1 Being Prepared to Troubleshoot AV

Basics

As a technician, you will be called to troubleshoot a variety of issues. It is always best to be prepared for anything that may occur. There are several ways you can be prepared in advance to address common issues and save yourself time.  Some ideas include:

  • Create an AV cart or caddy with typical tools and cables you need to fix your most common issues. 
  • Create a quick reference chart to know what to take with you. 
  • Organize an area in your workspace that is dedicated to AV equipment repairs.

You can usually fix issues on the spot and avoid wasting time or interrupting teachers and students multiple times. 

You should know the following terms:

  • Cables: VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, audio, or others
  • Multimeter
  • Wire stripper
  • Wall plate

Being prepared will save you time, money, and effort. Throughout these modules, you’ll better understand the AV resources in your building(s) and will have a better idea of the types of equipment you will use routinely. To get you started, review the following list and consider copying it to update it with items specific to your situation.

Examples of things you might want to have in an AV cart or caddy include:

  • A laptop that works
  • Extra cables, such as VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, or others used in your building(s).
  • Extra audio cables
  • Video adapters
  • A multimeter
  • Tools:
    • Screwdrivers
    • A multi-tool
    • Wire strippers
    • Soldering iron and solder
    • Other appropriate tools
  • Spare projector bulbs
  • Spare wall plates
  • Headphones
  • Batteries (for remotes) 
  • Something to label wires and a permanent marker
  • Flashlight

Create yourself a quick reference chart that is digital; consider linking it to the manufacturers' support and troubleshooting pages.  Bookmarking this on your devices can help save you time from repeated searches. 

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Create a Systems Overview sheet.

  1. Get started by making a copy of this spreadsheet: Systems Overview Data. (You will be forced to make a copy so that it can be changed to meet your needs.)
  2. Use the spreadsheet to collect information about  the AV connections, issues, and equipment in your building. This sheet is tabbed across the bottom to help you organize. Since you will be making a copy, feel free to make any changes needed or add or delete tabs.
  3. To add or change any of the drop down lists, go to Data>Data Validation> and click on the name of the list. Add or remove drop downs from the list and click Done.

Using the Systems Overview Data, do a quick survey of the different types of equipment or components in your building(s). Consider limiting yourself to a few rooms or one section of a building for now. Eventually, you’ll need a better idea of all of the AV equipment that you are responsible for.

If you don’t already have one, consider equipping an AV Cart that will help make repairs more easily and quickly.