Sharp PC1360 + CE126P mini-review

I own a very nice Sharp 1360 pocket computer. I got it in Spain, by Ebay. It is complete, with box, manual and 8 kb. memory card. Then I got the cute CE126P printer & cassette interface from an Ebayer in Austria.

This is one of my favourite pieces of harware.

The 1360 is really a pocket computer (it runs by two CR2032 lithim cells). It is flat and light (not like the "brick" Casio PB700).

It is a real computer. The screen has enough capacity to show complex calculations and simple graphs. The beeper can make music, and the programing is easy, as easy as in a real computer.

Togheter with the CE126 printer, it makes a very nice set. Really usable. As the printer is thermal, there is no problem with the ink consumables. The paper roll is easy to find everywhere.

The printer is connected to the 11 pin interface in the left of the computer.

In the right side of the computer there is a real, proper RS232 port. So, you can transfer programs or even use a bluetooth adapter!

Casio PB300 Review and Printer Module replacement

A got my lovely Casio PB300 from Ebay. I come from Montana, USA to Spain. 

I was very happy with it, it looked really like new. Both, calculator and carrying case were clean and in perfect conditions. I dont really think the calculator was used. 

The PB 300 is a very cute machine, here you can see a size comparation with the PB700. The Keyboard layout of the Casio PB300 is very nice, and looks like a small "real" computer.

Although the nice form factor, lightweight and cute look, the PB300 is a very limited machine. The 12 chartacter screen is too little for easy reading, or programing. The memory is just 512 steps, just enough for very simple calculations.

It is a nice objet to have and enjoy, but not an everyday usable item such my 730P or my PB700 are.

However, I had to replace the internal NI-CD battery. You can see the process in this post. This can be also applied to any of the early printers from Casio, such is the FX802 or the stand alone FP12.

And I found another problem! One of the lines in the printer was dead! Of course, you can still use the printer, but it was a pity to have that dead line.

As I also have a little Casio PB-12 Printer, fully functional, but not very nice look, I had to make a decission: What do I prefer, a PB300 of a FP12? Of course the PB300!

So, I swaped the printer module from both. The FP12 works still great, but with that line on the prints, with is OK, and the PB300 is just perfect.

This is the original printer module. I photographed to note the cable order.

This is the little FP-12, that "donated" its printing unit. 

A closer view of the Casio PB300 oppened. You can see that the cables are tight with a little rope!

Detail of the "swapping" process. It is funny, but 3 of the cables were soldered differently in the printer and in the calculator. I detected that in the first printing as it resulted "abstract". ;-)

And it this video, you can see the finished:

Casio PB300 Batery Upgrade

I bougth a Casio PB 300 to an Ebayer from Montana, US. The machine arrived in perfect condition, just the computer and the soft case. I dont think it has been used, really. It looks new.

But one problem with these Casio (as well as with the FP12) are the rechargeable batteries. They are NI-CD and they are complete dead after 30 years. So I decided to replace them by a little Li-Po battery from a RC Helicopter, and use a USB cable as charging device. This is an easy one to do!

Here you can see the PB300 open. The white battery block is really 4 AAA NI-CD cells. They supply 4.8v. to the calculator when fully charger.

The next photo shows the Li-Po installed. It is just sticked with double side adhesive tape. It comes from a mini-helicopter. Attached to the battery there is a 3.7 to 5v. conversor. (easy and cheap to get from eBay). It provides a friendly 5v. to the Casio, and it also prevents the Li-Po from over discharging, as it will cut off current when battery voltage is below 3.3v.

The chargin lead from the Casio has been redirecte to the battery, as we will recharge it with a USB Charger (from the same RC Helicopter).

This is a more detailed photo: I writed down that the calculator was made in 1983, and the printing module in 1982. I had to replace the printer mechanism. There is an explanation about this in another article. 

The perfomance of the new battery is incredible. I have spend several rolls of paper, and still holds charge. Charging from USB takes about 25 min. There is a photo of the modified RC Helicopter charger here.

It was not difficult to find a charging plug in the local electronics store. The USB cable has a charging circuit inside, it will stop charging and light a led when the Li-Po is charged.

Aditionally, with the new battery the PB300 us extra - light.

And here, you can see the result!

HELLO WORLD


Today this blog is born. I only want to have fun and share information and resources about one of my hobbies: Pocket Computers from the (early) 80s.

I have learned a lot from others on the internet, now its time to pay back. ;-)

Have fun!

Vintage-TEK