CopyCam System FAQ

General:

Printing:

Installation:

Q. Can I use unformatted floppy disks?

No, to safeguard data, CopyCam will not format a floppy if it cannot read it.

Q. What happens when the floppy disk fills up?

CopyCam says "disk full."

Q. Why isn't there an LCD display on CopyCam?

You don't need one. We believe that the simpler the controls, the easier CopyCam is to operate. A display would increase the complexity of operating CopyCam and would be a distraction during meetings. CopyCam captures what is on your board.

Q. Why is the control pad not wireless too?

Small wireless remote controls tend to get misplaced. Having the control pad permanently mounted and cabled keeps it from walking away and assures that CopyCam is always at your service.

Q. Can I set CopyCam up to capture every so many seconds?

A. No. When CopyCam captures the board, it needs a clear view of the information written on the board. If you were writing when a capture occurred, CopyCam would produce a picture with your arm in it. CopyCam was also designed with your privacy in mind. The only way to capture the board is by pressing one of the three buttons on the CopyCam control pad located next to the board.

Q. Can CopyCam capture a projected image?

A. Yes, with qualification. CopyCam can capture any image made up of line drawings, whether it is handwritten, printed, or projected. Large solid colored areas such as posters, photographs, or (most) PowerPoint slides cannot be captured. CopyCam does work with overhead projectors and handwritten slides.

Q. What is the CopyCam Warranty?

A. The CopyCam warranty is for one year, parts and labor. Extended warranties may also be purchased.

Q. Does CopyCam work in low light conditions?

A. Yes. CopyCam automatically adjusts to your lighting conditions. In low-light conditions, CopyCam may take slightly longer to capture the board.

Q. Can I take pictures of posters and photographs with CopyCam?

A. No. CopyCam is designed to capture line drawings and text. Large regions of solid colors are not captured accurately.

Q. What is the camera resolution?

A. CopyCam has approximately the resolution of a 3.5-megapixel digital camera across the whiteboard surface.

Q. I don't intend to use CopyCam with a network. Is there any way for me to change settings without access to the CopyCam web page?

A. Yes! A Microsoft Windows application is provided on the CD-ROM that allows you to create a floppy diskette that CopyCam can read. You can change all one-time settings by using such a floppy diskette.

Q. Is my CopyCam visible to PolyVision through the Internet? For instance, can you diagnose problems with my CopyCam through the Internet?

A. In order to protect your LAN security, CopyCam cannot send any information to the Internet without you explicitly telling it to do so. Currently, the Internet is only used when you tell CopyCam to update its firmware. When you press the Update Firmware button on the web page, CopyCam downloads a new version of firmware from PolyVision.

PRINTING

Q. How long does CopyCam take to print?
CopyCam captures the board in 5 seconds, processes the image for 45 seconds, and takes one minute per page to print.

Q. Can I use the printer for other things around the office?

Yes. CopyCam can share your printer with devices in your office.

Q. Can a different printer be used?

A. CopyCam is designed to work with the printer provided. In the future, we may support a wider range of printers. Check with PolyVision Customer Service for the latest information.

Q. Do I have to order printer cartridges from PolyVision?

A. Replacement cartridges are standard and can be purchased through any office supply store.

Q. Laser printers are cheaper to operate. Why does CopyCam come with a color printer?

A. The color printer allows CopyCam to give you the most accurate representation of the colors on your whiteboard. It is true that in general color printer supplies do cost more than laser printers. However, CopyCam only prints line drawings, which use very little ink. One set of printer cartridges should easily last one to two years with normal usage.

INSTALLATION

Q. Must I have a LAN to use CopyCam?

Yes. A LAN is required for to CopyCam to print and to access the CopyCam web pages.

Q. How do I mount CopyCam to the wall?

Eight screw anchors are provided. Four screws mount the arm and four mount the control pad.

Q. Will I have to calibrate my CopyCam somehow?

Not usually. CopyCam recognizes the boundary of your board automatically. However, in rare cases you may have to help CopyCam locate the edges. If so, CopyCam will tell you that it needs calibration. To calibrate, simply attach the five calibration sheets to the board and press the copy button once. Remove the sheets and you are ready to copy.

Q. Can I install CopyCam, or do I need a professional installer?

A. You can do the installation yourself. CopyCam comes with an extensive installation guide that also discusses in-wall installation for the wiring.

Q. How close to the surface does the camera need to be mounted?

A. CopyCam can be mounted up to 4 inches proud of a board or 4 inches into the wall without a change in image quality. If the arm is mounted into the wall, the maximum size board that can be accommodated may be slightly smaller (4 feet by 7 feet, for instance).

Q. Is there a ceiling mount for CopyCam available?

A. No. We do not currently offer a ceiling mount.

Q. I have a projection screen hanging in front of my whiteboard. Will it interfere?

A. The CopyCam arm does slope up slightly, and can accommodate some hanging projection screens that stand proud of the board by 6 to 12 inches. However, the projection screen location may reduce the field of view of the camera slightly, making a few inches at the top of the board not capture.

Q. What if I have board longer than 8 feet long? Can CopyCam work on my board?

A. Yes. CopyCam only captures and 8 foot area, but can be used on whiteboards and chalkboards of any length. The control pad has a limited length cord. If your board is longer than 12 feet, and you would like CopyCam placed in the center of the board, you may have to mount the control pad on the board surface.

Q. Can CopyCam be installed on any type of wall? Is hardware included for the different wall material types?

A. Yes! CopyCam can be attached to any type of wall surface that can support the weight of the arm. However, we only provide mounting hardware for use with drywall (sheetrock walls). By providing your own fasteners, you can install CopyCam on just about any type of surface. For safety reasons, make sure that the arm is mounted to withstand accidental blows, such as a ladder being moved, or a flagpole falling on the arm.

Q. I want to mount CopyCam first and then add a whiteboard later. How do I do that?

A. CopyCam is provided with mounting templates that can be used to position the arm and control pad mounting brackets. Position these templates as though you already have the board installed, and the install should work just fine.

Q. How can I hide CopyCam's wires?

A. CopyCam's wires can either be run on the face of a wall or inside a wall. In new installations, conduit can be run behind the board to facilitate running the wires. The CopyCam installation manual walks you through how to fish the wires through a wall, whether the installation in new or not.

Q. Are the cables CopyCam uses readily available in the market or are they special order?

A. CopyCam is supplied with three cables: a 12-foot control pad cable, an Ethernet cable, and a power supply cable. Only the Ethernet cable can be extended. The other two cables are attached to the control pad and power supply directly and cannot be extended. The Ethernet cable is a standard Ethernet cable. You can replace that cable with any 100-BaseT compatible Ethernet cable.