Brand: EPSON
Category: Computer
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Manual for HX-20
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 6:46 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 1982
Warranty Information
Failure to observe cautions may void the warranty on your HX-20.
Congratulations on purchasing your Epson HX-20, a new generation of personal computers. This portable, user-friendly system combines the power of a desktop computer with the convenience of a pocket calculator. It can store up to seventeen programs in memory, which are accessible via a menu upon startup. The HX-20 features a full-size keyboard, built-in screen and printer, and can be customized with option ROMs and cartridges for specific applications. It can also connect to various external devices like cassette recorders, printers, modems, and more. The manual covers initial setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Symptom | Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| If you can't turn off your HX-20... Text and/or graphics remain on the screen, even when the ON-OFF switch is in the OFF position. | The “ON-OFF" switch does not shut off power, but merely suggests to the HX-20 that it stop processing. For some reason, the HX-20 is so busy processing that it has failed to notice the position of the ON-OFF switch. | With the power switch off, use your finger or a blunt object to press the RESET switch on the right side of the HX-20. |
| If the menu displays garbage... The menu displays garbage-a hodgepodge of letters, numbers, and/ or graphics characters. | The Operating System of the HX-20-the software that controls its menu-has become very confused. This may have been caused by a program that interfered with reserved portions of memory. | Did you store any programs in memory? If so, select each program from the menu and LIST it. If any program is intact, take this opportunity to save it on a cassette. Unfortunately, whatever garbled your menu may have garbled your programs, too. If the listings of your programs look like garbage, there's no point in saving them. Now, to clean up your menu you must re-initialize memory and the calendar clock, as described on page 25. This will make the HX-20 start with a clean slate, forgetting any programs that were in its memory. But at least the menu will no longer have garbage in it. Having re-initialized memory, you can once again enter your programs into the HX-20, by hand or by loading them from cassette. |
| If you encounter other problems... | If you encounter problems not discussed in this chapter, or if the recommended action fails to correct the problem, contact your Epson dealer. |