This guide will tell you all you need to know to create a recording using a 'Discovery Kit 7'. However, if this is the first time the hardware is being used, it is recommended to follow the installation guide here.
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What is a Discovery Kit?
The IRIS Connect Discovery Kit is a portable recording kit that allows you to capture footage from two different angles and have the videos merged together into one Reflection.
The kit includes:
- Blue (primary) iPad to capture audio and video, housed in a tripod
- Blue-cased iPod acting as the primary microphone, provided with external mic, lanyard and clip
- Green (secondary) iPad to capture audio and video, also housed in a tripod
- Green-cased iPod acting as a secondary microphone
- Charging block and device charging cables (x4)
- Case to store and carry the kit.
Not sure which hardware you have? Click here to identify your hardware.
Instructional Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the equipment
WARNING! Make sure that all devices are fully charged before you attempt to start a recording. You may get a low power icon flash up on the screen, if this happens charge the device with the supplied power cables.
1. Prepare the microphones
The Discovery Kit 7 includes two iPods to be used as microphones. We recommend you use both, however you may choose to just use one. Take them out of the carry case.
Ensure that the external microphone is plugged into the headphone jack of the blue-cased (primary) iPod and that the audio cable is plugged into the (secondary) iPod in the green foam casing.
Power on the iPods using the button on the top right of the device.
2. Prepare the iPads
Remove the tripods (and iPads that should be attached) from the carry bag. The iPads do not need to be removed from the tripods or device holders, but if they have become detached you can reattach them by pulling the end of the holder to extend it. To turn on the iPad, hold down the power button located on the top of the device.
3. Open the Record app
On each device you are using, open the IRIS Connect Record app.
It should be located on the home screen, but use the search function if you cannot locate it. Once you find the app icon (as displayed), simply tap it to load the app.
NOTE: Software Update
If you are prompted for an update at this step, please follow the on-screen instructions to install the app update. Ignoring an update may affect our ability to process your reflection.
Can't find the app? If the device appears not to have the app, it can be downloaded from the app store.
4. Sign in to your account
Once the app is open, sign into your account using the Sign in button on the left side. If you have not previously logged into your account, you will have to click Add User and enter your credentials. Once you're logged in you're ready to start recording.
5. Place the equipment
Consider where you place the equipment to capture the best possible footage of your session. Note that the primary iPod is intended to be attached to the educator, whilst the secondary iPod is designed to pick up sound from around the room. The iPads capturing the video footage will also pick up audio recording too.
6. Attach the primary microphone to yourself
To capture your audio during your recording, we strongly recommend attaching the primary microphone to yourself. You can also use it as a remote to start and end the recording, and also 'bookmark' moments during the recording.
You can do this by using one of the following methods:
- Attach it to the lanyard provided and wear around your neck
- Use the clip on the blue case to attach it directly onto your belt or clothing
- Put the device in your pocket
Whichever way you attach it to yourself, make sure you also secure the lapel microphone using the crocodile clip. A lapel, collar or lanyard work well to make sure it is held within close proximity of your mouth for optimum audio.
7. Begin a New Reflection
When you're ready to begin recording, click the Rec button. Once finished, click Stop. You'll then have a chance to name your reflection. The name will be auto populated but you can change it at this time. Click Save and Upload to begin the uploading process. If you choose to Delete and record new, your recording will be deleted and will not be able to be recovered by IRIS Connect if deleted at this stage.
Recording
Instructions for using the Record app to create a recording
The Discovery Kit will use the Record app on your device to capture your recording. If you are unfamiliar with the app, you can access the relevant article, or use the button below to get step by step instructions in the Platform to guide you through using the IRIS Connect Record app.
Show me how to use the Record App.
After you have finished recording
- Make sure that the recording has fully uploaded before turning off the primary device
- We recommend charging all devices so that they will have enough battery for the next recording
Find out how to access your recordings. Tutorial: How to review your Reflections.
Troubleshooting
The Warning Manager may load on the app to highlight that there are problems that may affect the recording. See below to find out more.
Warning Manager
The Warning Manager brings to your attention various issues which may affect a reflection about to be recorded. It can be accessed by tapping the warning button in the top panel on the dashboard of the app.
The issues will be listed and you can tap on them for more information and guidance on how to resolve each particular item.
Pairing Manager
Please note all devices do not need to be connected to the Wi-Fi network but they do need to have Wi-Fi connection enabled as the audio feed is transferred from microphone to camera via Peer-to-Peer WiFi connection.
Bluetooth is required for pairing between the camera and microphone devices. If no Wi-Fi is available then the devices will record, but will only start uploading to the platform once the camera devices are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
You will need a Wi-Fi connection the first time you log onto the app. If you have previously logged on you only need Wi-Fi to upload and periodically update the app.
See here for a full guide on pairing your Discovery Kit devices.