Casio fx-CG50 / fx-CG50 AU Hardware User's Guide
This document provides detailed hardware information for the Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG50 AU graphing calculators.
Introduction and Setup
This guide covers the essential hardware aspects of the Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG50 AU calculators. It details initial setup, operation, specifications, and important precautions.
Attaching and Removing the Front Cover
The calculator comes with a protective front cover. To remove it before use, detach it from the back of the calculator. To attach it when not in use, slide it onto the front. It is important to attach the cover to prevent accidental key presses, such as the [AC/ON] key, which could turn the calculator on and drain the batteries.
Before Using the Calculator for the First Time
Batteries are not pre-loaded. Follow these steps for initial setup:
- Attach the front cover to the calculator and turn it over. Remove the battery cover by pulling at the indicated point.
- Load four AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity ([+] and [-] ends).
- Replace the battery cover, securing its tabs. This action automatically turns the calculator on.
- Turn the calculator upright and remove the front cover. The language selection screen should appear. If not, press the [RESTART button] on the back.
- Use the arrow keys to select the desired language (e.g., English, Español, Deutsch, Français, Português) and press [F1](SELECT). Confirm the selection by pressing [EXIT].
- Press [F6](Next) to access Display Settings. Adjust the Backlight Level using the arrow keys. Press [F1](INITIAL) to reset to default.
- Press [F6](Next) to access Power Properties. Set the Auto Power Off time (e.g., 10 Min., 60 Min.) and Backlight Duration.
- Press [F6](Next) to access Battery Settings. Select the battery type (e.g., Alkaline, Ni-MH) using the arrow keys and press [F1](SELECT). Confirm the selection.
- Press [F6](Finish) to complete setup and display the Main Menu.
Main Menu Overview
The Main Menu provides access to various functions including Run-Matrix, Statistics, eActivity, Spreadsheet, Graph, Dyna Graph, Conic Graphs, Equation, Table, Recursion, Program, and Financial applications.
Operation and Precautions
Precautions when Using this Calculator
During calculations or memory operations, a progress bar or busy indicator may appear on the display. Never press the [RESTART button] or remove batteries while these indicators are active, as this can lead to data loss or malfunction.
The calculator uses flash memory for data storage. Regular backups to flash memory are recommended. Data can also be transferred to a computer via USB connection. Refer to the Software User's Guide for details on data backup and transfer.
Handling Precautions
- The calculator contains precision components; do not attempt to disassemble it.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the calculator to strong impacts.
- Do not store the calculator in areas with high temperatures, humidity, or excessive dust. Low temperatures may temporarily affect performance.
- The calculator supports both alkaline and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Ni-MH batteries may offer shorter operation time per charge compared to alkaline batteries. Use only recommended battery types.
- Replace batteries annually, even if not heavily used. Remove dead batteries promptly to prevent leakage and damage. Remove Ni-MH batteries once their charge is depleted.
- Keep batteries away from children.
- Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth with mild detergent. Avoid volatile liquids like thinner.
- Be gentle when cleaning the display to prevent scratches.
- The manufacturer is not liable for damages arising from data loss due to malfunction, repair, or battery replacement. Users are responsible for backing up important data.
- Do not dispose of batteries or the LCD panel by burning.
- Always turn the calculator OFF before replacing batteries.
- Strong electrostatic discharge can damage memory or keys. Perform a reset operation if this occurs.
- If the calculator malfunctions, press the [RESTART button] with a pointed object. Note that this clears all calculator memory.
- Strong vibration or impact during program execution can cause interruptions or memory damage.
- Using the calculator near a TV or radio may cause interference.
- Do not use the calculator in areas where electronic devices are prohibited.
- The LCD panel may have a very small number of defective pixels (fail to light or remain lit), which is normal and not a malfunction.
- Graphic images on the LCD may differ in color or appearance from computer displays due to LCD limitations.
- Before assuming a malfunction, review the User's Guide for potential battery, programming, or operational errors.
Key Layout
The calculator features a comprehensive keypad including function keys ([F1] to [F6]), SHIFT, OPTN, PRGM, VARS, SET UP, MENU, ALPHA, EXIT, QUIT, numeric keys, arithmetic operators, and specialized function keys for mathematical operations (e.g., sin, cos, tan, log, ln, exponents, roots, pi, fractions).
Display Brightness and Battery Life
Display brightness can be adjusted from 1 (least bright) to 5 (brightest). The default is 3. The display may dim automatically after about 30 seconds of inactivity. Battery life depends on display brightness and backlight duration. The following table provides approximate battery life:
| Calculator Operation | Display Brightness | Batteries | Approximate Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat of three-step cycle each hour: (1) Menu display for 5 min (2) Run-Matrix calculation for 5 min (3) Flashing cursor in Run-Matrix for 50 min | Settings during each step: (1) 3 for 30 sec, then darker than 1 (2) 3 (3) 3 for 30 sec, then darker than 1 | Alkaline | 170 hours |
| (Same as above) | (Same as above) | Nickel-metal hydride (recommended type only) | 100 hours |
* New batteries used at 25°C. Battery life is approximate.
Specifications
- Variables: 28
- Calculation Range: ±1 × 10⁻⁹⁹ to ±9.999999999 × 10⁹⁹, and 0. Internal operations use 15-digit mantissa.
- Exponential Display Range: Norm 1: 10⁻² > [x], [x] ≥ 10¹⁰⁰; Norm 2: 10⁻⁹ > [x], [x] ≥ 10¹⁰
- Program Capacity: 61,000 bytes (max.)
- Storage Memory Capacity: fx-CG50: 16MB (max.); fx-CG50 AU: 4.5MB (max.)
- Power Supply: Four AAA-size alkaline batteries LR03 (AM4), or four nickel-metal hydride batteries.
- Power Consumption: 0.6 W
- Approximate Battery Life (Operating Conditions):
- (a) Non-stop flashing cursor in Run-Matrix mode: 300 hours (Alkaline), 180 hours (Ni-MH, Reference)
- (b) Repeat of one-hour cycle (described above): 170 hours (Alkaline), 100 hours (Ni-MH, Reference)
- (c) Power off: 1 year (Alkaline)
- Battery life can be reduced by continuous program execution, battery type/brand, operating conditions, and calculator settings (brightness, backlight).
- Auto Power Off: Automatically turns off after 10 or 60 minutes of inactivity.
- Ambient Temperature Range: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).
- Dimensions: 18.6mm (H) × 89mm (W) × 188.5mm (D) (approx. 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 7 3/8").
- Approximate Weight: 230 g (8.1 oz) (including batteries).
Data Communication
The calculator supports data communication via a 3-pin serial port or a USB port (USB 2.0 standards). Serial communication supports various transmission speeds (e.g., 115200 bps, 9600 bps, 38400 bps) with configurable parity, bit length, and stop bits.
Restart and Reset
Restart: If the calculator acts abnormally, press the [RESTART button] on the back. This reboots the operating system and usually retains data. Use as a last resort.
Reset: To delete all data and return settings to defaults, use the Reset function. Back up important data before performing a reset. Refer to the Software User's Guide for details.
Power Supply and Battery Replacement
The calculator is powered by four AAA batteries (Alkaline LR03/AM4 or Ni-MH). A battery level icon on the screen indicates the remaining power. A "Low Batteries! Please Replace" message requires immediate battery replacement to protect memory.
Replacing Batteries:
- Turn the calculator OFF using [SHIFT AC/ON (OFF)] before replacement.
- Attach the front cover, turn the calculator over, and remove the battery cover.
- Remove the four old batteries.
- Insert new batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
- Replace the battery cover.
- Perform steps 2-13 from "Before Using the Calculator for the First Time..." to reconfigure settings if necessary.
- Always replace all four batteries with new ones.
Auto Power Off Function: The calculator automatically powers off after a set period (10 or 60 minutes) of inactivity to conserve battery life. Data in main memory is retained for about 60 minutes after power-off, allowing restoration if the calculator is turned back on within that time.
Regulatory Information
FCC Notice: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions that prevent harmful interference.
FCC Caution: Unauthorized modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Proper connectors are required for FCC compliance.
Declaration of Conformity: Model Number: fx-CG50. Trade Name: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. Responsible Party: CASIO AMERICA, INC. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Canadian Regulatory Information: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. (French: Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.)
Manufacturer: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., 6-2, Hon-machi 1-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8543, Japan.
Responsible within the European Union: Casio Europe GmbH, Casio-Platz 1, 22848 Norderstedt, Germany.
Patents: U.S. Patents may apply, including 7,927,221, 8,214,413, 8,576,230, 8,817,027, 9,007,376.
