SHARP PC-1600

Description

Brand: SHARP
Model: PC-1600
Type: BASIC-programmable Pocket Computer
Picture: SHARP PC-1600
Batteries: AA x 4
Lifetime: Introduced: 1986
Terminated: unknown
Notes: This is the successor to the SHARP PC-1500A. It is basically two computers in one. One with a multi-line display and a Z-80 compatible microprocessor, and to implement compatibility with the SHARP PC-1500A it has a second microprocessor, the LH-5803, to run PC-1500 code, even machine code.

From its manual:
  • Powerful CMOS 8-bit microprocessor, equivalent to Z-80A
  • Standard 16K byte random access memory (RAM), expandable to 80 kB
  • 26 column, 4-line LCD with a 5x7 character matrix
  • 156x32 dot graphics, all dots addressable
  • Real-time clock supports wakeup and alarm features
One drawback of this calculator is its display. I’m not sure if it’s due to old age, but even though there is an adjustment wheel to set the contrast, the contrast is not very high. Googling for it it seems to be a common issue with the SHARP PC-1600.

As with the SHARP PC-1500A, there is a lot of good technical information on this pocket computer my SHARP such as a Service Manual and an excellent Technical Reference Manual full of information on the hardware side of this Pocket Computer and on machine language programming, including a list of ROM addresses for specific functions. I do wonder how my life would have been had I been in possession of this beauty instead of the TRS-80 PC-2. I hope to one day find some time to delve deeper into this pocket computer’s abilities. I’m sure it is extremely powerful and versatile.

For more information, see this Wikipedia page (link validated 2024-01-13).

Peripherals

There is a wide range of peripherals for this machine. The CE-1600M 32K memory module, the CE-1600P printer and cassette interface and even a disk drive, the CE-1600F. The calculator has an analogue input jack which values can be read and acted upon using BASIC commands.

Most devices that are also compatible with the SHARP PC-1500A are compatible, including the pen plotter and cassette interface. It has two expansion slots for memory modules. The calculator has a built-in RS232 interface.

A power adapter.


©2024 Ernst Mulder