Sharp PC-1403 explained

Sharp PC-1403
Entry:Infix, BASIC,
Introduced:1986
Processor:CPU: Hitachi SC61860 (8-bit CMOS)
Frequency:768 kHz
Display Type:LCD dot-matrix
Display Size:24 characters
Prog Lang:Unstructured BASIC
Memory User:8 KB
Memory Rom:72 KB
Ports:1x proprietary (11 pins)
Supply:2x CR2032
Power:0.03 W

The Sharp PC-1403 was a small scientific calculator and pocket computer manufactured by Sharp. It was the successor of the Sharp PC-1401, and had better display, more RAM and better system software.

Technical specifications

Manufacturing started in 1986.

It is possible to convert the 1403 to a 1403H by removing the 8 K RAM and soldering in a 32 K RAM. An inverter IC is needed for this, too.

Calculator

Calculations could be performed in two modes CAL and RUN.[1] In the former, the PC-1403 would behave like a normal scientific calculator at the time with formulas entered in algebraic logic. In RUN mode, BASIC statements could be entered for immediate execution and print out. The latter was similar to the Direct algebraic logic employed by modern calculators.

Programming

The programming model employed was unstructured BASIC for which the PC-1403 distinguished between RUN and PRO mode. The later being used to enter and edit program and the former being used to execute them.

Programming example

Here is a sample program that computes the factorial of an integer number from 0 to 69. It can be called by entering a number or an expression followed by pressing DEF F (in run mode). 10 "F" AREAD N allows to start the program with DEF F20 F=1 Set start value of F to 130 FOR I=1 TO N counts I from 1 to N40 F=F*I calculates F=F*I50 NEXT I repeats loop from line 4060 PRINT STR$ N+"!=";F print result - i.e. 5!=120.70 END end of program

Machine language programming

It is possible to write machine language programs into memory using the POKE command and starting them with the CALL command.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: SHARP Pocket Computer Model PC-1403 - Operation Manuel . . Osaka, Japan . 1986. https://web.archive.org/web/20160910064809/http://pocketcomputerworld.free.fr/Manuals/PC-1403.pdf . 10 September 2016. live.