IBM NetVista N2800e User manual

NetVista
™
N2800e Thin Client Express
Reference
September 2000
To view or print the latest update, go to http://www.ibm.com/nc/pubs
SA23-2808-00


NetVista
™
N2800e Thin Client Express
Reference
September 2000
To view or print the latest update, go to http://www.ibm.com/nc/pubs
SA23-2808-00


Note
Before using this information and the product that it supports, be sure to read “Safety notices” on page v and “Notices” on
page 61.
First Edition (September 2000)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2000. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
Safety notices ............v
Danger notices .............v
Caution notices .............vi
Handling static-sensitive devices .......vi
About this book...........vii
Who should read this book .........vii
Information available on the World Wide Web . . vii
Related information ...........vii
How to send your comments ........vii
Understanding your NetVista Thin Client
Express...............1
Learning about the hardware .....3
Standard hardware ............3
Hardware connectors ...........3
Communication hardware ..........4
Monitor specifications ...........4
Power consumption ............4
Upgrading hardware features.........4
Setting up the hardware........7
Startup sequence ..........9
Configuring the N2800e Thin Client
Express ..............11
Using the Setup Utility to configure the workstation 11
Using the Configuration Tool to configure the
workstation ..............12
Installing the Thin Client Service Utility
and the Operations Utilities......15
Installing the utilities from the NetVista Thin Client
Utilities CD ..............16
Downloading the utilities from the NetVista Thin
Client web site .............16
Managing your Thin Client Express
remotely ..............19
PPP dialer for Thin Client Express
workstations ............21
Prerequisites for using PPP dial access .....21
Configuring a workstation for PPP dialer ....21
Preparing the workstation for PPP dialer
configuration .............21
Configuring initial modem settings for PPP dialer
access ...............22
Starting the PPP dialer..........23
Learning about the NC dialer window .....23
Maintaining and reconfiguring PPP dialer
parameters ..............23
Using the PPP dialer to access flash images....24
Troubleshooting PPP dialer problems......24
Altering the flash image of a
workstation.............25
Performing a software update on a workstation . . 25
Using the Configuration Tool to perform a
software update on a workstation ......25
Using the Thin Client Manager Operations Utility
to perform a software update on a workstation . 26
Recovering the flash image of a workstation . . . 26
Using one workstation to recover the flash image
of another workstation .........27
Using the Setup Utility to recover the flash image
of a workstation ............29
Using the Thin Client Manager Operations Utility
to recover the flash image of a workstation. . . 30
Resolving hardware problems.....31
Verifying hardware problems ........31
Visible hardware failure ..........32
Audio beep sequences...........34
LED indications .............35
Error codes and text messages ........36
Appendix A. Replacing hardware parts 41
Replacing the N2800e Thin Client Express
CompactFlash card ............41
Replacing parts other than the N2800e
CompactFlash card ............42
Returning hardware parts .........44
Appendix B. Hardware maintenance
procedures .............45
Appendix C. Setting the thin client
voltage for your location .......51
Appendix D. Recovering the boot block
image ...............53
Appendix E. Choosing a flash file . . . 55
Appendix F. Monitor specifications . . 57
Appendix G. Connector pin information 59
Notices ..............61
Environmental Design ...........62
Product Recycling and Disposal .......62
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 iii

Trademarks ..............63
Electronic Emission Notices .........63
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Statement ..............63
Glossary of abbreviations ......65
Index ...............67
iv

Safety notices
Safety notices contain information that is related to using the IBM
®
NetVista thin
client in a safe manner. These notices can be in the form of a danger, caution, or
attention notice.
Danger notices
The following danger notices call attention to situations that are potentially lethal
or extremely hazardous. These notices pertain throughout this book.
DANGER
To prevent a possible electrical shock during an electrical storm, do not
connect or disconnect cables or station protectors for communications lines,
display stations, printers, or telephones. (RSFTD003)
DANGER
To prevent a possible electrical shock from touching two surfaces with
different electrical grounds, use one hand, when possible, to connect or
disconnect signal cables. (RSFTD004)
DANGER
An electrical outlet that is not correctly wired could place hazardous voltage
on metal parts of the system or the products that attach to the system. It is the
customer’s responsibility to ensure that the outlet is correctly wired and
grounded to prevent an electrical shock. (RSFTD201)
DANGER
To prevent a possible electrical shock when installing the system, ensure that
the power cords for all devices are unplugged before installing signal cables.
(RSFTD202)
DANGER
To prevent a possible electrical shock when adding the device to a system,
disconnect all power cords, if possible, from the existing system before
connecting the signal cable to that device. (RSFTD205)
DANGER
To prevent a possible electrical shock, disconnect the power cord from the
electrical outlet before opening the unit. (RSFTD215)
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 v

DANGER
To reduce the risk of electrical shock use only AC power sources approved by
IBM. (RSFTD216)
Caution notices
A caution notice applies to a situation that is potentially hazardous to people
because of some existing condition.
CAUTION:
The battery is a lithium battery. To avoid possible explosion, do not burn or
charge the battery. Exchange only with the IBM-approved part. Discard the
battery as instructed by local regulations. (RSFTC227)
Handling static-sensitive devices
When you handle components, take these precautions to avoid static electricity
damage:
vDo not open static-protective packages until you are ready to install their
contents.
vLimit your movements to avoid static electricity build-up around you.
vHandle components carefully, and never touch exposed circuitry.
vPrevent others from touching components.
vPlace components on static-protective packages while performing hardware
removal and installation procedures.
vDo not place components on metal surfaces.
vi

About this book
IBM NetVista N2800e Thin Client Express Reference (SA23-2808) provides information
for the Type 8364 (Model Cxx) IBM NetVista N2800e Thin Client Express (hereafter
referred to as workstation or thin client).
This publication contains information on hardware setup, software configuration
and update, hardware problem resolution, hardware upgrade options, parts
replacement, and ordering.
Who should read this book
The following should find the information in this publication helpful:
vThe person who administers the workstation
vThe hardware service, and the support organizations for the workstation
Information available on the World Wide Web
You can obtain the latest version of this information at the following uniform
resource locator (URL):
http://www.ibm.com/nc/pubs
This is the same URL that is printed on the cover of this document.
Related information
The following publications ship with your hardware. Refer to these publications
for information that relates to your workstation:
vSee the IBM NetVista Quick Setup for N2800e Thin Client Express, Type 8364 (Model
Cxx) (SA23-2807) pamphlet for quick hardware setup information and software
configuration information.
vSee the IBM License Agreement For Machine Code (Z125-5468) before using the
workstation.
vSee IBM NetVista Thin Client Safety Information (SA41-4143) for important safety
notices.
vSee IBM NetVista Thin Client Hardware Warranty - Type 8363 and Type 8364
(SA23-2802) for important hardware warranty information.
Refer to IBM NetVista Thin Client Manager Operations Utility (SA23-2813) for
information about managing your Thin Client Express. This information is
available at the following URL:
http://www.ibm.com/nc/pubs
How to send your comments
Your feedback is important in helping to provide the most accurate and
high-quality information. You can submit comments about this, or other IBM
information by mailing the readers’comment form, located at the end of this
information.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 vii

vIf you are mailing comments from a country other than the United States, you
can give the form to the local IBM branch office or IBM representative for
postage-paid mailing.
vIf you prefer to send comments by FAX, use either of the following telephone
numbers:
–United States and Canada: 1-800-937-3430
–Other countries: 1-507-253-5192
vIf you prefer to send comments electronically, use the following network
identification:
–IBMMAIL, to IBMMAIL(USIB56RZ)
–[email protected]
Be sure to include the following:
vThe title, and order number of the information
vThe page number or topic to which your comment applies
viii

Understanding your NetVista Thin Client Express
The IBM NetVista N2800e Thin Client Express offers a fast and simple way to
access applications on the following platforms:
vWindows NT
®
Server 4.0
vWindows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition (TSE)
vWindows NT Workstation 4.0
vWindows
®
2000 Server
vWindows 2000 Professional
vWindows 2000 Advanced Server
As both a hardware and a software solution, Thin Client Express includes essential
Network Station
™
Manager V2R1 functions on a pre-installed CompactFlash card.
Thin Client Express provides the usual thin-client benefits, such as a reduced total
cost of ownership and the fast, flexible deployment of applications. Because it does
not require a boot server, Thin Client Express also provides a quick start-up time.
Thin Client Express also includes a Setup Utility, and a Configuration Tool that
provide the following:
vA streamlined configuration process
vLocal boot capabilities from a CompactFlash card
vA Netscape browser
v3270, 5250, and VTxx emulator sessions
vAn Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) client and ICA Remote
Application Manager
vSeparate utility programs for flash update service and operations management
vA desktop with a Launch Bar or one or more full-screen applications
vAdvanced diagnostics
The IBM NetVista Thin Client Express Service Utility and IBM NetVista Thin Client
Manager Operations Utility are management utilities that you can use to manage
your workstations. These utilities run on Windows 2000 and Windows NT
workstations, and are available to you, free of charge. You can download these
utilities either from a compact disc (CD) or from the World Wide Web. For
information on obtaining the CD (at no cost to you), visit the following uniform
resource locator (URL):
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/netvista/thinclient/xpress.html
Click Express Utilities, located under the More Info heading.
If you are interested in downloading the utilities from the World Wide Web, refer
to “Downloading the utilities from the NetVista Thin Client web site”on page 16
for more information.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 1

2

Learning about the hardware
This section provides detailed hardware information about the N2800e Thin Client
Express —Hardware Type 8364 (Model Cxx), hereafter referred to as N2800e Thin
Client Express.
Standard hardware
The standard N2800e Thin Client Express hardware includes the following:
v64 MB of SDRAM DIMM random access memory (RAM) (see “Appendix A.
Replacing hardware parts”on page 41).
v4 MB SGRAM video memory
vIntegrated Ethernet communication
v16-bit internal and external sound
vOne 32 MB CompactFlash card with preloaded software
v2 USB ports for a keyboard and other USB devices
v2 PCI adapter slots for PCI devices
vTwo serial ports for serial devices
Note: The Netscape browser requires 64 MB of RAM. See “Appendix B. Hardware
maintenance procedures”on page 45 for information about adding more
memory to a workstation. See “Appendix A. Replacing hardware parts”on
page 41 for information about ordering replacement memory.
Hardware connectors
Your N2800e Thin Client Express hardware includes standard connectors, standard
pin, signal, and signal direction configurations. See “Appendix G. Connector pin
information”on page 59 for details.
Figure 1. Hardware connectors
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 3

Communication hardware
Your N2800e Thin Client Express includes an integrated Ethernet connection.
For a 10 Megabit (Mb) line speed operation, you need a category 3 or higher
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) type of cable. For a 100 Mb line speed operation,
you need a category 5 UTP type of cable.
Refer to “Appendix G. Connector pin information”on page 59 for communication
cable specifications.
Monitor specifications
A basic video graphics adapter (VGA) class monitor that meets the Video
Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standards of refresh rate and resolution
functions with the N2800e Thin Client Express. The N2800e Thin Client Express
can support VESA Display Power Management Signaling (DPMS) and VESA
Display Data Channel (DDC2B).
Refer to “Appendix F. Monitor specifications”on page 57 for a list of resolutions
and refresh rates that the N2800e Thin Client Express can support. Your monitor
may not support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Power consumption
Normal power consumption for the thin client, while running applications, ranges
from 24 to 28 Watts. During periods of inactivity, the system switches into the
suspend state, and power consumption reduces to approximately 18 Watts. Once
the system enters the soft-off state, power consumption reduces to approximately
10 Watts.
Note: Power consumption may fluctuate or vary from these values, depending on
the voltage selection (115V or 230V) of the thin client.
Display monitor power reduction occurs when you use the N2800e Thin Client
Express with a VESA DPMS Standard monitor.
As an Energy Star Partner, IBM has determined that this product meets the Energy
Star Program guidelines for energy efficiency.
Upgrading hardware features
You can perform the following hardware procedures:
vInstall PCI adapter cards for PCI devices
vReplace a CompactFlash card
vConnect USB devices
If you plan to use peripheral USB devices with your N2800e Thin Client
Express, refer to the documentation for your peripheral USB devices for
information.
vUpgrade your memory
The N2800e Thin Client Express has tworandom access memory (RAM) slots
that accepts Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) Dual
Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). The N2800e Thin Client Express includes 64
MB of RAM, and supports memory expansions of up to 256 MB. You can
4

expand the RAM of the N2800e by installing 32, 64, or 128 MB DIMMs.
“Appendix B. Hardware maintenance procedures”on page 45 provides
information on how to exchange memory. Refer to “Appendix A. Replacing
hardware parts”on page 41 for detailed memory specifications and orderable
N2800e Thin Client Express parts.
Note: Use of the Netscape browser requires 64 MB of RAM.
Learning about the hardware 5

6

Setting up the hardware
Unpacking your hardware
Unpack your hardware. Contact your reseller, or IBM, if
you do not have these standard parts:
1 Thin client logic unit
2 Base
3 Mouse
4 Keyboard
5 Power cable
Selecting the voltage for your location:
Attention: You may damage the thin client if you do
not select the correct voltage.
1. Locate the voltage switch A on the bottom of the
thin client.
2. Use a pen, or similar object, to slide the switch A to
the correct setting for your location (see ″Voltage
selection″in Table 11 on page 42).
Installing options:
vIf you have additional memory, or optional feature
cards, see “Appendix B. Hardware maintenance
procedures”on page 45 before continuing with the
following setup procedures.
vIf you have a security cable and would like to restrict
access to the thin client logic unit, thread your cable
through hole B.
vFor vertical placement of the thin client, see “Installing
the support base”on page 8.
vFor horizontal placement of the hardware, continue
with “Connecting your hardware”on page 8.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 7

Installing the support base
Slide the base B onto the notched bottom of the thin
client A until it latches securely.
Connecting your hardware
Read “Safety notices”on page v before continuing.
1. Connect the devices listed below to the appropriate
ports:
1 USB devices
2 Network cable
3 Serial device 2
4 Serial device 1
5 Parallel devices
6 Monitor
7 Mouse
8 Keyboard
13 Headphones
14 Microphone
2. Tighten all device cable connections.
3. Connect the thin client power cable to the power
socket 10.
4. Plug all power cables into properly grounded working
electrical outlets.
5. To power on your thin client, move the power supply
switch 9 to the ″on″position.
Notes:
a. The white power switch 11 resets the power to
your thin client.
b. The system LED 12 should flash from amber to
green. See “Resolving hardware problems”on
page 31 for deviations.
6. Choose the operating system for your server from the
menu that appears on your screen. Refer to the server
software information to verify the correct selection for
your network.
Note: If your thin client is unable to receive the
operating system code from the server, contact your
network administrator.
8

Startup sequence
This is a typical startup sequence of events for the NetVista Thin Client Express. If
any of these events do not occur, see “Resolving hardware problems”on page 31.
1. The following devices show light-emitting diode (LED) indications:
vLogic unit (system LED and network status LED)
vKeyboard
vMonitor
1
vAny USB devices
2
2. The following internal hardware components initialize:
vMemory
vL1 cache
vVideo memory
vKeyboard controller
3. The IBM NetVista thin client screen appears on the monitor.
4. One of the following appears:
vThe Thin Client Express Setup Utility. The Setup Utility appears in either of
the following situations:
–You start the NetVista thin client for the first time.
–You previously reset the NetVista thin client to the factory-default
property settings.
The Configuration Tool launches after the Setup Utility in either situation.
Refer to “Configuring the N2800e Thin Client Express”on page 11 for more
information about working with the Setup Utility.
vThe NetVista Thin Client Express detects the CompactFlash card and loads
the operating system into memory.
vThe interface that you specified with the Configuration Tool appears. The
interface can be either of the following:
–One or more applications
–A launch bar with one or more applications
Refer to the following sections for more information about configuring your
NetVista Thin Client Express:
v“Configuring the N2800e Thin Client Express”on page 11
v“Installing the Thin Client Service Utility and the Operations Utilities”on
page 15
v“Managing your Thin Client Express remotely”on page 19
1. Refer to the documentation for your monitor if there is no LED indication.
2. Refer to the documentation for your USB devices if there are no LED indications.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 9

10