Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd

italophil · **Reply #150 on:** August 21, 2018, 05:00:09 PM

Great threat, Detron. Calculators are great pocket tools. I still use a HP12c regularly.

BePrepared · **Reply #151 on:** August 21, 2018, 09:10:54 PM

Found my old Casio fx-120. Still works. Count them digits!

detron · **Reply #152 on:** August 22, 2018, 07:36:18 PM

Quote from: Archibald Tuttle on August 21, 2018, 03:36:34 PM

maybe this weekend.

I am glad that my postings are viewed by someone besides me.

[/quote]

Dude, don't feel that way! I like your posts! They are refreshing change from ad nauseam pocket dumps.
[/quote]

thanks. I have some posts coming, I just need to get a few pictures taken first.

detron · **Reply #153 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:48:06 AM

Here are the original Texas Inspire series calculators. the standard, and the CAS (Computer Algebra System) version

the standard version has replaceable keyboard, giving it some extra abilities

one of the keyboards, it is TI-84-Plus Keypad. this launches the calculator into an emulated TI-84.

I do not like the nSpire models as much as the normal models, probably because I have not invested the time to overcome the learning curve, but they are nice calculators.

detron · **Reply #154 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:59:57 AM

Quote from: BePrepared on August 21, 2018, 09:10:54 PM

Found my old Casio fx-120. Still works. Count them digits!

(Image removed from quote.)

she is a beauty!

Don Pablo · **Reply #155 on:** August 23, 2018, 08:53:43 AM

All I have is a Casio fx-85GT plus... maybe I should upgrade to a graphing calculator?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #156 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:19:28 PM

That is actually really cool- I have never seen a replaceable keypad on a calculator before, can you give a bit more info on that one? I'd like to see how the parts connect if possible. Also I was wondering if the extra keypads came with it or were they an add on purchase originally? And, when you connect different keypads, does it alter the function of the machine- does it boot to different modes or does the basic software accommodate the different keypads natively? I assume that you can't hot swap keypads?

My first thought was that the actual keypad underneath was the same, but with a different overlay for various functions, but I see that the keypad layout is completely different, so that's obviously not the case, which made me wonder what the connection looked like.

Fascinating!

Def

detron · **Reply #157 on:** August 23, 2018, 10:29:43 PM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on August 23, 2018, 12:19:28 PM

That is actually really cool- I have never seen a replaceable keypad on a calculator before, can you give a bit more info on that one? I'd like to see how the parts connect if possible. Also I was wondering if the extra keypads came with it or were they an add on purchase originally? And, when you connect different keypads, does it alter the function of the machine- does it boot to different modes or does the basic software accommodate the different keypads natively? I assume that you can't hot swap keypads?

My first thought was that the actual keypad underneath was the same, but with a different overlay for various functions, but I see that the keypad layout is completely different, so that's obviously not the case, which made me wonder what the connection looked like.

Fascinating!

Def

I will explain, with pictures later today. I thought it was cool also.

detron · **Reply #158 on:** August 24, 2018, 12:10:15 AM

the First TI nSpire models were called "Click-pad" they worked like a standard D-pad, (moving the cursor around was like moving a cursor on an original Nintendo) with a center "enter" button. the alphabet keys were scattered between all the standard keys.
both of the models pictured below are click-pads

the newer models were called "touchpad" and work like the name sounds, and moving the cursor around is much better. also, the layout makes more sense, and the alphabet keys are all at the bottom.
It is the one installed on this picture.

there is no way to "hot-swap" the keypads, pulling it turns the unit off.

here on the back, you can see the slide release used to remove the keypad.

here is the retention mechanism. pretty simple, but works great

the keypad uses this type of connector to connect to the calculator base

here is the connector it slides into on the base

the keypads slide in, like depicted below, however, you do not have to slide completely off of the unit as I pictured.

When using the Clickpad or touchpad, the calculator operates exactly the same, just keys are in different places.

The TI-84 Plus keypad, initiates an emulator stored inside the calculator software. it works exactly like a normal TI-84 Plus, except the screen is larger. the difference is screen size is handled through magnification, not more real estate.
the TI-84 Plus keypad even has the comm port on the bottom for talking to other calculators or computers.

the keypads costed around $10 each. the ability to have the TI-84 and the nSpire for just a $10 upgrade is pretty good deal.
also, the ability upgrade the unit once the newer layout came out instead of having to buy the whole new unit is great too.

detron · **Reply #159 on:** August 25, 2018, 01:36:36 AM

Quote from: italophil on August 21, 2018, 05:00:09 PM

Great threat, Detron. Calculators are great pocket tools. I still use a HP12c regularly.

the 12c is a great financial calculator. solid choice!

detron · **Reply #160 on:** August 25, 2018, 01:52:01 AM

Two of my favorite Texas Instruments powerhouses (HP kicks their butt, so I had to insure I stipulated TI, otherwise these just do not compare)
the TI-89 and the TI-89 Titanium.
the TI-89 is functionally identical to the TI-92, minus larger screen and QWERTY keyboard.
the TI-89 titanium, adds flash memory, a USB port and is the functionally the same as the Voyage 200 (Which I do not currently own)

the TI85,86,and 89 calculators seem slower on some calculations than the 81,82,83,84 counterparts, but part of that is the fact that the 85 and ups (their engineering line) calculate to far more digits
the 89 series can handle 3D graphs, has a CAS (Computer Algebra System), and a lot of Calculus tools.

detron · **Reply #161 on:** August 25, 2018, 02:01:17 AM

Texas Instruments entered the Graphing calculator market in 1990, with the TI-81.
Their focus was not professionals like HP targeted, but education.
they were able to sell a lot of lower end graphing calculators to schools everywhere.
they still have this stranglehold in the education system, which is why I feel their calculators have not followed Moore's Law.

Here are the TI-81, its upgrade the 82, and its upgrade the 83.
I do not have a TI-84, other than the one for my nSpire. once I find one at the right price I will get one, but no real rush.

I prefer the older boxy look, it was smaller in every direction.

gerleatherberman · **Reply #162 on:** August 25, 2018, 03:59:56 AM

More awesome 'calculation', detron!

Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.

detron · **Reply #163 on:** August 25, 2018, 04:25:12 AM

Quote from: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 03:59:56 AM

More awesome 'calculation', detron!
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.

I am excited to have people like it.

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook

gerleatherberman · **Reply #164 on:** August 25, 2018, 05:32:29 AM

Quote from: detron on August 25, 2018, 04:25:12 AM

Quote from: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 03:59:56 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.

I am excited to have people like it.

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook

Another positive about you posting your calculator collection is that I took mine out of storage and cleaned them up. They might have wasted away if you hadn't posted yours.

Facebook? Seems like a vanity polluted six-pack bathroom shot and duck-face selfie cesspool to me nowadays(your friend list probably isn't as lame as mine though).

detron · **Reply #165 on:** August 25, 2018, 05:42:27 AM

Quote from: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 05:32:29 AM

Quote from: detron on August 25, 2018, 04:25:12 AM
Quote from: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 03:59:56 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.

I am excited to have people like it.

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook

Another positive about you posting your calculator collection is that I took mine out of storage and cleaned them up. They might have wasted away if you hadn't posted yours.

Facebook? Seems like a vanity polluted six-pack bathroom shot and duck-face selfie cesspool to me nowadays(your friend list probably isn't as lame as mine though).

well, Grant was my friend

I am glad you brought your calculators out and gave them some attention.

Whoey · **Reply #166 on:** September 04, 2018, 10:20:43 AM

https://science.slashdot.org/story/18/09/04/0158215/this-is-the-story-of-the-1970s-great-calculator-race

Don Pablo · **Reply #167 on:** September 04, 2018, 11:24:38 AM

Quote from: Whoey on September 04, 2018, 10:20:43 AM

https://science.slashdot.org/story/18/09/04/0158215/this-is-the-story-of-the-1970s-great-calculator-race

Interesting!

detron · **Reply #168 on:** September 05, 2018, 06:33:16 AM

Quote from: Whoey on September 04, 2018, 10:20:43 AM

https://science.slashdot.org/story/18/09/04/0158215/this-is-the-story-of-the-1970s-great-calculator-race

great share! I read it myself, but did not post it here, I guess because I am too stupid

Whoey · **Reply #169 on:** September 05, 2018, 10:52:17 AM

well it's hardly considered proper journalism (linking to twitter posts) but the info is quite on point with this thread.

detron · **Reply #170 on:** September 05, 2018, 08:38:08 PM

Quote from: Whoey on September 05, 2018, 10:52:17 AM

well it's hardly considered proper journalism (linking to twitter posts) but the info is quite on point with this thread.

have you seen journalism these days?

?!!!

you might be over-qualified. at least your material was factual, and relevant, without copious spin.

Don Pablo · **Reply #171 on:** September 21, 2018, 02:28:24 PM

Sorry for derailing this topic to slide rules again.

For my first slide rule, I'm trying to decide between 6 inches or 12 inches.

I know 6 inches is more versatile, but how much harder to read and use is it compared to a 12 inch version?

....And are there any metric slide rules?

I'm tired of inches.

Steinar · **Reply #172 on:** September 21, 2018, 06:44:31 PM

Oodles of metric slide rules. I did a quick search for slide rules in German, and it seems 30 cm was a pretty common size. Fits nicely with A4 pages, I guess.

http://www.rechenschieber.org/unsere-links/

http://www.rechnerlexikon.de/en/artikel/Castell-Addiator

Chako · **Reply #173 on:** September 24, 2018, 05:17:29 AM

I was upstairs looking for something in storage and came across my old Casio fx-5000f calculator. I was a bit surprised I still had this one. I bought it new back in 1987, and was the first scientific calculator I used in High School.

gerleatherberman · **Reply #174 on:** September 24, 2018, 05:22:12 AM

The slide switch is awesome on that one, Chako! Wish all calculators had that type of switch.

detron · **Reply #175 on:** September 24, 2018, 08:58:10 PM

Quote from: gerleatherberman on September 24, 2018, 05:22:12 AM

The slide switch is awesome on that one, Chako! Wish all calculators had that type of switch.

yes it is, and me too! I prefer a switch that cannot be accidentally turned on.

detron · **Reply #176 on:** September 29, 2018, 02:35:03 AM

thanks to Chako, I know which calculator to do next!

here is my Casio fx-5000F. the physical power switch, physical contrast control, and large equation library makes this an excellent calculator.

here is the physical contrast switch

and here is an example using the formula solver. this one is Herons formula

Here is the formula list from the manual (name of formula only)

and here is the formula card, it tells you which number correlates to which formula, and shows the formula

this is a sweet calculator!

gerleatherberman · **Reply #177 on:** September 29, 2018, 03:10:07 AM

Very nice, detron!

Love the equation library since I don't remember a lot of equations anymore.

detron · **Reply #178 on:** September 29, 2018, 03:41:52 AM

Quote from: gerleatherberman on September 29, 2018, 03:10:07 AM

Very nice, detron!
Love the equation library since I don't remember a lot of equations anymore.

the HP 48 and 50 series formulas blow them out of the water! not only more formulas, but you can fill in any variables, and solve for any in the equation. (not just what is already isolated on one side of the equal sign

gerleatherberman · **Reply #179 on:** September 29, 2018, 03:49:37 AM

Thank you, detron!

Going to have to look into finding an HP 48 or 50 at some point. I like easy arithmetic.

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Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd

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