Sharp PC-1262

[robve]

(02-16-2022 07:22 PM)Dan C Wrote:  I have now starting to do some small BASIC programs on my PC-1262.
But, can the machine just hold one program at a time?

I wish that older Sharp PC had a file system too, like the newer PC-1475, PC-E500, and PC-G series.

(02-16-2022 07:22 PM)Dan C Wrote:  I'm used with the CASIO style of P1-P10 programs slots, but it seems that the PC-1262 only can store one program in memory?

Yes and no (for older 1980's Sharp PC)

Yes with MERGE, which allows you to load multiple programs. Programs can be started with a DEF key or RUN"label", assuming the programs are labelled.

Yes if you use labelled programs that use non-overlapping line number ranges. Labeling makes it easier to use a DEF key or RUN"label".

No if you want to edit multiple programs in memory. Only the last MERGEd program can be edited. The idea was to edit one program at a time then save to tape. Then MERGE programs to memory. Nowadays we can use PocketTools to create programs and then MERGE them.

For the PC-1350 I wrote a ML program to edit and switch between 10 programs, called MultiPC. It's similar to the Casio P0 to P9. It works great. It stores the 10 programs in memory or on the RAM card together with the ML program (so switching cards works seamlessly). Though you have to use CALL <addr> which depends on the memory size (to make it easier to switch, I've programmed a SHIFT key in the RESERVE MODE).

MultiPC should work on the PC-1262. But I haven't adapted the program to other PC yet. Not sure if there is any interest.

I like Sharp, Casio, HP71B and many other machines for their abilities that should be appreciated within their hardware and software design constraints.

Overall, there are differences between Casio and Sharp pocket computers. Some a pro others are cons. The Sharp PC do not need DEFM for example and you can dynamically use the A() array as large as you want for numbers and strings (within memory limits, of course). But Sharp has no P0 to P9.

It really helps to read the 300 page manual...

- Rob