| Type, Precision, Input mode |
Scientific, 10 BCD digits, exponent ±99, Algebraic |
| Programmable |
Yes, in C, BASIC, CASL and assembler. The unit is one of the
faster machines. Notably, it is 10 times as fast as the PB-2000C.
Also, it turns out that the BASIC interpreter is only slightly slower
than
the C-interpreter.
Both the C and BASIC interpreter use 13-digit BCD numbers
internally.
The normal calculator uses only 10 BCD-digits, though.
The C and BASIC languages are available all the time whereas on the PB-2000C installing the
BASIC
module will completely disable the C-interpreter.
At most there can be 10 different BASIC programs and 10 different C
programs.
However, CASL and assembler programs are stored in the C-program area
so
they reduce the number of available C programs. |
| Performance
Index |
BASIC: 84, C: 93 |
| Memory |
64kByte internally + 32kByte memory module, permanent.
The maximum amount of supported RAM is 96kByte in total |
| Display |
192x32 pixel black&white LCD, 32x4 characters
Separate contrast adjustment knob on the right side of the unit |
| CPU |
X86-compatible 16-bit CPU 80L188EB |
| Special features |
Programmable in C, BASIC and assembler! A wide range of
peripheral devices,
see below.
Can be directly connected to another fx-890P unit using a serial
interface.
Fast 16-bit CPU. Auto power-off; to turn on again press BRK. |
| Accessories |
See pg. 67 and 107 of the Operating Manual.
| Part number |
Price (Yen) |
Price (€) |
Type |
| RP-8 |
11,000
|
91
|
8 kByte RAM, see fx-730P. |
| RP-33 |
15,000
|
125
|
32 kbyte RAM |
| SB-5/MD-120 |
9,800/45,000
|
81/374
|
Interface box and high density 3.5" floppy disk
drive.
Also available as MD-110. |
| SB-60 |
2,200
|
18
|
Cable to connect directly to another fx-890P.
Connector on the left side of the unit. |
| SB-60/FA-8 |
2,200/9,800
|
18/81
|
RS232 interface |
| FA-6 |
14,800
|
123
|
RS232 plus centronics parallel interface |
| SB-44/FP-40 |
6,000/19,800
|
50/164
|
Interface box and printer.
The printer can also be connected thru the FA-6 |
| FP-100 |
49,800
|
413
|
Unclear what this is, maybe an A4 plotter?
See pg. 89 of the Operating Manual |
| AD-4177 |
3,000
|
25
|
AC power supply |
Note: In 1997 one Yen corresponded to approximately 0.0083 Euro. See Oanda. |
| Original Pricing, Production |
Unknown, approx. 1997 |
| Batteries |
4xAA plus large button sized cell for backup. Or external DC
6V power supply.
To remove the AA cells or the backup battery a small switch must be
slid
to release the battery covers. |
| Dimensions |
Length 8.2cm, Width 20.7cm, Height 2.3cm |
| Links |
Connector
pinout.
|
| Comment |
A very interesting device! As far as I know it has never been
released outside Japan.
Surprisingly, it is much more similar to the Sharp PC-E500 than to the Casio fx-880P.
However, it seems there are some similarities between the handbooks of
the fx-880P and the
fx-890P. This may be helpful to understand the BASIC interpreter and
usage of peripherals.
Programming in BASIC and C is pretty straight-forward, see below.
What CASL stands for be I don't know, maybe "C-Assembly-Language"?
One big drawback compared to the PB-2000C is the lack of a
file
system! A number of different C and BASIC programs can be maintained
but
apparently there is no way to create other types of files - neither
text
files with an editor nor data files from within a program.
In an email Omar noted in January 2009:
Actually there is [a way to create data files], but not using the “Open” command.
Instead, you have to use the “Restore# (F0 to F9)” command. Then,
you use “Read#” and “Write#” to interact with the file.
The “Open” command does work but with the disk only “0:”.
There's almost no English language documentation available on the web.
Of course the most challenging fact is that all the manuals are
exclusively in Japanese. Anybody who would like to practice his/her
technical Japanese language skills is invited to take a look at these
books!
Any other information on this unit would be highly appreciated as well.
Apparently, a very similar unit was sold under the name Z-1GR. |
| Programming in C |
Press the MENU key to the right of the LCD display and "3" to
choose C language mode.
Use the left & right arrow keys to select one out of the 10
available programs.
"R", "L" and "S" keys execute, load (=precompile) or edit the selected
program.
For the C-backslash "\" the Yen-symbol on the "I" key must be used.
To return from the editor to the C-language menu press shift-MENU.
Apparently, the fx-890 uses a C-interpreter similar the PB-2000C. The only obvious
improvement
is the added "const" keyword. And thanks to the 16-bit CPU the
interpreter
is quite fast, see Performance
Index.
See also pg.14 of the "C, BASIC, and CASL Manual". |
| Programming in BASIC |
Press the MENU key to the right of the LCD display and "2" to
choose BASIC language mode.
Press shift-P0 ... shift-P9 to select one out of the 10 available BASIC
programs.
Enter "list" to list the entire program or for example "list 10-50" to
display
only parts of it.
Enter BASIC statements with a leading line number as needed. Note that
there
is no AUTO mode available which would automatically generate line
numbers.
Also, be aware that variable names are case sensitive!
Enter "run" to execute the program. |
