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Projector Troubleshooting

Alex Kirst
Updated

Table of contents

If you are having trouble understanding the language in this document, please reference the Glossary.

Common issues and solutions

Single projector shows blue screen / no signal

Symptoms

  • Projector powers on but displays only blue light or "No Signal" message
  • Projector lamp is on but no content visible despite SOS software running normally
  • Signal indicator LED on projector shows red or amber light instead of green
  • Other projectors in the system continue working normally

Check software configuration

  1. SOS software check
    • Open SOS Projector Controller on your Desktop and verify the problematic projector appears in the device list.
      • Check if projector status shows "Connected" vs. "Disconnected" or "Error" by hovering over each status dot with your mouse.
    • Restart the SOS software if the projector isn't recognized.
  2. Network connectivity
    • Verify projector IP address (typically 10.1.1.71 through 10.1.1.74).
      • You can check this using your projector remote by selecting Menu, and then Network Settings.
    • Test network connection with a ping test.
      • ping [projector_IP] from command line on your SOS computer.
  3. Display driver issues
    • Verify the projector's EDID information is being read correctly.
      • You can use the installed command nvidia-settings -c :2 to see which EDID file is being used. Make sure this matches your projector's model number.
        • This will be displayed on the left hand side, next to the "DP"  indicators.
    • Try other Nvidia driver versions. You can see which drivers your graphics cards support on Nvidia's website.
      • You can determine your graphics card model through the command lspci | grep VGA.
      • You can see what version you currently have installed through the command dpkg -l | grep nvidia
      • You'll need to install a driver that is compatible with both of your graphics cards, so make sure to cross reference them with Nvidia's website. There are instructions on how to install them included on the website.

Check physical connections

  1. Power and status check: Verify the projector is powered on and look for LED status indicators. Power LED should be green/blue, not red or amber.
  2. Cable inspection: Follow the video cable from projector to computer, checking for:
    • Loose connections at both ends
    • Visible cable damage (cuts, severe bends, crushed sections)
    • Proper seating of DVI/DisplayPort connectors
  3. Connection reset: Disconnect and reconnect both ends of the video cable, ensuring they click or seat properly. Tighten thumb screws on DVI connections.
  4. DVI extender verification: Check the DVI extender units for LED status:
    • Power LED should be solid blue or green
    • Link LED should be solid green (indicates successful connection)
    • If either LED is off, red, or blinking, this indicates the failure point
  5. Cable swap test: If you have a working projector nearby, swap the video cables between the working and non-working projector to isolate cable vs. projector issues.

Check for graphics card and hardware issues

  1. Port testing: If multiple ports are available on the graphics card, try connecting the problematic projector to a different port to isolate port-specific failures.
  2. Graphics card status check:
    • Look for any visual artifacts or unusual behavior on working projectors.
    • Monitor system temperatures if tools are available, like using the built in Dell Diagnostics or the command nvidia-settings -c :2.
  3. Boot monitoring: Restart the system and watch for unusual messages during boot, particularly graphics-related errors during startup.
  4. Backup server test: If a backup SOS2 computer is available, switch to it to determine if the issue is hardware-related to the primary computer.

Multiple projector failures

Symptoms

  • Two or more projectors stop displaying simultaneously
  • System shows reduced display capability warnings
  • Performance degradation across all displays
  • Intermittent failures affecting different projectors at different times

Perform a system-wide restart

  1. Graceful shutdown: Close the SOS software and any related applications before restarting the system.
  2. Complete power cycle: Restart the computer and allow it to fully boot. During startup, watch for:
    • Unusual startup error messages.
    • Graphics card initialization problems.
      • This manifests through black screens, and failing to startup.
    • Longer-than-normal boot times.
  3. Sequential projector startup: After the computer is fully loaded, power on projectors one at a time to identify if specific projectors consistently fail to connect.

Perform hardware diagnostics

  1. Graphics card testing:
    • Test all video outputs individually by connecting projectors to different ports.
    • Check for graphics errors or artifacts that might indicate card failure during a hardware diagnostic check using the built in Dell Diagnostics.
    • Review /var/log/Xorg.2.log for hardware errors by searching for the tag EE.
    • Confirm you are using Active Adapters (referenced in the Glossary).
  2. System health:
    • Check that all cooling fans are operating properly through a visual inspection.
    • Monitor system RAM usage using the System Monitor application and confirm you are below 80% usage.
    • Check Hard Drive health, through the Ubuntu Disks application, which will inform you of any errors.
  3. Power and electrical:
    • Ensure adequate power supply capacity for full system load, usually 750W is expected.
    • Check for loose power connections to graphics cards or other components.
    • Verify that UPS systems (if present) are functioning properly.
      • These will either have a persistent beeping sound, or show a red status indicator if they have failed.
  4. Backup server testing: If available, switch to the backup SOS2 computer and compare performance to isolate whether issues are specific to the primary computer hardware.

Projector alignment issues

Symptoms

  • Image appears shifted, rotated, or in wrong position on sphere
  • Content projects onto walls, ceiling, or floor instead of sphere surface
  • Image appears distorted
  • Projector images don't align properly at boundary seams

Software alignment correction

  1. Backup Current Configuration: Before making changes, create a backup copy of:
    • /shared/sos/site-config/local_sos_config.json
    • /shared/sos/site-config/alignment/
  2. Calibration / alignment: Use built-in alignment tools in the SOS software:
    • See our alignment guide located here.
    • Fine-tune edge blending and overlap zones.
    • Display test patterns on each projector by loading a dataset.
  3. Measurement updates: If projectors have physically moved, update the configuration file with new measurements:
    • Open the SOS Settings in your SOS Utilities application on your Desktop.
    • Confirm your measurements for the projector heights and distances in the SOS Settings menu.
  4. Validation Testing: Run full-sphere content to verify alignment, paying special attention to areas where projector outputs overlap and ensuring smooth transitions between adjacent projectors.

Physical setup verification 

  1. Visual mount inspection: Examine each projector mount for signs of movement, loosening, or settling. Check that mounting hardware appears secure and hasn't shifted.
  2. Measurement verification: Verify key measurements match our floor plan:
    • Distance from projector lens to sphere center.
    • Mounting height relative to sphere center.
    • Angular positioning (typically 90° apart for 4-projector setup).
  3. Mount stability check: Gently test projector mounts for wobbling or loose connections (avoid applying excessive force). Tighten mounting hardware if needed.
  4. Environmental changes: Consider if any building settling, temperature changes, or nearby construction could have affected the installation. 

New projector installation

Physical installation process

  1. Safety and preparation
    • Turn off power to avoid electrical hazards.
    • Clear the work area and ensure adequate lighting.
    • Have all necessary tools and mounting hardware ready.
  2. Position planning
    • Use the floor plan from our website for geometric calculations for optimal placement.
    • Employ laser levels and measuring tools for exact positioning as detailed in the floor plan.
  3. Mounting and security
    • Ensure mounting hardware can handle the projector's weight.
    • Allow adequate clearance (1-2ft) for thermal cooling and air circulation.
    • Implement strain relief for all connections, so cables aren't bent.
  4. Cable infrastructure
    • Install high-quality DVI/DisplayPort cables.
    • Use appropriate cable gauges for power requirements.
    • Route cables neatly with service loops for future maintenance.

Configuration and integration 

  1. Network setup
    • Assign static IP address in the correct subnet (typically 10.1.1.x range).
    • Configure the projector's network settings in the projector's menu.
    • Test network connectivity with ping tests to the new projector.
      • ping [projector_IP] from command line on your SOS computer.
  2. Display settings synchronization
    • Match resolution, refresh rate, and color space to existing projectors within the projector's menu.
    • Configure brightness, contrast, and color temperature to match other units.
    • Disable automatic adjustment features that might cause inconsistency.
      • Disable High-Altitude Mode if not at a high altitude.
  3. System integration
    • Update local_sos_config.json with new projector parameters and measurements.
      • Use the included SOS Settings tool under the SOS Utilities on your desktop.
    • Add the projectors to SOS Projector Controller application configuration on your desktop.

Testing and validation

  1. Signal path verification
    • Connect video cables and verify DVI extender LED status indicators are green.
    • Test signal integrity with various content types (image, video).
    • Verify no dropped frames or signal interruptions.
  2. Basic function testing
    • Display datasets to verify projector receives and displays signals correctly.
    • Check that projector responds to software control commands using the Projector Controller.
  3. Calibration and alignment
    • Use test patterns included in the alignment software to check geometric alignment.
    • Adjust lens position, zoom, and focus for optimal image coverage based on our projector installation guide.
    • Run a full software alignment, using our guide here.
    • Perform color matching with adjacent projectors.
  4. Extended testing
    • Run the projector for 30+ minutes to verify thermal stability.
    • Test with demanding content like .mp4 datasets to ensure performance under full load.
    • Document final settings and performance characteristics for future reference.

Preventative maintenance

  1. Visual system inspection
    • Look for any projectors that appear dim, off-color, or not displaying content.
    • Check for any error messages or warnings in the SOS software log /home/sos/sos_stream_control.log.
    • Note any unusual fan noise or vibrations from projectors or computers.
  2. Basic performance monitoring
    • Verify all projectors are displaying content correctly.
    • Check that image alignment appears normal across all projectors.
    • Monitor system temperatures using the command nvidia-settings -c :2.
  3. Physical inspection
    • Check projector air intake vents for dust buildup.
    • Verify all cables remain securely connected to both the projector and SOS computer.
    • Look for any signs of projector mount movement or settling.
  4. Projector maintenance
    • Verify all mounting hardware remains properly secured.
    • Test all projector control functions and menu systems.
    • Monitor lamp hours and brightness levels for replacement planning.
      • This can be found in the projectors menu.
  5. Network and security
    • Update network documentation with any configuration changes.
    • Verify security settings and access controls remain appropriate to your SOS router.
    • Review and update firewall rules if applicable.
  6. Projector lifecycle management
    • Review lamp/laser hours in the projector's menu and plan replacement schedules.
    • Monitor brightness degradation and color accuracy over time.
    • Schedule professional projector servicing or cleaning if needed.
  7. System updates and maintenance
    • Coordinate with support team for Ubuntu system updates.
    • Review and plan graphics driver updates with the support team.
    • Implement recommended security patches and updates using the Software Updater built-in tool.
    • Plan for any hardware refresh or upgrade needs.
  8. Disaster recovery and training
    • Conduct full backup and restore procedure testing.
    • Test failover capabilities to your backup system.
    • Update emergency procedures and contact information.
    • Provide refresher training to staff on troubleshooting procedures.
    • Document any configuration changes to your system.

Best practices

  1. Documentation
    • Maintain detailed records of all configuration changes with timestamps and reasons.
    • Document both what was changed and the expected impact of changes.
    • Keep installation diagrams and specifications current.
  2. Change control
    • Always backup current configurations before making changes.
    • Test changes in isolated environments when possible.
    • Implement changes during low-usage periods to minimize impact.
  3. Regular testing
    • Regularly switch to backup systems to ensure continued functionality.
    • Test disaster recovery procedures on a scheduled basis.
    • Validate all site-specific monitoring and alerting systems regularly.
  4. Power management
    • Use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical components.
    • Implement proper grounding and electrical safety measures.

Contacting support

If issues persist after trying these solutions, contact SOS support at sos.support@noaa.gov with the following information:

  • SOS version number
  • iPad app version number
  • iOS version
  • Detailed description of the issue
  • Screenshots if applicable
  • Steps already attempted to resolve the issue

For urgent hardware issues:

  • Document specific error messages
  • Provide system specifications
  • Include recent system changes
  • Prepare TeamViewer access capability (if available)

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