CASIO Cassiopeia A-20 Site

This page is a compliation of questions from email and guestbook messages and the corresponding replies. Questions are in italics and responses/possible solutions are in normal text. If you have any problems or solutions to contibute please sign the guestbook or email.

Jonas writes: "I just got a used Cassiopeia A-20. Unfortunatly I got no AC adaptor. Can you verify the details for it? It is supposed to output DC 5V 2A. If I find a replacement AC adapter I am thinking of using the Cassiopeia as a remote control for my linux jukebox."

I have the supplied "Made in Japan" Casio AC adaptor: AD-C50200U. Here are the specifications: Input: AC100-120V 50/60Hz 29VA Output: DC5V 2A. I live in North America so there might be differences in current and voltages. The AC adaptor will definitely save you on batteries.

(Jonas created a created a small page about his plans for using a Cassiopeia as a Linux jukebox remote control: http://www.lysator.liu.se/~jonass/ca20.html).

Juan writes: "My keyboard is broken[.] Do you know where can I buy parts. or? Do you have some software for this problem (screen keyboard or similar?)"

About your keyboard problem, i can think of several steps to follow:
1. Press the RESET button with the stylus.
2. Perform a full reset: while holding down the [Ctrl] key and the [Alt] key, press the RESET button. {warning: all data in memory will be deleted}.
3. Software text entry input: http://www.cearchives.com/text_entry.html. I have used the JOT writing recognition demo program and it works reasonablely well.

Robert writes: "I am unable 2 make synchronisation via serial faster then 19200 bps. The same problem is on Infrared, I MUST slow down communication to 19200, in other case it..."

I can only think on couple solutions:

1. On your H/PC (assuming device is running WinCE 2.0)

open Control Panels/Communications Properties/PC Connection. Press "change to..." button
"Connect to desktop computer using:" Select "Serial Port @ 115K." from the pull down menu.

2. On your PC (assuming OS is Win 98)

open Control Panels/System/Device Manager/
double click "Ports (COM & LPT)"/open your Communcation port/port settings
change "bits per second" to a higher setting.

3. Download and install the lastest Microsoft ActiveSync 3.5 download link is at my software page.

Stephen writes: "I have the rechargeable battery pack installed. I would like the option of using normal AA batteries as well, do you know where I could possibly get the cover/case, or whatever it is, so that normal AA batteries can be used in place of the rechargeable."

The item you mentioned is the battery holder. I too have lost the battery holder since i am using the rechargeable battery pack. Unfortunately, the battery holder part is proprietary and unique to the Casiopeia.

From my retail box, I dug up the accessory order form but the battery holder is not an accessory available to purchase from that form. Then I checked the Casio New Zealand page but the A-20 battery holder is not shown. Finally, I emailed the Cassiopeia NZ support and Parts Requests. I am still waiting for their responses and will be forwarded to you. The Cassiopeia NZ Support web site is: http://casio.monacocorp.co.nz/cassiopeia/support/support.htm

Stephen replys [on 11/23/2002]: Thanks for your reply. Yes, I have contacted the New Zealand support people, and have on order 2xBattery Holders, 1xStylus and 1XRS232C cable. (They also have the AC adaptor available). I had previously contacted the Monaco people directly from their website, but never had any response.

Then I found the Cassiopeia web page on their site, and contacted the Cassioepia team, who emailed me back promptly with all they had available. (The Australian Casio people also have these available).

Here's what they have:
6670 1908 Battery Cover NZ$20.49+GST US$12
3301 0469 A-20 AC Adapter NZ$77.21+GST US$42
6562 1730 A-20 Stylus NZ$6.00+GST US$3
3335 6594 A-20 to 9-pin serial cable NZ$30.77+GST US$17

Quite well priced I thought. I am currently using the rechargeable battery pack, but it is dying as battery life is getting lower and lower. I also have the AC adaptor, but want the use of batteries. Now I have the battery holders on order, I can use standard AA batteries (and rechargeables). Would you like me to order you one of the battery holders as well?

Casio will not sell outside of it's home country, I had first contacted Australia and was going to get a friend other there to order them for me. Then the New Zealand team finally responded to my emails.

It's a great little machine the A-20. I mush prefer the use of a PDA with a keyboard, I bought this only recently from a NZ sales website for NZ$150, around US$70, all cables and software included, and a nice leather case as well. It seems to be in perfect condition too. I am getting a 16MB smartcard soon to use for storing data. Do you have any experience in using smartcards on these?"

Contact: t_rance@yahoo.com | Last Update: 09/12/2002 03:04:30 AM -0800.