In this video we take a look at the CE-158X, a modern serial / parallel interface for the Sharp PC-1500[A], PC-1600 computers. The original Sharp CE-158 interfaces are rare, expensive and limited to 2400bps. We created the CE-158X as a modern higher speed replacement. With a solid transfer speed of 19200bps and an experimental 38400bps it takes far less time to transfer programs. We also incorporated a second serial port with a USB interface and the parallel port is now bidirectional.
(04-04-2024 12:26 AM)Jeff_Birt Wrote: [ -> ]In this video we take a look at the CE-158X, a modern serial / parallel interface for the Sharp PC-1500[A], PC-1600 computers. The original Sharp CE-158 interfaces are rare, expensive and limited to 2400bps. We created the CE-158X as a modern higher speed replacement. With a solid transfer speed of 19200bps and an experimental 38400bps it takes far less time to transfer programs. We also incorporated a second serial port with a USB interface and the parallel port is now bidirectional.
Join us and find out more about the CE-158X.
Fantastic! Any chance on seeing a version for the other Sharp pockets?
The video towards the end mentions "backpack mode", which makes this upgrade very interesting to me. The backpack emulates the TRS-80 TPDD and also works with some other machines to offer SD storage.
I wonder if it might be even possible for the CE-158X with backpack to emulate the CE-1600P floppy drive for the PC-1600 (which is like the CE-140F).
The ROM in the CE-158(X) is pretty full and really difficult to work with. One could sacrifice the TERMINAL mode to free up space and gain some room in the BASIC tables to add a few new commands. Of course, the CE-1600P would need to be disassembled and if is anything like the CE-158 ROM it will be no easy task.
My friend who designed the Backpack just sent me a TI HEX bus to Backpack adapter. I have not had time to play with it yet.