V. Connecting Your Laptop to a Smartcart
► Equipment involved
Located on the center shelf of each smartcart is a black cable (called a VGA cable) that has a bright green or hot pink label on it that says "Laptop Cable". This cable is attached to a beige-colored box called a KVM switch that is also located on the center shelf of the cart (behind the monitor) with its front side facing to the rear. The box has a single dial-type switch on it that can be changed to one of 2 positions: A or B. "A" is labeled Computer, and "B" is labeled Laptop. (See photo below).
► Connecting your laptop
Step 1. Once you've found these components, attach your laptop to the "Laptop Cable" located on the cart. The free end of the cable will plug into the VGA port which is usually found on the back edge of a laptop. If not there, check the other sides. After finding it, make sure to screw the cable in tightly. Turn your laptop on if it isn't already.
Step 2. The KVM switch
Now locate the KVM switch and turn the dial to the "B" position, labeled Laptop. If you were sending the cart computer image to the projector, you will now see the desktop of your laptop instead.
► Potential problems
• The laptop image is not projected
Explanation and solution: The laptop is configured so that the image is only being sent to the laptop screen and not the external VGA port (the one you attached the cart's laptop cable to) as well. Using the "fn" (function) and "f5" keys on your laptop's keyboard simultaneously, press them once. If you see the image now on the projector screen, but not your computer screen, press them again. If you now see an image on both your laptop screen and the projector screen, you're all set.
• No Internet
Explanation and solution # 1: If your laptop is not equipped with wireless, you must connect a network cable from the laptop to the network port (usually orange) on the wall. This should connect you to the Internet. If not, try a different network port
Explanation and solution # 2: If your laptop is equipped with wireless, you may not be connected to the Sage wireless network (Sagegate). The reason is that the location you're in may not have wireless access or you may need to authenticate first. In this case, if there is no wireless access, you may still use a network cable to connect if a wall port is available. If you are connected to Sagegate, then you may not be authenticated. In this case, launch your preferred browser and, in the logon box that appears, enter your Sage User Name and Password. A file will download to your computer and install, but then you'll have access to the Internet.
For more information call the helpdesk
Article submitted by Bruce Hettesheimer
