Epson HX-20 User Manual

EPSON

HX-20 OPERATIONS MANUAL

Kenneth Skier

President

SkiSoft, Inc.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Source”’ is a service mark of Source

CompuServe® is a

system, or

photocopying, recording or

America,

the

Inc. No

omissions. Neither is any

information contained

Readers Digest Association. Inc.

part of

this

publication

transmitted,

herein. While every

registered trademark of CompuServe. Inc.

in any

form or

otherwise, without the

patent liability is

the

publisher

and

liability

herein.

Telecomputing

may be

by any means,

assumed with respect to the

precaution

author

assumed

reproduced, stored in a

electronic,

prior written permission of

has been

assume no

for damages

Corporation. a subsidiary of the

resulting

mechan-

use of

taken

in the

responsibility for

from

the

Federal Communications Commission

Radio Frequency Interference

Statement

“This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if

not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

l Reorient the receiving antenna l Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver l Move the computer away from the receiver l Plug the computer into a different outlet so that com-

puter and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

“How to identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office,

Washington, D.C., 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

1 Congratulations! 2 Cautions

Case Dummy cartridge System bus cover Circuitry cover

Battery charger Batteries

Printer ............................................

Peripherals ........................................

Physicalshock .....................................

Humidity

Extreme temperatures

3 Preparing

Unpackingthe HX-20 Charging the batteries Preparing the printer for use

initializing memory and the calendar clock Selecting a different character set.

.........................................

..............................................

..........................................

.........................................

your

Removing the printer cover. Inserting the paper roll. Inserting the ribbon cartridge

Replacing the printer cover.

Adjusting the viewing angle

...................................

..................................

...................................

.....................................

....................................

...............................

HX-20

for use

..............................

.......................

.........................

.....................

.........................

....................

.....................

......................

............

....................

5 5

7 7 8 9

9 10 10 11

13 13 14 15 16 17

21 22 23 25 27

4 Using the HX-20

Turning it on ......................................

Viewing the menu..

Choosing an item from the menu

The screen

The virtual screen Thecursor

Scrolling ..........................................

Homing the cursor Clearing the screen Typing on the virtual screen

Automatic scrolling.

editor.

...................................

................................

.....................

..................................

........................................

.................................

.........................

................................

31 31 31 33

35 35 36 40 40 41 41 41

Virtual screen width Logical lines vs. physical lines.

Retyping ..........................................

Deleting text Insert mode

Upper and lower case. Numeric mode Graphic characters

Printing the screen

Using the special function keys

......................................

.......................................

................................

.......................

..............................

.....................................

.................................

.......................

42 43 44 44 45 46 47 49

50 52

6 Connecting

-to a cassette recorder

-to an RS-232 device

-to a bar code reader

What if you have problems?

If you can’t turn off your HX-20

If the menu displays garbage

If you encounter other problems

8 Storing

for a few minutes to a few hours

- for a few hours to a few weeks

-for a few weeks to a few months ...................

Specifications.

Architecture..

Expansion

Help!

...............................................

your

HX-20 to

your

HX-20

.........................................

................................

.....................................

other devices

.............................

..............................

.........................

.....................

.........................

.....................

....................

..............

..................

55 57 58

61 62 62

63 63 63

Chapter 1

Congratulations!

Congratulations! 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, do-

anything system designed from the start to be user-friendly-

which means you don’t have to

know anything about comput-

ers to use it. Powered by its own internal batteries, with no dangling cords or external paraphernalia, the HX-20 is a compact and uncluttered system, at home in the classroom or the conference room, on your desk or in your lap.

Unlike most other personal

computers, the HX-20 can store

up to seventeen programs in its memory. (Five of these may be BASIC programs.) When you

turn on the HX-20, a menu appears on the screen, listing the names of these programs. You can make the HX-20 run any program on the menu simply by pressing a single key.

Furthermore, the HX-20 has a memory like an elephant. Unlike most personal computers, which forget any program in memory as soon as they are “powered down,” the HX-20 remembers all programs in its

memory even when you turn it

off

Contained within the HX-20 is an extended version of Microsoft BASIC, a powerful programming language that is easy to learn and which takes full advantage of the many special

features of 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 every-

thing you need to know. It will take you from a computer novice to an accomplished computer programmer, in only a few evenings.

When you use the HX-20, you’ll notice that its full-size, full-stroke keyboard has the feel of a fine piece of office equipment, and that its programmable special function keys make it a snap to develop pro-

grams that are extremely easy to use. You'll also appreciate its built-in screen and printer. They display graphics as well as numbers, punctuation marks, and upper and lower case letters.

You may tailor the HX-20 to certain applications, such as word processing or telecom-

munications, by purchasing a

tiny circuit called an option ROM An option ROM will fit inside the HX-20, enhancing it

permanently with the desired capabilities. Only one option ROM can fit inside the 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 or to accept option cartridges.

Option cartridges also tailor

the HX-20 for specific applications. You can install a cartridge in moments, simply by sliding it into a recessed compartment in the case of the HX-20. Insert a

program cartridge for one or

case

Never

disassemble

Leave

the dummy

In the upper right corner of your HX-20, you will notice a dummy cartridge.

the case

cartridge in place

cartridge

Leave the dummy

cartridge

in place

If you purchase an option cartridge containing a program or a

microcassette recorder, then you will need to remove the dummy

cartridge in order to insert the option cartridge. But until then,

please leave the dummy cartridge in place.

When no cartridge is in place, one of the HX-20’s connectors is

exposed. Static electricity or metal objects contacting this connector can damage the HX-20’s circuitry. By covering up this connector, the dummy cartridge prevents such mishaps.

not

remove

the

system

bus

cover

On the left side of your HX-20, you will notice a small strip of dark

plastic. This covers up a connector called the system bus.

system

bus cover

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.

Treat

the

circuit cover with care

If you turn your HX-20 upside down, you will notice something that looks like a trap door. This covers the HX-20’s internal circuitry.

circuit cover

Treat

the

circuit

cover with care

PLEASE NOTE: You should not remove this cover yourself! Removing it exposes the static-sensitive circuit to possible damage.

Your warranty will become void if you attempt to modify, adjust,

add, or insert any ROM or other part or device in this compartment.

This cover should only be removed by an authorized Epson

dealer or service center and for one of two reasons:

1 ) to install an option ROM.

2.) to select a different character set (see Page 27).

Also, do not operate the HX-20 with the circuit cover removed.

Doing so increases the chance of damage to the circuit, and may

cause the HX-20 to interfere with television or radio reception

nearby.

Use

only the HX-20 AC

adapter

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 operate the HX-20 using only its internal

nickel-cadmium batteries.

You may own other electronic products whose accessories

include an AC adapter or a battery charger that looks much like the HX-20 battery charger. DO NOT USE any of these devices with your HX-20. Their electrical characteristics will almost certainly be

quite different from those of the HX-20 battery charger. (This is true even of chargers and adapters rated at 6 volts, and equipped with

plugs identical to the one on the HX-20 battery charger.)

Using any battery charger other than the one that came with your HX-20 may damage the HX-20 and/ or its batteries and could void your warranty.

Use

only the HX-20 AC

Don’t

overcharge

adapter to

the

batteries

charge HX-20

batteries

If you operate the HX-20 with the battery charger connected, even-

tually you will overcharge the batteries.

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 you

recharge the HX-20 before you see that message, you will only

shorten the useful life of the batteries.

Charging the batteries for more than eight hours at a time will shorten their life. Charging them continuously for more than seven days can destroy them.

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 you pull on

the paper while the printer is working.

Don’t

pull on the

paper

when the

printer

is active

You may, however, pull on the paper when the printer is inactive;

this will cause no damage to the printer.

Connect the HX-20 only to

appropriate peripherals

The sockets on the back of the HX-20 enable you to connect it to an

Epson disk drive or an RS-232 serial device such as a modem or a printer. Sockets on the side of the HX-20 enable you to plug in a bar-code reader or a cassette recorder.

Do not plug any device into these sockets unless it conforms to

the interface specifications listed at the back of this manual.

Plugging in a device that does not conform to these specifications may damage the HX-20 and/or the device you plug in, and may

void your warranty.

Connect the HX-20 only to

Protect the HX-20

appropriate peripherals

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 packing materials, whenever you ship it.

Protect

the HX-20

Protect the HX-20

from

physical shock

from

extreme humidity

The HX-20 is designed for use in conditions where the humidity does not exceed 80%. Exposure to humidity exceeding this level can impair the performance of the HX-20, or damage it. Exposure to water can create a potential shock hazard.

Protect

the HX-20

from extreme humidity

Protect the HX-20

from

extreme

heat and cold

The HX-20 is designed 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.

1 I

Chapter 3

Preparing your HX-20 for use

Before you use your HX-20 for the first time, you must take several steps:

I) Unpack it.

2) Charge the batteries.

3) Put paper and a ribbon in the printer.

4) Adjust the LCD display.

5) Initialize memory and the calendar clock. If you need to work with special symbols, you might also wish to

select a different character set. See page 27.

Unpacking the HX-20

Remove the 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 and carrying case.

2) The battery charger.

3) A roll of paper for the printer.

4) A ribbon cartridge for the printer.

5) This manual.

6) The 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 to help you in using your HX-20.

Charging

the

batteries

The nickel-cadmium batteries in your HX-20 hold very little charge when they are new. So charge them now, before using the HX-20.

A full charge is necessary to maintain maximum battery efficiency. For optimum battery life, only recharge the batteries when the HX-20 tells you to do so.

Plug the battery charger into an AC outlet:

Uncoil the battery charger cable. At the free end of this cable is a

small, cylindrical plug:

Insert this plug into the socket labelled “ADAPTER” on the back

of the HX-20:

DO NOT TURN ON THE HX-20! If you leave 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

for

use

The HX-20 features a built-in microprinter which can print text and graphics. The printer mechanism and controls are located in the upper left corner of the HX-20.

paper

printer

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 you will need are your fingers.

Removing the

printer cover

Four small grooves and the word “PUSH” are embossed on the printer cover. With the index finger of your left hand, push gently on these grooves:

The printer cover will tilt:

Using the thumb of your left hand, pull up on the printer cover:

When you have tilted the printer cover up to a near-vertical

position, you may lift it completely from the HX-20:

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 HX-20:

(Pay no attention to the screen at this point.) Turn the printer on, by sliding the PRINTER ON-OFF switch to

the right:

The printer will remain inactive.

Now, with your thumb on the front of the paper cover, and 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.

+ 52 hidden pages

Epson HX-20 User Manual

CONTENTS

case

batteries

printer

physical shock

extreme humidity

Unpacking the HX-20