Connecting Your Camera and Microphone

Very few of the desktop computers PCF has given out include a camera or microphone. And most of the laptops do not include a camera or microphone either. These laptops were either too old or they were ordered to exclude these features due to privacy concerns. Times have changed…

PCF has found cameras online for less than $20. If you are looking to purchase one, please make sure the lens is auto focus and the unit includes a microphone.

To connect an external camera, follow these instructions:

: Remove the protective tape from the lens.

: If your microphone does not work, unplug it and then plug it back in.

: On desktops, the microphone ports are typically pink or sometimes blue but NEVER green.

: Connect the USB cable to a USB port

: This camera has two cables (Mic and USB) shown both connected here.

Note: please make sure you connect the microphone audio jack/cable to the correct microphone jack. They typically have a little icon of a microphone above them. They are often colored pink. Sometimes the color blue is used but the jack is never green. Green jacks are for headphones or speakers.

Positioning Your Camera

Some cameras clip onto your screen or you can position them on your table.

: This camera can be clipped onto the top of the screen.

: Or if you prefer, set it on your desk.

Troubleshooting

: Web browsers may need you to grant permission to use the microphone. Click the “remember this decision” checkbox for future convenience.

: A separate message may ask you to allow the browser to access your camera. Again, click the “remember this decision” for future convenience.

: Depending on your browser, little icons appear in front of the web address (top of screen). Click the icons and a dropdown appears where you can choose to allow media settings for the website.

: Some computers allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the Mic. Use the sound dropdown menu on the top right of your screen.

: Some applications include a Mute function. This is the bottom left of a Zoom App window.

: Some computers include a Mute Microphone feature. Look for the little icons on your keyboard. There is typically a mute speaker and sometimes a separate mute microphone button. In this example, click the Fn (Function) key and F4 to mute/unmute the Mic.