Thursday, 17 April 2008

In my Docucam bag

We're having problems sorting out exactly what wires go with the docucam to enable it to be used to its full potential. I thought it would be helpful if I showed you what's in my bag - in addition to the docucam itself, of course!


Firstly, I have the power cable.


Then I have an S video cable - it's black and has a round connector at each end. I use that to connect the docucam with the projector.


Then I have a USB to USB cable, light grey in colour (I think this is the one Lizzie is missing, is that right?) I use that to connect docucam to laptop.

Finally, I have a serial cable - nothing at all to do with the docucam but most probably to connect laptop to projector. I include it to demonstrate how easily things get put back into the wrong bag and prove distracting!! Of course, this shouldn't be in this bag at all.....



Might I suggest that, when you have all cables home and dry, you get some sticky labels and label each cable for yourself, then you'll see exactly what's what. Sometimes, I've even resorted to putting a letter on each plug and a corresponding sticker on each socket to make sure I can connect everything confidently, because though I'm usually ok, there are times when it all gets too much!

6 comments:

sara weaving said...

not at home to double check - but grey lead has usb one end and a smaller connection on the other end. Thanks for doing this Gill - will bring in the grey lead on Monday. I am sure this is the one that is entended for docucam ,projector and lap top as it is featured on the laminated instruction sheet to explain how to connect this equipment. usb to usb is what I feel is required - see you all monday. sara

sara weaving said...

seeing the photos has made me think a little more. Maybe Lizzy and I have missed a port on the laptop that will take the smaller connection on the other end of the grey lead (other end from the regular USB port on the grey lead. sara

Jane CD said...

I think you idea of labelling the cables and sockets is a great idea. It would be really helpful if we were able to do this before the kit goes out to tutors. If i have a quiet Monday I will see what I can do.

Gill said...

Jane, if you are around on Monday, we'd love to include you in our meeting - 12 noon, Quayside. Probably last about an hour and a half.

lizzie g said...

Thanks Gill, that's really useful. I'm just home from a long day out - the Art of the Stitch in B'ham. I'll check through everything tomorrow.

lizzie g said...

I have all the cables you've photoed and described. I haven't had time to train myself(!) in using the docucam and projector to display a demonstration and the laptop to record it, which is what I'd really like to do and is one of my aims for the summer term. I'll make time before our meeting on Monday to check I can connect it all up using the leads I have.