Sponsored By
Efika 5200B Project
The Helios Thin Clientin category Hardware
proposed by Alexander Drummond on 6th February 2006 (accepted on 11th February 2006)
Project Summary
The Helios Thin Client would be a low-cost, low-power thin client based upon the EFIKA. Utilising non-volatile flash memory to boot the OS (My preference: SymphonyOS) and then relying on an error-predicting, redundancy promising server for file storage. This computer would be affixed to the back of a monitor, most likely a small LCD. The prime goal would be to reduce the base system to around $350, with a server running around $500 plus hard drives for storage. Such a system could be used in schools, communities without the resources for individual PCs, as well as for companies wanting to reduce the cost of computers and increase interconnectivity.Project Blog Entries
Symphony OS
ISO is x86 for the time being, but we obviously have PPC versions of Symphony OS. Hopefully we'll release an ISO for both platforms on our next release.
Symphony OS is now fully PowerPC capable.
Many of you have heard, by now, of the LimePC. LimeOS, which was the primary operating systems for these devices, is a derivative of Symphony OS and Mezzo.
Symphony looks forward to continued PowerPC development.
Mezzo is completely ported to PPC at this point. More information as I can post.
Basically, we are currently still at the prototyping stage. As soon as we can get a proper voltage Volari card, we will begin the optimization of the OS for the EFIKA and specific hardware.
As for cases designs, I am currently re-evaluating the situation. I am investigating possible OEM manufacturers who could produce a capable, low-cost case for us.
Depending upon how these steps fall together, I should have a new post up soon.
- Alex
Work on the client side of things is going full steam ahead; Alpha versions of Symphony OS for Thin Clients are nearing internal release. We are searching for speed optimizations on the PPC version; our goal is to have the start-up speed reduced by 30% compared to traditional linux-based clients.
Case design is well under way, as I have a couple of CAD models prepared, as well as a few prototypes in the running. My goal is to have 2 final designs within a week or two of recieving the EFIKA. This may be delayed depending on case manufacturers as well as material costs.
I intend on updating this log in about another week, with hopefully a very large update.
Alex
- Ryan Quinn, leader of the Symphony OS project and a personal friend, has informed me that a PPC Port of Symphony will indeed be revitalized, even if it is just for this project. This is good news - Symphony is making great progress, and as a member of their development/administrative team, I am proud to say that we will have a beta out soon.
- Leonardo Soler has designed a logo for the project. It is located on my server here: here. (Transparent .PNG, not for Internet Explorer users)
- Genesi recently announced revisions to the EFIKA board that allow for graphics on board. This greatly reduces the cost of the total system for us, as well as allows an easier driver situation.
- Finally, National Semiconductor has announced that they have created a PoE (Power-over-ethernet) solution capable of generating 25 Watts for a system. I will be keeping an eye out of this in the future - it may be of interest to the project.
Until next time,
Alex
Although I have not worked on a project of such wide scope before, I look forward to the challenge and rewarding spoils of this endeavour. I feel that the EFIKA is pushing towards a world without an information barrier, and my project can be a catalyst towards that end. That being said, Symphony OS is currently in alpha/beta status, and as such, this project most assuredly is as well. I will begin to create some mockups of the final design, as well as consult with various programmers to get this project rolling. Keep tuned!