SOS Explorer® Exhibiting Options Guide
Introduction
Permalink to IntroductionSOS Explorer® (SOSx) has historically been used as a tool for public interactive exhibits, in museums for example, similar to Science on a Sphere but easier to acquire and takes up less space. With the release of SOSx 1.5.0 we have completely revamped the install process by using a new cloud-based delivery method. This means that you can fully install SOS Explorer® on your Windows computer with an internet connection without the need of any additional hardware or software. If you are looking to acquire a fully supported public exhibit, we recommend contacting sos.explorer@noaa.gov for distributor details, as the free version, accessed by downloading from our website has limited support.
If you haven’t already downloaded SOSx, you can do so here:
Since the new version of SOSx only includes a software install, this guide serves as a step-by-step process of the hardware installation and machine configuration you might need for the best public interactive exhibit experience. As part of our effort to increase accessibility for the software, we have removed several features that we previously included in pre-1.5.0 SOSx installs, which include the automatic setup of Exhibiting Features. These Features optimize the machine for exhibiting purposes. This guide will help you set these features up again manually.
Hardware Setup
Permalink to Hardware SetupAt the bare minimum, SOSx needs these System Requirements to run on a Windows-based computer. However, to set up an interactive exhibit, it is likely that you will need a setup that’s tweaked to your needs. For example, you might want to use a desktop computer with a large display and a touchscreen kiosk to facilitate the interaction with visitors.
In a two-screen configuration, you typically have one large display, such as a TV, connected via HDMI to the computer, and a smaller touchscreen, connected by a video cable and a USB cable to the computer. (The actual cables needed to connect a touchscreen can vary depending on the particular model of touchscreen chosen.) The SOSx computer needs to be connected to the internet via an ethernet cable. If your display lacks speakers, it is recommended that you buy them separately so that visitors can listen to audio.
You may also optionally connect a keyboard and mouse. This may be useful for maintenance, or for guests to control SOSx if you’re not using a touchscreen.
Wiring Diagram
Permalink to Wiring DiagramScreen Resolution Settings and Multiple Monitors
Permalink to Screen Resolution Settings and Multiple MonitorsBefore running SOS Explorer®, the computer should be configured with the proper display configuration. The application expects two monitors to be attached. The main or primary screen should be the touch screen and the secondary screen should be the larger TV. To access the display settings right click on the desktop and choose Display settings.
Display Configuration
Permalink to Display ConfigurationThis will open the settings dialog window where you should try to match the settings outlined below.