angle, but I'd probably include a schedule of regular tasks you do daily / weekly / monthly / termly. The rest of the school will come down quickly on the new NM if something you routinely do as a matter of course gets missed and something breaks... Maybe an overview of what's happened in the past 5 years, and your plans for the next 5 years would also be helpful to give the new NM a base of what's happened and what potentially needs to be done.

Interesting idea - though I'm not going to try that one until after the weekend (I'm using the rig tomorrow!) - though the comment about Chrome not starting fullscreen gives me a little worry. Worth trying though, thanks.

Hi all, First off - I'm a complete noob when it comes to Linux in any form, so please be gentle! I've put together an old touchscreen machine to run my lighting software on (Chamsys) and have put it onto Ubuntu 16.04. It's running happily and I've got the software auto-starting, but as I'd like to run it without a keyboard or mouse I'd also like the machine to shutdown after I close the software (there's a large Quit button in the software which closes it rather than the normal red X in the top left). Anyone know if this is possible? And if so give a very basic walkthrough of how to achieve it? TiA!

Apparently the Microsoft Surface Hub 2s has 1024 levels of pressure through the supplied pen....

Tesco's Boxing Day sandwich was very disappointing - more coleslaw and cranberry sauce than meat. One to avoid IMO!

But this is the best one....

Just add bread

Loads of old AMX RS232 panels (and the Windows 98 laptop with RS232 interface lead to program them!), AMX/Procon VGA switchers etc. Old Denon stereo amps that must be circa mid 1990's, DVD/Video combis.... And some old Kodak slide projectors and OHP's for the lecturers who haven't quite got the grasp of computers yet!

If you're after "decent stereo separation" beware most of the cheap PA systems available from the likes of CPC. They are most likely to sum the L&R channels into mono and only have 1 amp driving both speakers, which is why they're cheap! Powered speakers might be a good shout - but could offer too much control at each individual speaker for individuals to play with (Music teacher decides it needs more top end - adjusts one by +6db and the other by +2db, then it's your fault the stereo image was ruined). Also got to get power to each of them, and you can't ever use them outside! Recommendations often go hand in hand with budget, especially in schools. I've found what looks to be a good PA system on Thomann here - mixer amp (with 2 amplifier channels = proper stereo), full range speakers (12" + 1") and 10m cables (Speakon style - approx 15m between speakers should give you stereo separation!). Add a playback device to suit. More than powerful enough for most school halls and lots of options, but still looks quite simple to use. Might be a little too big if it's going to only be used for exams in a small room though. However a multi-use, portable system is going to be more value for money than a dedicated setup in 1 room, so more likely to get the purse strings opened. Whatever you do, make sure you check with the Music Teacher and get them to agree on it before ordering. Worst thing is to give them a solution and they come back saying they're not happy with it. If they really want top end kit then just ask them if they have £10k+ and point them to d&b audiotechnik. Might focus the mind, and show you've done a little homework!

I've just had a quick google and have found this - not tried it myself or am I going to as I have no need, but someone might find it useful?

Hot Air Balloon flight? Gliding day? Circus training day? Comedy night out?

When I was in a secondary using the iPads as a camera was the most used feature of them, along with iPod touches. We found the images they produced were better than anything with a standard digital camera, mainly because they were more familiar with how to use them. So unfortunately my recommendation has to be an iPad!

I've not used this - but it does say you can turn a playlist into a Soundtrack. So surely that's useful?

I have to say, after giving it a fair go, I now agree. The GA-100 I've got looks nice but the backlight on it is poor, and can be difficult to read at times. Just bought a Protrek PRG-40 model where the LCD numbers light up instead, much easier to read in the dark!

Also consider the 1.9 GHz band - also known as DECT. This band is quite empty and will probably be more resilient than a 2.4 GHz system when faced with a hall full of students phones! (We've been testing a 1.9 GHz Catchbox mic in one of our large lecture theatres, probably up to 600 / 700 devices in the room, no issues at all.)

If you've access to a Mac I use Disk Drill, very good results with this.

Can you redirect the user/library/fonts folder to a shared folder with Read Only access? Maybe something on a network share for easier management for you?

Active in that there's an amplifier in there. I'm a noise boy at heart - active speakers and all that!

What do you expect from CPC?? Don't let that sway you though - Van Damme are one of the best out there. Regarding the product above from Amazon I'd stay well clear - any HDMI product I've used that involves adapters such as that sound nice but are a pain due to the adapters working loose and breaking connection (even with a screw). I'd only use proper sized connectors from now on.

This is what we use on our small seminar rooms - it's not fibre but active copper so bit more resilient. Also bear in mind you need to get it the right way round as the amplifier is powered by the HDMI. https://cpc.farnell.com/van-damme/104-114-215/lead-active-hdmi-hs-m-m-15m/dp/AV23491

Do you want to switch between keyboard and PC, or mix between the 2? (IE do you need a switch or a mixer?) Do your PC's have a separate audio input and output, or are they combined? (Can you use the PC as a mixer, take the keyboard output and plug into the PC, then mix on the PC using the normal Windows volume controls) Do you want independent volume control of the 2 sets of headphones? (Headphone splitter or headphone amplifier?) Sam.

Microsoft Surface Hub 2 - perfect if you're using Skype for business. Some good stuff about it here. Otherwise stay well away from it!

We prefer to have a direct cable to the projector. Less breaks in the chain means less points of failure, so we use brush plates. Possibly run it to a switch first so the projector run is permanent, then you just have a short fly-lead to a laptop which can easily be replaced if damaged.

According to http://downloads.smarttech.com/media/sitecore/en/support/product/sbfpd/mx/specs/specs_sbid-mx265.pdf you have a 5 year limited equipment warranty. Not sure what limited equipment would mean in this context but screen dying within a week of use would surely come under that. At the least they should be offering a replacement board while yours is inspected/repaired before being delivered back to you (we have this arrangement with several screen and projector manufacturers).

Got a 3d printer? Try searching thingiverse for SSD.