Sharp PC-E500S

Sharp PC-E500S

Sharp PC-E500S in RUN (BASIC programming) mode
Type	Pocket computer
Introduced	1995
Predecessor	Sharp PC-E500
Calculator
Entry mode	Infix, BASIC,
Precision	10 (single precision) 20 (double precision; not available in CAL, MATRIX, and STAT modes)
Display type	LCD Dot-matrix
Display size	4×40 characters
CPU
Processor	Sharp SC-62015
Frequency	2.304 MHz
Programming
Programming language(s)	BASIC
User memory	32 KB
Firmware memory	256 KB
Interfaces
Ports	1 vendor-specific (serial/printer/disk drive) 1 RS232C serial communications port (TTL Levels)
Other
Power supply	4 × R03 AAA 1 CR2016
Power consumption	0.09 W
Weight	340 g (including lid and batteries)
Dimensions	22×10.45×1.9 cm (lid closed)

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

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. Programs written on E500 were executable on the E500S.

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 the contained the BIOS, a diagnostic suite,^[1] and the BASIC interpreter used to program the device.

Diagnostic menu in ROM

An Algebraic calculation system was included. The Algebraic Expression Reserve (AER) Memory: Frequently used formulas or constants can be stored in memory and recalled for repeated use. The 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

• Mathematics (integers, equations, differential & integral calculus, formulas and graphs)
• Physics
• Earth Sciences
• Meteorology
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geology
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

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 an inbuilt menu editor to add new software to the menus or indeed replace some built-in software or formulas.

Operating Modes

• BASIC (programming and execution)
• CAL (scientific calculator)
• MATRIX (matrices calculations)
• STAT (Statistics)
• ENG (Engineering)

Accuracy

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

Memory Expansion

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 2K
• CE-211M 4K
• CE-212M 8K
• CE-2H16M 16K
• CE-2H32M 32K
• CE-2H64M 64K

These card used CR-1616 Lithium battery for 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 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^[1]

• CE-126P Thermal printer & cassette interface.
• CE-140F 2.5 inch Pocket Floppy Drive
• CE-130T RS232 adaptor level converter.
• CE-135T RS232 adaptor level converter. (Macintosh)
• CE-515 4-Color X/Y plotter printer

The PC-E500S had a weight of 340g (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.^[2]

References

1. Sharp Service Manual (OOZPCE500SSME). Sharp Corp. 1993. p. 6.
2. PC-E500S Bedienungsanleitung (German manual). Sharp Corporation. 1995. p. 337/338.