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Overview about the Sharp PC-E500S

The Sharp PC-E500S is the successor of the PC-E500. It was introduced in 1995, eventhough the technology dates back to 1989, when the PC-E500 came out. The PC-E500S is mostly only a refined version of the PC-E500 with a better keyboard (plastic key caps instead of rubber keys), a display with better contrast and removable cover attached to the case with with a hinge.

The "E" in the name indicates the provided "Engineering" software in the device besides the BASIC interpreter and calculator.

Technical data

  • CPU: Sharp SC-62015, 8 bit, 2.304 MHz
  • ROM: 256 KB
  • RAM: 32 KB (about 28.6 KB usable for programs)
  • Display: monochrome LCD with 240*32 pixels or 40*4 characters
  • Audio: piezo buzzer to create beep sounds
  • Interfaces: serial and printer
  • Memory card slot for cards with up to 256 KB

A interesting fact is, that you can use all the hardware from earlier models like the PC-1403H since the 11-pin serial interface is identical. In addition there is a another 15-pin-interface on the other side.

The original memory cards had a lithium battery included to they retain the data for at least one year even outside the device. You can either use the memory cards to extend the internal memory or use them as RAM disk to save programs or files.

Operation modes

Similar to the PC-1403H the PC-E500S has two basic operation modes:

  • Scientific calculator with a dedicated keypad for it.
  • BASIC interpreter with "run" and "pro" mode to run or edit programs.

In addition there are three other modes:

  • Matrix calculations
  • Statistical calculations
  • Engineering tools for physics, mathematics and other sciences

All modes will be selected by pressing the "Menu" key first and then one of the five function keys "PF1" to "PF5" below the display.