Casio PF-3200 Data Bank  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 03:15:29 am
content: No more no less, Casio "Super Memory Computer" back from early 1990-ish. Still goes strong after replacing the batteries.A pre-PalmPilot type of organizer with a rudimentary file structure.Keys are VERY nice and soft. Also believe it or not the folding cover on the right is actually a alpha keypad to enter characters. Its keys are extremely soft, if it was not covered with plastic I'd thing it is a capacitive touchpad (or may be it is ? Hmmm...).Overall size close to iPhone 6 and using 3 lithium coin batteries. On the left side there are power switch and display contrast thumb wheel. Magnetic lock strip on the right side of the cover. Note the "Secret" key for password setup. Good calculator to have around on the desk for casual use.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 04:34:20 am
content: Wow, I love the design of this! Apparently Casio used the flip-style case/cover in a few other products too...Just wondering, what does the 'option pack' do?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 06:32:01 am
content: I guess option pack is a memory extension module as the second bottom photo may suggest.EDIT: I forgot to mention that I could not disassemble the device more, the back plate with the battery holders is fused to the front panel. Would be interesting to take a look. But hey, it is Data Bankso some physical protection was applied by design.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:35:08 am
content: Extension pack is a serial ram and a serial ROM used for extending the internal firmware if needed. I have a Casio FX602p which has an internal RAM with the pins there to add an additional chip on the board, used to expand the memory, or for use of 2 smaller SRAM chips.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 09:30:41 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on October 24, 2015, 10:35:08 amAh, okay. Thanks!

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2015, 07:11:42 am
content: Quote from: crispy_tofu on October 24, 2015, 04:34:20 amYes I can remember more basic calculators using this method, but the ribbon connection in the "hinge" was always a weak point.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2015, 11:35:05 am
content: i had something similar in the 1990s, wasn't quite as advanced but it did have the databank keypad integrated into the cover, it's usually a basic membrane switch affair under the pvc cover.Yours also looks like you can make custom keypad overlays with the supplied templates?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 06:27:08 pm
content: That is right, the calculator came with a few paper templates (3rd top picture) that you could put under the clear plastic sheet covering the keypad and use (if I remember correctly) as shortcuts when in file mode for quick access to data. The clear plastic sheet yellowed, hardened and broke over time on my calculator, leftovers from it can be seen on the last two pictures on the right side of the flipcover under the magnetic strip. It held templates in place when used.