Onix CPU by Innovative Technologies
Last edited: December 15, 2003 08:14 AM

The Onix CPU was given a preliminary evaluation for it’s ability to function as a workstation running TouchPro.  Further development would be necessary before the Onix could be approved as a Touch Menus product.  The unit evaluated contained a Cyrix MediaGX 200MHZ processor with 64MB memory, a 3.2GB HD and an Award BIOS.

CMOS

Push Del on bootup to enter CMOS setup. Use the arrow keys to move between options and Page Up/Down keys to change options.

Network

The Onix uses an RTL8139 Ethernet port.  DOS drivers were not provided for testing, but it was determined that none of the standard drivers currently in use by Touch Menus will work with this port.

Video

The display is a 12.1″ active matrix 800×600.  TouchPro’s 640×480 display mode is displayed as a reduced image, occupying about 60% of the area of the screen.

Touch

The Onix uses an Elographics touchscreen.  Although there were some problems with the Windows touch drivers provided, TouchPro should run fine with standard Elographics DOS drivers.

Power Supply

Power is provided by a 6.3 amp external power supply model SPU41-13D provided by Total Power International.

Hardware

The Onix is a single box unit, housing the CPU on the back of the monitor.  Replacing the hard disk involves removing the back case, held on with four Allen screws, then removing an add-on board under which resides the hard disk.  There are no fans used for the CPU or system as a whole, relying instead on natural convection through vents in the top and bottom.

Ports

The Onix includes four RJ45 COM ports, one DB25 EPP/ECP parallel port, and an external floppy port, located on the bottom of the unit.  Because these ports face down, care must be taken to completely snap in the connections, or they can eventually fall out.  A PS2 keyboard port is located on the left side.  On the evaluation model this port was recessed and misaligned with the case opening, preventing it’s use with some of Touch Menu’s adapters and making it susceptible to coming loose in normal operation.

Revisions

2/3/00  rw

    *      Initial writing based on preliminary evaluation.