Epson HX-20 User Manual
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- Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 1
EPSON HX-20 OPERATIONS MANUAL BY Kenneth Skier President SkiSoft, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 2
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. The Source"' is a service mark of Source Telecomputing Corporation. a subsidiary of the Readers - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 3
is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 4
Extreme temperatures 11 3 Preparing your HX-20 for use 13 Unpackingthe HX-20 13 Charging the batteries 14 Preparing the printer for use 15 Removing the printer cover 16 Inserting the paper roll 17 Inserting the ribbon cartridge 21 Replacing the printer cover 22 Adjusting the viewing angle - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 5
can't turn off your HX-20 61 If the menu displays garbage 62 If you encounter other problems 62 8 Storing your HX-20 63 - for a few minutes to a few hours 63 - for a few hours to a few weeks 63 -for a few weeks to a few months 63 9 Specifications 65 Architecture 65 Expansion 67 Help 73 vi - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 6
! You have just purchased the first of a new generation of personal computers. The Epson HX-20 is unlike any product ever built, combining the power and usefulness of a desktop computer with the portability of a pocket calculator. It's a go-anywhere, doanything system designed from the - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 7
the HX-20. If you have no interest in programming, you can purchase programs and run them on your HX-20. But if you do wish to learn about programming, the accompanying Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual will teach you everything you need to know. It will take you from a computer novice - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 8
HX-20 at a time, but it's a powerful means of customizing the HX-20 for a desired application-without diminishing in any way its ability to run BASIC programs for storing programs and data files. If your applications require more memory than the HX-20 features, just attach an expansion unit, which - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 9
or hundreds of programs and data files on-line, for virtually instant access; As you can see, the HX-20 is powerful, portable, easy to use and expandable. Whether you wish to use it for school, for business, or just for fun, you could hardly choose a more personal personal computer. So, once again - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 10
.) Never disassemble the case There are no parts inside your HX-20 that you can service or replace by yourself. If you remove the screws that hold the case together, you will risk damaging the static-sensitive circuitry and/or the batteries. I Never disassemble the case Leave the dummy cartridge in - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 11
cover Do not remove the system bus cover When the system bus is exposed, you will run the risk of damaging your HX-20 through exposure to static electricity, metal objects, and other hazards. The system bus cover protects your HX-20. Carefully remove it only to install the HX-20 expansion unit. 6 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 12
with television or radio reception nearby. Use only the HX-20 AC adapter to charge HX-20 batteries Your HX-20 comes with a device labelled AC ADAPTER. This unit is designed to charge the batteries in your HX-20. It is not designed to run your HX-20 directly from AC current. In all cases, you should - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 13
. Do not operate the HX-20 with the battery charger connected When its batteries need to be recharged, the HX-20 will flash "CHARGE BATTERY" on the screen sixty times, and then shut off. When you see the "CHARGE BATTERY" warning, turn off the power switch and charge the HX-20 for eight hours. If - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 14
Don't overcharge the batteries If your batteries fail to hold a charge, take your HX-20 to an Epson Service Center. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE BATTERIES YOURSELF, or you could damage your HX-20. Don't pull on the paper when the printer is active You may damage the HX-20's built-in microprinter if - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 15
plug in, and may void your warranty. Connect the HX-20 only to appropriate peripherals Protect the HX-20 from physical shock Don't drop your HX-20, or let it shake about. Like any other electronic product, the HX-20 can be damaged by such treatment. Pack it in its original box, using the original - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 16
for use in conditions where the temperature is below 95° F (35° C), and above 41°F (5° C). The HX-20 will not work reliably outside of this temperature range. Protect the HX-20 from extreme heat and cold Storing the HX-20 in conditions that are too hot or too cold may damage it permanently. 11 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 17
N 1 I 1 , , / , - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 18
HX-20, the battery charger, and all packing materials from the box. Check the packing materials for small parts and papers. DO NOT DISCARD THE PACKING MATERIALS! You will need them if you ever ship the HX-20, to protect it during shipment. You should have the following: 1) The Epson HX-20 computer - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 19
Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. 7) The registration card. 8) A warning sheet concerning the battery charger. Fill out the registration card at the time of purchase and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can provide continuing software and hardware support - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 20
your HX-20 power on, your batteries will not be fully charged at the end of eight hours. The batteries in the HX-20 are now charging. Allow them to obtain a full charge for eight (8) hours. Then disconnect the battery charger from the AC outlet, and unplug it from the HX-20. Preparing the printer - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 21
When the HX-20 is shipped from the factory, the ribbon and paper are not installed in the printer. To prepare the printer for use, you must perform the following steps: 1) Remove the printer cover. 2) Insert the paper roll. 3) Insert the ribbon cartridge. 4) Replace the printer cover. The only tools - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 22
up to a near-vertical position, you may lift it completely from the HX-20: I I Now you can look directly into the printer compartment. Inserting the paper roll Note the ON-OFF switch on the right side of the HX-20. Turn the HX-20 on, by sliding this switch away from you, towards the back of the - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 23
your other fingers on the back, pull the paper cover up, rotating it towards the back of the HX-20: (Unlike the printer cover, which is removable, the paper cover may not be removed from the HX-20.) You may now look into the paper compartment, which is empty except for a strip of fabric. 18 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 24
Now you need the roll of printer paper that came with your HX-20. When you use it up, replace it with the same kind of paper (available at your Epson dealer). Do not use any other paper, as it may jam or otherwise damage the printer. Unroll several inches of this paper: Slide the paper through - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 25
from the top of the printer, release the PAPER FEED button: Now pull the paper through the printer, until several inches are exposed: Put the roll of paper into the paper compartment on top of the strip of fabric. If you ever wish to remove the paper roll, lift the fabric strip. 20 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 26
. Be sure that you don't close the paper cover on the free end of the paper roll. Inserting the ribbon cartridge Packaged with your HX-20 is an L-shaped ink ribbon cartridge: Holding it as shown, you may slide it over the paper and into the printer compartment. Be sure the paper goes between the - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 27
of the ribbon. The left side of the ribbon will pop up, and you can remove it. Then install a new one, which you may purchase at your Epson dealer.) 1 Note: If you get ribbon ink on the case of the HX-20, wipe it off immediately. Once it dries, it's hard to remove. Replacing the printer cover Slide - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 28
cover down and into place: I I Press the front of the printer cover down: The printer cover is now in place. Adjusting the viewing angle The HX-20 uses an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. Unlike a television or movie screen, an LCD screen can only be viewed from within a narrow range of angles - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 29
you won't have to sit in any particular position while using the HX-20. To adjust the LCD screen to your position, place your finger on the VIEW ANGLE adjustment knob, located on the right side of the HX-20: Turn the VIEW ANGLE adjustment knob until the screen shows you crisp black - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 30
calendar clock. (If your HX-20 is not on now, turn it on.) The screen will look like this: I CTRL/@Initialize 1 MONITOR 2 BASIC I (Note: there may key, or the key, and the HX-20 will again display its menu. All programs and data previously entered into the HX-20 will still be in its memory. - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 31
units of time. For example, let's say that you are reading this in the month of January. Even though it's the first month of the year, you may not specify the month with a "1". The HX-20 the m key, the HX-20 will set its calendar clock appropriately. Then it will clear all programs and data from its - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 32
cover should be removed only by an authorized Epson dealer or service center. Removing it yourself will void your warranty. You may select special character sets by using HX-20 software; see The HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. The HX-20 can display and print special characters required by - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 33
You will see a shiny, flexible flap. Carefully lift this up and out of the way. One component, called a DIP switch, looks like this (enlarged to show detail): The DIP switch is actually a set of four switches. To specify the character set of a given country, look up the appropriate switch settings - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 34
On Off On Italy On Off Off Spain Off Off Off Sweden Off On Off USA On On On (Switch 4 has no effect on the HX-20's character set. Leave it in the off position.) When you have adjusted the DIP switch for the desired character set, let the shiny flap fall - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 35
- Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 36
the menu, and choose an item from the menu. Turning it on To turn on the HX-20, find the ON-OFF switch on the right side of the HX-20, and push it towards the back of the HX-20: A menu will appear on the screen. (If you can't see the menu clearly, don't be - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 37
another part of the scroll, turn one of the wooden rollers. In a similar fashion, your HX-20 allows you to scroll the menu up and down through the screen. It won't display a the menu is displayed. When the HX-20 is "in BASIC" or "in the MONITOR," some of these keys have different functions.) 32 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 38
control the micro- cassette manually. (See chapter 6.) To restore the menu, press H,orm. Incidentally, the arrow keys have no effect when you are viewing the menu. Choosing an item from the menu The menu lists jobs the HX-20 may perform. But how can you make the HX-20 perform one of those - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 39
The monitor lets you enter and modify machine language programs. For more information, see the Epson HX-20 Technical Reference Manual. BASIC BASIC lets you enter, change, and run BASIC programs. See the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. Your menu may list other jobs as well. For - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 40
Chapter 5 The screen editor When you use BASIC or almost any application program, you will interact with the HX-20 by typing on the keyboard, and it will respond by displaying text and graphics on the screen. This is made possible by the screen editor. - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 41
make it easy for you to insert and delete text at any point. Turn on your HX-20 now and select BASIC from the menu. You won't actually learn any BASIC programming in the following pages, but you must enter BASIC in order to learn how to use the screen editor. The cursor When you select - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 42
- Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 43
At the bottom of the screen, you will see a symbol that looks like this: That symbol consists of a "greater-than" sign with a little line underneath it. That little line is called a cursor. On your keyboard, just above the m key, you will notice two keys with arrows on them. These are the cursor - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 44
Thus, themkeys enable two cursor keys to move the cursor in any of four different directions: left, right, up, and down. To select horizontal movement, do not use alkey. To select vertical movement, you must use alkey. Scrolling Something special happens when you try to move the cursor beyond - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 45
Clearing the screen You can erase the entire virtual screen, just by pressing a single key: This clears the virtual screen, and homes the cursor. Typing on the virtual screen Typing on the virtual screen is as easy as...well, as easy as typing. For example, let's say you want to type the - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 46
Because the cursor is near the right edge of the screen, something unusual will happen when you type the next character. Press them key. An "O" appears on the screen at the cursor location, but the cursor doesn't move to the right. Instead, all the text on the screen slides to the left. So the - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 47
. Your cursor moved automatically to the second line of the virtual screen while you were typing, even though you never pressed the m key. The HX-20 moves the cursor to a new line whenever necessary. You may type one sentence that ends up occupying several lines of the virtual screen-without ever - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 48
BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. But for now, ignore any BASIC error messages you encounter, because you're still trying to learn how to use the screen editor.) When you work with BASIC or with an application program, the HX-20 existing text in this way, you replace the old text with the new text - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 49
you've exited from the insert mode before you've had a chance to use it.) You won't notice any changes on the screen, but the HX-20 is now in insert mode. This means that any characters you type now will be inserted into the text at the cursor location. The rest - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 50
to stop inserting text. To exit from insert mode, hold down a m key and tap magain. Or press any cursor key. Either action will take the HX-20 out of insert mode. Upper and lower case So far, you've only typed UPPER CASE LETTERS on the virtual screen. But with the screen - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 51
simply press the key again. Numeric mode When you use BASIC or run an application program, you may wish to type only numbers, instead of Instead, just press the key. Nothing will change on the screen, but the HX-20 is now innumeric q mode, which changes the behavior of many keys. For example - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 52
this mode, all letter keys are disabled.) The number keys in the top row of the keyboard will also work- although presumably you put the HX-20 into numeric mode because you'd rather not use those keys. However, the numeric keys will not function if pressed in conjunction with alkey. The - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 53
graphic characters, the screen editor must be in upper case mode, and you must use the key (located in the lower right corner of the HX-20 keyboard). q For example, hold down the key, and (while holding it q down) press the key. Instead of seeing a "K" or a "k" on the q screen, you'll see - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 54
left edge of the keyboard) and press function key . The HX-20's built-in printer will activate and print a hard copy of the LCD display. (If m/1/1 does not activate the printer, make sure that the printer has paper in it, and that the PRINTER ON-OFF switch, located just above the H key, is in - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 55
amount set with the BASIC SCROLL command.) Scroll text down the screen by four lines (or by the amount set with the BASIC SCROLL command.) Change modes a lower case character if HX-20 is in upper case mode, or an upper case letter if HX-20 is in lower case mode. q If HX-20 is in upper case mode, - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 56
by four lines, or by amount set with BASIC SCROLL command. Enter insert mode, or exit from insert mode. Scroll left. Make cursor visible. Make cursor invisible. Delete from cursor to end of virtual screen. Using the special function keys Your HX-20 contains eight special function keys, labelled as - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 57
the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. mjlcauses the microprinter to print a hard copy of the LCD q /m screen display. enables you to control a microcassette manually. This q works only when a microcassette is installed. When you press /i , the LCD screen displays the value of - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 58
- Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 59
recorder You can connect your HX-20 to any portable cassette recorder. However, it's best to avoid the cheapest cassette recorders, because on these units the tape speed can fluctuate dramatically. Such fluctuations in tape speed can make it impossible for you to recover programs and data you have - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 60
the three plugs at one end of the cassette cable and plug them into the following sockets on the right side of the HX-20: Plug WHITE RED BLACK HX-20 Socket EAR MIC REM Now take the three plugs at the other end of the cassette cable and plug them into the corresponding - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 61
recorder is now connected to your HX-20. You may use it to save and load BASIC programs, as described in the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual. Or you may use it with various applications programs, as described in the documentation for those programs. One word of caution: all cassette - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 62
by using appropriate parameters with the OPEN statement, you can command the HX-20 to use any desired proto- col. (See the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual.) Connecting your HX-20 to a bar code reader On the right side of your HX-20, you will notice a socket marked "BAR CODE." 58 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 63
"read" bar codes-those patterns of black and white stripes you find on groceries, magazines, and so many other products today. As of this printing, Epson has provided only the hardware interface for a bar code reader. But when you read this, a bar code reader might be available. Contact your - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 64
m 0 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 65
Chapter 7 What if you have problems? Your HX-20 is a highly sophisticated computer, controlled by very advanced software. Epson built reliability into this software, so it's quite likely that your HX-20 will give you trouble-free service for years. Nevertheless, even the most intelligent systems - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 66
of the HX-20-the software that controls its menu-has become very confused. This may have been caused by a program that interfered the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual.) Unfortunately, whatever garbled your menu may have garbled your programs, too. If the listings of your programs look - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 67
the clock and the memory circuits require only a miniscule amount of power, they will discharge the batteries completely if given enough time. When that happens, the HX-20 will forget all the programs in its memory, and the batteries, once fully discharged, may no longer be able to accept a full - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 68
also be prudent to save on a cassette any programs you have stored in memory. Then store the HX-20 in its original box and packaging materials, in a place with acceptable temperature and humidity. 64 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 69
users. If you are just learning about computers, ignore this chapter. Turn instead to the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual, and learn how to program your HX-20. For detailed specifications, see the Epson HX-20 Technical Reference Manual. All specifications are subject to change - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 70
the microprinter, speaker, and external cassette. The cartridge interface has ports for both the main and slave microprocessors. Figure 9-1 HX-20 Architecture I I ROM SOCKET 8KB 6301 MAIN CPU 6301 SLAVE CPU BARCODE READER INTERFACE CARTRIDGE INTERFACE -El CASSETTE TAPE INTERFACE POWER SUPPLY 66 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 71
it to be connected to a printer with a serial interface, a computer, or a modem; and to a floppy disk unit and display controller via a serial bus. A bar code reader and external cassette recorder may be plugged into connectors located on the right side of the HX-20. Figure 9-2 HX-20 Expansion 67 - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 72
Expansion ROM External Expansion RAM ROM Built-in Features Display Printer Clock Speaker Interfaces Interface Power Capacity (each pin and total) VB (direct from battery) +5V (switched) VC (Power by BASIC WIDTH command ribbon; plain paper, 55mm wide Time and calendar, alarm, interval timer, battery - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 73
Input Level System Bus Connector Address Bus Data Bus Power Supply Batteries Type Capacity Operation Data Integrity Low Voltage Recharge Four NiCad batteries, internal, Sub C type 1100 mA/ H (Approximately 50 hours running BASIC; less depending on use of RS-232C port, printer or optional - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 74
Microcassette Cartridge ROM Cartridge Expansion Unit RAM Capacity ROM Capacity 115V AC-+lO% 49.5-60.5 Hz 8 Watts 8 Megaohms, case to AC; 1 KV, 1 min., case to AC 4 Bit DIP; 3 bits for international character set selection, 1 bit for selecting Disk or ROM BASIC Main Power; Printer On/Off; Reset - Epson HX-20 | User Manual - Page 75
CX-20 Acoustic Coupler Communications Operation Mode Signaling Speed Interface Power Supply Display Controller Switch Box RS-232C Cables Serial Cables (High Speed) External Cassette Cable support AC Adapter (Battery Charger) Roll Paper Ribbon Cartridge Full/ half duplex, selectable ORIG/ ANS mode,
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EPSON
HX-20 OPERATIONS MANUAL
B
Y
Kenneth Skier
President
SkiSoft, Inc.
Cambridge, Massachusetts