NCD Explora 450 Series Instruction Manual

Installing Your Explora 400/450
Network Computer
Part Number 9300586 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 con-
tained 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 lan-
guage 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 appropri-
ately 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
9300586 Rev. A October, 1997 First release of this manual for Explora 400/450

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 linked 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 400/450 Series
Chapter 2 Explora 400/450 Series Product Line
Chapter 3 Basic Installation
Connectors 3-2
Power Connections 3-5
Power Connections for Inside the USA 3-5
Power Connections for Outside the USA 3-6
Power Cord for the UK 3-7
Controls and Indicators 3-7
Chapter 4 Selecting Screen Resolution
Chapter 5 Installing Optional Equipment in the
Space-Saver Base
Installing Additional Memory 5-1
Disassembling the Space-Saver Base 5-4
Installing SIMMs 5-5
Removing SIMMs 5-7
Reassembling the Space-Saver Base 5-8
Testing Memory 5-10
Installing PCMCIA Cards 5-11
Installing the Power Y-Cable 5-13

Contents
viii
Installing the Security Device and Mounting Bracket 5-13
Chapter 6 Installing Optional Equipment in the
Monitor Support Base
Installing Additional Memory 6-1
Disassembling the Monitor Support Base 6-4
Installing SIMMs 6-6
Removing SIMMs 6-9
Reassembling the Monitor Support Base 6-10
Testing Memory 6-11
Installing PCMCIA Cards 6-12
Installing the Power Y-Cable 6-14
Chapter 7 Specifications
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting
Isolating Faulty Components 8-1
Mouse Troubleshooting 8-1
Monitor Troubleshooting 8-2
Base Troubleshooting 8-2
In Case of Trouble 8-2
Returning Components 8-3
Ethernet Address of Replacement Bases 8-3
Comments on the Booklet 8-3

About the Explora 400/450 Series 1-1
1 About the Explora 400/450 Series
The Explora 400/450 Series network computers (NCs) consist of a circuit
board in one of two bases, a monitor, a mouse, and a keyboard. You can
purchase the NC alone or with a monitor.
The two bases are:
❏The space-saver base, shown in Figure 1-2, has an ergonomic design with
as small a footprint as possible, making it ideal for environments where
space is at a premium.
Figure 1-1 Explora 400/450 Series Space-Saver Base in its Stand

1-2 About the Explora 400/450 Series
❏The monitor support base, shown in Figure 1-2, supports the weight of a
color monitor.
The Explora 400/450 NCs are advanced network computers that include 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) slot
❏Audio output (except on the Explora 450 with the optional thin coax
Ethernet connection)
❏ENERGY STAR compliance for energy efficiency
Figure 1-2 Explora 400/450 Series Monitor Support Base

About the Explora 400/450 Series 1-3
Table 1-1 compares the features of the Explora 400 to the Explora 450 features.
Note The label on the underside of the space-saver base shows the
following:
❏Explora 400 as the Model 401
❏Explora 450 with stereo audio output as the Model 451
❏Explora 450 with the optional thin coax Ethernet in place of
the stereo audio output as the Model 453
The label on the underside of the monitor support base shows
the following:
❏Explora 400 as the Model 402
❏Explora 450 with stereo audio output as the Model 452
❏Explora 450 with the optional thin coax Ethernet in place of
the stereo audio output as the Model 454
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Network Computing Devices, Inc. has determined
that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
Table 1-1 Feature Comparison
Feature Explora 400 Explora 450
CPU PowerPC 403GA, 33 MHz PowerPC 403GCX, 66 MHz
Memory 8 MB standard, 128 MB
maximum, fast-page mode
8 MB standard, 128 MB
maximum, EDO-mode
Graphics S3 TRIO64V2/DX, 1 MB EDO
DRAM, used as a frame buffer,
1152x900 maximum
S3 TRIO64V2/DX, 2 MB EDO
DRAM, used as a frame buffer,
1280x1024 maximum
Networking Twisted-pair 10BaseT Ethernet Twisted-pair 10/100BaseTX
Ethernet standard and optional
thin coax Ethernet in place of
audio output

1-4 About the Explora 400/450 Series
Table 1-2 lists the physical dimensions of both bases.
Table 1-2 Explora 400/450 Dimensions
Dimension Space-Saver Base Space-Saver Base in Stand Monitor Support Base
Height 1.9 inches (4.8 cm) 9.6 inches (24.4 cm) 2.1 inches (5.3 cm)
Width 7.6 inches (19.3 cm) 5.5 inches (13.9 cm) 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth 11.3 inches (28.7 cm) 11.3 inches (28.7 cm) 13.2 inches (33.5 cm)
Weight 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) 2.8 pounds (1.3 kg) 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)

Explora 400/450 Series Product Line 2-1
2 Explora 400/450 Series Product Line
Figure 2-1 shows both Explora 400/450 bases 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.
PCMCIA
Space-saver base
(shown in its stand)
Power supplies and line cords
Keyboard PS/2 mouse
Monitor and video cable
Memory SIMM
(optional)
PCMCIA card
(optional)
Figure 2-1 Explora 400/450 Series Components
The space-saver base also has an option consisting
of a security device and a wall mounting bracket.
Monitor support base

2-2 Explora 400/450 Series Product Line

Basic Installation 3-1
3 Basic Installation
This section describes the location of Explora 400/450 connectors, controls,
and indicators, and illustrates the installation of the base.
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
Do not set the monitor on the space-saver base. The space-saver base is not
designed to support the weight of a monitor.
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
Caution
Before connecting any cables, make sure the power is off.
Do not connect any power cords to the Explora 400/450 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 Optional
Equipment in the Space-Saver Base”on page 5-1 or “Installing Optional
Equipment in the Monitor Support Base”on page 6-1.
With one exception, the connectors are the same for the Explora 400 and
Explora 450:
❏Explora 400 always has a stereo audio output connector.
❏Explora 450 has the stereo audio output connector as standard. You can
order the Explora 450 with an optional thin coax Ethernet connector in
place of the stereo audio output connector.
Figure 3-1 on page 3-3 shows how to connect components to the space-saver
base connectors. Figure 3-2 on page 3-4 shows how to connect components to
the monitor support 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 3-5.

Connectors
Basic Installation 3-3
SERIALTWISTED
PARALLEL
TWISTED
Mouse
Keyboard
Power supply—make this connection
last. If you are using the stand, the NC
must be placed in the stand before
making this connection.
Figure 3-1 Explora 400/450 Connectors (Space-Saver Base)
Parallel
(if used)
Serial
(if used)
Monitor
Stereo audio
output (if used)
Twisted-pair network
connection
Explora 450 optional thin Ethernet
BNC connector replaces stereo
audio output. If you have this
option, make only one network
connection at a time. If you have
connections to both the twisted-
pair and the thin Ethernet, the
twisted-pair has priority, if active.

Connectors
3-4 Basic Installation
Figure 3-2 Explora 400/450 Connectors (Monitor Support Base)
Parallel
(if used)
Serial
(if used)
Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard
Powersupply—make
thisconnectionlast.
Twisted-pair network
connection
Stereo audio
output (if used)
Explora 450 optional thin Ethernet
BNC connector replaces stereo
audio output. If you have this
option, make only one network
connection at a time. If you have
connections to both the twisted-
pair and the thin Ethernet, the
twisted-pair has priority, if active.

Power Connections
Basic Installation 3-5
Power Connections
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
connections.
If you are using the space-saver base in its stand, place the base in the stand
before making the power connection. The stand has two supports, one
support has a large hole in it while the other support has a small hole. Orient
the stand so that the support with the large hole aligns with the power
connector.
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 3-4.)
115-volt transformer for the NC 115-volt line cord for the monitor
Figure 3-3 Wall-Plug Transformer and Line Cord

Power Connections
3-6 Basic Installation
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 3-4.)
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 Y-cable. If you have this option, see either “Installing Optional
Equipment in the Space-Saver Base”on page 5-1 or “Installing Optional
Equipment in the Monitor Support Base”on page 6-1.
Power Connections for Outside the USA
If you ordered your NC for use outside the USA, you received either the
optional Y-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 3-4.)
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”on page 3-
7.”
If you have the optional Y-cable, see either “Installing Optional Equipment in
the Space-Saver Base”on page 5-1 or “Installing Optional Equipment in the
Monitor Support Base”on page 6-1.
Line cord (115-volt shown)
Power transformer (varies with voltage)
Figure 3-4 Transformer and Line Cord
To NC