University of North Carolina Collaborates with Computer Comforts, Inc.
New Lectern Design Promises to Future-Proof the Classroom
CCI has announced a new addition to its family of lecterns called the Configure-IT Series. “What makes this product unique is its modular design” says Frank Kolavo, founder of CCI. “The University of North Carolina challenged us to create a product that could manage all their smart classroom technology, was sit-to-stand for faculty comfort, and was wheelchair-friendly. Oh, I forgot to mention—it also needed to be affordable,” says Kolavo. This innovative product was created in collaboration with the Academic Technology Services (ATS) team at both UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte.
The modular building-block system starts with a sit-to-stand instructor’s table. The work surface can be adjusted from 30”- 42” H. This range of adjustment also makes this table wheelchair (ADA) compliant. CCI accomplishes this adjustability without the use of expensive electric motors—freeing the lectern from being tethered to a power outlet. The mechanism used for this adjustable table incorporates a simple “spring-assist” feature and carries a lifetime warranty. Flexibility was very important in this design, so the table comes standard with both adjustable leveling feet and locking wheels. The client can choose which to use during installation.
A matching equipment cabinet is the next building block. This freestanding cabinet can be positioned on the left or right side of the instructor’s table. The cabinet includes front and rear rack rails (14u). A locking rear metal door is standard. Customers needing more rack space can order a second cabinet to be positioned on the opposite side. These cabinets can be customized with surface mounted cable cubbies, front doors, adjustable rack shelves, and drawers. Both casters and levelers are also included with the cabinet. An optional Ganging Kit is also available for customers who don’t want the components to move after installation.
Finally, Chris Ferrer, the AV Engineer at the UNC School of Medicine explained, “heat and dust are the enemy for any lectern install. Keeping the cabinet cool and clean will extend the life of our equipment.” To address this challenge, CCI created the ‘COOL-IT’ system, which is now available for any of our equipment cabinets. A locking front door was designed with a perforated hole pattern for incoming airflow. What makes this unique is that the inside of the door includes an air filter for removing dust from incoming air. In addition, a 1u quiet exhaust fan is mounted at the top position of the rear rack rails. This fan not only pulls all the heat out of the cabinet (8x per minute), it also helps pull the cool air in through the front filtered door. A special rear door was designed to be used with this fan for heat exhaust.
For more information, visit Configure-IT Lectern and the COOL-IT Air Flow System.