NCD Explora 700 Instruction 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 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
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.
PCMCIA
Power supplies and line cords
Keyboard 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
switch
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