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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: nathanscribe on Sat, 09 October 2010, 15:06:08

Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Sat, 09 October 2010, 15:06:08
I have an occasional calculator habit.  It started about five years ago when I decided to pick up some models I remember my dad having around the late 70s/early 80s, and that was it.  Ebay agogo.  I've parted with a few of them but have kept a selection I intend to add to at random moments.

My current calculatrice du jour is the Casio fx-31.  Nice blue display, pleasant keys, batteries last for ages, and it goes with my other man-about-town style apparatus, a Casio digital watch and Ericsson GA628.  The 628 is recommended for the modern gent, with its slimline profile and 10-text memory.

(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k72/nathanscribe/DSCN1578.jpg)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: HaaTa on Sat, 09 October 2010, 15:45:56
Victor 12PD, didn't think I'd get to show it again so soon :P.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6WOoTO_7VuQ/TJ0xJz7XrPI/AAAAAAAACNc/6vzhIN7IFks/s800/2010-09-24%2018.24.51.jpg)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6WOoTO_7VuQ/TJ0xsAreCtI/AAAAAAAACNc/m0PkKWS7OV8/s800/2010-09-24%2018.29.13.jpg)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6WOoTO_7VuQ/TJ0yyRmm24I/AAAAAAAACNc/ZWF4bpBOy28/s800/2010-09-24%2018.50.20.jpg)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 09 October 2010, 16:50:44
BTW, TI 84-plus is a rubberdome...

Also, is there any function(no-graphical) calculator with symbolic-features, meaning symbolic integration/derivation?

Might post a picture of my:
TI-1200...
Title: Calculators?
Post by: timw4mail on Sat, 09 October 2010, 17:24:32
Quote from: Ekaros;231884
BTW, TI 84-plus is a rubberdome...

Also, is there any function(no-graphical) calculator with symbolic-features, meaning symbolic integration/derivation?

Might post a picture of my:
TI-1200...

Is there a graphing calculator with mechanical switches?
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Konrad on Sat, 09 October 2010, 19:42:15
lol, you guys are in the wrong place then -
http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/calculator_forums.html
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 09 October 2010, 19:49:12
I have a Ti-83+, which is my main. It's pretty decent, though the keys are mushy and my particular one has a really dim LCD. but I really like its industrial design (black...like a Thinkpad...some of the keys are also blue, not exactly IBM enter key blue, but not that far) . I've used my friend's Ti-84 and the keys are much more tactile, but need a lot more force to actuate, so it's a tradeoff. But I think the keys on the Ti-83+ are shaped better, and I like the font (Helvetica) much better.

But yeah, I really wish that there was a graphing calculator with decent keys. Not only mechanical, but much larger keys for the numbers. I wouldn't mind a size increase if I got larger keys. I think scissors would be good too.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Konrad on Sat, 09 October 2010, 19:52:40
TI-83+ booya - same here. I can't remember how many calculators I went through before, but haven't needed another since. Some of the Sharp/Casio scientifics aren't so bad, but they just don't cut it. Next step up from graphing calculator is a PC.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 09 October 2010, 20:07:26
I actually think there's two variants of the Ti-83+. I bought mine's a year ago, and it's somewhat different compared to the ones my friends sport (which are presumably older). Older Ti-83+'s have slightly translucent gray keys, while mine's (presumably newer) has completely opaque keys, with much crisper lettering and somewhat better key feel. The color of the yellow lettering is also less orange on the newer ones. But then, the older Ti-83+'s seem to have brighter screens, while mine's has a really dim screen. I suspect they crippled it to raise Ti-84 sales.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: timw4mail on Sat, 09 October 2010, 20:23:05
I have a Ti-84+ and a Ti-89.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Konrad on Sat, 09 October 2010, 21:19:21
I got my TI-83+ somewhen around 2000 ... they came out with the (apparently much better) Silver version less than a year later.  But oh well, it was the best for its time (certainly better than any HP piece o' ****).  I, too, am surprised that the price hasn't really changed since introduction.  wikipedia comparison page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Texas_Instruments_graphing_calculators) isn't bad, too bad my 83+ sucks now, lol.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: HaaTa on Sat, 09 October 2010, 22:46:36
Back when I needed one in high school, I got one of those TI-83+ Silver Editions.
That being said, my math marks would've been at least 10% higher if I never got one :P.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sun, 10 October 2010, 01:37:39
Quote from: kishy;231954
Also rocking a TI-83+.

Something I found interesting: I got it 8 years ago and the retail price hasn't changed by a single penny in that time.


I noticed that too...


I use a TI-83+ Silver. SPARKLY!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Ti83-plus-silver.jpg)
Bhtooefr said you could swap a different TI screen in it to get a higher resolution in the 83 plus silver. I forget which one though.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Sun, 10 October 2010, 09:47:04
Yet another reason why I should give in to the iPod pressure... not remotely interested in portable music, but there are loads of handy apps that are gradually proving irresistible.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 10 October 2010, 10:16:40
I have got a few vintage calculators: TI Exactra 20, TI-1200, TI Programmable 58C, TI-30 III, Educatron ER8095.
I also have a TI-83 and a Casio FX82d.
... But when I am in front of a Linux computer I tend to use a Python interpreter instead.

Early calculator keyboards had not rubber domes, but rather a kind of metal domes often called "snap action discs" that worked like metal clickers. Here (http://datamath.org/Story/Klixon.htm) is a description of one such keyboard.

Before calculators had LCD displays, they used to have LED displays ... with tiny tiny surface-mounted LED arrays behind magnifying bubbles of high-quality clear plastic.
I started looking for vintage calculators so that I could scavenge magnifying bubbles to put into my Star Wars lightsaber replicas that I have been building. However, I did not have the heart to destroy my beautiful and fully working Exactra 20, so I got some very good replica parts instead .. for much less than the calculator had cost me.
However... I have scrapped a TI-30 so that I could put parts of its keyboard into a lightsaber.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Sun, 10 October 2010, 10:49:10
LEDs?  Pah.  If you want a proper display, you need Nixie tubes.

My earliest calc is from 1973 and has some kind of vacuum display.  I'll dig up a pic and post it when I get chance.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 10 October 2010, 13:51:31
I still love easycalc-named app for Palm OS, sad I don't have any palms in use anymore...
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mr_a500 on Sun, 10 October 2010, 14:10:10
Quote from: ripster;231848
The Alpsulator.
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4259&stc=1&d=1252022747)


Complicated White ALPS in a USB capable calculator (it becomes a numpad).

Details in the link in my sig.


Interesting. I'd like to make a "Buckulator". It would have to have capacitive buckling spring switches and a nixie tube display.

A "Beamulator" would be even better - with thick double-shot keycaps... and a control panel with lighted switches capable of launching nuclear weapons or giant death rays capable of unleashing cosmic destruction on an unimaginable scale. (yes, but still just a calculator)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Pylon on Sun, 10 October 2010, 14:39:54
Quote from: nathanscribe;232129
LEDs?  Pah.  If you want a proper display, you need Nixie tubes.

My earliest calc is from 1973 and has some kind of vacuum display.  I'll dig up a pic and post it when I get chance.


They should make a calculator with split flap displays.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Analog_clock_with_digital_display.png)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 10 October 2010, 15:40:59
Quote from: mr_a500;232181
A "Beamulator" would be even better - with thick double-shot keycaps... and a control panel with lighted switches capable of launching nuclear weapons or giant death rays capable of unleashing cosmic destruction on an unimaginable scale. (yes, but still just a calculator)

You have not seen this (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=220292&postcount=6) yet?
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Konrad on Sun, 10 October 2010, 15:54:14
I inherited the split-flap clock/alarm/radio my parents bought back in the 70s (I think). Annoying hum from the constantly moving electric motor/gears. Awful timekeeping now, after 40 years without real maintenance. Vacuum tubes. Nasty brittle once-white bakelite casing. Glowing numerals are probably radioactive tritium for all I know. What a piece o' crap. Sometimes retro goes a little too far.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: lowpoly on Wed, 13 October 2010, 05:56:02
I have an HP 48G, an HP 48GX with MetaKernel/Ramcard and an Alpsulator like Ripster but with blue Alps.

The Alpsulator misses a key now and then. I think it started after the switch replacement, not sure though.

I'd love to have something like the Alpsulator but with RPN and Backspace. A Model M2 would be a good base for a mod. :love:
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mr_a500 on Wed, 13 October 2010, 09:40:52
Quote from: Findecanor;232209
You have not seen this (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=220292&postcount=6) yet?


That's awesome. I've got to get one. Why? I don't know.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: RickyJ on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:37:45
I used my TI-89 all the way through my engineering degree.  Doing symbolic integrals and differentials on it during a test was a great way to check my work.  The screen refresh rate was a bit slow for the games I had on it, but that didn't stop me from playing them in certain classes.  The people that bought TI-83+ during high school (instead of using the supplied TI-83's) still had them in university, but they were of minimal use.  This was before the "Silver Edition" shenanigans.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: jpc on Wed, 13 October 2010, 19:02:54
The TI-89 is great. I bought one of the first ones in 1998.

In college for EE, we had some exams whose most difficult aspect was simplifying algebraic expressions. (This is the difficult part of solving Laplace transforms. What's a Laplace transform? I forgot long ago...)

And the TI-89 would do it for you. I remember handing in a 90-minute exam at the 23-minute mark and drawing a few stares :D
Title: Calculators?
Post by: jpc on Wed, 13 October 2010, 19:04:27
Hmmm, the TI-89 would wet its electronic pants if it ever met that Remington-Rand EDC-III
Title: Calculators?
Post by: RickyJ on Wed, 13 October 2010, 19:52:01
Quote from: jpc;233531
The TI-89 is great. I bought one of the first ones in 1998.

In college for EE, we had some exams whose most difficult aspect was simplifying algebraic expressions. (This is the difficult part of solving Laplace transforms. What's a Laplace transform? I forgot long ago...)

And the TI-89 would do it for you. I remember handing in a 90-minute exam at the 23-minute mark and drawing a few stares :D


In the courses where we learned Laplace/Fourier/Convolution/etc transforms we weren't allowed to use calculators in exams (in general, no calculators in exams until 4th year).  Doing FFT's by hand was cake after doing complex Fourier transforms by hand.  I still have nightmares about university, lol.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: keyb_gr on Thu, 14 October 2010, 11:40:57
A "no programmable calculator" policy still isn't unusual for exams. I think only a few of mine permitted everything. Thus I got through university on TI-30X IIS and fx-991ES, ordinary scientific calcs. I wouldn't recommend that exact same combination though, going back and forth between rather different models isn't good for efficiency.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Thu, 14 October 2010, 12:54:11
I have to say I'm toying with the idea of a HP 35s, but if I'm honest i just think it looks nice and has RPN... no idea how good it is.

I bought an early Casio graphing calc twenty years ago, the 7000G or something - but it eats batteries more often than I eat pizzas.  Not fun.  It uses 3 x CR2032.

I have a soft spot for old Sinclair kit, but again they eat batteries.  They look good on the desk though.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 15 October 2010, 03:22:51
Quote from: RickyJ;233551
In the courses where we learned Laplace/Fourier/Convolution/etc transforms we weren't allowed to use calculators in exams (in general, no calculators in exams until 4th year).  Doing FFT's by hand was cake after doing complex Fourier transforms by hand.  I still have nightmares about university, lol.


I'm now doing Signals and Systems named course, as it's applied we can use ANY calculator we like, just no PDAs and such... On other hand on Math course about Complex Analysis, no calculator is allowed...

I hate integrals...

Still, bit pointless to get any expensive symbolic calculator for one or two exams, as other stuff is mainly done on computer...
Title: Calculators?
Post by: kps on Fri, 15 October 2010, 10:09:38
Quote from: nathanscribe;233811
I have to say I'm toying with the idea of a HP 35s, but if I'm honest i just think it looks nice and has RPN... no idea how good it is.

It's junk. Save up for something pre-Carly.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: woody on Fri, 15 October 2010, 11:31:52
This is the calculator (http://www.leningrad.su/museum/show_calc.php?n=165) I've grown up with. Elektronika MK 61. Programmable, RPN and all the joy. Most practical use was on AC, because of the display it ate batteries like there's no tomorrow.
________
buy volcano vaporizer (http://www.vaporshop.com/volcano-vaporizer.html)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Fri, 15 October 2010, 15:44:22
Quote from: kps;234199
It's junk. Save up for something pre-Carly.


Pre-Carly?  And I'd be interested to know what makes it junk for you.  For my needs I could probably get away with a college-level Casio, but I like nice tools.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: 8_INCH_FLOPPY on Fri, 15 October 2010, 20:15:54
I thoroughly DISLIKE RPN.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Half-Saint on Thu, 21 October 2010, 02:05:24
I have a Commodore LC5K3, Commodore GL-979D, an Omron 10SR and a Triumph 81S which is kind of my favorite.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Sam on Thu, 21 October 2010, 02:50:58
I guess I'm dating myself here.  Long ago I used a TI-59 Programmable, with magnetic cards and I had the optional thermal printer.  Later switched to a HP-41C.  I had fond memories of both, but the HP-16C was the one I used the most, for use while coding assembler, back in the pre-windows days when you couldn't just have a calculator app in the background.

All three of them are heavily worn from years of use and abuse.  Don't have them handy though to take any pics.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: maxlugar on Thu, 21 October 2010, 03:10:31
Quote from: Sam;236660
I guess I'm dating myself here.  Long ago I used a TI-59 Programmable, with magnetic cards and I had the optional thermal printer.  Later switched to a HP-41C.  I had fond memories of both, but the HP-16C was the one I used the most, for use while coding assembler, back in the pre-windows days when you couldn't just have a calculator app in the background.

All three of them are heavily worn from years of use and abuse.  Don't have them handy though to take any pics.


No, I'm 42 and I remember those calculators.

The mighty red LED TI-30 got me through high school physics, chemistry and calculus.  That was one of those virtually indestructible monsters that had really ****ty feeling keys.

I started off as an engineering major with the HP-16c but couldn't pass Engineering Graphics to save my soul. So I switched majors to accounting and got myself an HP-12c which I still use on a daily basis, 21+ years later.

I've been given the new HP-12c Platinum and HP-12c Platinum limited edition calculators as gifts.  Even though they have faster processeors and a greater number of memory stacks for time value of money calcs, I still prefer my 21 year old HP 12-c (made in Corvallis, Oregon USA) vs. the new Platinum 12-cs made in China.  Did quality decline???.......YES!!!
Title: Calculators?
Post by: maxlugar on Thu, 21 October 2010, 03:12:44
Quote from: 8_INCH_FLOPPY;234480
I thoroughly DISLIKE RPN.


I thoroughly DISLIKE = sign keys on calculators
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Sam on Thu, 21 October 2010, 03:28:50
Quote from: maxlugar;236661
I started off as an engineering major with the HP-16c but couldn't pass Engineering Graphics to save my soul. So I switched majors to accounting and got myself an HP-12c which I still use on a daily basis, 21+ years later.


I used my HP-16C on a daily (more like hourly) basis up until about 5 years ago.  I loved it so much I actually bought two of them for fear that one would break and I wouldn't be able to replace it.  These days though I find it quicker to simply do most calculations in my head, and if I have something more complicated to calculate, I end up using the Windows calculator in the programmers mode, with the one advantage being I can cut and paste results from/into source code.  Saves me having to type it again and risk making an error.  My HP-16C still sits on my desk.  I just now tried to turn it on for the first time in many years, but looks like the battery is dead.  I was never a believer in HP calculators until I tried one.  After using it, I agree, the equal sign has no place on a proper calculator.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: lowpoly on Thu, 21 October 2010, 04:09:36
This thread should have a TI vs. HP poll.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: J888www on Thu, 21 October 2010, 06:07:06
A hexadecimal calculator.

After watching the video, I considered myself to be "stupid" but maybe not too lazy afterall.
> type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385">
[/youtube]
Title: Calculators?
Post by: clickclack on Thu, 21 October 2010, 06:45:00
Quote from: nathanscribe;232129
LEDs?  Pah.  If you want a proper display, you need Nixie tubes.

Werd!
+2 for nixie tubes! =D

I still rock a TI-82 baby.
I think I bought it around 13+ years ago, i'm still paying it off. Good gawd were they expensive =P
It's just barely hangin on still though. It was partially gold foil wrapped to
look like C-3PO with wires hanging out a long time ago. I swear you can see battle damage from every project I have ever worked on with it.

I would absolutely love an "ALPSulator" to have a work, but it looks like I will have to make something like it I guess. Actually I think I will get back to making some more keys, as it seems easier.
haahaa =P
Title: Calculators?
Post by: unicomp on Wed, 27 October 2010, 18:27:48
Real mathematicians don't need calculators; if you get an expression that you can't evaluate mentally or express in a nice way then you are doing it wrong.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 27 October 2010, 18:38:15
I got a bunch of old calculators, ranging from the mid-1970's to the mid-1990's.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: didjamatic on Wed, 27 October 2010, 19:43:40
Post pics.  I keep almost buying them in my travels but have resisted so far.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mr_a500 on Thu, 28 October 2010, 22:08:17
Here's a neat calculator:
(http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/d500.jpg)

http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/descal.html (http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/descal.html)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 28 October 2010, 22:14:14
That is killer.  Love the display!
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mr_a500 on Thu, 28 October 2010, 22:24:26
Nice keys on the HP-46 calculator
(http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/hp46kb.jpg)

Ooh! LED calculator watch! (batteries probably last 15 seconds)
(http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/hp-01.jpg)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mr_a500 on Thu, 28 October 2010, 22:54:24
Maybe you like your calculators to have hand cranks.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13214&stc=1&d=1288324015)

This was my very first "calculator". I started using it when I was 2 years old. (actually, I just drove people insane making noise flipping through the numbers)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13215&stc=1&d=1288324015)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Fwiffo on Thu, 28 October 2010, 23:20:11
I want one of these:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/AnitaMk8-01.jpg/674px-AnitaMk8-01.jpg)
Nixie tubes FTW.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Fri, 29 October 2010, 09:41:29
Loving the Descal...

If i had to choose just one form the vintage desktop calcs I've seen I think it would be this:

(http://www.hpmuseum.org/98xx/98303qs.jpg)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Nuke on Sat, 30 October 2010, 00:33:59
Collecting is addictive.  I visit all the thrift shops in my area about 27,000 times a week and buy every remotely interesting or valuable calculator I can get my hands on.  Some I plan to keep, and others I've been planning to put on eBay for a while.  Most of the 4 function calculators aren't worth much more than $10 unless they're from the reeeeely early 70's or a unique design. They're just neat relics for both their technology and design.  Any scientific calculator from the 70's and even into the early 80's seems to be pretty desirable (from my nosing around on eBay), especially the older HP models.  Funny thing is, I don't even love math that much.

My collection, 1972-present:
(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3425/calc2j.jpg)
Shot at 2010-10-29
Title: Calculators?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 30 October 2010, 02:16:27
RPN for the win!

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13238&stc=1&d=1288422831)

Title: Calculators?
Post by: Soarer on Sat, 30 October 2010, 10:58:59
Casio fx-790P


Programmable in Basic... and a bizarre simulated assembly language!!


I upgraded its RAM in 1987 - up to a massive 16kb!


Hasn't seen any use for nearly 20 years now I guess, but it's nice that it still works :-)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 30 October 2010, 12:27:03
Looks like a super hack. Is that a custom job, or did Casio invent that wiring?
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Soarer on Sat, 30 October 2010, 12:49:23
Quote from: ricercar;240521
Looks like a super hack. Is that a custom job, or did Casio invent that wiring?


I did it - even Casio wouldn't do something that messy lol!
The space was designed for a RAM module though.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 30 October 2010, 15:46:22
I love ambitious projects that win. I did that kind of unsupported hack to a Zenith MinisPort laptop, but without the point-to-point wiring. Said that it maxxed out at 1MB, but there was a row of pads on the PCB that hosted another 1MB SIPP. $100 for a 1MB SIPP was way more than I should have afforded, but My hands were steady and my heat sinks finally put to use. 2MB for DOS was like 2GB is for XP--totally spacious; I could run GEOS from RAM disk d: and DOS from ROM (disk c:) and leave the external floppy drive at home.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Soarer on Sat, 30 October 2010, 21:13:16
Nice one - that gave you about three times the memory to play with! (Man, I'm glad we don't have to deal with loading drivers into high memory with QEMM etc. these days).

Talking of memory... I'd completely forgotten that I'd modded it, or that I even still had it. Seeing another Casio in a similar case made me think of it, so I dug it out and found some batteries to see if it still worked. It wasn't until I removed the back and saw those wires that I remembered modding it - took me right back there!
Title: Calculators?
Post by: maxlugar on Fri, 05 November 2010, 00:36:29
Quote from: ricercar;240411
RPN for the win!

Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13238&stc=1&d=1288422831)


  • HP32S, my main man.
  • HP12C, the only RPN HP that has never stopped production. I found this one for $10 at a garage sale and couldn't leave without it.
  • Pickett N-500-ES LogLog, saw me through college.


Yeah Baby! Go HP!  Give me RPN or nothing.  I hate people who hand me their stupid algebraic calculators to use in meetings.

**** the = sign key.  Give me memory stacks and rolls any day.

I'm a CPA who despises 10 key roll tape adding machines.  I prefer to add numbers on my HP 12-C or using my Realforce 23UB connected to my PC running Excel.  

I'll have to dig out the PINK Sharp calculator they gave me when I took the uniform CPA exam almost 20 years ago.  Hmm, what is the current market value of a 20 year old pink CPA calculator?   Probably nada.

(although it might look nice next to a pink Filco keyboard)
Title: Calculators?
Post by: Sam on Fri, 05 November 2010, 00:45:55
Quote from: maxlugar;242819
Yeah Baby! Go HP!  Give me RPN or nothing.  I hate people who hand me their stupid algebraic calculators to use in meetings.


OTOH, I love people who want to borrow my HP calculator and watch their face.  Usually after a few minutes they give up and ask me where the Equal key is.  Sometimes they just sheepishly hand it back to me without having the nerve to ask how to use it.  Love it.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mike on Sat, 06 November 2010, 15:25:40
Just resurrected this :-

(http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=55580&g2_serialNumber=2)

with some new batteries. Despite being stashed for years it now works fine. And was free.

Not quite as nifty as my other HP :-

(http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=55576&g2_serialNumber=2)

But I like the form factor better.
Title: Calculators?
Post by: nathanscribe on Sun, 07 November 2010, 05:43:35
Nice.  I just fished out my old Casio FX-7000G but the batteries (3xCR2032) lasted less than a day, from new.  Yipes!  Back in the cupboard...
Title: Calculators?
Post by: mike on Wed, 10 November 2010, 14:32:54
And for those with tired eyes, a calculator on an Android slate :-

(http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=55586&g2_serialNumber=2)

(with the HP11C for scale)

And something a little more historic ... an FX-702P :-

(http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=55607&g2_serialNumber=2)
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: romevi on Fri, 19 April 2019, 13:10:27
Here's my collection so far.

(https://i.imgur.com/eu75zV9.jpg)


Planning on adding an HP 12C and some TI-84 model later this year.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 19 April 2019, 13:58:07
Quote from: romevi on Fri, 19 April 2019, 13:10:27
Here's my collection so far.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/eu75zV9.jpg)



Planning on adding an HP 12C and some TI-84 model later this year.

This is the (archival) thread ,  Below is the new calculator thread.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=99594.msg2748660#new

Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 19 April 2019, 14:56:42
Come on guys: No true calc HPs?
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 29 April 2019, 10:58:22
Had to swap out my old HP35s for a new one, a few buttons are failing.

The new one seems much heavier and the buttons almost click compared to the old one.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190429/4bd9d5eedcf10ee32501d1be93d0bea2.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Altis on Mon, 29 April 2019, 20:05:44
(From the other calculator thread, here's the ones I use):

The tools of the engineering student, the Casio fx-991MS and the fx-991EX (Classwiz).

I've been thinking of doing a post on all my mechanical pencils and pens sometime as the collection has grown quite a bit.

(https://i.imgur.com/o9vLDTV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wLgslxY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sN1gzT8.jpg)
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Mon, 29 April 2019, 23:53:31
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Mon, 29 April 2019, 10:58:22
Had to swap out my old HP35s for a new one, a few buttons are failing.

The new one seems much heavier and the buttons almost click compared to the old one.
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190429/4bd9d5eedcf10ee32501d1be93d0bea2.jpg)


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk



That sounds not HP quality like. The calc in my avi has been working for more than 30 years so far. No failures of any kind. The legends of its double shot keys are yellowed though.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Sintpinty on Tue, 30 April 2019, 10:41:49
Current calculator is some Basics one from school  :D
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Altis on Wed, 01 May 2019, 14:36:50
Does anyone know of any desk calculators that are scientific (and possibly RPN)?

Seems like desk calculators are only for accountants or something.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Olumin on Fri, 03 May 2019, 12:37:45
They still work like the day they were built. German engineering... and well, Lichtenstein I guess. Same anyway...

(https://puu.sh/DnmyW.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyV.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyT.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyK.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyJ.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyF.JPG)

(https://puu.sh/DnmyE.JPG)

And one "modern" one. No idea why its not upright, my file is...

(https://puu.sh/DnmyI.JPG)
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 12:02:10
Quote from: Altis on Wed, 01 May 2019, 14:36:50
Does anyone know of any desk calculators that are scientific (and possibly RPN)?

Seems like desk calculators are only for accountants or something.



There is a version of a desktop HP scientific calculator. But it is discontinued.


(https://i.imgur.com/7DzfaIp.jpg)
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Altis on Sat, 04 May 2019, 13:32:44
Quote from: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 12:02:10
Quote from: Altis on Wed, 01 May 2019, 14:36:50
Does anyone know of any desk calculators that are scientific (and possibly RPN)?

Seems like desk calculators are only for accountants or something.



There is a version of a desktop HP scientific calculator. But it is discontinued.


Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/7DzfaIp.jpg)


Seems like those very rare and old ones are the only ones around (and quite rare at that).

I'm tempted to make one, actually, as it could be a fun project and I think somewhat useful.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 17:22:14
Quote from: Altis on Sat, 04 May 2019, 13:32:44
Quote from: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 12:02:10
Quote from: Altis on Wed, 01 May 2019, 14:36:50
Does anyone know of any desk calculators that are scientific (and possibly RPN)?

Seems like desk calculators are only for accountants or something.



There is a version of a desktop HP scientific calculator. But it is discontinued.


Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/7DzfaIp.jpg)


Seems like those very rare and old ones are the only ones around (and quite rare at that).

I'm tempted to make one, actually, as it could be a fun project and I think somewhat useful.



I am sure that some old guys and girls  may be interested in buying one desktop RPN calculator.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Altis on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:04:29
Quote from: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 17:22:14
Quote from: Altis on Sat, 04 May 2019, 13:32:44
Seems like those very rare and old ones are the only ones around (and quite rare at that).

I'm tempted to make one, actually, as it could be a fun project and I think somewhat useful.



I am sure that some old guys and girls  may be interested in buying one desktop RPN calculator.

I'm thinking more along the lines of making whatever I come up with open source so anybody would be able to build it.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:27:49
(https://i.imgur.com/mv8iTH4.jpg)

HP 42S
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:38:24
Quote from: Altis on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:04:29
Quote from: ideus on Sat, 04 May 2019, 17:22:14
Quote from: Altis on Sat, 04 May 2019, 13:32:44
Seems like those very rare and old ones are the only ones around (and quite rare at that).

I'm tempted to make one, actually, as it could be a fun project and I think somewhat useful.



I am sure that some old guys and girls  may be interested in buying one desktop RPN calculator.

I'm thinking more along the lines of making whatever I come up with open source so anybody would be able to build it.


Yeah. I have seen a few open source projects for handheld RPN calcs around. A desktop would add nicely.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:39:38
Quote from: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:27:49
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/mv8iTH4.jpg)


HP 42S


I sold mine to someone in Germany like ten years ago. Also my HP41CX went on sale several years ago.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:54:24
Quote from: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:39:38
Quote from: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:27:49
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/mv8iTH4.jpg)


HP 42S


I sold mine to someone in Germany like ten years ago. Also my HP41CX went on sale several years ago.

I should probably sell mine, I'm not using it, it's just sitting there, gaining value...
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: JP on Sun, 05 May 2019, 18:45:54
A couple of mine. Haven't used them in ages. I keep the batteries out of course. I remember buying the TI-86 for $1 at a yard sale. It was a bit different to use as all my high school math books had instructions using the classic TI-83.

[attachimg=1]

Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 23:06:39
Quote from: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:54:24
Quote from: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 17:39:38
Quote from: nelamvr6 on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:27:49
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/mv8iTH4.jpg)


HP 42S


I sold mine to someone in Germany like ten years ago. Also my HP41CX went on sale several years ago.

I should probably sell mine, I'm not using it, it's just sitting there, gaining value...


It may sell pretty quickly at the right price. Most other HP models take forever to sell, but the 32sii, 42s, 15c and 41cx.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 07 May 2019, 08:54:59
Quote from: ideus on Sun, 05 May 2019, 23:06:39

It may sell pretty quickly at the right price. Most other HP models take forever to sell, but the 32sii, 42s, 15c and 41cx.


Selling a calculator is sick..  Only alley addicts need't sink so low..
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: Shapey Fiend on Fri, 10 May 2019, 15:55:48
My dad brought home a slide rule a while ago and started enthusiastically extolling its virtues.

20 minutes later he'd cast it aside saying he'd forgotten what a gigantic pain in the arse they were.
Title: Re: Calculators?
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 10 May 2019, 16:15:58
Quote from: Shapey Fiend on Fri, 10 May 2019, 15:55:48
My dad brought home a slide rule a while ago and started enthusiastically extolling its virtues.

20 minutes later he'd cast it aside saying he'd forgotten what a gigantic pain in the arse they were.

I was taught how to use a slide rule in school, and was halfway through college when modern calculators came out. They cost $350 and couldn't take a square root.

They are surprisingly accurate (more so at one end of the scale than the other, of course) but since they ignore orders of magnitude, you have to be very careful.

PS - I have used variations of the Texas Instruments TI-30 almost exclusively since the early 1980s.