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Area 49

This guide provides information on how to use technology within Area 49, as well as guides for digital technologies and physical projects. Area 49 is available for use by all current students, faculty, and staff.

Visualization Lab Room Manual

Refer to this page for any information you may need on how to operate the technology in the Visualization Lab. If you are having difficulties with elements of the room, refer to the Troubleshooting section at the end of this page. Check out our Technology Instruction page for orientation dates and times. 

Quick Links:

Touch Panel

Touchpad with Dell Selected

  • Turn on: touch the screen
  • Undocking: Undock > 1234 > Undock > Take out of wall
  • Re-docking: Align the gold brackets and ensure the “Charging” symbol comes up. Push touchpad into the wall.
  • Projectors:
    • On: Select computer. In the pop-up, select "Projectors On"
    • Off: Power > System Off
  • Lights:
    • On: Extremely bright
    • 50%: Meetings without the need of the screen
    • Dim: Recommended use
    • Presentation: Recommended for low-light presentations
    • Off: Recommended for movies (on a time delay to allow for room exit)
    • Note: You can also control the lights using the touchpad near the door.
  • Volume:
    • The volume is automatically set low.
    • You can select which computer's sound will be heard through the room's speakers by selecting the computer on the touchpad, then selecting "Send audio to room."
  • When leaving: Turn off the lights and projectors and re-dock the touchpad.

HDMI Laptop Connection

The back column by the computer towers features a HDMI port where you can connect any HDMI-equipped laptop. Just plug in the cord (usually on top of the tall tower) and select “Laptop” on the touchpad.

The HDMI cord provided is direction-specific. If it does not work, try unplugging it and plugging in the opposite end.

To play sound from your laptop in the room, you will need to change your laptop's speaker output settings.

Smart Board

The smart board features multi-touch for programs that support it and a dry-erase surface.

  • Turn on the laptop behind the board and the projector at the top of the board.
  • When you are done with the board, press the projector’s power button twice and log out of the laptop.
  • Notes:
    • If the smart board is glitching, remove all items from the marker tray.
    • To connect your own laptop, plug the USB and HDMI cables from the projector into your laptop. If you need an adapter, you will need to provide your own.
    • To use the smart board as an additional display for the Alienware, unplug the HDMI cord from the laptop and plug it in to the HDMI wall plate on the blue wall.

Whiteboard Wall

The Whiteboard Wall in the lab can be used for group work, drawing, or anything you wish, but make sure you don’t write on other walls! If you are in need of more markers, ask someone at the Tech Desk.