# NComputing L230 Thin Client
NComputing L230 Thin Client repurposing
Keywords: thin client, linux, NComputing, l230

# NComputing L230: Repurposing

## Repurposing

Back in 2011 I wrote:

> ...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.

Well I've now (November 2018) heard from Alexandre "Tabajara" Souza and Fabio Belavenuto in Brazil. They are busy reverse engineering a unit to that end. What they are actual working on is an Inctel IN A-03 thin client which is a clone of the L230. The INCTEL publicity photos leave you in no doubt of this (see right).

A quick glance at the circuit boards also show very minor differences:

Click here to switch views

The silk screen markings on the boards:

## The story so far (November 2018)

They have sorted out the pin-out of the chip (what's going where) and have a handle on FPGA loading process (about to be tested/verified).

It looks like the difference between the 'A01' and 'A03' types of compatible terminals is the presence of USB - Non-USB models uses the EP1C6 FPGA and the USB equipped models use the EP1C12 FPGA.

Seems a new cheap FPGA development system is born!

## Links

http://tabajara-labs.blogspot.com
http://www.tabalabs.com.br

Any comments? email me. Added November 2018