Wireless presenter remotes

Summary

Wireless presenter remotes are a staple accessory for lecturers who use PowerPoint and Google Slides for course lectures and special events. This illustrated article compares several models commonly provided in university classrooms and auditoriums.

Body

The Logitech R800 wireless presenter remote

...is the standard for Google and PowerPoint slide shows in LSA-supported spaces on central campus

Logitech remote side view (a)Logitech remote side view (b) showing power switch

  • Note power switch on side of unit - green means it's on.
  • Its receiver, commonly referred to as a "dongle" or "fob", is stored in a compartment at the bottom of the remote.

Logitech remote with receiver visibly lodged in storage compartment

  • Unless receiver is plugged into a computer or podium monitor's USB port, the remote will not function.

Logitech remote with receiver removed from storage compartment

  • Brand new R800s come with a removable transparent covering over the LCD display window, and a white paper ribbon protruding from the battery chamber.
  • This prevents one of the two AAA batteries from touching the contacts.

New remote, white paper ribbon visibly protruding from battery compartment

  • As soon as the paper is removed, you can feel the remote vibrate into "on" mode.

White paper ribbon indicates brand new remoteWhite paper ribbon prevents battery and unit contacts from connecting

Numbered diagram identifying different functionsLogitech R800 wireless presenter remote

  • Note the importance of No.4,  the "black screen" button.
  • Presenters who accidentally blacken the screen while talking maybe be surprised that their slide has "disappeared".
  • The remedy of course is to press it again.
  • Options 5 and 6 control a timer. To employ this rarely used feature, consult the user manual by following this link:

https://www.logitech.com/assets/65045/2/r800-laser-presentation-remote.pdf

Non-standard remotes

  • The Logitech R400 is smaller and displays a battery power indicator on start-up.

Logitech R400 remote

The Trouble with Kensingtons

  • In 2023, Logitechs attained unexpected prominence as LSA Technology Services was forced to begin removing all Kensington brand presenter remotes from LSA-supported classrooms and auditoriums, after it was determined that Kensingtons were causing podium computers to shut down, sometimes in the middle of PowerPoint lectures.
  • Please note that the Kensington-triggered shut down issue seems only to have occurred with Windows computers installed in our standard classroom podiums.
  • Because Kensingtons may still be encountered in peripheral and non-LSA spaces, this article's descriptions of Kensington remotes are being retained for informational purposes.
  • The Kensington Wireless Presenter Pro is equipped with a green laser pointer for greater visibility in larger rooms.
  • Its simple button layout follows the standard basic pattern of pointer, forward, reverse and black screen. There is no display indicating battery power.

Kensignton Presenter Expert Wireless Cursor Control

  • The Kensignton Presenter Expert Wireless Cursor Control is a fancy combination of laser pointer, slide advancer and mouse.
  • The ability to manipulate its centrally located cursor control knob (referred to by the manufacturer as a "joystick") is an acquired skill.

A Kensington remote

The most venerable vintage Kensington

Unlike more recent presenter remotes, the venerable Kensington 33374 has no on-off switch.

It automatically powers on when the dongle receiver is removed from the bottom of the unit.

Until the dongle is replaced, the remote will continue to draw power from the batteries.

This older model has been gradually phased out, but may still turn up in classrooms, conference rooms and auditoriums across campus. 

The original Kensington presenter remote

Original Kensington presenter remote revealing its "dongle" or "fob"


For Assistance Call 734-615-0100 [Prompt 1]

Details

Details

Article ID: 10623
Created
Thu 8/10/23 4:48 PM
Modified
Wed 2/11/26 1:21 PM