How to Use Solstice Pod (Wireless Video Sharing)
Purpose
This document provides step-by-step instructions for using Mersive Solstice Pod to wirelessly share video and other content from a supported device to a classroom display.
Scope
This document applies to Palomar College classrooms equipped with a Solstice Pod. Solstice works with Mac OSX, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Linux and ChromeOS are not supported at this time.
Procedure
Step 1 - Connect Your Device to Palomar College WiFi
Power on your laptop or device.
Join Palomar College WiFi.
Step 2 - Download and Launch the Solstice App
Using a web browser, download the Solstice App from the Mersive Solstice download page.
On the classroom Extron touch panel, press Solstice Pod.
Launch the Solstice App on your device.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the Solstice Client desktop icon. Launch this application after downloading the Solstice App.
Step 3 - Configure the Solstice Discovery Address
First-time users should enter their name in the Solstice App.
Open Settings and locate Solstice Discovery Service Address.
Enter solstice.palomar.edu as the discovery address.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing Solstice Settings. Red arrows point to Settings, the user name field, and the Solstice Discovery Service Address field containing solstice.palomar.edu.
Step 4 - Select the Room and Enter the 4-Digit Key
Exit Settings. The list of available rooms should populate.
Choose the room you want to connect to from the list.
Enter the 4-digit KEY displayed in the lower-left area of the classroom display.
The key is unique to each session. After the first person joins, the same key is used by others joining during that session.
Note: If the room list does not populate, verify that solstice.palomar.edu is entered correctly using lowercase letters and correctly placed periods.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the classroom display connection information. Red arrows identify the room name A-101 and the 4-digit key 0026.
Step 5 - Choose What You Want to Share
After connecting, select the content you want to share on the classroom display.
Desktop/Mirror Screen: Share the entire Windows or Mac desktop.
App Window: Share a specific application, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or a browser.
Media File: Share photos or videos stored on the device.
If you share your desktop and are presenting audio content, enable Desktop Audio.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the Solstice Share page with three sharing options labeled Desktop, App Window, and Media File.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing an active desktop share in Solstice. The Desktop Audio control is turned on below the sharing options.
Instructional Use Overview
Instructors can moderate a classroom Solstice Meeting and control which connected users are allowed to share content on the classroom display.
Step 6 - Moderate a Classroom Solstice Meeting
Select the Meeting option.
Change Moderate this meeting to On.
As moderator, you can control which connected users are permitted to share content.
When a user requests to join and share content, review the alert and select Reject or Approve.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the Solstice interface while content is being shared. The Meeting option appears in the lower-left navigation area.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshots showing Solstice meeting moderation. The first shows Moderate this meeting turned On and an alert indicator. The second shows a sharing request with Reject and Approve buttons.
Instructor note: To encourage multiple students to share, have students join the meeting using the same 4-digit key. After approving them, use the Layout controls to choose which content appears on the display.
Step 7 - Manage the Layout and Displayed Content
Select Layout on the left side of the Solstice interface.
In the Layout tab, connected users appear as small boxes on the left side.
Drag a connected user box from the left area onto the main display area to show that user's content on the classroom display.
To hide content that is currently displayed, drag that user box from the main display area back to the left side.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the Solstice Layout tab. A red arrow points to Layout in the left navigation, and connected user content appears in the layout workspace.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshot showing the Solstice Layout tab with annotations identifying Student 1, Student 2, and the content being displayed. Users can be dragged between the left side and the main display area.
Step 8 - Use the Ink Tool on iPhone or Android
On an iPhone or Android device, use the Ink tool for laser-pointer functionality while presenting.
Drag the INK button off the dock to highlight or point to content displayed on the screen.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshots showing the Solstice mobile Ink tool. The first points to the Ink button in the bottom dock. The second shows the on-screen pointer after Ink is activated.
Step 9 - Disconnect from the Solstice Meeting
When you are finished, select Disconnect to leave the meeting.
Screenshot Alt Text:
Screenshots showing the Disconnect control on mobile and computer versions of Solstice. The Disconnect button appears at the top of each interface.
Need Help?
If you experience issues, submit a ticket through helpdesk (https://help.palomar.edu/)