Requirements

1. Videoconferencing system with monitor or LCD.
   • The videoconferencing system can be a dedicated videoconferencing unit by manufacturers such as Polycom^®, Tandberg™, or VTEL^®, or it can be an extra computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, speakers, and videoconferencing software, such as Microsoft^® NetMeeting^®.
   • The videoconferencing system should be connected to a large screen (either a monitor or an LCD projector). The image should be displayed in the front of the room so the students can see the mission commander and video clips.
2. Five computers and another LCD projector.
   • The communications team uses the videoconferencing system as well as one computer for data and chat. Ideally, the computer with the data and chat should be displayed using an LCD projector right next to the monitor or screen with the videoconferencing image.
   • The moon mapping team uses two computers.
   • The two remaining teams use one computer each.
3. Internet connections for the above computers and the latest version of Internet Explorer installed.
4. Macromedia^® Flash™ player v. 7.0 and optional NetMeeting (both software programs are free and available on the Internet).
5. Printer (network, optional).
6. Digital camera (optional). A digital camera is valuable for recording the excitement of the mission.

Note: A computer lab might be too crowded. Typically labs are arranged in permanent rows. This does not permit team communications or the required flow of foot traffic.

Videoconferencing System

The videoconferencing system can be either a stand-alone unit (such as Polycom, Tandberg, etc.) or a computer-based system (PC with a webcam and NetMeeting software).

• If you have a stand-alone videoconferencing system, make sure it is connected using IP. If you are using ISDN or ATM lines, you will require a bridging system.
• If you have a computer-based videoconferencing system and the computer is a PC, you have to install Windows NetMeeting. Unfortunately there are no free videoconferencing software downloads available for Macs that we can recommend.

Connection Procedures

• Test the audio/video connection at least one week before.
• Make sure the camera and microphone can see both members of the communications team.
• The whole class should be able to see and hear the flight director. Make sure you can turn up the audio loud. Make sure the video can be seen anywhere in the room.
• During the audio/video connection you will need to test the communications officer computers. Using one of the communications officer computers, go to the following URL: http://www3.cet.edu/flashcom/targetmoon (must have Flash Player v 7.0).
• Team Name: anything (Be sure each team uses a unique name.)
• Password: provided on the day (use lowercase only)
• Test the chat part of the communications officer window in the lower right.
• Test the data part of the window on the left.
• If you find any kind of problems connecting to the chat, make sure your system is compatible with the communications center. You can test your system at http://www.macromedia.com/cfusion/knowledgebase/index.cfm?id=tn_16466.