Frequently Asked Questions

• My network seems fine, but why can't I connect to control the recorder?
• For an automated recording, can I adjust what camera angle is used?
• If my event runs over or ends early, can I adjust the automatic recording schedule?

My network seems fine, but why can't I connect to control the recorder?

Controlling a recorder to manually start, stop, or change camera positions requires some network ports to be open beyond those typically used for web browsing. If you are using the campus wireless network, logging in through BlueSocket alone does not permit communication on these ports.

To solve this problem, try using one of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients offered by the university:

For Windows users, install the Cisco VPN client from:
http://www.itcom.itcs.umich.edu/vpn/software/win.html

For Mac OS users, follow these instructions to use the Mac native VPN client:
http://www.engin.umich.edu/caen/network/wireless/docs/macosvpn.html

For Linux users, install the Cisco VPN client from:
http://www.itcom.itcs.umich.edu/vpn/software/linux.html

For an automated recording, can I adjust what camera angle is used?

Yes, the robotic camera is able to recall a preset automatically at the start of your recording. To set this preset, connect to the room recorder by clicking the "Record" link for your site. Then move the camera to the desired position using the arrow buttons. Finally, save the position as the preset "Wide" (click the save preset button followed by the Wide button). Next time an automated recording for your site begins, this new "Wide" preset will be recalled.

Note that even if a recording is set to start automatically, you can still connect to the room recorder and operate the camera manually. Also feel free to set the other presets labeled 1-5 to anything you want. These are saved for your site, so they will be available next time you connect.

If my event runs over or ends early, can I adjust the automatic recording schedule?

Yes, you can manually extend the recording time, or stop the recording earlier than scheduled. To do this, first connect to the room recorder by clicking the "Record" link for your site. Then, to stop a recording before the scheduled time, click the "Stop Recording" button. If your event is running over, instead click the "Start Recording" button, which will cancel the off timer and keep the recording running as long as you need. Note that if you cancel the off timer, you must remember to manually click the "Stop Recording" button later at the end of your event.