Category Archives: The Family

TEAM1560 : Testing a new module… TE-1508

I’m testing a new hardware to take place inside the PC-1500(A).
The schematics is OK, the circuit board is manually routed.
And i’m testing it with some classic DIP components.

This new module will be the TE-1508, a 512KB RAMDrive.
It’s like 25x the maximum user RAM area.
All this memory is organized in 16x32KB pages with a write protect jumper and a CR2032 battery.
It’s in the first half of the ME1 zone and can be disabled by software. (Remember that the IWS video interface uses the same ME1 zone.)
But installing it inside the PC-1500 will be a big job.

Stay tuned…

TEAM1560 : TE-1507 memory module designed to extend Basic

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The TE-1506 could be too much complicated for most of the users.
Those who don’t need to replace system ROM but want a permanent Basic extension will be interested by this new module !
It’s like a CE-161 but with 2x16KB RAM and 2x16KB EEPROM for Basic extension.

Here is the schematics :

If a least 10 or more readers are interested i can produce it as a kit or mounted.
But only after having released the TE-1506 module.
If you have suggestions or see an error then please contact me.

Rare, the ALPS printer mechanism (for the CE-150) new on eBay

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Hello,
As it’s rare i can write a post about this eBay item.
It’s the CE-150 printer mechanism included in the Sharp CE-150.
If you order one (or more) could you please tell the vendor that you found the information on PC-1500.info ?

Go to the auction

Sharp CE-150 : pinions replacement solution ?

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Hi all,

We all have ALPS printer modules with broken pinions.
Who knows a replacement part ?

As told by Paul in the forum :

“The pinions measure 3.75mm OD and have 13 teeth. The shaft measures 1.55mm. I’m thinking that this is very similar to some remote control helicopter pinions I found online – 13T 1.5mm shaft mod .25 (101P). I’m going to check with a local RC hobby shop to see if they have anything, but otherwise I’ll try to order some of these pinions (http://www.xtreme-production.com/xtreme … ts_id=3013).”

Someone used pinions from a Sony CD player.

If you want to share your solution, please, contact me.

Team1560 : Prototype board for TE-1506 memory module ordered

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The TE-1506 memory module is an important step on the way to the PC-1560.
It’s Sharp PC-1500(A) compatible and offers some nice features that missed from a long time.
I have ordered the prototype board and will receive it in two weeks.

In the size of a module you’ll have a 32KB static RAM and a 32KB Xicor EEPROM.

First remember the memory map. Example for the PC-1500A :

Now let’s see how it works :
The RAM :
It’s divided in two 16KB memory spaces from &0000H to &3FFFH and will replace your CE-161 module.
The LH5801 provide 2 flip-flops named PU and PV. They are mainly used to switch extension’s ROMs located from &8000H to &BFFFH.
Here you will be able to configure by jumper if pages are selected by PU or PV.
Natively the Basic can’t switch the RAM pages but… we will teach him.
For information the TRAMSoft memory extension use same page selection.
The whole RAM (from &0000H to &3FFFH) can be write protected by removing a jumper.

The EEPROM :
Xicor offers us a the perfect solution to store ROM extensions.
First, it’s 5v programable, second, it’s byte erasable !
No need of external EPROM programmer.
CGH already tested the Xicor solution on his PC-1500 as a permanent RAMDisk.
The 32KB of our EEPROM can work in two modes :

1 – As two 16KB ROM extensions located from &8000H to &BFFFH.
Depending on the peripheral used (CE-150 or CE-158) you can select the EEPROM’s position in the memory space.
If you use the CE-150 printer/tape interface then you have to select PU=1
If you use the CE-158 RS-232C/Parallel interface then you have to use PU=0
The two 16KB pages are selected by PV flip-flop.
Do you remember CGH’s tools ? BASWORD will be your friend.

2 – As a 16KB ROM extension + 16KB system ROM replacement.
The first 16KB page becomes the new system ROM and the second 16KB page is still a ROM extension located on PV=0 or PV=1 zone.
The whole EEPROM can be write protected by removing a jumper.

Amazing, no ? This will offer a solution to create you own root system !
Could you image a Forth native PC-1500 ?
an assembler native PC-1500 ?
a C native PC-1500 ?
Wow…

First tests in 3 weeks !

How many cases do you know for the PC-1500 + CE-150 ?

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Hello,

How many cases, pouches, briefcases do you know for the “PC-1500 + CE-150” ?
Sharp branded or from other companies.
Can you post links to the pictures as comment ?

I know 7 :
– 1 official Sharp “CE-150 + PC-1500” for most of the countries.
– 1 official Sharp “PC-1500RP + PC-1500RP2” for Brasil
– 2 official Hiradastechnika for “KA-160 + PTA-4000” and “KA-160 + PTA-4000+16”
– 1 official Radio Shack for the PC2 and it’s printer
– 1 from a french company for “CE-150 + PC-1500”
– 1 special from Japan. Only 50 were built.

Thank you !

Hidden objects : the Sharp PC-1500A, CE-150 and manual

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All of you know the famous games “Hidden objects”, isn’t it ?
I have special one for you !

Could you find the Sharp CE-150 ? The PC-1500A manual ? The Sharp PC-1500A ?

Yes, our favorite pocket computer is 33 years old…
The whole article at Crystalradio.cn : http://www.crystalradio.cn/thread-245019-1-1.html

CE-154 : The Sharp briefcase for the PC-1500

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This is a “must have” item for PC-1500 fans.

Did James Bond have a such briefcase ? No !

When opening it you have :
– PC-1500 or PC-1500A
– CE-150 printer and cassette interface
– CE-152 tape recorder
– CE-153 extended keyboard
– EA-150 power adapter
And under the CE-153 you have a special compartment with
– CE-153 software tape
– CE-156 Katakana software (for Japan briefcase)
– place for up to 4 paper rolls
– place for all cables (CE-153, CE-152, power)

Here is the empty briefcase :

You can remove the interior :

And see that it’s a standard briefcase :

I’m lucky with this one and i have two covers for the interior :

All is explained in this japanese user manual :

Unique item : ergonomic Sharp PC-1500 stand

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This is a unique piece machined in the late 80’s by a machine shop in Hamburg.
The owner of a PC-1500 was disappointed by the angle of view of the LCD.
So he decided to ask a machine shop to build him the perfect stand for viewing and typing.

It’s made in aluminum (AU4G) and it’s weight is 1,8Kg.

I’m very happy to present you this unique item :

PC-1500 hardware is not always made in silicium and gold !

DIANZIBAO : Repairing the Sharp CE-150 printer

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Lot of my technical informations come from USA and Europe.
And i’m always happy to discover informations from China specially this one !

DIANZIBAO is a kind of bible for repair shops.
Something like 400 pages of technical informations, schematics, matching table for ICs, components pinouts for all kind of items.
This cover from fridge, cameras, radios… to repair tools.
In the 1992 edition there are some pages about the Sharp CE-150 and it’s usual problems.