Sharp PC-E500S

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Sharp PC-E500S
Sharp PC-E500S in RUN mode (BASIC programming)
TypePocket computer
Introduced1995; 29 years ago (1995)
Discontinued2003; 21 years ago (2003) (last known production run so far: 2001; 23 years ago (2001))
PredecessorSharp PC-E500
Calculator
Entry modeInfix, BASIC,
Precision10 (single precision)
20 (double precision; not available in CAL, MATRIX, and STAT modes)
Display typeLCD dot-matrix
Display size4×40 characters
CPU
ProcessorSharp SC62015
Frequency2.304 MHz
Programming
Programming language(s)BASIC
User memory32 KB (built-in), custom-expandable to 256 KB
Firmware memory256 KB
Interfaces
Ports1 vendor-specific (serial/printer/disk drive) 1 TTL-level serial communications port
Other
Power supply4× AAA
1× CR2016
Power consumption0.09 W
Weight340 g (including lid and batteries)
Dimensions22×10.45×1.9 cm (lid closed)
Main menu with BASIC, CAL, MATRIX, STAT, and ENG mode selection
Diagnostic menu in ROM
PC-E500S with closed lid
Bottom side

The Sharp PC-E500S was a 1995 pocket computer by Sharp Corporation and was the successor to the 1989 PC-E500 model, featuring a 2.304 MHz CMOS CPU.

Description[edit]

It was slightly wider, and the keys are slightly larger than the previous model. The display had more contrast, and the keyboard cover is a (removable) hinged lid (clamshell) instead of plastic slipcase. There were also four additional BASIC commands (Multiline IF ... ENDIF, WHILE ... WEND, REPEAT ... UNTIL, SWITCH ... CASE ... ENDSWITCH)[1]

It came with 32 KB of RAM which could be upgraded to 96 KB using memory expansion cards. The monochrome LCD had 240×32 pixels which could display four lines with 40 characters per line as well as graphics. The 256 KB system ROM that contained the BIOS, a diagnostic suite,[2] and the BASIC interpreter used to program the device.

An algebraic calculation system was included. The Algebraic Expression Reserve (AER) memory: Frequently used formulas or constants could be stored in memory and recalled for repeated use. The PC-E500 series also performed as a scientific calculator when switched into 'CAL' mode.

It also included an X<>Y exchange key for working with complex numbers and polar to rectangular conversions.

Applications[edit]

In addition things like amino acids and the periodic table of elements were available. These built-in programs were accessed through a menu system and special function keys. There was also a built-in menu editor to add new software to the menus or indeed replace some built-in software or formulas.

Operating modes[edit]

  • BASIC (programming and execution)
  • CAL (scientific calculator)
  • MATRIX (matrices calculations)
  • STAT (statistics)
  • ENG (engineering)
  • AER (algebraic expressions editor). This mode can be accessed from the second main menu page (press up/down arrow near the lower left display corner).

Accuracy[edit]

  • 10 digits (mantissa) + 2 digits (exponent) in single-precision mode.
  • 20 digits (mantissa) + 2 digits (exponent) in double-precision mode.
  • In the CAL, MATRIX and STAT modes, only the single precision mode can be used.

Memory expansion[edit]

The Sharp PC-E500 series could store data and programs on memory expansion cards as well as the main RAM. Six cards were available:

  • CE-210M: 2 KB
  • CE-211M: 4 KB
  • CE-212M: 8 KB
  • CE-2H16M: 16 KB
  • CE-2H32M: 32 KB
  • CE-2H64M: 64 KB

These cards used a CR1616 lithium battery for memory backup.

The memory configuration was software-switchable from the command-line. The RAM card could be appended to the system memory, replace the system memory or act as a separate space to be used as a RAM drive (F:). The main memory could also be partitioned off to a RAM drive (E:).

Peripherals[edit]

[2]

  • CE-126P [de]: Thermal printer & cassette interface.
  • CE-140F: 2.5-inch pocket floppy drive.
  • CE-130T: RS-232 adaptor level converter.
  • CE-135T: RS-232 adaptor level converter. (Macintosh)
  • CE-515: 4-color X/Y plotter printer

The PC-E500S had a weight of 340 g (with batteries) and was powered by four AAA batteries. It could, given its power consumption of 0.09 W, be used for about 70 hours on a charge.[3]

Variants[edit]

  • PC-E500 (English): 32 KB, engineer software, double precision, slipcase, rubber keys, black, 1988/1989
  • PC-E500 (Japanese): 32 KB, engineer software, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys, black, 1988[4]
  • PC-E500PJ / PC-E500-BL (Japanese): 32 KB, engineer software, game "HEAVY METAL mini" (by CRISIS Software) preloaded into RAM, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys, blue, 1990, limited special edition by Pokecom Journal (PJ)[5]
  • PC-E500S (English): 32 KB, engineer software, double precision, high contrast display, clamshell, plastic keys, black, 1995[6]
  • PC-E550 (Japanese): 64 KB, engineer software, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys, white, 1990[7]
  • PC-E650 (Japanese): 64 KB, engineer software, double precision, structured BASIC, Kanji, clamshell, plastic keys, black, 1993[8]
  • PC-1480U (Japanese): 32 KB, no engineer software, "coop uni" label, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys, black, 1988[9]
  • PC-1490U (Japanese): 32 KB, no engineer software, "coop uni" label, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys, black, 1990[10]
  • PC-1490UII (Japanese): 64 KB, no engineer software, "UNIV. TOOL" label, double precision, Kanji, slipcase, rubber keys?, black, 1991[11][12]
  • PC-U6000 (Japanese): 64 KB, no engineer software, "UNIV. TOOL" label, double precision, Kanji, clamshell, plastic keys, black, 1993[13][14]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Basic Compare mvcsys.de
  2. ^ a b Sharp Service Manual (OOZPCE500SSME). Sharp Corp. 1993. p. 6.
  3. ^ PC-E500S Bedienungsanleitung (German manual). Sharp Corporation. 1995. p. 337/338.
  4. ^ "PC-E500(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  5. ^ "PC-E500-BL(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  6. ^ "PC-E500S(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  7. ^ "PC-E550(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  8. ^ "PC-E650(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  9. ^ "PC-1480U(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  10. ^ "PC-1490U(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  11. ^ "PC-1490UII(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  12. ^ 電言板5 PC-1490UII PROGRAM LIBRARY (in Japanese). Vol. 5. University Co-op. 1991. (NB. University Co-operative)
  13. ^ "PC-U6000(ポケコン・ポケットコンピュータ)のことなら「自分でドットコム」(DIY)". www.jibunde.com.
  14. ^ 電言板6 PC-U6000 PROGRAM LIBRARY (in Japanese). Vol. 6. University Co-op. 1993. (NB. University Co-operative)

External links[edit]