NCD Explora 700 Installing Manual

Installing Your Explora 700
Network Computer

Part Number 9300587 Rev. A
October, 1997

Network Computing Devices, Inc.
350 North Bernardo Avenue
Mountain View, California 94043
Email: [e-mail]

Copyright

Copyright © 1997 by Network Computing Devices, Inc. The information contained in this document is
subject to change without notice. Network Computing Devices, Inc. shall not be liable for errors con­tained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance,
or use of this material. This document contains information which is protected by copyright. All rights
are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another lan­guage without the prior written consent of Network Computing Devices, Inc.

Trademarks

Explora, Explora Pro, ECX, HMX, HMXpro, HMXpro24, WinCenter, WinCenter Pro, WinCenter Connect,
NCDnet, and NCDware are trademarks of Network Computing Devices, Inc. XRemote is a registered
trademark of Network Computing Devices, Inc.

All trademarks and service marks are the trademarks and service marks of their respective companies.

All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropri­ately capitalized. NCD cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should
not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Revisions

Revision history of this document:

Warnings and Certifications

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.

Part Number Revision Date Description

9300587 Rev. A October, 1997 First release of this manual for Explora 700

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer’s Name: Network Computing Devices, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 350 N. Bernardo Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043
Type of Equipment: X-Terminal
Model No.: Xplora and Xplorapro family of bases
Application of Council Directives: 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC
Standards to which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022, EN 50082-1, EN 60950
Importer’s Name: Network Computing Devices (France) SARL
Importer’s Address: 5, bis rue de Petit-Robinson, 78353 Jouy-en-Josas cedex, France

We hereby declare the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

___________________________________________________________

Jean-Claude Vau, Director, Strategic Sales Manager,

NCD

(France)

SARL

, August, 1997

Guidelines for Productive and Healthy Use of Your Network Computer

You might have read or heard of articles that link prolonged viewing of computer video displays with
eye fatigue, and prolonged use of computer keyboards and mouse devices with repetitive stress injuries
such as carpal tunnel syndrome. One common example is the syndrome known as “tennis elbow.”
Although a conclusive direct causal relationship between computer use and these adverse health effects
has yet to be scientifically proven, NCD recommends that you read and follow these guidelines in setting
up and using your new NCD network computer.

• Set up your network computer in a well lit, glare and shadow-free environment.

• Do not use your network computer in a position you find awkward or unnatural.

• Use a chair that provides good lower back support. Adjust your chair so that your feet rest flat on the

floor with your thighs in a horizontal position.

• Place your keyboard on a surface so that your wrists are not tilted, or only slightly tilted, while using
the keyboard. Many people find a comfortable keyboard height is at the same level as their elbows.

• If the height of your work surface cannot be adjusted, position the chair at a comfortable height and
use a footrest to place your feet on a level surface.

• Place your mouse on a surface that is at the same height as your keyboard. Many people find using the
mouse and keyboard within 16 inches (0.4 m) of the body is comfortable.

• Avoid resting your arm on your work surface and merely bending your wrist when using your
mouse. Consider using a wrist rest to provide a padded surface for your wrists when working with
your mouse.

• Place your display monitor at a comfortable viewing distance. Many people favor a distance of 16 to
28 inches (0.4 to 0.7 m) from their eyes. Position the screen so that you are not looking up or down at it.

• Take breaks to rest your eyes, stretch your muscles, and move around.

• Vary your work patterns so that you alternate working at your computer with other tasks that use

different muscle groups and allow you to focus your eyes at different distances.

• See your physician if you experience persistent muscle ache, joint pain, eye fatigue or other discomfort
when using your network computer.

These are guidelines. What is comfortable for some might not be comfortable for you. You are the only
one who can decide if these guidelines are appropriate for your needs.

What about electromagnetic emissions from your monitor?

Many objects we encounter in our everyday lives produce very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low
frequency (ELF) electromagnetic emissions. These objects include such common appliances as portable
cellular telephones, televisions, toasters, electric blankets, and video display terminals (VDT) such as the
monitor that is part of your network computer. VDTs have been the focus of a growing controversy over
the potential health effect of VLF and ELF emissions.

NCD is monitoring this issue and shares the public’s concern over the potential health consequences of
exposure to VLF and ELF emissions from VDTs. To date, the research and testing on this subject is
inconclusive. Moreover, the link, if any, between VDT emissions and adverse health effects is unproven
and the subject of much debate. Stress, postural strain, and poor working conditions are frequently cited
in addition to, or instead of, VDT emissions as posing potential health hazards to frequent users of VDTs.

The prevailing professional opinion to date is that VDTs are safe. NCD products comply with the
applicable regulations and standards for electromagnetic radiation set forth by the U.S. Code of Federal
Regulations, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standards Association, and the German VDE
Standard. When and if new or additional standards are adopted, NCD will take appropriate steps to
comply with them.

Even though the preponderance of professional opinion is that VDTs are safe, some of our customers
have asked us for information on how to reduce their exposure to VLF and ELF emissions. Although
NCD does not endorse the following as having health benefits, the easiest and perhaps most economical
and effective measures are to turn off your display when not in use, to position your display at arm’s
length, and to avoid working in areas where you are positioned close to the rear of a VDT (where the
emissions are strongest). Also, shields are available from third party vendors that reduce glare and
electric emissions.

vii

Contents

Chapter 1

About the Explora 700 Network Computer

Chapter 2

Explora 700 Product Line

Chapter 3

Basic Installation

Connectors 3-2

Power Connections 3-3

Power Connections for Inside the USA 3-4

Power Connections for Outside the USA 3-5

Power Cord for the UK 3-5

Controls and Indicators 3-5

Chapter 4

Selecting Screen Resolution

Chapter 5

Installing Optional Equipment

Installing Additional Memory 5-1

Disassembling the Base 5-4

Installing SIMMs 5-6

Removing SIMMs 5-8

Reassembling the Base 5-8

Testing Memory 5-9

Installing PCMCIA Cards 5-11

Installing the Power Combo Cable 5-13

Contents

viii

Chapter 6

Specifications

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting

Isolating Faulty Components 7-1

Mouse Troubleshooting 7-1

Monitor Troubleshooting 7-2

Base Troubleshooting 7-2

In Case of Trouble 7-2

Returning Components 7-3

Ethernet Address of Replacement Bases 7-3

Comments on the Booklet 7-3

About the Explora 700 Network Computer

1-1

1 About the Explora 700 Network Computer

The Explora 700 network computer (NC) consists of a circuit board in a base, a
monitor, a mouse, and a keyboard. You can purchase the

NC

alone or with a

monitor.

The base, shown in Figure 1-1, supports the weight of a color monitor.

The Explora 700

NC

is an advanced network computer that includes the

following features:

❏

VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA

monitor support

❏

PS

/2 mouse support

❏

Multiple keyboard choices

❏

Serial (

RS-232 C

) port

❏

Parallel port

❏

Externally accessible

PCMCIA

card (also called PC card) socket

❏

Audio output

❏

ENERGY STAR

compliance for energy efficiency

Figure 1-1 Explora 700 Base

1-2

About the Explora 700 Network Computer

Table 1-1 lists the features of the Explora 700.

As an

ENERGY STAR

Partner, Network Computing Devices, Inc. has

determined that this product meets the

ENERGY STAR

guidelines for energy

efficiency.

Table 1-2 on page 1-2 lists the physical dimensions of the base.

Table 1-1 Features

Feature Explora 700

CPU MIPS R4700, 150 MHz

Memory 8 MB standard, 256MB maximum,

fast-page mode only

Graphics S3 TRIO64V2/DX, 2 MB EDO DRAM

used as a frame buffer, 1600x1200
maximum

Networking Twisted pair 10/100BaseTX Ethernet

and thin coax Ethernet

Table 1-2 Explora 700 Dimensions

Dimension Explora 700

Height 2.1 inches (5.3 cm)

Width 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)

Depth 13.2 inches (33.5 cm)

Weight 6.25 pounds (2.8 kg)

Explora 700 Product Line

2-1

2 Explora 700 Product Line

Figure 2-1 shows the Explora 700 base and all its components, including
options.

Unpack the shipping cartons and make sure you have all of the standard
components and any optional components that you ordered. If any
components are missing or appear damaged, contact

NCD

at [phone] or

your representative immediately.

PCM

CIA

Power supplies and line cords

Key boa rd PS/2 mouse

Monitor and video cable (optional)

Memory SIMM (optional)

PCMCIA card (optional)

Explora 700

Figure 2-1 Explora 700 Components

2-2

Explora 700 Product Line

Basic Installation

3-1

3 Basic Installation

This section describes the location of Explora 700 connectors, controls, and
indicators, and illustrates the installation of the

NC

.

Warning

To prevent electric shock or fire hazard, do not expose the power supply,
NC, monitor line cord, or monitor to rain or moisture.

Caution

Use the NC only in an office or business environment. Do not subject the NC to
vibration, dust, or corrosive gases because the NC is not designed to be used in
such environments.

Keep the NC in a well-ventilated area. Do not cover the NC or place anything
against the ventilation holes. Ventilation holes are on the cover to prevent the
internal temperature from rising. Do not allow anything to fall in the ventilation
holes.

Keep the NC away from heat sources, including direct sunshine or heating
appliances. The maximum operating temperature is 40°C (104°F).

Connectors

3-2

Basic Installation

Connectors

This section describes and illustrates the installation of the Explora 700 NC.

Caution

Before connecting any cables, make sure the power is off.

Do not connect any power cords to the Explora 700 unless the monitor, keyboard,
and mouse are properly connected.

If you are installing additional memory in your NC, do not complete the basic
installation until you have installed the memory. Go to “Installing Additional
Memory” on page 5-1.

Figure 3-1 on page 3-3 shows how to connect other components to the base
connectors.

Connect the following to the

NC

:

❏

Keyboard

❏

Mouse

❏

Monitor

❏

Network

❏

Audio, if used

❏

Serial and/or parallel devices, if used

To connect the power supply, follow the instructions in “Power Connections”
on page 3-3.

Power Connections

Basic Installation

3-3

Power Connections

This section describes and illustrates the power connection to the Explora 700

NC

.

Warning

Carefully observe these power connection instructions. Failure to follow
these instructions can cause fire or electric shock hazard.

Make sure that all other connectors are in place before making the power
connection.

Power supply—make
this connection last.

Mouse

Keyboard

Parallel (if used)

Serial (if used)

Monitor

Twisted-pair
network
connection*

Thin Ethernet network

Figure 3-1 Explora 700 Connectors

connection*

*

NOTE:

Make only one

network connection
at a time.If you have
connections to both
the twisted-pair and
the thin Ethernet, the

Audio (if used)

twisted-pair has priority,
if active.

Power Connections

3-4

Basic Installation

Power Connections for Inside the USA

There are three different sets of power components available if you ordered
your

NC

for use inside the

USA:

1. A 115-volt power transformer for the

NC

that plugs directly into the wall

outlet and a 115-volt line cord for the monitor. See Figure 3-2.

2. A 115-volt power transformer that requires a line cord and two 115-volt
line cords, one line cord for the power transformer and one for the
monitor. See Figure 3-2.

The line cords are

UL

Listed and

CSA

Certified cord sets rated minimum

7 amps, 125 volts, which consists of minimum

18 AWG

,

type

SVT

or

SJT

,

three conductor cordage maximum 15 feet in length, terminating in a

NEMA 5-15P

plug

.

3. An optional power combo cable. If you have this option, see “Installing
the Power Combo Cable” on page 5-13.

115-volt transformer for the NC 115-volt line cord for the monitor

Figure 3-2 Wall-Plug Transformer and Line Cord

Line cord (115-volt shown)

Power transformer (varies with voltage)

Figure 3-3 Transformer and Line Cord

To N C

Controls and Indicators

Basic Installation

3-5

Power Connections for Outside the USA

If you ordered your

NC

for use outside the

USA

, you received either the
optional power combo cable with a power transformer and one line cord or
the following items: power transformer that requires a line cord for your
voltage and two line cords. See Figure 3-2.

The line cords are rated minimum 10 amps, 250 volts, with the appropriate
safety approvals for the country in which the equipment will be installed. The
cordage should be marked

<HAR>

and terminate in a grounding type

attachment plug. If you are in the

UK

, see “Power Cord for the UK.”

If you have the optional power combo cable, see “Installing the Power Combo
Cable” on page 5-13.

Power Cord for the UK

The detachable mains lead on this equipment is supplied with a moulded
plug incorporating a fuse, the value of which is indicated on the pin face of
the plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced, an

ASTA

or

BSI

approved BS
1362 fuse must be used of the same rating. The fuse cover is detachable. Never
use the plug with the cover omitted.

Controls and Indicators

The controls and indicators for the Explora 700 are shown in Figure 3-4.

Power
switc h

Power
indicator

Network
activity
indicator

Front view

Back view

Twisted-pair link look-through hole

Figure 3-4 Explora 700 Controls and Indicators

Controls and Indicators

3-6

Basic Installation

Selecting Screen Resolution

4-1

4 Selecting Screen Resolution

Refer to your monitor documentation for its supported resolutions. If your
monitor complies with automatic detection (DDC or display data channel),
your monitor automatically uses the highest resolution and refresh rate that
fits in the available frame buffer. If you want to select another resolution or
refresh rate, use these instructions.

If your monitor does not comply with automatic detection, when you first
turn the

NC

on, the display uses a default resolution that

depends on the
installed video cable and monitor capabilities. Your monitor might not
support this setting or this setting might not provide the highest resolution
and refresh rate that your monitor supports.

The Boot Monitor provides a menu that selects the correct resolution and
changes the dpi (dots per inch) setting for the monitor.

Caution

If you are using third-party monitors, you might damage your monitor by selecting
the wrong screen resolution. Make sure your monitor supports your selection.

If you are using NCD monitors, you will get a blank screen if you select a screen
resolution that is outside the range of your monitor.

To change the resolution:

1. Turn on the system or reboot (if the system is already on).

2. After the Boot Monitor title and version number, messages similar to the

following appear. Press the Escape key to interrupt the booting process
and access the Boot Monitor prompt (>).

Searching for IP address...
Using IP address

IP address of terminal

Searching for subnet mask
Using subnet mask

subnet mask

...........................

(Press Escape to interrupt booting.)

>

4-2

Selecting Screen Resolution

3. When you are in the Boot Monitor (> prompt), press the Setup key or type

se <CR>

. The Main menu appears. (See Figure 4-1.)

Help

Keyboard Monitor Network Boot Done

Help

Use the arrow keys to navigate through the menus
listed across the top of the screen:

Left, Right Go to previous or next menus.
Up, Down Go to previous or next field

within the current menu.
Control-U Delete to beginninbg of line.
Escape Restore previous value.

Help for each field within a menu is shown along the
bottom of the screen.

Exit via the Done menu at the right of the screen.

Figure 4-1 Boot Monitor Main Menu

Selecting Screen Resolution

4-3

4. Use the right arrow key to select

Monitor

. The screen now displays the

available monitor resolution settings. (See Figure 4-2.)

5. Press the up or down arrow keys to select the correct setting for your
monitor.

6. Press the right arrow key to select

Dots Per Inch

.

7. Enter the numerical value that matches the resolution you have selected or
leave the default value.

8. To test the selected refresh rate, press Shift-T. Running this test generates a
cross-hatch test pattern. If the refresh rate you select is not supported by
the monitor, the test pattern will either not appear or not be stable.

9. Press any key to return to the Monitor menu.

Figure 4-2 Supported Resolutions for Explora 700

Help

Keyboard Monitor

Network Boot Done

Monitor Resolution

Automatic Detection (DDC)
640 x 480 60Hz
640 x 480 72Hz
640 x 480 75Hz
640 x 480 85 Hz
800 x 600 60Hz
800 x 600 72Hz
800 x 600 75Hz
800 x 600 85Hz
1024 x 768 60Hz
1024 x 768 70Hz
1024 x 768 75Hz
1024 x 768 85Hz
1152 x 900 66Hz
1152 x 900 76Hz
1280 x 1024 60Hz
1280 x 1024 70Hz
1280 x 1024 75Hz
1280 x 1024 85Hz
1600 x 1200 60Hz
1600 x 1200 65Hz

Dots Per Inch

XX

Press Shift-T to rest new monitor parameters, Esc to stop test

4-4

Selecting Screen Resolution

10. Press the right arrow key to select

Done

. The menu shown in Figure 4-3

appears.

11. Use the up or down arrow keys to select one of the options from the

Done

menu.

Reboot

— saves the settings you changed and reboots the system.

Exit

— saves the settings and returns you to the Boot Monitor.

Undo

— reloads the parameters that were in effect when you entered the

menus. The system continues to display the menus.

12. Press the Return key.

If you save your selection, you do not need to repeat this procedure unless
you change to a different type or size of monitor.

Help

Keyboard Monitor Network Boot Done

Save Parameters and reboot. Press <Return> to confirm

Exit

Undo

Done

Reboot

Figure 4-3 Boot Monitor Done Menu

Installing Optional Equipment

5-1

5 Installing Optional Equipment

This section describes the installation of the Explora 700 optional equipment.
The optional equipment is shown in Figure 5-1.

If you are adding additional memory, do so before doing Section 3, “Basic
Installation,” on page 3-1.

Installing Additional Memory

You can add memory to your unit at any time. You may purchase it from

NCD

or other vendors. Only

SIMMs

supplied by

NCD

are covered under

NCD

’s

warranty. Contact

NCD

Technical Support for information about approved

vendors.

In the standard configuration, Explora 700 has 8

MB

of fast-page mode

memory. Adding more memory does not improve

NC

speed.

Each application running on your

NC

and each open window requires
memory. If the sum of all memory needed exceeds the installed memory, you
get a message to close windows. To avoid this message, add memory to your

NC

.

The Explora 700 has four

SIMM

slots, organized as two pairs of two slots. One

pair of slots is

SIMM

1 and

SIMM

2. The other pair of slots is

SIMM

3 and

SIMM

4.
See Table 5-1 on page 5-2 for the allowable configuration of the four slots and
Table 5-2 on page 5-3 for a list of

SIMM

specifications.

PCMCIA card

Memory SIMM

Figure 5-1 Optional Equipment

PCMCIA

Power combo cable

Installing Additional Memory

5-2

Installing Optional Equipment

The following rules apply to installing

SIMM

s:

❏

Install matching

SIMM

s in a pair of slots.

❏

It makes no difference which pair of slots is used as the first pair of slots
and which is used as the second.

❏

You can intermix fast-page mode and

EDO SIMM

s. You will always get

fast-page mode performance.

See Table 5-1 for the allowable configuration of the two pair of slots.

Table 5-1 Explora 700 Memory Configurations

Total

Memory

(MB)

First

Pair of

Slots

(MB)

Second

Pair of

Slots

(MB)

Tota l

Memory

(MB)

First

Pair of

Slots

(MB)

Second

Pair of

Slots

(MB)

4203288

82248816

84048168

16 8 0 64 32 0

16 4 4 64 16 16

32 16 0 128 32 32

Installing Additional Memory

Installing Optional Equipment

5-3

Caution

If you do not feel confident performing the following procedure on your NC, send
the NC to a qualified service center.

Installing additional memory is a four-section procedure described in detail
on the following pages:

1. Disassemble the

NC

. See “Disassembling the Base” on page 5-4.

2. Install the

SIMM

(s). See “Installing SIMMs” on page 5-6.

3. Reassemble the

NC

. See “Reassembling the Base” on page 5-8.

4. Test the memory after your

NC

is up and running. See “Tes t in g M e mo ry ”

on page 5-9.

The only tool you need is a small flat-blade screwdriver.

Table 5-2 SIMM Specifications

Speed Fast-page mode or

EDO

, 60 nanoseconds (ns) or faster

(lower ns ratings are faster). 72 pins.

Profile Low profile (maximum 1.1 inches (28 mm) tall). Use tin-

plated

SIMM

contacts.

Thickness Board thickness of 0.047 inches to 0.054 inches (0.050 inches

(1.27 mm) nominal). Installing

SIMMs

that are out of

specifications might damage the

SIMM

slot or cause the NC

to behave erratically.

Size 32-bits wide.

1MB (256Kx32 SIMM)
2MB (512Kx32 SIMM)
4 MB (1Mx32 SIMM)
8 MB (2Mx32 SIMM)
16 MB (4Mx32 SIMM)
32 MB (8Mx32 SIMM)

Installing Additional Memory

5-4

Installing Optional Equipment

Disassembling the Base

1. Remove all cables connected to the NC. If a

PCMCIA

card is installed,

remove it.

2. Place the

NC

with the top up and the front facing you (preferably, on an

anti-static mat).

3. Use your finger to release the clip on the front control panel and remove
the panel. See Figure 5-2.

4. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to release the two tabs located on the
front of the

NC

, as shown in Figure 5-3.

Figure 5-2 Removing the Front Control Panel

Figure 5-3 Releasing the Tabs

Installing Additional Memory

Installing Optional Equipment

5-5

5. Lift the top section up at the front so you can slide the top’s tabs from the

bottom section’s slots to separate the cover from the bottom. See
Figure 5-2.

Caution

Lift the top section up at the front only until you can slide the top’s tabs from the
bottom section’s slots. If you lift the top section too high, the tabs can break.

Figure 5-4 Removing the Top Cover

Slot

Ta b

Installing Additional Memory

5-6

Installing Optional Equipment

Installing SIMMs

This section describes the installation of the

SIMM

s.

Caution

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage SIMMs and other components located on
the logic board. Make sure you touch a suitable ground before handling any
SIMM. If possible, set the NC on an anti-static mat and wear a grounding strap.

Always handle SIMMs only by the edges.

You r NC already has

SIMM

s installed. The

SIMM

slots, located on the front left

side of the logic board, are labeled

SIMM

1,

SIMM

2,

SIMM

3 and

SIMM

4. (See

Figure 5-5.) Observe the

SIMMs

currently in the slots and refer to Table 5-1,
“Explora 700 Memory Configurations,” on page 5-2 to determine your
configuration. Decide what you want your new configuration to be. If you
need to remove existing

SIMMs

, go to “Removing SIMMs” on page 5-8 and

then return to this section for installation instructions.

Note

SIMM

s should be installed in matched pairs in slots

SIMM

1 and

SIMM

2 or

SIMM

3 and

SIMM

4.

Figure 5-5 Location of the SIMM’s Slots

SIMM1

SIMM2

SIMM3SIMM4

(Hidden)

Installing Additional Memory

Installing Optional Equipment

5-7

To install the

SIMM

s:

1. Hold the

SIMM

by its edges. Orient the

SIMM

so that the notch is facing the

front left of the unit. See Figure 5-6.

2. Tilt the

SIMM

at a 45-degree angle.

3. Hold the

SIMM

by the edges and insert it into the slot with the notch in the

SIMM

facing toward the left side of the case. See Figure 5-7.

4. Push the

SIMM

down to seat it.

5. Tilt the

SIMM

toward the left to a vertical position until you hear or see the

metal locking tabs on the slot click into place.

6. Install the next

SIMM

the same way.

Notch

Figure 5-6 Notch in SIMM

Locking metal tab

Notch on
this side

Figure 5-7 Details of a Pair of SIMM Slots

Installing Additional Memory

5-8

Installing Optional Equipment

Removing SIMMs

To rem ove a

SIMM

:

1. Use either your two forefingers or your thumbs or use a small flat-blade

screwdriver to push back the two metal tabs located on each end of the

SIMM

slot. (See Figure 5-7.)

2. As you push back on the tabs, the

SIMM

pops up past the metal tabs.

3. Hold the

SIMM

on both ends and remove it from the slot.

Reassembling the Base

To rea sse m ble th e NC, follow these steps:

1. Swing the back of the top section over the back edge of the bottom section

and align the tabs on the top section with the slots on the bottom section,
as shown in Figure 5-8.

Figure 5-8 Placing the Top Cover on the Bottom Section

Slot

Tab

Installing Additional Memory

Installing Optional Equipment

5-9

2. Lower the front of the top section until the three tabs slide through the
three slots on the bottom section.

3. Replace the front control panel.

4. Replace the PCMCIA card if appropriate. See “Installing PCMCIA Cards”
on page 5-11.

5. Install the cabling. See Section 3, “Basic Installation,” on page 3-1.

6. After the system is installed, perform the memory test. See “Te s t in g
Memory.”

Testing Memory

The NC must be installed before you can run the memory test. After
installation, you can access the Boot Monitor to run the memory test.

Accessing the Boot Monitor

1. Turn on the system or reboot (if the system is already on).

2. After the Boot Monitor title and version number, messages similar to the
following appear. Press the Escape key to interrupt the booting process.

Searching for IP address...
Using IP address

IP address of terminal

Searching for subnet mask
Using subnet mask

subnet mask

...........................

(Press Escape to interrupt booting.)

>

Memory Test

Run the memory test as follows:

1. Type a question mark and press the Return key to find the command for
Extended Tests.

> ? <CR>

2. Type the Extended Tests command and press the Return key.

> EX <CR>

3. Type the number associated with the Test Available Memory test and
press the Return key.

Enter test number ?

Test-number

<CR>

Installing Additional Memory

5-10

Installing Optional Equipment

4. Press the Return key to run the test once.

F Loop forever
E Loop until error
Q Main menu
<cr> Test once
Esc Abort testing
Enter choice? <CR>

If memory is good, a diagnostic code such as the following displays:

Pass -00000001

If an error is detected, a message such as the following displays:

Error: found 0000DEAD expected A5A5A5A5 at 2003FFFC RAM
March Test

Suspected bad component is SIMM 1 - SIDE 0

SIMM 1

indicates the slot number of a bad

SIMM

. If there are no errors, go

to Step 7. If errors are reported, continue with Step 5.

5. Remove the bad

SIMM

from the slot indicated and rerun the memory test

to confirm that the remaining memory is good.

6. Add a new

SIMM

and rerun the memory test to confirm that the newly

installed

SIMM

is good.

7. Exit from the test and return to the Boot Monitor by typing:

Enter test type? Q <CR>

8. Reset the computer by typing:

rs <CR>

For information about the Boot Monitor commands, refer to

NCD

ware

software documentation.

Installing PCMCIA Cards

Installing Optional Equipment

5-11

Installing PCMCIA Cards

PCMCIA

cards are 68-pin credit card-size devices that fit into the base

PCMCIA

slot. You can order these cards directly from

NCD

or from other vendors.

Caution

Do not insert or remove the PCMCIA card while the unit is running. Always turn
NC power off first.

Do not use a 12-volt PCMCIA card on Explora 700 NCs. Only 5-volt PCMCIA cards
are supported.

Most

PCMCIA

cards have an arrow on the top face side showing which

direction you should insert them into the

PCMCIA

slot. The cards are keyed,

so you cannot install them upside down.

The rear edge of the

PCMCIA

card might have a write protect/enable switch.
If your card has this switch, it should be in the off position. If write protect is
enabled, data cannot be written to the card. If you try to do so, an error
message appears.

Caution

Always turn off the NC power before you change the write protection.

Figure 5-9 shows the directional arrow and write protect/enable switch.

To install a

PCMCIA

card:

1. Shut off the

NC

.

2. If your

PCMCIA

card has a write protect switch, set it to

OFF

.

Directional
arrow

Write protect/enable
switch set to off (if
applicable)

T

o

p

o

f

c

a

r

d

Figure 5-9 PCMCIA Card Features

Installing PCMCIA Cards

5-12

Installing Optional Equipment

3. With the arrow side facing up, slide the card into the

PCMCIA

slot until

you feel the card make contact with the pins in the socket.

Caution

Do not force the card into the socket. The card should go straight in.

4. Firmly push the card into the socket to seat it. (See Figure 5-10.)

Figure 5-10 Inserting the PCMCIA Card

PCMCIA card

Installing the Power Combo Cable

Installing Optional Equipment

5-13

Installing the Power Combo Cable

Use the optional power combo cable in place of the monitor’s line cord when
you have a power transformer that requires its own line cord. Install the
combo cable, power transformer, and line cord as shown in Figure 5-11.

(305mm)

6.0 in.

(152mm)

48.0 in.

(1220mm)

12.0 in.

To mo nito r

Line cord (115-volt shown)

Power combo cable (used with all voltages)

Power transformer (varies with voltage)

Figure 5-11 Transformer, Power Combo Cable and Line Cord

To N C

Installing the Power Combo Cable

5-14

Installing Optional Equipment

Specifications

6-1

6 Specifications

Table 6-1 list the Explora 700 specifications.

Table 6-1 Explora 700 Specifications

Category Topic Specification

Hardware
architecture

Microprocessor MIPS R4700, 150 MHz

Video Coprocessor S3 TRIO64V2/DX

DRAM 8MB fast-page mode

PROM 512KB flash

Memory upgrades 4 SIMM slots

32-bit, 60ns, fast-page mode SIMMs

NVRAM 512 Bytes

Display memory 2 MB EDO DRAM used as a frame

buffer

Display monitor Resolution

Refresh rate

640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x900,
1280x1024, 1600x1200
Up to 85 Hz

Power Transformer AC voltage and

AC frequency

North America

European/
Australian

Japanese

90-132 VAC, 60 Hz (

±

3 Hz)

180-265 VAC, 50 Hz (

±

3 Hz)

85-110 VAC, 47-63 Hz

Power
Consumption

21.1 Watts (typical)

6-2

Specifications

Environmental
operating range

Temperature 10°× C (50°× F) to 40×° C (104°× F)

Humidity 10% to 90% non-condensing

Altitude Up to 3,050 meters (10,000 feet)

Controls and
indicators

NC Power switch, Power LED, Network

Activity, and Twisted-Pair Link
Indicator.

Keyboard N-97K: Three configurable LEDs

(Unlabeled, Caps Lock, and Network
Activity)

N-101M/N-101MPS/N-102/Windows
95-compatible keyboards: Three
configurable LEDs (Num Lock, Caps
Lock and Scroll Lock)

N-108LK: Four configurable LEDs
(Hold Screen, Lock, Compose, and
Network Activity)

N-123 Sun Type 5-compatible: Four
configurable LEDs (Caps Lock,
Compose, Scroll Lock, and Number
Lock)

Table 6-1 Explora 700 Specifications (Continued)

Category Topic Specification

Specifications

6-3

Input Devices Keyboards 97-key UNIX style keyboard (N-97)

97-key Kana keyboard (Japanese
characters) (N-97K)

101-key PS/2 style keyboards
(N-101M, N-101MPS)

Windows 95-compatible keyboards

102-key international version (N-102)

108-key LK401-compatible keyboard
(N-108LK)

N123 Sun Type 5-compatible keyboard
(N-123)

Mouse Three-button, PS/2

Communications Ethernet Built-in 10/100BaseTX twisted-pair

transceiver and Thinnet coax

Serial port RS-232 C up to 115.2 K baud

Parallel port Connector: 25-pin

Data: bidirectional 8-bit parallel
Logic level: TTL level

PCMCIA Standard PCMCIA PC card Standard

Release 2.01, 68-pin connector

Audio Standard 1/8-inch stereo mini-jack

Physical
Dimensions

Height
Width
Depth
We ig h t

2.1 inches (5.3 cm)

12.8 inches (32.5 cm)

13.2 inches (33.4 cm)

6.25 pounds (2.8 kg)

Table 6-1 Explora 700 Specifications (Continued)

Category Topic Specification

6-4

Specifications

Troubleshooting

7-1

7 Troubleshooting

NCD

network computers have four major components:

❏

Base

❏

Monitor

❏

Keyboard

❏

Mouse

If found to be faulty, the base or monitor must be returned for repair. The
mouse, or keyboard are replaceable.

Isolating Faulty Components

One of the best ways of tracking down hardware problems is to swap
components among compatible

NC

s. Swapping components lets you

determine which component is faulty.

For example, if a keyboard appears to be faulty, turn off the

NC

, disconnect the

keyboard, and connect a keyboard from another

NCD NC

. If the second
keyboard works, you know that the problem is with the first keyboard and
not with another component, such as the base.

Mouse Troubleshooting

Most mouse problems are caused by a dirty ball or a loose connection between
the mouse cable and the base. If you have problems using your mouse:

1. Check the mouse cable connector. Make sure it is firmly connected to the

base’s mouse connector.

2. Remove the ball from the mouse. Clean the ball and its socket, and

reassemble the mouse.

3. Clean your mouse pad or the area of the desk where your mouse sits.

Monitor Troubleshooting

7-2

Troubleshooting

Monitor Troubleshooting

Generally, if the monitor is out of focus, too bright, or too dark, adjust the
monitor’s brightness and contrast knobs. Each monitor model has its own set
of controls. Check the monitor operating booklet for more information about
your monitor.

Base Troubleshooting

A flashing power indicator indicates there is a hardware problem in the base.

If you find you must return a base for repair, send it in the same configuration
as when it failed.

In Case of Trouble

If you encounter difficulties, either contact your local

NCD

representative or:

❏

Phone

NCD

Technical Support at [phone]

❏

Send a

FAX

to

NCD

Technical Support at [phone]

❏

Send e-mail to

NCD

Technical Support at

[e-mail]

❏

See

NCD

’s home page at

http://www.ncd.com

Regardless of the method you use to report the problem to

NCD

, you must

have the following information ready:

❏

Your name and title

❏

Company or organization

❏

Phone number

❏

E-mail address

❏

Billing address

❏

Shipping address

In Case of Trouble

Troubleshooting

7-3

❏

For each hardware item:

— Serial number

— Description of the problem

— Type of warranty (Standard, Express, Extended, Express Exchange,

Out-of-Warranty)

Returning Components

If you have to return a component, follow these steps.

1. Gather the information listed in “In Case of Trouble” on page 7-2 and

contact

NCD

Technical Support to obtain a Return Material Authorization

(RMA) number.

2. Once you have obtained an

RMA

number, package the component for

return.

If you would rather not pack the component yourself,

NCD

recommends

that you take it to a commercial packing and shipping company.

3. Mark each return package with the assigned

RMA

number and address

each package as shown below to avoid problems or delays:

Customer Service
Network Computing Devices
350 North Bernardo Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043

RMA

number

Note

Equipment returned without an

RMA

number is subject to

delays or might be returned to the sender.

Ethernet Address of Replacement Bases

If a base is replaced, its Ethernet address is different on the replacement base.
You must change system files that contain Ethernet addresses.

Comments on the Booklet

You can send comments, suggestions, or questions about this booklet to the

NCD

Technical Publications Department by Internet e-mail. Write to

[e-mail]

.

In Case of Trouble

7-4

Troubleshooting