Sharp PC-1210
The SHARP PC-1210 from Sharp was the first BASIC programmable pocket computer available in Germany . When it was launched in 1980 , the computer was also an inexpensive alternative for computer beginners thanks to its low entry price (from approx. DM 330) and its good availability (the devices could be ordered from Quelle via mail order , for example ). Immediately after its introduction, the SHARP PC-1211, which was identical except for the larger RAM (1.9 KB), appeared .
A device which is identical to the SHARP PC-1211 was marketed by the company Tandy / RadioShack under the name Tandy TRS-80 Pocket Computer . These computers were identical to the SHARP models except for a white display, black (instead of brown) plastic parts and a different type plate on the top right next to the display.
Programmability
Until this calculator was released, the 'languages' of the programmable pocket calculators (for example TI-59 ) were always manufacturer or model-specific. Independent of the manufacturer, the SHARP PC-1210 was able to process programs that were created in the BASIC programming language, which was very popular at the time.
The usable memory of the PC-1210 is divided into a program memory with 400 steps as well as 26 data memories with 8 steps (A – Z) and a reserve memory with up to 18 expressions with a total of 48 steps. In addition, another 50 'flexible' data memories with 8 steps each were available (A (27) –A (76)), but this was at the expense of the program memory. The larger PC-1211 had 1424 steps of program memory, identical data and reserve memory as well as max. 178 'flexible' data memory A (27) - A (204).
The calculation accuracy (internal) was 12 digits mantissa, 2 digits exponent.
With the interpreter , which has around two dozen BASIC commands, relatively complex programs can be created, at least on the PC-1211. A BASIC command only took up one byte. Those who did not shy away from soldering could turn the PC-1210 into a PC-1211 for around 80 DM with a memory extension.
Equipment and peripherals
The scope of delivery of the computer included a basic device, slip-in cover (hardcase), German-language operating instructions and keyboard templates, as well as an extensive English-language program collection. In addition to numerous programs from the field of physics, statistics or geometry , around a dozen games were included here.
Both computers were equipped with an interface on the left side of the case . The pocket computers could also be connected to a tape drive for data storage or to a printer . The computers were quasi 'placed' in the interface. The CE-121 interface shown was purely an interface to a commercially available cassette recorder and had two 3.5 mm mono jack plugs for sound transmission and a 2.6 mm jack plug to control the recorder. The CE-122 printer printed with a ribbon on normal paper rolls with 16 characters per line. Later, combined devices were also offered which, in addition to a printer, also had a miniature tape drive that recorded on mini-cassettes (similar to a dictation machine ).
Technical specifications
- RAM : 0.9 KB, of which 0.4 KB is available (PC-1210); 1.9 KB, of which 1.4 KB available (PC-1211). According to the service manual, the memory allocation is fragmented. Program memory and stack are located in 1 (or 3) RAM chips, and the remaining memory areas in the 3 LCD driver chips are used (a total of 3 * 128 bytes, e.g. for keyboard input buffers, communication buffers between the two CPUs, as well as the fixed variables A – V).
- ROM : 11 KB
- CPU : CMOS SC-43177 (A) and SC-43178; 4 bit; Clock frequency: 256 kHz
- Operating system : SHARP in-house development
- Programming language: BASIC with partially manufacturer-specific dialect
- Display: monochrome 24-digit dot matrix display in LCD technology (5 × 7 matrix), which can be used to display numbers, capital letters and special characters, but no graphics. Calculations are shown with a maximum of ten-digit mantissa and two-digit exponent.
- Sound: Piezoelectric buzzer for simple signal tones, addressable via the BASIC command 'BEEP'.
- Keyboard: QWERTY keyboard as well as a numeric keypad and special function keys
- Interfaces: 9-pin expansion port for a cassette interface and / or printer
- Power supply: 5.4 volts direct current via four button cells of the type MR-44 for an operating time of approx. 300 hours (consumption: 0.009 W).
- Dimensions: 175 mm × 70 mm × 15 mm
- Weight: approx. 170 g