PPECS & MCR Patron Portal Troubleshooting

Below you will find step-by-step instructions as a video and written out for Patron Portal with screenshots and advice for troubleshooting error messages.

This video will take you through the steps required to make PPECS and MCR reservations through the Patron Portal. 

Accessing Patron Portal

The Patron Portal can be found online at:
https://ithaca-cloud.webcheckout.net/sso/patron#!/

Log-in using your Ithaca College NetPass

Sign in with NetPass

Sign in to Patron Portal with your NetPass credentials.

Choose a Checkout Center

Choose Checkout Center

After logging in, choose the checkout center that applies to you. PPECS (Park 113) is where most portable equipment can be found. PPECS Pro is where advanced cameras and equipment are found. MCR (Park 159) is where you will find studios, rooms, editors and other fixed facilities. Equipment Testing is where advanced equipment workshops and certifications can be booked.

Message of the Day

Message of the Day

Read the Message of the Day

You will be presented with a “Message of the Day”. Please read this message as it contains useful information regarding policies, reservations, and checkout and return procedures.

Select Type of Reservation

For portable equipment select the type “PORTABLE EQUIPMENT: Reserve Only These Resources”

Selecting and Reserving Gear

The Home page that appears shows different categories of gear (i.e. lighting, microphone, still photo camera, video camera). Simply navigate to the gear that you want.  
To illustrate, let’s check out a video camera. First, in Select Type, choose “Video Camera (Choose Only One).”

Selecting a Specific Resource Type

Under Video Cameras are sub-categories that are “C100 Documentary Camera”, “Sony PXW-Z150”, “Video Camera Supports” and more. 

Choose Your Item

Choose a video camera.

For this example choose “Sony PXW-Z150” and a new page will open showing information about the camera and a list of Z150 cameras below. Click on “Add” to put the chosen camera in your cart.

Repeat this process as necessary to add all of your needed items into your shopping cart. 

Add to Cart and Create A Reservation

Add to cart.

Once you are finished, navigate to the top right of the portal page and click on the “cart” icon.

Review Your Cart

Review Reservation

Review your items, and you will then be prompted to create a reservation. 

What To Do If a Selected Resource is Unavailable

Resource Unavailable

If a resource is unavailable during your requested times, you will be provided with two options. In this example Arri 1K Fresnel # T108 is unavailable, “Check for Replacement” will look for a different unit number of the same resource type. View timeline will show you when that specific resource number will become available.

Add Non-Reservable Resources

Note to Checkout Center

On the line labeled “Note to Checkout Center” you will list any non-reservable items for your order such as batteries, tripods, slates, stingers, etc. These are resources which the checkout center has many of and are not reservable on the Patron Portal. Upon receiving your note, checkout center staff will add the requested quantity to your order.

Errors Are Normal

Error Window

It is normal to have errors at first which will need to be corrected in order to proceed. We didn't create this system, but we are doing our best to make it work for you!

If no errors are present, click "Submit Reservation."

Error Messages & Fixes

Below you will find common error messages along with solutions to help you make your reservation. With patience and practice, you'll be a pro at this process in no time.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

This error indicates you must check the box indicating you have read the terms and conditions of your order. This is where you accept financial responsibility for your equipment while it is in your possession. 

Event Title

Event Title

This indicates that you must add an event title to your reservation. This is typically the name of the class for which the equipment is being reserved.

Change Pickup Day

Forbidden pickup day.

When you receive this message, it means pickups cannot be made on your selected day. You must return to the top of the screen and change your pickup day to a day where pickups are allowed. Pickups are allowed Tuesday through Thursday 1pm to 4pm and Friday 10am to 4pm.

Change Return Day

Forbidden return day.

This indicates returns cannot be made on your selected day. In order to place the reservation, you must change your return day to a day of the week which allows returns. Returns can be made on Mondays from 10am to 4pm and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm.

Change Pickup or Return Hours

Closed at pickup time.

This indicates that your pickup and/or return is scheduled outside of PPECS hours. PPECS is open from 10AM to 4PM Monday through Friday.

Book in Advance

Book at least 3 days in advance.

This message means that you have not booked your reservation far enough in advance. 48 hours advance notice is required for PPECS and 72 hours advance notice for PPECS Pro. To continue, you will need to adjust your pickup time later to adhere to at least 48 or 72 hours in advance respectively.

Return Time AFTER Pickup Time

Return time after pickup time

When selecting a date and time the return time must be after the pickup time. This means if a pickup on a Friday then the next available time to return it would be Monday of the next week. Make sure to double check in the system when choosing reservation times so the pickup time comes first and the return time comes last. If it does not follow this order the system will not allow for the reservation and this notification will appear. 

Resource Not Available

Resource Unavailable

This indicates the selected resource is unavailable during your selected times. Either select a different resource number of the same time, or adjust your dates to a time when that specific item is available.