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Neoware CA16: Hardware 

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Specifications

For the Neoware thin clients there is a handy document from HP which you can use to identify exactly what you have. In my case the label on the back of the unit reads CA16 with a part number of BY-B2-EC. This breaks down as:

BYProduct LineG280 (The circuit board inside the box)
BSoftware?
2PlatformNeoLinux
EFlash CapacityE = 64Mb
CRAM CapacityC = 128Mb

The basic specs are:

Processor
   Type
   Speed
VIA Nehemiah
800MHz
Memory
   Flash
   RAM
64M (max 1024M)
128Mb (max 256Mb)
Video
   Chip
   Max resolution
VIA VT8623 (Apollo CLE266)
1600 x 1200 32-bit colour
Ports
   Network
   USB
   Serial
   Parallel
   PS/2
10/100
4 x USB2.0
2
1
Kybd & mouse
Power
   Off
   Running
12 W
31-34W
Dimensions
W x H x D240mmm x 42mm x 222mm

Interestingly the circuit board has silk screened onto it: "G260 Ver1.0". The Neoware document tells us that the G260 Board is used by the E90/CA9 product (Model type BX). But the BIOS does have an "information" entry that reports: "G280 V:5.00.20A-091505". Make of it what you will!

CPU

For those to whom it matters here is some detail from Linux's /proc/cpuinfo

vendor_id:CentaurHauls
cpu family:6
model:9
model name:VIA Nehemiah
stepping:8

Power SupplyPSU

The Neoware CA16 uses an external +12V power supply. The power connector is the same style as used on the Compaq Evo T20 and some Wyse models so there is the possibility of some confusion here as those models run off 5V! The connector (DP-003-R) is available from Toby Electronics - for those who want to fit the right connector to an existing power supply. (Search for "DP Valcon 7.5 Amp Cable Mount Power Plugs") Alternatively you can drill the back panel and fit a more conventional coax socket that matches up to the style of plug on whatever 12V power supply you have.

Expansion

board

Both the Flash memory and the RAM in the CA16 are easily replaceable.

The flash is a "DiskOnModule" that interfaces via an IDE connector. So far I have not tried anything here.

The RAM is a 200-pin DDR SODIMM. The 128MB SODIMM fitted to my model is a DDR-400. I've swapped it out for a 256MB SODIMM.

Click on the photo for a larger version.

 


Any comments? email me.    Last update December 2010