User guide

your presentation application. But many instructors ask the question verbally or via the chalkboard and then begin
polling without formally typing a question into any software.
RECEIVER UNIT DETAILS
Where should I place the i>clicker receiver in the classroom?
The i>clicker receiver does not require a line of sight to receive responses, and can thus be placed anywhere in your
classroom. For best performance and maximum range, we recommend against placing the receiver inside any type
of metal enclosure, such as a metal podium; however, we have customers who do lock the receiver in metal and still
the range is unaffected.
Is installation required?
Unlike infrared systems, the i>clicker receiver is a plug-and-play solution. You only need one USB connection and your
receiver is powered by your computer. The receiver works with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 standards.
What is the range for the remote and receiver?
One receiver has a range of 250+ feet. Only one receiver is required for a typical university classroom. We’ve been used
in many of the largest lecture halls in North America (Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier, University of Toronto, Cornell University,
and University of Manitoba); such adopters tested our range and signal before adopting and found our signal to be
exceptionally strong.
How many votes can i>clicker receive and how fast can it receive them?
Each i>clicker receiver can process up to 1500 votes and accepts up to 750 per second. Votes are generally received and
confirmed in less than .01 seconds. i>clicker is used successfully in the largest lecture in North America 1300 students in
one lecture hall at Cornell University.
Will the receiver interfere with any Wi-Fi signals?
No. i>clicker operates at 915 MHz, and so it will never interfere with campus Wi-Fi technologies, including Internet,
cell phones, and wireless microphones.
How do you prevent nearby receivers and clickers from interfering with each other?
The i>clicker base units can be set to any of 16 different sub-frequencies to prevent interference with nearby classrooms
if two instructors are using i>clicker in close proximity. The default frequency is set to AA for both the base and the
student remotes. You can change your sub-frequency via the i>clicker Settings/Preferences. For more information and
instructions, consult the User Guide, available in our Downloads area on our website www.iclicker.com.
i>clicker can also deliver “hard wired” bases where the sub-frequency is determined and “hard coded” by your
IT administrators. This solution is attractive to schools interested in installing the bases into set classrooms and
coordinating sub-frequency channels institutionally. If your campus has standardized on i>clicker as a centrally
supported system, this solution may already be in place. Contact your IT administrator for details. If you are
interested in learning more, contact [e-mail]
for more information about this option.
How do students change remote frequency?
If you have chosen a non-standard frequency (e.g. BA) in Settings and Preferences, i>clicker will alert your students
to this change when you begin polling. Students will be instructed to:
A. Press the On/Off (power) button on their clicker until the blue Power light begins flashing (about 2 seconds).
B. Press the new two-letter code (that you’ve designated in your Settings/Preferences). A green Vote Status
light will indicate your students have successfully reset their remote frequency.
The entire process takes about 3 seconds. This code will remain in place for the duration of the lecture/session (as
long as the remote is on). Students will need to repeat this procedure for every lecture, which is why setting one code
for the entire term will be easier to administer and communicate. Directions for changing a remote’s frequency are
on the back of every remote. You may also adjust or disable your frequency change alert preferences via
Settings/Preferences.
Changing the remote frequency seems like a hassle. Why can’t the receiver “find” the remotes automatically? The
i>clicker system has a unique protocol—that is, a unique way for the receiver and remotes communicate with each
other. We considered adopting a protocol similar to competing systems, where the receiver would automatically find
the frequency for the students. But our preliminary research directed us to rethink the approach. Our initial reviewer
board (users of competing systems) all complained about students being required to register before voting could