Screencasting via Solstice
Last Modified on 08/22/2023 1:58 pm EDT
This article provides instructions on how to use Solstice to wirelessly share your device's screen to the monitors in the GSRs and classrooms.
Before you begin
- The device you want to share wirelessly must be connected to AirPennNet or AirPennNet-Device.
NOTE: AirPennNet-Guest is NOT recommended for students, faculty and staff who want to connect to the wireless network. This option is designed for guests at the University and has limited bandwidth.
To use Solstice to share your device with a classroom or GSR screen, there are two steps to follow:
- Solstice software must be installed on the device you want to share from, and you'll need to launch the software.
- Solstice must be launched from the classroom or GSR screen (it's already installed on these systems).
Classrooms
To use Solstice in Wharton classrooms, you must log into the classroom's computer:
- Log in to the PC at the lectern.
- Press the Wireless button on the touch panel.
- Select a destination screen from the Displays section on the touch panel. The selected screens will drop and instructions to connect your device will display on them.
- Open a web browser and browse to the IP address displayed on the screen. If you do not have the Solstice app installed, you will be sent to a page to download it.
- In the Solstice app, enter the IP address displayed on the screen.
- The screen will display a four-digit key. Enter this key in the Solstice app and you will be connected.
GSRs
To use Solstice in Wharton's Group Study Rooms:
- Wake the touch panel (to the left of the display) by tapping it.
- Tap Wireless Presentation.
- The display should turn on and present the following:
- Launch Solstice on your device, and connect by following the instructions below.
Solstice Client
To project your device's screen to the room's screen(s) you need to install the Solstice client.
Windows & MacOS
Installation
- Using a web browser, enter the IP address of the Solstice software you are connecting to.
- When prompted for a name, enter your preferred name.
- Click Settings in the bottom-left.
- For Solstice Directory Service Address type in solstice.wharton.upenn.edu.
Usage
- In Solstice Client, you'll see a list of rooms which are currently running Solstice Display:
- Select the room that you are in.
- Enter the 4-digit key shown on Solstice Display.
- You are now connected to the monitor in the room.
- You can choose to share your entire desktop, a specific application, or a single file.
Tips on Laptop Usage
- Up to 4 people can share items to the monitor at one time.
- Sharing: Anything shared from your desktop appears in the window on your laptop. Clicking and dragging within the window will move items around on the display. Right Clicking on an item yields four options:
- Flip provides technical information about the item.
- Fullscreen maximizes the item on the screen, and minimizes other items.
- Stack creates a stack of items compressed together, allowing you to flip through them in order by clicking.
- Delete stops the item from displaying on the monitor.
- Solstice in System tray: looking for the Solstice window once you've logged in? Check your system tray for the icon.
iOS
- Search Solstice Client in the iOS App Store and install it.
- When prompted for a name, enter your preferred name.
- Tap the gear icon top open the app settings.
- For Solstice Directory Service Address type in solstice.wharton.upenn.edu.
Tips on iOS Usage
- Share: Click Share for the following options:
- Media Library, select pictures and videos for display.
- Camera, allows you to take a picture or video and send it to the monitor immediately. (This feature is unavailable in iPad v. 5.1 or lower, and the app will log you out if you choose it.)
- Tap and drag within the app to move items around on the display.
- Tap and hold on an item to:
- Flip provides technical information about the item.
- Fullscreen maximizes the item on the screen, and minimizes other items.
- Stack creates a stack of items compressed together, allowing you to flip through them in order by clicking.
- Delete stops the item from displaying on the monitor.
Android
- Search Solstice Client in the Google Play Store.
- Tap to install.
- When prompted for a name, enter your preferred name.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap the gear in the top-right corner.
- For Solstice Directory Service Address type in solstice.wharton.upenn.edu.
Tips on Android Usage
- Share: The current Android version allows you to share:
- Media Library, select pictures and videos for display.
- Camera, allows you to take a picture or video and send it to the monitor immediately.
- Take Video, allows you to take a video and send it to the monitor.
- Stream Webview: allows you to display Internet sites.
- Tap and drag within the app to move items around on the display.
- Tap and hold on an item to:
- Flip provides technical information about the item.
- Fullscreen maximizes the item on the screen, and minimizes other items.
- Stack creates a stack of items compressed together, allowing you to flip through them in order by clicking.
- Delete stops the item from displaying on the monitor.
Troubleshooting Steps
Can’t see the list of displays on my laptop/mobile device
Open Solstice Client on your device, click/tap Settings, and ensure solstice.wharton.upenn.edu is entered for Solstice Directory Service Address.
Can’t connect to a display from your device
Make sure you are connected to AirPennNet or AirPennNet-Guest. A device connected to any other network (including cellular networks and private hotspots) will not be able to share to Solstice. If you are using AirPennNet-Guest, you won’t be able to use Solstice Directory Service – instead, you’ll need to enter the IP address displayed on the room’s screen.
Can’t see the room you’re in from your device
Tap Wireless Presentation on the touch panel to ensure Solstice Display is open. Close and reopen Solstice Client on your device. If the display still doesn't appear, click/tap Enter IP in Solstice Client and enter the IP Address from Solstice Display.
Trouble scrolling when in Full Screen Mode
If you're in full screen mode, there is no way to scroll. You need to minimize or exit the system, choose a new screen, and then go back into full screen mode.
Screen displays sideways
If your screen displays sideways you'll need to rotate the picture within the photo app on your phone. This is a limitation of the software which we are hoping will be remedied in future releases.
Questions?
Contact: Wharton Computing Student Support
Email: support@wharton.upenn.edu
