NComputing L230: Hardware 

• Hardware
• Firmware
• Repurposing

Overview

The NComputing L230 is a small and (physically) lightweight thin client. Mine came with a VESA bracket for mounting on the back of a monitor. Details of NComputing's range of devices can be found on their website. My L230 was manufactured in October 2008.

The L130/L230/L300 user manual defines an NComputing "Access device" as:

..a network computing device using NComputing patented technology. It doesn't use CPU, VGA, and PC chipsets; it only uses a programmable SoC to connect to a Host PC.

Another hint as to what's coming:

An access device using NComputing User eXtension Protocol (UXP) can be connected to Host PCs by using the LAN cable. Also, it can be connected to remote PCs through the Internet using TCP/IP.

Specifications

The basic specs for the L230 are:

Processor
Type    Speed	Altera ??MHz
Memory
Flash    RAM	512KB 8MB
Video
Chip    Max resolution	? 1440 x 900 24-bit colour
Ports
Network    USB    Serial    Parallel    PS/2	100 1 x USB1.1 none none Kybd & mouse
Power
Off    Running	0W 7W
Dimensions
W x H x D	11.5cm x 2.6cm x 11.5cm

Notes:

• The USB port only supports external memory.
• The L130 is similar but has no USB port and only supports 16-bit colour.
• Screen resolutions are 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1440x900.
• Refresh rates 60Hz, 75Hz.

Power Supply

The unit uses a small external power unit rated at 5V @2A

Expansion

As indicated above this thin client is based on a SoC (System On a Chip). Taking the large label off shows that, similar to the QLXpro ministation, the heart of this thin client is an EP1C12 Altera Cyclone Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). There is obviously great potential for repurposing with such a flexible device - assuming you have the necessary knowledge and skills.