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Non Tool Forum => Gadget Freak and EDC Forum => Topic started by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:28:52 PM

Title: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:28:52 PM
Even though I am not an engineer, teacher in a field that involves math, surveyor, and my jobs math requirement ends at binary for subnetting, I love calculators. 
I have been fascinated with them since about the age of 12.
the basic 4, 5, or 6 functions calculators do not interest me, unless they vintage, and were the high end devices of their time.  I am fascinated by Graphing, Scientific, and some financial calculators.

I have been posting about calculators on Facebook, but Grant recommended I post them here, I guess I did not have enough Facebook friends to allow enough of the world to know how big of a nerd I am, so he felt the 6200+ members here might help ensure my nerdness is known far and wide, even around the globe.

This all started when I was in 7th Grade, and My Mom and I were in a store, and I saw a scientific calculator. My Mom bought it for me and I carried this every day until I upgraded to a graphing calculator 3 years later. the Calculator was a Casio FX-82A. I do not have the original one she bought me, but I do have one I bought at a flea market a few years back. I remember it was a store in Southern Pines North Carolina, but not which one. I remember my amazement when I saw it on the shelf.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180624_172950.jpg?m=1532448977) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180624_172950.jpg?m=1532448977)

this calculator is lacking compared to today's calculators, but is a fine calculator with a nice uncluttered look, and one feature I wish was still a standard,  a physical power switch.  there is little chance of killing your battery due to accidental button pushes.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:41:17 PM
My Second Calculator
I upgraded from my Scientific Casio fx-82A to a Casio "Power Graphic" fx-7700G around 1992. this was not a bad calculator, it did everything the Casio fx-82A did, and more, but I did not stick with this one long. I used this for about 6 months, and did not really enjoy it, but it sufficed. this calculator was around $90.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180625_160023.jpg?m=1532448983) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180625_160023.jpg?m=1532448983)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:55:45 PM
My Third Calculator, (my first computer?)
so after not liking my Casio fx-7700g graphing calculator, I used my Christmas money and bought a TI-85. The TI-85 was released in 1992, and I got one around 1993.  This calculator became my tool for self learning the mathematical concepts of my math classes, basic programming, and exploration of advanced math concepts that I was learning on my own, just to understand the calculators functions. I read the manual from cover to cover (361 pages) multiple times. I learned some basic programming, and made a few simple games along with some useful math programs like a Heron's formula solver. this calculator went with me everywhere, and was my version of a Gameboy. to this day, I still know my way around this calculator, and find it a joy to use. I used 8x8 matrices to store "knights Tour" solutions, and the very act of playing with math functions opened my eye to patters of rectangular coordinate patterns. I learned because I had a calculator.
This beauty is not the original one, but the same year of manufacture, and identical in every way.
I made a program for nearly every math and science formula I ran across.

at the time, I did not have a home computer, so I had no way of backing up the programs I made myself.  not a big issue, except before every math, chemistry, or physics exam, teachers wanted your calculator memory erased.
I put hundreds if not thousands of hours into making programs, even some simple games.  I could not have that, so I made a program that emulated erasing the memory, and displaying a memory screen that matched a factory reset calculator.
don't think I was cheating on my tests,  I did not use any programs during the tests, but I could not bear losing all of my work.

This is one of my favorites

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180625_161237.jpg?m=1532448987) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180625_161237.jpg?m=1532448987)

another feature of this calculator was the ability to solve up 30th order polynomials, and an equation solver where you enter an equation, and you could just enter values all but one variable, and then it could solve the one you did not know.
I also loved the built in constants, and the unit conversion capabilities.

I have 2 backups of this calculator.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:57:35 PM
My 4th Calculator.
after getting my TI-85, I subscribed to a Texas Instrument newsletter, and saw a new calculator that was coming out in 1995. I felt I had to have this calculator, but the $250 price tag was steep. Since I knew about it before its release, I had the time to save up for it. I did not NEED this calculator, but I wanted it. it did not replace my TI-85, but became a different calculator that I used for different uses. This calculator included a CAS system (Computer Algebra System), built in Geometry software, and 3D graphing. the QWERTY keyboard meant it was not allowed on most test as it would give an unfair advantage. this calculator also has "Pretty print" to look like a text book, gives exact answers, (Square-root of 2) instead of a decimal answer.
the AA battery is in the picture for scale.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180626_161007.jpg?m=1532448892) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180626_161007.jpg?m=1532448892)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 06:59:24 PM
My 5th Calculator (and the last one I remember getting vividly). was purchased around the beginning of 1996, and was required because some classes did not allow a programmable calculator. I picked the Casio fx-115s. a calculator with several features that I liked such as Hexadecimal, octal, binary, Complex numbers, great handling of fractions, simple metric system values (kilo, mega,nano, pico, etc) and a wonderful degrees, minute, second system.
this calculator has a flip cover hinged at the top, and this was my favorite non graphing calculator for many years.
Though I have superior calculators, and have transitioned to an RPN fan, I still love this calculator, and bought a second one years ago as a backup.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180628_234420.jpg?m=1532448991) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180628_234420.jpg?m=1532448990)

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:00:40 PM
a latter upgraded version of my FX-115s by Casio was the fx-115MS. this added a lot of new features like solving roots of 2nd and 3rd order polynomials, derivatives and integrals, replay ability and Metric magnitude values on the 4-9 keys.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_000954.jpg?m=1532448994) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_000954.jpg?m=1532448993)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:01:18 PM
another fx-115 series calculator is the fx-115ES. the a/b/c/ fraction button has been replaced with the square/square button, added matrix, vector, stat, and complex menu, integrals and derivatives. this is a nice calculator with a text book display. I got this one at a Goodwill store for $1. put a battery in, and it worked like a champ. it would work in bright light via solar, but with the battery it is much more reliable.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_001812.jpg?m=1532448997) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_001812.jpg?m=1532448996)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:04:04 PM
The most recent offerings in the Casio fx-115 family, and one super cool calculator for the price, is the fx-115ES PLUS.
these sell at Walmart for about $13. (sale price, I imagine due to school getting out). this does everything the previous fx-115 series did, and added several features such as a Greatest Common Denominator, Least Common Multiple, the ability to factor a number into its primes, return a Pre answer as well as a Answer (last answer, and the one before). random #, random integer, and one of my favorite features, a division with remainder (example 10 / 3 will yield 3 remainder 1). there are 3 color options that I have found online, but in stores, I can only seem to find the silver one.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_002749.jpg?m=1532448999) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_002749.jpg?m=1532448999)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_003018.jpg?m=1532449004) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_003018.jpg?m=1532449003)

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Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:05:28 PM
in 1982 Hewlett Packard released the HP 15C for $135 ($347.88 in 2017 dollars). This was a BEAST of a calculator when it was released, and it is highly sought after even today. this uses RPN entry method, is programmable, and was one of the first calculators with an LCD display. typical battery life for this calculator was 4 to 7 years, with many examples of 10 to 12 years.
Some of the functions are:
Solver / Root finder
numeric integration
complex numbers
matrix operations

for 1982, this was a great amount of power that fit in a shirt pocket.

this was a popular choice for engineering students in the 80s, and a lot of people still love this calculator to this day.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_232539.jpg?m=1532448899) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180629_232539.jpg?m=1532448898)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:08:56 PM
in 1990, when Texas Instruments was just releasing their first graphing calculator, the TI-81, HP was releasing the 48SX. the MSRP of this powerhouse was $350 in 1990. this calculator could do many types of plotting, including 3D. had two expansion slots, and came with a card to double the memory, and a card with over 300 equations built in, and included a solver. this solver allowed you to give values for what variables you know, and could solve the unknown, as long as you provided enough known variables. some equations actually consisted of 4 or 5 different equations, that worked together to help solve unknowns. it had a whole section for doing time calculations (days since, days until, and had a built in clock and event alarms). There were several expansion cards released for this calculator, and I do have one extra, which focuses on Structural engineering. one of the most amazing features was the built in handling of units. Not only can it convert units (feet to Meters, etc), but it performs the math on them. a simple example, 5_M + 5_mm = 505_mm. this is true of multiple units, such as mph, meters per second squared, etc. the manual came in two parts, and is 852 pages long.

a demo card was used in some stores to showcase the features. I feel this 17 minute video really showcases the king of the 1990 calculator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLFO46Fp2mM

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154920.jpg?m=1532448898) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154920.jpg?m=1532448898)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154940.jpg?m=1532448898) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154940.jpg?m=1532448898)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154955.jpg?m=1532448899) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180701_154955.jpg?m=1532448898)

this is an epic calculator in my opinion.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:11:05 PM
in 1993, HP released the HP 48GX. a power house that took what they did with the awesome 48SX (see my recent post) and doubled the speed, quadrupled the memory, and moved the equation library onto the device instead of being on a card. (sadly, the great periodic table that was on the equation card did not follow. the SX periodic table had tons of info, and any value, atomic weight, specific gravity, etc, could be pushed to the calculation area for use as a number.) since i have the 48SX with the equation card, this is not an issue for me, I can put my SX card in the GX, and have both versions of the equation library, and the periodic table.
There are so many features, that the available manuals are 3 inches thick. the price stayed the same as the older 48SX, $350 in 1993. I remember going into a "Best" department store in the mid 90s and seeing one of these calculators on display and being amazed by it, but quickly lost interest when I saw the price tag. luckily, I found one years later.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180704_121807.jpg?m=1532449012) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180704_121807.jpg?m=1532449012)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180704_121738.jpg?m=1532448899) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180704_121738.jpg?m=1532448899)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Steinar on July 24, 2018, 07:14:06 PM
Nice trip down memory lane. I started out with different Casios, also, a relatively basic Casio model was one the university standardized on way back when (to give the students something to do calculations with, but no real programming capabilities), I don't remember its model number. When I started commercial work, I picked up an HP 32SII, and nowadays I mostly use an HP 42S emulator on my phone. Big fan of RPN when it comes to interacting with a calculator here.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:14:17 PM
HP improved their Amazing graphing calculator line with the HP 50G, which was released in 2006.
This is the KRAKEN! of calculators from my point of view.
Powerful built-in graphing functions, constants and applications.
Built-in lessons and step-by-step problem solving.
The choice of efficient RPN, Textbook or Algebraic data entry.
User-friendly Computer Algebra System (CAS).
Massive memory and an SD card slot
Large high-contrast display with adjustable font type and size
Large equation library and 2300+ built-in functions.
I showed a few screens of the periodic table application so you can see just how much info it has, and any number and its units can be passed to the calculator as a value. with the HP calculators amazing unit math, this enables complex calculations to be conducted, without screwing up or dropping units.
I know lighter weight was probably seen as a positive, but the older 48SX felt heavier, making it feel more solid.
I do wish that HP continued to provide printed manuals, but HP said they were being environmentally friendly. The Page count on the PDFs paint an amazing picture though
USER MANUAL = 184 Pages
USER GUIDE = 887 Pages
ADVANCED USER GUIDE = 693 Pages
1764 Pages in total!!

The HP Equation Library is far more powerful than most people think, I recommend you check out this video that gives a demonstration of how it is used. the equation library is not just a set of formula notes, it is an advanced solver with details.
http://www.mathtutordvd.com/members/Section_17_Using_the_Equation_Library_HP_50g.cfm


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180706_213441.jpg?m=1532449016) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180706_213441.jpg?m=1532449015)

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(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180706_213334.jpg?m=1532448902) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180706_213334.jpg?m=1532448902)



Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:15:40 PM
Nice trip down memory lane. I started out with different Casios, also, a relatively basic Casio model was one the university standardized on way back when (to give the students something to do calculations with, but no real programming capabilities), I don't remember its model number. When I started commercial work, I picked up an HP 32SII, and nowadays I mostly use an HP 42S emulator on my phone. Big fan of RPN when it comes to interacting with a calculator here.

I now love RPN.  I did not have HP money back in school, but now, I know why they are so popular.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:16:54 PM
imagine this, the year is 1984, there are some amazing calculators on the market, especially the HP high end engineering models. the one thing that is always done manually, or on a computer, is plotting or graphing.
then in 1985 Casio released the fx-7000G, a graphing calculator! this is the first portable graphing calculator, and it was quickly emulated by Sharp and HP, but it was 5 years before Texas Instruments provided their first graphing calculator model.

I have a hard time imagining how awe inspiring this must have been for educators, engineers, math lovers, and technology buffs.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180716_202855.jpg?m=1532448904) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180716_202855.jpg?m=1532448903)

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Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:18:06 PM
This calculator was launched in 1981, but is still on constant production, and is one of the favorites for those in finance, especially mortgages and bonds. that is some serious high praise. This is the Amazing HP 12C. My favorite feature of this calculator is the time value of money calculations are set up where you put any 4 of the 5 variables, and it will solve the 5th, just by pressing that button.

for example,
PRESENT VALUE=$-130,000
FUTURE VALUE=$0 (loan paid off in full)
# of PAYMENTS=180 (15 years)
INTEREST=3%

enter all of those and hit PMT, the calculator solves it to
$897.76

to simplify the math, you can put in number of payments, or use the blue g button first to multiple the number by 12 if you want to put in years, and have the calculator convert into month. The same can be done for APY or monthly rate (divide by 12)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180723_234357.jpg?m=1532448905) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180723_234357.jpg?m=1532448904)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 07:31:25 PM
Very nice collection. :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:32:47 PM
I am sure I will have more to come,  I seem to have a problem, that most MTO types would understand.   :rofl:


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489)

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:46:17 PM
Very nice collection. :like:

thank you.  I am rather fond of it myself.   
Still building, and it is amazing how many were purchased at a thrift store for either $1 or $2.  not the HPs or other Graphing Calculators, but several $10-$25 calculators have been sitting on the shelf for $2 or less
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 24, 2018, 07:47:32 PM
How nice... I think I have an HP-15C lying around somewhere from my dad's estate, let's see if I can find it the next few days. Thanks for the historical trip detron :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 07:58:52 PM
How nice... I think I have an HP-15C lying around somewhere from my dad's estate, let's see if I can find it the next few days. Thanks for the historical trip detron :tu:

the 15C is amazing,  they used Silicon on Sapphire (https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Silicon_on_sapphire) processes, that was a space age technology.
amazing calculator
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 08:14:58 PM
for a 1980, or 1981 calculator (released in 1980, discontinued in 1981) this calculator is in amazing shape.
I still love the dedicated power switch, that is not easily accidentally switched.
The simple solution of a printed card for common constants, and conversions was a nice touch too.
looking at the calculator, and the leather (plastic) case, I would go out on a limb and say this was either not used, or barely used.
this would have been an amazing calculator to have had when it was released.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_125056.jpg?m=1532455510) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_125056.jpg?m=1532455509)

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I bought this on ebay for $6.  I feel it was a steal, and searching the internet, I have not seen any pictures of one that is in as good of shape as this one is.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 08:31:26 PM
My final HP calculator that I currently own is the HP 35s

it was introduced to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the HP-35, Hewlett-Packard's first pocket calculator (and the world's first pocket scientific calculator).

The HP 35s uses either Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) or algebraic infix notation as input.

Other features of the HP 35s include:

Two-line alphanumeric LCD
Over 800 memory registers (26 directly labelled)
Scientific and statistical functions
Operation in decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal
Equation solver with arbitrary variable isolation
Numerical integration
Support for input and display of fractions
Complex number and vector calculations
Unit conversions and table of physical constants
Keystroke programmability with approximately 30 kilobytes of memory for programs and data
The HP 35s has been given a retro look reminiscent of classic HP calculators from the 1970s to the 1990s. However, it provides far more functions, processing power, and memory than most of those earlier models.
Support for vector operations


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_132202.jpg?m=1532456957) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_132202.jpg?m=1532456957)

for those who understand RPN, I think where they made a mistake on this calculator was limiting the stack to 3 levels.  I got spoiled with the infinite stack on the 48 series.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 08:45:14 PM
How nice... I think I have an HP-15C lying around somewhere from my dad's estate, let's see if I can find it the next few days. Thanks for the historical trip detron :tu:

let me know if you find it.  there was also an 11C, 12C, and 16C.  they look very similar.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 09:05:07 PM
I have a very small assortment of retro calculators and a couple of scientific ones, but nothing like your collection, Detron. :)

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 09:23:10 PM
I have a very small assortment of retro calculators and a couple of scientific ones, but nothing like your collection, Detron. :)

that is probably because you are smarter than me, and did not decide to hoard them.   :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 09:29:26 PM
I have a very small assortment of retro calculators and a couple of scientific ones, but nothing like your collection, Detron. :)

that is probably because you are smarter than me, and did not decide to hoard them.   :rofl:
  :)
Yeah...that's it. I don't hoard. :whistle:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 09:47:22 PM
I have a very small assortment of retro calculators and a couple of scientific ones, but nothing like your collection, Detron. :)

that is probably because you are smarter than me, and did not decide to hoard them.   :rofl:
  :)
Yeah...that's it. I don't hoard. :whistle:

pictures are welcome   :pok:

MTO is the shelter for hoarders.   but that does not mean you hoard calculators.  however, MTO made me want many versions of things I did not even want before.  G-shocks, Swiss Army knives, etc.  so, you might want more soon.   :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 10:03:52 PM
Indeed. I joined this site and had three SAKs. I don't even collect SAKs and I have a couple dozen now(there were some I "HAD" to have..hehe I do like SAKs. My first real knife was an Explorer). :ahhh
Plier-MTs. Started with 20 or so. Now I have 220. :facepalm:

I can't resist a poke emoticon. :rofl:
Here are some poorly taken photos of the ten calculators I have that work. There are a few more stowed away with issues. I'll have to retake the photos when I get my digital camera back from work. :ahhh
(http://i.imgur.com/X4VJ1sv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gu6zsGb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9mXzuyi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nRU1RxE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Nzis86B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z0ZBBFs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xUyUf0Y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R1pGr6i.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ErrqCRF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Bt0NMt6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mvlp8BV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6p9EppY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fKO4v6I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CJaWMbm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qyxJ2Fg.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:13:07 PM
those are great!   I love the Commodore!   
that Casio CQ-2 is very unique.

thanks for the pictures
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 10:27:07 PM
those are great!   I love the Commodore!   
that Casio CQ-2 is very unique.

thanks for the pictures
Thank you,  detron!
The Commodore is a neat one. 6-digit led  and very strange to use. :salute:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:35:44 PM
got this at a Thrift store for $2.  uses a 9 Volt battery, but it works just fine!  this is from the mid to late 70s.  there is a bubble magnifier for each digit

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464445) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464444)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:38:15 PM
a couple of random Casios

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152923.jpg?m=1532464452) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152923.jpg?m=1532464451)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152906.jpg?m=1532464447) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152906.jpg?m=1532464447)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 10:40:00 PM
got this at a Thrift store for $2.  uses a 9 Volt battery, but it works just fine!  this is from the mid to late 70s.  there is a bubble magnifier for each digit

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464445) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464444)
Nice! I love led display calculators. I find them easy to use! I have a datamath 2500 somewhere I used as my main calculator for years. It has a similar keypad layout as your 91PM. :)

Oh, this will get it back up to snuff. :cheers:
https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-Silver-0-5-Fluid/dp/B00081G2HG

Edit: that fx-250d looks just like the fx-250c I posted. Nice!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:40:57 PM
this little guy was 10 cents at a yard sale

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152851.jpg?m=1532464440) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152851.jpg?m=1532464439)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:43:53 PM
got this at a Thrift store for $2.  uses a 9 Volt battery, but it works just fine!  this is from the mid to late 70s.  there is a bubble magnifier for each digit

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464445) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_152838.jpg?m=1532464444)
Nice! I love led display calculators. I find them easy to use! I have a datamath 2500 somewhere I used as my main calculator for years. It has a similar keypad layout as your 91PM. :)

Oh, this will get it back up to snuff. :cheers:
https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-Silver-0-5-Fluid/dp/B00081G2HG

Edit: that fx-250d looks just like the fx-250c I posted. Nice!

thanks for the heads up on the amazon link.  I will check that out

I too noticed how similar the 250c and d were.

Datamath huh?  have you been to datamath.org?   lots of info there
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 10:49:54 PM
I am a fan of Vacuum Florescent displays.

got this hand held printing calculator at a thrift store for $3

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_154645.jpg?m=1532465292) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180724_154645.jpg?m=1532465291)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 24, 2018, 11:17:31 PM
Very neat. I like the brightness on that Canon display. I always have a hard time distinguishing between vacuum fluorescent and early LED(without looking it up). I thought the bubble mag you pictured was an led sandwich display. :ahhh
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 24, 2018, 11:23:50 PM
Very neat. I like the brightness on that Canon display. I always have a hard time distinguishing between vacuum fluorescent and early LED(without looking it up). I thought the bubble mag you pictured was an led sandwich display. :ahhh

the only reason I know the Canon display is Vacuum florescent is I looked up the info on the calculator when I got it.
you may be right on the bubble mag, I know nothing about that display.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: zoidberg on July 24, 2018, 11:59:50 PM
Cool thread detron.   :tu:   :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 12:14:06 AM
Cool thread detron.   :tu:   :like:

You can thank Grant for nudging me to put this here.   but thanks, glad others enjoy it
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Steinar on July 25, 2018, 12:21:07 AM
I am sure I will have more to come,  I seem to have a problem, that most MTO types would understand.   :rofl:


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489)

 :facepalm:

 :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 12:25:09 AM
I am sure I will have more to come,  I seem to have a problem, that most MTO types would understand.   :rofl:


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489)

 :facepalm:

 :rofl:

not sure which is more embarrassing,  having 72 calculators, or the fact that I made a spreadsheet that auto-tally's my totals by brand and type, and sums in multiple directions.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gustophersmob on July 25, 2018, 01:09:35 AM
I have a TI-85 that got me through college and is still my primary calculator at work (Engineering, now management). I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

I still have a periodic table card glued into the cover from chemistry...
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: captain spaulding on July 25, 2018, 01:52:38 AM
Smurfing nerd!!

Just kidding buddy. I think I’m just jealous that your so much smarter than me.  :D

I remember my brother having a Texas Instrament calculator when he was in high school. He left for collage and I stole his calculator. Sad part is I had no idea how to use it at the time. I’m a dummy. Lol.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 02:25:15 AM
Smurfing nerd!!

Just kidding buddy. I think I’m just jealous that your so much smarter than me.  :D

I remember my brother having a Texas Instrament calculator when he was in high school. He left for collage and I stole his calculator. Sad part is I had no idea how to use it at the time. I’m a dummy. Lol.

having calculators does not make me smart, doing math without them on the other hand.......

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 02:26:17 AM
I have a TI-85 that got me through college and is still my primary calculator at work (Engineering, now management). I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

I still have a periodic table card glued into the cover from chemistry...

the 85 is an amazing calculator.  I have 3 of them, and mess around with them all the time
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 05:14:22 AM
I'll play....

HP-41C
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 05:15:33 AM
HP-12C
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 05:16:52 AM
HP-16Bll?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 05:19:49 AM
HP-17Bll
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 05:21:04 AM
TI - BAll Plus
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 01:18:38 PM
I'll play....

HP-41C

that 41C is a beauty!     nice!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 25, 2018, 01:23:55 PM
I was off by 1 digit, it's an HP-16C.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 25, 2018, 01:28:54 PM
Cool thread detron.   :tu:   :like:

You can thank Grant for nudging me to put this here.   but thanks, glad others enjoy it

You were already doing these posts on Facebook, I just felt that the info you were sharing was wasted on a site that really isn't easily searchable.  :D

I found your FB posts so fascinating that I am glad I convinced you to post them here too.  I will admit that I never really thought too much about calculators, much the same way most people probably don't think about folding plier tools.  Calculators never really existed in my mind, at least as a thing of any importance.  If you needed a calculator, you just went and got one, no big deal.  Different models (and an appreciation thereof) rarely, if ever were part of the equation.

I also assumed that once PDA's like the original Palm Pilot came out in the mid 90's, calculators were a thing of the past.  Then even more so with the Smart Phone Revolution.  It wasn't until recently that I learned that these kinds of things aren't allowed for college/university students during tests, and so the calculator-fu is still strong.

It's also funny to me that I never paid much attention to them, as they were always something of a thing of reverence in my family.  My mother has an accounting/bookkeeping background and in the late 60's or early 70's she and my father saved up for a calculator for her.  I have no idea what kind if was off the top of my head, but I know at the time it was quite an investment, and I don't believe it did much more than the most basic of functions.  I seem to recall that it had either a red or green 7 segment readout.  I honestly can't recall- I can vividly picture both colors, so maybe there was another one too?

Then in the early/mid 80's my father got a calculator for subscribing to Time Magazine, and he carried it everywhere and used it constantly.  I am sure wherever it is today, all of the buttons are worn off of it.  I couldn't appreciate it at the time, but it was about the size of a credit card, although much thicker, and originally came in a leatherette foldover wallet case, held in by the clear 80's rubber/plastic strap seen in the TI Business Analyst model Alex posted above.

(http://i.imgur.com/gu6zsGb.jpg)

Anyone who lived through the 80's and survived knows those little rubber straps usually didn't last too long, and have often been stuck back down with electrical tape, replaced by rubber bands of just ripped off and forgotten about!

I'm glad you agreed to share this here too Detron, and it is so cool seeing the additions (no pun intended!) from everyone else too!

Fascinating stuff!

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 01:44:48 PM
I'll play....

HP-41C

that 41C is a beauty!     nice!

In the early to mid 80's the 41C, 41CV, and 41CVX were considered to be some of the best programmable calculators available for engineering students if you had the ready cash to buy one.  I didn't, but years (decades) later, I saw someone giving one away on Freecycle.  He was so intent on making sure it received a good home he met me 10 miles from his house. I also have the owner's manual.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gustophersmob on July 25, 2018, 01:54:26 PM
Here's my TI-85
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 02:27:38 PM
I was off by 1 digit, it's an HP-16C.

that is even more rare!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 02:30:53 PM
I'll play....

HP-41C

that 41C is a beauty!     nice!

In the early to mid 80's the 41C, 41CV, and 41CVX were considered to be some of the best programmable calculators available for engineering students if you had the ready cash to buy one.  I didn't, but years (decades) later, I saw someone giving one away on Freecycle.  He was so intent on making sure it received a good home he met me 10 miles from his house. I also have the owner's manual.

that is awesome!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 02:33:46 PM
Here's my TI-85

One of mine looks just like that, there were some minor changes in where the "85 was located on the front.  I will photo the differences and post them tonight if I can
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 25, 2018, 02:46:21 PM
I am sure I will have more to come,  I seem to have a problem, that most MTO types would understand.   :rofl:


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489)

 :facepalm:

 :rofl:

not sure which is more embarrassing,  having 72 calculators, or the fact that I made a spreadsheet that auto-tally's my totals by brand and type, and sums in multiple directions.

Cross checking sums is the hallmark of good spreadsheet. I refuse to log my tools. I don't want that level of evidence to be found when I am eventually confronted.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 04:25:15 PM
I am sure I will have more to come,  I seem to have a problem, that most MTO types would understand.   :rofl:


(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-06-26%2019_26_08-Calculators_xlsx%20-%20Excel.png?m=1532453489)

 :facepalm:

 :rofl:

not sure which is more embarrassing,  having 72 calculators, or the fact that I made a spreadsheet that auto-tally's my totals by brand and type, and sums in multiple directions.

Cross checking sums is the hallmark of good spreadsheet. I refuse to log my tools. I don't want that level of evidence to be found when I am eventually confronted.

solid logic there.   :rofl:  might have a point   :whistle:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 25, 2018, 09:27:34 PM
those graphing calculators would have been great when I was at DeVry... but they only allowed us a TI-68 :think: I still have it somewhere, and it still works fine. :facepalm:

edit: nope, it's a TI-34
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 25, 2018, 09:36:42 PM

Cross checking sums is the hallmark of good spreadsheet. I refuse to log my tools. I don't want that level of evidence to be found when I am eventually confronted.

Nice.  :rofl:

Good thinking though. :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 25, 2018, 10:25:14 PM
those graphing calculators would have been great when I was at DeVry... but they only allowed us a TI-68 :think: I still have it somewhere, and it still works fine. :facepalm:

edit: nope, it's a TI-34

I have one that looks like that.  those are cool.   

PS
I have a TI-68 as well, that is a beast considering it is not a graphing type.  has a 2nd, 3rd, Alpha, AND Inverse.   a lot of shift keys!   :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 12:31:47 AM
Here is a 1993 TI-85 (Left) and a 1997 TI-85 (Right)

notice the location of the "85" and the ti logo.

also, notice the difference in size of the numbers on the number keys

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180725_172457.jpg?m=1532557724) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180725_172457.jpg?m=1532557723)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 01:34:14 AM
Wrestled around with some boxes in my workshop. Found my favorite calculator! When I had my apartment, I used this to do all my checking balance, bills, and taxes. :)
The Texas Instruments Datamath 2500. :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 01:37:03 AM
Wrestled around with some boxes in my workshop. Found my favorite calculator! When I had my apartment, I used this to do all my checking balance, bills, and taxes. :)
The Texas Instruments Datamath 2500. :)

very nice!   that is a beauty!

I hope to run across one one day.  it is not my main area of focus, but the vintage ones really seem awesome in their own right
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 03:14:00 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:

The Scientific calculators are quite awesome. I am thinking about finding an older HP scientific at some point. I really like the style.

The 2500 is a pretty cool piece. It takes 4xAA batteries, which is great for modern use. Although, somewhere else, I have the power adapter for it. The original rechargeable batteries were too corroded to keep, but it can take modern rechargeables as well. I am always amazed at how well the early technology holds up. One day, I'll pull out my TI Portable PC (color version early 80s suitcase style) and take some photos. The MFM drive still works and boots Norton Commander.  :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gustophersmob on July 26, 2018, 03:57:41 AM
Here is a 1993 TI-85 (Left) and a 1997 TI-85 (Right)

notice the location of the "85" and the ti logo.

also, notice the difference in size of the numbers on the number keys


That makes sense. I probably bought mine in 1997, that's the year of graduated high school and went to college. Thanks for the info :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 07:19:14 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:

The Scientific calculators are quite awesome. I am thinking about finding an older HP scientific at some point. I really like the style.

The 2500 is a pretty cool piece. It takes 4xAA batteries, which is great for modern use. Although, somewhere else, I have the power adapter for it. The original rechargeable batteries were too corroded to keep, but it can take modern rechargeables as well. I am always amazed at how well the early technology holds up. One day, I'll pull out my TI Portable PC (color version early 80s suitcase style) and take some photos. The MFM drive still works and boots Norton Commander.  :)

that TI portable PC sounds amazing! 

and yes, the older style HP scientific calculators are amazing,  just be mindful, RPN is different, but once learned, it is great.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 07:20:15 AM
Here is a 1993 TI-85 (Left) and a 1997 TI-85 (Right)

notice the location of the "85" and the ti logo.

also, notice the difference in size of the numbers on the number keys


That makes sense. I probably bought mine in 1997, that's the year of graduated high school and went to college. Thanks for the info :tu:

no problem.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 07:30:26 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:

The Scientific calculators are quite awesome. I am thinking about finding an older HP scientific at some point. I really like the style.

The 2500 is a pretty cool piece. It takes 4xAA batteries, which is great for modern use. Although, somewhere else, I have the power adapter for it. The original rechargeable batteries were too corroded to keep, but it can take modern rechargeables as well. I am always amazed at how well the early technology holds up. One day, I'll pull out my TI Portable PC (color version early 80s suitcase style) and take some photos. The MFM drive still works and boots Norton Commander.  :)

that TI portable PC sounds amazing! 

and yes, the older style HP scientific calculators are amazing,  just be mindful, RPN is different, but once learned, it is great.
Thanks for the heads-up, detron! Fortunately, I won't be using the HP (even though I will want it to work properly), at least not for anything more than basic stuff. :)
I'll drag the TIPPC out at some point and post about it. Then my nerd level will be close to yours. :D
Thanks again for posting your calculators, detron! I forgot how much I enjoyed vintage technology until I looked at your complex-function calculator collection.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 07:49:22 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:

The Scientific calculators are quite awesome. I am thinking about finding an older HP scientific at some point. I really like the style.

The 2500 is a pretty cool piece. It takes 4xAA batteries, which is great for modern use. Although, somewhere else, I have the power adapter for it. The original rechargeable batteries were too corroded to keep, but it can take modern rechargeables as well. I am always amazed at how well the early technology holds up. One day, I'll pull out my TI Portable PC (color version early 80s suitcase style) and take some photos. The MFM drive still works and boots Norton Commander.  :)

that TI portable PC sounds amazing! 

and yes, the older style HP scientific calculators are amazing,  just be mindful, RPN is different, but once learned, it is great.
Thanks for the heads-up, detron! Fortunately, I won't be using the HP (even though I will want it to work properly), at least not for anything more than basic stuff. :)
I'll drag the TIPPC out at some point and post about it. Then my nerd level will be close to yours. :D
Thanks again for posting your calculators, detron! I forgot how much I enjoyed vintage technology until I looked at your complex-function calculator collection.  :cheers:


I was posting this stuff to Facebook,  no replies   :facepalm:   it is nice to have people share interest and add to the conversation.

I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 26, 2018, 10:31:33 AM
I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane

I have some old receipts from that era, when I got my 2x CD writer (not DVD!) and blanks were about $10+ tax

My TI-34 dates from mid 90s too, so it's now 25 years old.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 26, 2018, 01:08:38 PM
I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane

I have some old receipts from that era, when I got my 2x CD writer (not DVD!) and blanks were about $10+ tax

My TI-34 dates from mid 90s too, so it's now 25 years old.  :facepalm:

If I recall your failure rate for those CD blanks was what, one in three?

I can't even recall the last time I saw a CD, let alone used one for anything.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 26, 2018, 01:47:01 PM
I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane

I have some old receipts from that era, when I got my 2x CD writer (not DVD!) and blanks were about $10+ tax

My TI-34 dates from mid 90s too, so it's now 25 years old.  :facepalm:

If I recall your failure rate for those CD blanks was what, one in three?

I can't even recall the last time I saw a CD, let alone used one for anything.   :facepalm:

Def
sometimes worse, sometimes better.

I have a spindle of 50 blank DVDs on my desk that I haven't touched in years, it's about half empty, but I haven't needed one for ages as I usually just dump to USB stick. Really should use a few to make some offline backups of photos etc.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane

I have some old receipts from that era, when I got my 2x CD writer (not DVD!) and blanks were about $10+ tax

My TI-34 dates from mid 90s too, so it's now 25 years old.  :facepalm:

If I recall your failure rate for those CD blanks was what, one in three?

I can't even recall the last time I saw a CD, let alone used one for anything.   :facepalm:

Def
sometimes worse, sometimes better.

I have a spindle of 50 blank DVDs on my desk that I haven't touched in years, it's about half empty, but I haven't needed one for ages as I usually just dump to USB stick. Really should use a few to make some offline backups of photos etc.

I purchased a Network Attached storage (This one) (https://www.wdc.com/products/network-attached-storage/my-cloud-ex4100.html) with RAID5 and never looked back.

any hard drive that dies can be replaced and the data re-written based on the parity of the other drives.
this is a great peace of mind, and I can access it from anywhere in my house.  (I turned off the remote access features)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 03:08:23 PM
I still burn audio CDs for my car.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 03:20:00 PM
I still burn audio CDs for my car.  :facepalm:

I burn data CDs and DVDs all the time.  I like optical for my "off-site" backups.
I listen to audiobooks if I am in the car alone, but when others are in the car, I listen to CDs
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 03:25:16 PM
Glad I'm not alone. :like:
I used my first CD burner, bought in 1999 (4x2x40), until 6 years ago. And I only got a new one (dvd burner), because the new computer I built didn't have an IDE port built in into the motherboard. :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 26, 2018, 03:59:05 PM
I still burn audio CDs for my car.  :facepalm:

When I bought my Jeep in early 2013 I played a CD and a DVD in it just to see how it worked.  I haven't put a disc in it since, and I don't think I have any of either in this house- maybe in my garage in Halifax, but that's a thousand miles away. 

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on July 26, 2018, 04:02:40 PM
I still burn audio CDs for my car.  :facepalm:

Me2. My old 1998 Volvo doesn't have USB ports, iPod connectors or Spotify. I still use the 6CD-changer  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 04:49:24 PM
not buying it,  but cool that it has my name on it   :rofl:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DETRON-Electronic-Calculator-Digital-VFD-Display-WITH-BOX-New-old-stock-/173416718350?oid=183178629105
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 26, 2018, 04:52:56 PM
I do happen to have two 1993 "TigerSoftware" (Later became TigerDirect) catalogs.  they are about 65 pages each, and full of listings like "MultiSpin CDR 74 CD-ROM Reader  ......$725.00"
or "$600 flatbed scanners"

it is a trip down  :facepalm: memory lane

I have some old receipts from that era, when I got my 2x CD writer (not DVD!) and blanks were about $10+ tax

My TI-34 dates from mid 90s too, so it's now 25 years old.  :facepalm:

If I recall your failure rate for those CD blanks was what, one in three?

I can't even recall the last time I saw a CD, let alone used one for anything.   :facepalm:

Def
sometimes worse, sometimes better.

I have a spindle of 50 blank DVDs on my desk that I haven't touched in years, it's about half empty, but I haven't needed one for ages as I usually just dump to USB stick. Really should use a few to make some offline backups of photos etc.

I purchased a Network Attached storage (This one) (https://www.wdc.com/products/network-attached-storage/my-cloud-ex4100.html) with RAID5 and never looked back.

any hard drive that dies can be replaced and the data re-written based on the parity of the other drives.
this is a great peace of mind, and I can access it from anywhere in my house.  (I turned off the remote access features)
We’ve got one of those too.

But no off-site backups.....
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 26, 2018, 05:04:32 PM
not buying it,  but cool that it has my name on it   :rofl:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DETRON-Electronic-Calculator-Digital-VFD-Display-WITH-BOX-New-old-stock-/173416718350?oid=183178629105
You need that. :pok:
Would make an epic avatar. :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 26, 2018, 07:07:13 PM
not buying it,  but cool that it has my name on it   :rofl:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DETRON-Electronic-Calculator-Digital-VFD-Display-WITH-BOX-New-old-stock-/173416718350?oid=183178629105
You need that. :pok:
Would make an epic avatar. :D

I may NEED it, but I am not willing to spend that much on it.  I downloaded the picture from the listing   :whistle:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on July 27, 2018, 12:27:24 AM
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/praising-the-lord-smiley-emoticon_zpsr7jdw1lb.gif) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/praising-the-lord-smiley-emoticon_zpsr7jdw1lb.gif.html)

Wow. Sort of makes me sorry that I gave away my old 90's Radio Shack graphing calculator and a Casio colour graphing calculator. I did buy a Ti 84 + CE just recently. I still have some old calculators hanging around in storage somewhere.  :think:

I remember walking into a new computer shop back in the early 80s and drooling over the simple LED calculators on display...but not the prices. I remember they were quite high at the time.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 27, 2018, 12:45:29 AM
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/praising-the-lord-smiley-emoticon_zpsr7jdw1lb.gif) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/praising-the-lord-smiley-emoticon_zpsr7jdw1lb.gif.html)

Wow. Sort of makes me sorry that I gave away my old 90's Radio Shack graphing calculator and a Casio colour graphing calculator. I did buy a Ti 84 + CE just recently. I still have some old calculators hanging around in storage somewhere.  :think:

I remember walking into a new computer shop back in the early 80s and drooling over the simple LED calculators on display...but not the prices. I remember they were quite high at the time.

getting a praise gif from Chako is like having Bobby Fischer tell you you are good at chess. 

I keep telling Texas Instruments that when they give the TI-89 the same treatment as the 84 + CE, then I am going to buy one right away.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 27, 2018, 01:46:43 AM
for a standard algebraic, non-graphing, non-programmable calculator, this is pretty sweet.  (and around $20)

the Casio fx-991EX Classwiz

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183154.jpg?m=1532648316) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183154.jpg?m=1532648315)

the screen is fairly high res.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183200.jpg?m=1532648294) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183200.jpg?m=1532648293)

once you do some work, you can generate a QR code, scan it with your phone, and get the problem, and equation on your phone, and a graph if one is suitable.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183232.jpg?m=1532648312) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180726_183232.jpg?m=1532648312)

here is the result on my phone

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/SmartSelect_20180726-183313_Chrome.jpg?m=1532648294) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/SmartSelect_20180726-183313_Chrome.jpg?m=1532648293)


the site has a nice little preview of the features
Click here (https://edu.casio.com/products/cwiz/fx991ex/index.php)

and here is a writeup by someone else
http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2015/11/casio-fx-991ex-classwiz-review.html


I attached the manual, if you are curious
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: smiller43147 on July 27, 2018, 08:10:46 AM
Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 27, 2018, 08:13:18 AM
Nice!  :like: :like:

Do you have the operating manuals for those?
Sorry, couldn't resist
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2018, 08:34:16 AM
Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Ha!  :like:
Where do you buy those things? I want one. :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 27, 2018, 09:42:03 AM
Just found mine, a very simple one:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: lister on July 27, 2018, 11:04:48 AM
Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Ha!  :like:
Where do you buy those things? I want one. :)

Search for slide rule on ebay.

There are these stop watch like USSR ones that I kind of like. I might buy one some day.

As for mechanical calculating devices curta calculators are also cool. A bit on the expensive side though...  :ahhh
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2018, 12:27:05 PM
Just found mine, a very simple one:
:like:

Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Ha!  :like:
Where do you buy those things? I want one. :)

Search for slide rule on ebay.

There are these stop watch like USSR ones that I kind of like. I might buy one some day.

As for mechanical calculating devices curta calculators are also cool. A bit on the expensive side though...  :ahhh
Ok. :cheers:
I wonder which type I should get, if I were to get a side rule.  :think: As you can see, I know nothing about them. :D Time to hit up google?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: lister on July 27, 2018, 01:57:46 PM
Just found mine, a very simple one:
:like:

Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Ha!  :like:
Where do you buy those things? I want one. :)

Search for slide rule on ebay.

There are these stop watch like USSR ones that I kind of like. I might buy one some day.

As for mechanical calculating devices curta calculators are also cool. A bit on the expensive side though...  :ahhh
Ok. :cheers:
I wonder which type I should get, if I were to get a side rule.  :think: As you can see, I know nothing about them. :D Time to hit up google?

It's always time to hit google and wikipedia!  :D

I am sure there is a simulator for these somewhere on the interwebs. They were in use a bit before my time so I don't know how to use them. I think it is something along the lines that in log scale multiplication becomes summation or something like that.

Anyway the one I would really like is a mechanical watch with slide rule bezel. Those look neat. But they are quite expensive. Also just a day ago I got my latest vostok amphibia watch so no need for a new one any time soon... nop no need at all... I SAID NO NEED TO SQUANDER MY HARD EARNED CASH ON ANOTHER ANACHRONISTIC (does this count as a pun?  :D) PIECE OF GEAR!!!  :twak: :twak: :twak: :twak:

 :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2018, 02:07:40 PM
 :rofl:

I found side rule tutorial, with a link to a virtual side rule.  :tu:
https://www.instructables.com/id/A-More-Complete-Slide-Rule-Tutorial/
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 27, 2018, 02:15:26 PM
I have a few slide-rules as well.  I think they are amazing!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2018, 03:22:19 PM
Oh. Slide, not side.  :facepalm: :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on July 27, 2018, 06:06:28 PM
I have a TI-89 and a Casio FX-4500P, I'll get some pics on later  :pok:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 27, 2018, 06:15:43 PM
I have a TI-89 and a Casio FX-4500P, I'll get some pics on later  :pok:


The 89 is great!   Got an 89 and an 89 titanium myself
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: smiller43147 on July 27, 2018, 06:32:49 PM
Nice!  :like: :like:

Do you have the operating manuals for those?
Sorry, couldn't resist
I think I have one or two (boxed sets).  I do know how to use them all.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: smiller43147 on July 27, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Ha!  :like:
Where do you buy those things? I want one. :)
eBay or this guy in Canada: http://www.sphere.bc.ca

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 27, 2018, 06:37:16 PM
have you calculated how much this hobby has cost?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 27, 2018, 06:59:22 PM
have you calculated how much this hobby has cost?  :facepalm:

no, but every purchase is calculated     :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 27, 2018, 07:01:29 PM
have you calculated how much this hobby has cost?  :facepalm:

no, but every purchase is calculated     :facepalm:
I suppose you can let it slide  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2018, 07:14:43 PM
have you calculated how much this hobby has cost?  :facepalm:

no, but every purchase is calculated     :facepalm:
I suppose you can let it slide  :facepalm:
:facepalm:
I'm keeping logs of this pun making.  >:(
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on July 27, 2018, 07:35:17 PM
When I first started teaching, the science room I found myself in had a giant slide ruler classroom demonstrator. It was 5 feet long.

Ok, photo time.

The latest purchase, a Texas Instrument Ti 84 Plus CE. CL4P-TP approved.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5481small_zpsmovvm6op.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5481small_zpsmovvm6op.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5483small_zpsvumi1oef.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5483small_zpsvumi1oef.jpg.html)

Here is a 1988 Sharp EL-509S scientific calculator. Needed for my High School science and math classes.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5484small_zpsqjlpixrp.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5484small_zpsqjlpixrp.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5485small_zpsq2ev0ore.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5485small_zpsq2ev0ore.jpg.html)

A Sharp ELSI MATE EL-344G.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5487small_zps9pbcofoh.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5487small_zps9pbcofoh.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5489small_zpskptqgna9.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5489small_zpskptqgna9.jpg.html)

A Sanyo CX 2570 bought around 85ish.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5493small_zpsfpftxn8z.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5493small_zpsfpftxn8z.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5495small_zps67hrny2m.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5495small_zps67hrny2m.jpg.html)

A KMC 5500C calculator from the mid 80s. Used on the job site which explains its rough condition.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5496small_zpsedglfohr.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5496small_zpsedglfohr.jpg.html)

The group shot.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5499small_zpsbtcwqn6j.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5499small_zpsbtcwqn6j.jpg.html)

I gave away my large graphing calculators to a friend's kid that was entering University. He got a Radio Shack EC-4034, a Texas Instrument Ti 84, and a Casio CFX-9800G. I didn't have anymore use for them...although I am having slight remorse due to this thread Detron.  :pok:  :twak:  :D

I still have a Casio fx-6300G kicking around in deep storage upstairs where it shall remain. Getting at it would be a labor intensive activity at best.

 :salute:





Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 27, 2018, 08:22:18 PM
I had that sharp 509, or a very (like exact) close model  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 28, 2018, 12:26:24 AM
When I first started teaching, the science room I found myself in had a giant slide ruler classroom demonstrator. It was 5 feet long.

Ok, photo time.

The latest purchase, a Texas Instrument Ti 84 Plus CE. CL4P-TP approved.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5481small_zpsmovvm6op.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5481small_zpsmovvm6op.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5483small_zpsvumi1oef.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5483small_zpsvumi1oef.jpg.html)

Here is a 1988 Sharp EL-509S scientific calculator. Needed for my High School science and math classes.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5484small_zpsqjlpixrp.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5484small_zpsqjlpixrp.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5485small_zpsq2ev0ore.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5485small_zpsq2ev0ore.jpg.html)

A Sharp ELSI MATE EL-344G.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5487small_zps9pbcofoh.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5487small_zps9pbcofoh.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5489small_zpskptqgna9.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5489small_zpskptqgna9.jpg.html)

A Sanyo CX 2570 bought around 85ish.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5493small_zpsfpftxn8z.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5493small_zpsfpftxn8z.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5495small_zps67hrny2m.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5495small_zps67hrny2m.jpg.html)

A KMC 5500C calculator from the mid 80s. Used on the job site which explains its rough condition.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5496small_zpsedglfohr.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5496small_zpsedglfohr.jpg.html)

The group shot.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_5499small_zpsbtcwqn6j.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_5499small_zpsbtcwqn6j.jpg.html)

I gave away my large graphing calculators to a friend's kid that was entering University. He got a Radio Shack EC-4034, a Texas Instrument Ti 84, and a Casio CFX-9800G. I didn't have anymore use for them...although I am having slight remorse due to this thread Detron.  :pok:  :twak:  :D

I still have a Casio fx-6300G kicking around in deep storage upstairs where it shall remain. Getting at it would be a labor intensive activity at best.

 :salute:

no sympathy from me.  a stumbled upon your Toolbox draw shots on google images, and ended up at MTO, spent a lot of money.     :rofl:
the radio Shack EC-3034 is the same as the Casio 7700G.  my manual for my 7700g, is the one from a EC-4034.    :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: smiller43147 on July 28, 2018, 12:38:31 AM
When I first started teaching, the science room I found myself in had a giant slide ruler classroom demonstrator. It was 5 feet long.
Those came in 4ft and 7ft sizes.  Here's my 4 footer hanging in my office, once again proving that I'm the biggest nerd here:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 28, 2018, 12:42:15 AM
When I first started teaching, the science room I found myself in had a giant slide ruler classroom demonstrator. It was 5 feet long.
Those came in 4ft and 7ft sizes.  Here's my 4 footer hanging in my office, once again proving that I'm the biggest nerd here:

very nice!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 28, 2018, 02:04:11 AM
When I first started teaching, the science room I found myself in had a giant slide ruler classroom demonstrator. It was 5 feet long.
Those came in 4ft and 7ft sizes.  Here's my 4 footer hanging in my office, once again proving that I'm the biggest nerd here:

I don't know why, but I really want a giant slide rule....
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 28, 2018, 02:05:05 AM
this one is cool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEyIppEOQTw
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on July 28, 2018, 02:40:43 AM
There's a seven footer on the 'bay for $350. Just outside my range.  :whistle:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on July 28, 2018, 01:56:39 PM
That is the exact model that was in the corner of the classroom for ages. When I got into the room (back in 2002), we no longer taught slide rulers.  :tu:

Sorry about the trap Detron.  :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 28, 2018, 05:19:16 PM
That is the exact model that was in the corner of the classroom for ages. When I got into the room (back in 2002), we no longer taught slide rulers.  :tu:

Sorry about the trap Detron.  :rofl:

it was a happy trap  :climber:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on July 28, 2018, 06:16:07 PM
I had my first calculator in my last year at school. I don´t remember the exact type but it was a Texas Instruments. Before that, they were not allowed and I used a slide rule. Later, for work, I got myself a Casio fx-7000G graphing calculator, must have been the mid eighties. I still have it. I liked programmable calculators, but later switched to CAS programs like Macsyma. As a hybrid, I ran the TI-92 emulator on my desktop, allowing me to even change the ROM software, should I want to. At the time everything I needed to run it was available for download at the TI website, but that didn´t last very long.

Now that I´m a gardener and no longer do any IT or maths related stuff, I don´t use calculators any more. But this thread is a nice trip down memory lane!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 28, 2018, 09:39:22 PM
I had my first calculator in my last year at school. I don´t remember the exact type but it was a Texas Instruments. Before that, they were not allowed and I used a slide rule. Later, for work, I got myself a Casio fx-7000G graphing calculator, must have been the mid eighties. I still have it. I liked programmable calculators, but later switched to CAS programs like Macsyma. As a hybrid, I ran the TI-92 emulator on my desktop, allowing me to even change the ROM software, should I want to. At the time everything I needed to run it was available for download at the TI website, but that didn´t last very long.

Now that I´m a gardener and no longer do any IT or maths related stuff, I don´t use calculators any more. But this thread is a nice trip down memory lane!

glad you enjoyed the trip. 
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 29, 2018, 03:00:59 AM
Love the new user photo, detron! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 29, 2018, 03:02:22 AM
Love the new user photo, detron! :like:

thanks!  I "borrowed" it from an ebay listing in Greece.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: BePrepared on July 29, 2018, 10:12:55 PM
In had a Casio fx-120.  Was large, but the green display and easy press keys set these Casio's apart from the TI types and the later LCD models.  Still got it somewhere at my parents house.

At Uni I got a HP-15C.  I loved that as much as the fx-120.  I particularly enjoyed it when someone asked to borrow it in a practical class..... I would say that it was a bit complicated to use, and they would look at me as if I was weird, then after about a minute when they could not find an equal key, they would hand it back and say they didn't need it.

I sold the HP 15C on ebay 20 years later, for about the same price I bought it for.  I was not using the HP, and it was a shame for it to sit in a draw unused.  It needed to go to someone who would appreciate it.  But I did make sure I got visiting rights!

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on July 30, 2018, 12:21:16 PM
For fun I used to flip the screen polarizer on my TI, something I discovered while putting my name on the screen edge surround since it was important to mark your calculator as everyone in the class was only allowed to use those during tests and exams. Confused the heck out of some of my classmates when they tried to borrow it.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 30, 2018, 04:33:09 PM
For fun I used to flip the screen polarizer on my TI, something I discovered while putting my name on the screen edge surround since it was important to mark your calculator as everyone in the class was only allowed to use those during tests and exams. Confused the heck out of some of my classmates when they tried to borrow it.

or you can put the polorizing film on some glasses, then no one else can see the display    :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: hiraethus on July 30, 2018, 04:39:39 PM
Anyone here own a Curta?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 30, 2018, 04:42:20 PM
Anyone here own a Curta?

I want one,  but can't afford one
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: hiraethus on July 30, 2018, 04:45:57 PM
Me too.  I remember spending what seemed like hours in the Science Museum in London gazing at the replica of Babbage's Difference Engine as a kid - and then I discovered that there was a pocket-sized version... :o
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 30, 2018, 05:18:34 PM
Me too.  I remember spending what seemed like hours in the Science Museum in London gazing at the replica of Babbage's Difference Engine as a kid - and then I discovered that there was a pocket-sized version... :o

it is a sweet little device, I wish there was a remake, as a science toy, say $80.  I would buy that
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Steinar on July 30, 2018, 08:44:15 PM
This thread made me discover these guys: https://www.swissmicros.com/index.php

Really fun product, even though it's a classical example of monetizing other people's work in open source software. On the other hand, they do deliver added value and their products are really cool, so I'll let it pass this time.  :D

(Long story short: Uses a modern micro controller and open source emulators to recreate classic HP calculators, both in normal and miniature form factors.)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 30, 2018, 08:54:18 PM
This thread made me discover these guys: https://www.swissmicros.com/index.php

Really fun product, even though it's a classical example of monetizing other people's work in open source software. On the other hand, they do deliver added value and their products are really cool, so I'll let it pass this time.  :D

(Long story short: Uses a modern micro controller and open source emulators to recreate classic HP calculators, both in normal and miniature form factors.)

I have seen those and think that DM 42 looks great, but expensive! Also, seems to stay "out-of-stock" or Sold-out
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Kev D on July 31, 2018, 05:00:46 PM
Loved the FX82 back in the day when I did my engineering degree.  I have the app version of it on my phone nowadays
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:14:15 PM
Loved the FX82 back in the day when I did my engineering degree.  I have the app version of it on my phone nowadays

my first calculator was an fx-82a, not sure of exact differences, but I did like it.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:16:52 PM
here is my 1985 TI-36 Solar.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_120857.jpg?m=1533057388) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_120857.jpg?m=1533057388)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:19:27 PM
the TI-60x is a feature rich non-graphing calculator.  this one is from 1993, and is a pretty sweet little machine.  Notice the 2nd, 3rd, and Alpha keys,  lots of shifting on this one.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_120947.jpg?m=1533057397) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_120947.jpg?m=1533057397)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:28:12 PM
before Texas instruments released graphing calculators, one of the most advanced pocket calculators was the TI-68.   
Radio Shack did their own re-branded version, the EC-4044.  it is the same calculator, just the brand and colors were changed.

notice the 2nd, 3rd, Alpha, AND INV keys.  the inverse is mainly for things like inverse sin, and such, but it is yet another shift type key.

the TI-60x is referred to as the TI-68 lite.  it does have a fraction key that the 68 was missing.  I like the fraction key, even though I know how to do fractions without it.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_121056.jpg?m=1533057400) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_121056.jpg?m=1533057400)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_121048.jpg?m=1533057394) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_121048.jpg?m=1533057393)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:39:31 PM
the TI-34 from 1997.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123409.jpg?m=1533058679) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123409.jpg?m=1533058679)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:42:59 PM
the TI-36x solar.  this one is from 1992, as nice as the solar option is, I think I prefer the dual power, or battery power calculator. 

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123400.jpg?m=1533058711) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123400.jpg?m=1533058711)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on July 31, 2018, 07:53:45 PM
The TI-36X Pro is a rather nice calculator, for an algebraic machine.  (I have converted to an RPN fan)
this has a lot of features, and some innovative mechanics, like triple press buttons. 
the "sin sin -1" button is one example press it you get "sin", then press it again you get "sin -1", then press it again and you get "sinh" 

the sin, cos, and tan, buttons do this (real nice) and the Pi, e, and i also are done this way. 

EDIT*  the nPr, nCr, and ! functions are also done this way

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123417.jpg?m=1533058714) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180731_123417.jpg?m=1533058714)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on August 04, 2018, 11:35:13 PM
Care to extend the nerdom?
https://blog.hackster.io/warppi-is-an-impressive-diy-raspberry-pi-calculator-for-step-by-step-algebra-2c3610ba39f6
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 05, 2018, 12:39:01 AM
Care to extend the nerdom?
https://blog.hackster.io/warppi-is-an-impressive-diy-raspberry-pi-calculator-for-step-by-step-algebra-2c3610ba39f6

I love the idea, but doubt I would personally do this.
I do wish there was a linux distro focused on being a calculator and math tools.
I have a few older laptops that would be perfect for that.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on August 05, 2018, 09:35:45 AM
You might try Maxima (formerly Macsyma), a computer algebra system that runs both on Linux and Windows.

http://maxima.sourceforge.net/
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 05, 2018, 09:47:45 PM
You might try Maxima (formerly Macsyma), a computer algebra system that runs both on Linux and Windows.

http://maxima.sourceforge.net/

that looks really cool, and I have seen many pieces of software to do what I want, but as someone who is more interested in the calculator than the math itself   :facepalm:
I would like a Distro that is focused on providing multiple calculators focused on different areas.  yes a CAS system will be there, buy also maybe a calculator that is focused on chemical engineering, and one dedicated to computer science.
a nice graphing program as well, and maybe even some prime number checkers/listers, Fibonacci counters, etc, etc.
basically strip the underlying OS to just enough to run the apps.  (I am too lazy, (and have no free time) to do this myself

look at RetroPie,  a great distro focused on emulation.  think a calculator / science / math / physics / electrical nerd version of that
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 06, 2018, 02:29:54 AM
detron,

Thank you for the extra calculator nerd porn. :like:

You get tired of that RadioShack EC-4044,  just send it my way. :like:
The burgundy keys really set it apart. :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 06, 2018, 01:29:25 PM
detron,

Thank you for the extra calculator nerd porn. :like:

You get tired of that RadioShack EC-4044,  just send it my way. :like:
The burgundy keys really set it apart. :)

it is a looker!

glad you enjoyed it,  I still have more to come,  just need some free time
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 07, 2018, 02:47:10 PM
I, for one, am looking forward to you getting some more free time!  :D

I get the feeling I'm not alone in that.  :D

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 07, 2018, 07:17:22 PM
I, for one, am looking forward to you getting some more free time!  :D

I get the feeling I'm not alone in that.  :D

Def

maybe this weekend.

I am glad that my postings are viewed by someone besides me.   :whistle:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 07, 2018, 10:28:28 PM
I'm glad more people than just you and I are reading them!  :D

I had the sneaking suspicion there would be a few other geeks poking around....  >:D

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on August 11, 2018, 09:55:42 PM
Sorry for the lousy photo, the lighting sucked  :-\

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/933/43983429071_2f770817d1_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Archibald Tuttle on August 21, 2018, 03:36:34 PM

[/quote]

maybe this weekend.

I am glad that my postings are viewed by someone besides me.   :whistle:
[/quote]

Dude, don't feel that way! I like your posts! They are refreshing change from ad nauseam pocket dumps.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: italophil on August 21, 2018, 05:00:09 PM
Great threat, Detron. Calculators are great pocket tools. I still use a HP12c regularly.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: BePrepared on August 21, 2018, 09:10:54 PM
Found my old Casio fx-120.  Still works.   Count them digits!

(https://i.imgur.com/G6AX14C.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 22, 2018, 07:36:18 PM


maybe this weekend.

I am glad that my postings are viewed by someone besides me.   :whistle:
[/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.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron 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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_172921.jpg?m=1534977459) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_172921.jpg?m=1534977458)

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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173009.jpg?m=1534977439) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173009.jpg?m=1534977437)

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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173245.jpg?m=1534977439) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173245.jpg?m=1534977437)

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.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 23, 2018, 12:59:57 AM
Found my old Casio fx-120.  Still works.   Count them digits!

(https://i.imgur.com/G6AX14C.jpg)

she is a beauty!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo 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?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 23, 2018, 10:29:43 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.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron 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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_172921.jpg?m=1534977459) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_172921.jpg?m=1534977458)


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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173104.jpg?m=1534977472) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180822_173104.jpg?m=1534977472)

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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153236.jpg?m=1535059919) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153236.jpg?m=1535059918)

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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153215.jpg?m=1535059860) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153215.jpg?m=1535059860)

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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153212.jpg?m=1535059862) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153212.jpg?m=1535059862)

here is the connector it slides into on the base

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153208.jpg?m=1535059914) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153208.jpg?m=1535059914)


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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153202.jpg?m=1535059930) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153202.jpg?m=1535059930)

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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153326.jpg?m=1535059863) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180823_153326.jpg?m=1535059862)

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.


Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 25, 2018, 01:36:36 AM
Great threat, Detron. Calculators are great pocket tools. I still use a HP12c regularly.

the 12c is a great financial calculator.  solid choice!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron 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)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180824_184028.jpg?m=1535154165) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180824_184028.jpg?m=1535154165)

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.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron 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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-08-24%2018_56_53-xkcd_%201996.png?m=1535155052) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/2018-08-24%2018_56_53-xkcd_%201996.png?m=1535155051)

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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180824_183839.jpg?m=1535154152) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180824_183839.jpg?m=1535154151)

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


Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 03:59:56 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!  :)
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.  :salute:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 25, 2018, 04:25:12 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!  :)
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.  :salute:

I am excited to have people like it. 

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 25, 2018, 05:32:29 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!  :)
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.  :salute:

I am excited to have people like it. 

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook   :facepalm:

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. :cheers:

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). :P
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 25, 2018, 05:42:27 AM
More awesome 'calculation', detron!  :)
Thanks for sharing more of your awesome collection.  :salute:

I am excited to have people like it. 

Grant was the only one who replied on my Facebook   :facepalm:

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. :cheers:

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). :P

well, Grant was my friend   :rofl:

I am glad you brought your calculators out and gave them some attention.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: 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

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 04, 2018, 11:24:38 AM
https://science.slashdot.org/story/18/09/04/0158215/this-is-the-story-of-the-1970s-great-calculator-race


Interesting!  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 05, 2018, 06:33:16 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   :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 05, 2018, 08:38:08 PM
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.     :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 21, 2018, 02:28:24 PM
Sorry for derailing this topic to slide rules again.  :oops:
For my first slide rule, I'm trying to decide between 6 inches or 12 inches.  :think: 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. :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Steinar 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
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako 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.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo005/IMG_6053small_zpsalfwd60f.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo005/IMG_6053small_zpsalfwd60f.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: 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.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 24, 2018, 08:58:10 PM
The slide switch is awesome on that one, Chako! Wish all calculators had that type of switch.  :like:

yes it is,  and me too!  I prefer a switch that cannot be accidentally turned on.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron 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.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185448.jpg?m=1538179227) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185448.jpg?m=1538179226)

here is the physical contrast switch

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185507.jpg?m=1538179226) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185507.jpg?m=1538179225)

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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185524.jpg?m=1538179226) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_185524.jpg?m=1538179225)


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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191425.jpg?m=1538180499) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191425.jpg?m=1538180499)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191435.jpg?m=1538180554) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191435.jpg?m=1538180553)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191440.jpg?m=1538180540) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191440.jpg?m=1538180540)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191450.jpg?m=1538180537) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191450.jpg?m=1538180536)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191458.jpg?m=1538180499) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191458.jpg?m=1538180499)


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

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191527.jpg?m=1538180550) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191527.jpg?m=1538180550)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191550.jpg?m=1538180557) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191550.jpg?m=1538180556)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191553.jpg?m=1538180565) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191553.jpg?m=1538180565)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191606.jpg?m=1538180560) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191606.jpg?m=1538180559)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191610.jpg?m=1538180585) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191610.jpg?m=1538180585)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191625.jpg?m=1538180589) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191625.jpg?m=1538180589)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191628.jpg?m=1538180568) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191628.jpg?m=1538180567)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191637.jpg?m=1538180571) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20180928_191637.jpg?m=1538180570)

this is a sweet calculator! 
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 29, 2018, 03:10:07 AM
Very nice, detron! :like:
Love the equation library since I don't remember a lot of equations anymore.  :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 29, 2018, 03:41:52 AM
Very nice, detron! :like:
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
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman 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.  :gimme:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 29, 2018, 04:11:18 AM
Thank you, detron!

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

here is a great demo of this

http://www.mathtutordvd.com/members/Section_17_Using_the_Equation_Library_HP_50g.cfm
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 29, 2018, 06:52:32 AM
Thanks, detron! :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 29, 2018, 07:25:05 AM
hmmm, my example link seems to be for members, I am not a member, but found it via Google.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on September 29, 2018, 12:53:18 PM
I used to have a calculator, and I can't for the very life of me remember the make or model...

It was landscape configuration, had qwerty keyboard + number keyboard
It was programmable in BASIC
Silver in color
Had a hard plastic case you could slide over it

Must have been late 80's model...

Any ideas, anyone?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on September 29, 2018, 01:05:49 PM
Casio FX-802P? That one had a printer too. There are some without like the 850.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on September 30, 2018, 09:32:36 AM
I had one of those, 1985-1986. It had 1K of ROM, Basic included, IIRC. My first HLL programmable, I got myself a PC soon afterwards.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on September 30, 2018, 01:56:49 PM
my memory is foggy on details but I'm pretty sure I did a lot of math homework on a very similar yet more basic version of that casio 5000, but it also had the (rather fantastic option imho) sliding power switch
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on September 30, 2018, 07:13:33 PM
Now that you mentioned it...I also remember a similar calculator. I do not remember much but it had a blue hard case shell, and the keys were blue and grey with half the keys having raised dots for texture. Not sure on manufacturer. It was also a landscape type scientific calculator. You guys just reminded me of it.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 30, 2018, 07:26:10 PM
I got a packet earlier last week.  :dd:
Inside, a long box!
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=56917.0;attach=397569)
Box, though a bit tattered, is perfectly useable. :tu:
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=56917.0;attach=397567)
Price: 13 shillings. :o There apparently used to be 20 shillings in one pound. :think: So this was 13/20th of a pound. From the time period it was probably made, I figure that's equivalent to around £15 today. So it's just the equivalent of a cheap casio calculator  ;)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on September 30, 2018, 07:35:23 PM
Casio FX-802P? That one had a printer too. There are some without like the 850.

I think it probably was a Casio, but not that model, no printer on that one  :)

IIRC, it had a sliding power switch... I could be totally wrong too  :P
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on September 30, 2018, 07:42:10 PM
I think I found one on Ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-Casio-Fx-880P-RARE-POCKET-COMPUTER-Calculator-PROGRAMMABLE/323475473676?hash=item4b50a4050c:g:zOIAAOSw7W1bsNp2

Way too expensive for me to get of course  :(
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 30, 2018, 07:58:28 PM
I think I found one on Ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-Casio-Fx-880P-RARE-POCKET-COMPUTER-Calculator-PROGRAMMABLE/323475473676?hash=item4b50a4050c:g:zOIAAOSw7W1bsNp2

Way too expensive for me to get of course  :(
It looks very cool.  :like: But what does the BS button do?  ???
I agree with you on that price.  :ahhh
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on September 30, 2018, 08:45:39 PM
The BS button is used to obtain a BS answer. Or else it might be a backspace button.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 30, 2018, 08:53:09 PM
:doh:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 30, 2018, 10:01:49 PM
The BS button is used to obtain a BS answer. Or else it might be a backspace button.

I was thinking something similar, but unable to articulate it in an MTO approved way.    :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 01, 2018, 09:16:31 AM
Funny, I thought an MTO answer would have come naturally given how much BS we seem to generate on a daily basis!  :D

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 08, 2018, 10:11:52 PM
found this little beauty at my local Goodwill.  Paid $3.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20181008_150213.jpg?m=1539029348) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20181008_150213.jpg?m=1539029347)

****Image not showing****

this is circa 1974.  sold for around $20 at that time.  the Casio Personal-mini

the insides of this is really cool,  here is a link where someone did a teardown  http://kuzyatech.com/casio-personal-mini-teardown-in-pictures


MODS,  any idea why images from the gallery are not working? 
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on October 08, 2018, 10:53:28 PM
I can see the image. Nice find.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 08, 2018, 10:59:25 PM
I can see the image. Nice find.  :like:

Thanks,   I can see it now too.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 09, 2018, 03:25:28 AM
Nice find, detron! :like:

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2018, 01:07:57 AM
Is it just me or are old school printed circuits not the coolest things to look at?

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: smiller43147 on October 11, 2018, 01:51:31 AM
I posted a while back with one of my slide rules from my collection, but it just occurred to me that I've been using this HP 11C for over 30 years now.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 11, 2018, 09:06:26 AM
Unique (thats a rather funny name for a company :D ) Universal II.
(https://i.imgur.com/T1jUhCF.jpg)

Multiplication, Division, Squares, Square Roots, Sines, Cosines, Tangents are all (relatively) easy to calculate.  :think:

Also cubes, cube roots, reciprocals, but those are rather more complicated than on fancier slide rules, because it doesn't have the proper scales for them. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 11, 2018, 08:38:55 PM
Is it just me or are old school printed circuits not the coolest things to look at?

Def

they are amazing to look at
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 11, 2018, 08:40:11 PM
I posted a while back with one of my slide rules from my collection, but it just occurred to me that I've been using this HP 11C for over 30 years now.

that is a great calculator.  I do not have an 11C yet, but the 15C is nice too, and since I have one of those it is hard to justify buying an 11C
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 11, 2018, 08:41:47 PM
Unique (thats a rather funny name for a company :D ) Universal II.
(https://i.imgur.com/T1jUhCF.jpg)

Multiplication, Division, Squares, Square Roots, Sines, Cosines, Tangents are all (relatively) easy to calculate.  :think:

Also cubes, cube roots, reciprocals, but those are rather more complicated than on fancier slide rules, because it doesn't have the proper scales for them. :facepalm:

I will have to break out my slide rule, and let you tell me what you think of it.  I appreciate them, and enjoy them, but I am not proficient with them at all
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 11, 2018, 08:56:49 PM
Unique (thats a rather funny name for a company :D ) Universal II.
(https://i.imgur.com/T1jUhCF.jpg)

Multiplication, Division, Squares, Square Roots, Sines, Cosines, Tangents are all (relatively) easy to calculate.  :think:

Also cubes, cube roots, reciprocals, but those are rather more complicated than on fancier slide rules, because it doesn't have the proper scales for them. :facepalm:

I will have to break out my slide rule, and let you tell me what you think of it.  I appreciate them, and enjoy them, but I am not proficient with them at all
I'm not very proficient either.  :-[ I just follow what the instructions say.  :D I even digitized them and uploaded them to my phone. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on October 11, 2018, 09:03:23 PM
Unique (thats a rather funny name for a company :D ) Universal II.
(https://i.imgur.com/T1jUhCF.jpg)

Multiplication, Division, Squares, Square Roots, Sines, Cosines, Tangents are all (relatively) easy to calculate.  :think:

Also cubes, cube roots, reciprocals, but those are rather more complicated than on fancier slide rules, because it doesn't have the proper scales for them. :facepalm:

I will have to break out my slide rule, and let you tell me what you think of it.  I appreciate them, and enjoy them, but I am not proficient with them at all
I'm not very proficient either.  :-[ I just follow what the instructions say.  :D I even digitized them and uploaded them to my phone. :facepalm:

 :facepalm: you know you could far more easily just download one, or more, of the probably, by now, one zillion calculator apps and do away with the slide rule altogether, do you?
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 11, 2018, 09:05:46 PM
Unique (thats a rather funny name for a company :D ) Universal II.
(https://i.imgur.com/T1jUhCF.jpg)

Multiplication, Division, Squares, Square Roots, Sines, Cosines, Tangents are all (relatively) easy to calculate.  :think:

Also cubes, cube roots, reciprocals, but those are rather more complicated than on fancier slide rules, because it doesn't have the proper scales for them. :facepalm:

I will have to break out my slide rule, and let you tell me what you think of it.  I appreciate them, and enjoy them, but I am not proficient with them at all
I'm not very proficient either.  :-[ I just follow what the instructions say.  :D I even digitized them and uploaded them to my phone. :facepalm:

 :facepalm: you know you could far more easily just download one, or more, of the probably, by now, one zillion calculator apps and do away with the slide rule altogether, do you?
I also have a Casio scientific calculator. Just because there's OHO, Locking, etc, knives around don't mean that Celidor or Alox is useless.  :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 12, 2018, 02:36:43 AM

 :facepalm: you know you could far more easily just download one, or more, of the probably, by now, one zillion calculator apps and do away with the slide rule altogether, do you?
Blasphemy!  :twak:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on October 12, 2018, 07:47:22 AM
:nanadance:  :nanadance:


 :facepalm: you know you could far more easily just download one, or more, of the probably, by now, one zillion calculator apps and do away with the slide rule altogether, do you?
Blasphemy!  :twak:
:D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 19, 2018, 06:27:27 AM
This thread needs a bump. :D

Photos of my small calculator group.

(https://i.imgur.com/C0gZA3l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wy2ssEq.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on October 20, 2018, 12:09:20 PM
speaking of calculators, they use the keypad from a CASIO MQ-1 on Boba Fett's gauntlet

https://www.shapeways.com/product/NHD84ECMW/custom-casio-mq-1-calculator-key-pad
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 20, 2018, 01:11:28 PM
Noooooo... don't say these things!!!  :ahhh
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 20, 2018, 01:14:19 PM
Noooooo... don't say these things!!!  :ahhh
Don’t like having the mystery spoiled, eh?  :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 20, 2018, 01:26:51 PM
Noooooo... don't say these things!!!  :ahhh
Don’t like having the mystery spoiled, eh?  :D

(https://media.giphy.com/media/13pmh5BVTnTO2A/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 20, 2018, 02:39:22 PM
speaking of calculators, they use the keypad from a CASIO MQ-1 on Boba Fett's gauntlet

https://www.shapeways.com/product/NHD84ECMW/custom-casio-mq-1-calculator-key-pad
*Mind Blown*. :o
Thank you. :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 20, 2018, 07:50:08 PM
This thread needs a bump. :D

Photos of my small calculator group.

(https://i.imgur.com/C0gZA3l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wy2ssEq.jpg)

love the Commodore!   
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 21, 2018, 02:59:31 AM
This thread needs a bump. :D

Photos of my small calculator group.

(https://i.imgur.com/C0gZA3l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wy2ssEq.jpg)

love the Commodore!
Thank you, detron! :cheers:
It is definitely a charming piece of techistory. Its' processor is one of the worst I've ever encountered on a vintage calculator. It almost seems to error out for no reason at times and is not forgiving of entry mistakes. But, that makes it quite neat.  :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on October 22, 2018, 06:16:56 PM
Great thread Detron!

My first calculator was a POS super cheap Sharp that we got issued in school and had to use on all tests through junior high. It was small, white, had pink buttons and was totally unreliable. Often it would not register when a button was pushed, resulting in wrong answers. I guess this was good, as I learned to double check my calculations.

Through high school and college I used Ti82, Ti83 and a HP 30s. They all died at some point during my early working years as an engineer.

Here is my current small collection. The Ti 1025 (a gift from my brother) and the HP 39gs is in daily use at the office. I also have cheap Casio scientific calculator in my jacket pocket at work. Ill post a pic later.

Ps. Thanks to this thread I had to check out how RPN calculators work, and ended up ordering a HP 35s  after watching a few youtube vids :twak:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 22, 2018, 06:58:39 PM
Great thread Detron!

My first calculator was a POS super cheap Sharp that we got issued in school and had to use on all tests through junior high. It was small, white, had pink buttons and was totally unreliable. Often it would not register when a button was pushed, resulting in wrong answers. I guess this was good, as I learned to double check my calculations.

Through high school and college I used Ti82, Ti83 and a HP 30s. They all died at some point during my early working years as an engineer.

Here is my current small collection. The Ti 1025 (a gift from my brother) and the HP 39gs is in daily use at the office. I also have cheap Casio scientific calculator in my jacket pocket at work. Ill post a pic later.

Ps. Thanks to this thread I had to check out how RPN calculators work, and ended up ordering a HP 35s  after watching a few youtube vids :twak:

Ha Ha!  glad to help!

I now LOVE RPN.  The 35S is pretty sweet.  download the manual while you wait.

also, if you end up loving the RPN,  check out the 48G or GX, or the 50G.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Ron Who on October 22, 2018, 07:15:06 PM
A long, long time ago I learned RPN and the associated programming languages Forth and PostScript.
I liked it, but moved on to Lisp, losing the Reversed part and so gaining a more natural writing order, at the cost of reintroducing parentheses.

PS In my younger years calculators were less powerful. It made sense to program your own on a PC, and to add functions.specific to your line of work.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on October 22, 2018, 07:28:11 PM
Great thread Detron!

My first calculator was a POS super cheap Sharp that we got issued in school and had to use on all tests through junior high. It was small, white, had pink buttons and was totally unreliable. Often it would not register when a button was pushed, resulting in wrong answers. I guess this was good, as I learned to double check my calculations.

Through high school and college I used Ti82, Ti83 and a HP 30s. They all died at some point during my early working years as an engineer.

Here is my current small collection. The Ti 1025 (a gift from my brother) and the HP 39gs is in daily use at the office. I also have cheap Casio scientific calculator in my jacket pocket at work. Ill post a pic later.

Ps. Thanks to this thread I had to check out how RPN calculators work, and ended up ordering a HP 35s  after watching a few youtube vids :twak:

Ha Ha!  glad to help!

I now LOVE RPN.  The 35S is pretty sweet.  download the manual while you wait.

also, if you end up loving the RPN,  check out the 48G or GX, or the 50G.

:tu: :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 22, 2018, 09:08:22 PM

Here is my current small collection. The Ti 1025 (a gift from my brother) and the HP 39gs is in daily use at the office. I also have cheap Casio scientific calculator in my jacket pocket at work. Ill post a pic later.

Nice assortment, Grathr! :like:
The TI-1025 is a very good calculator to use. IMO of course.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on October 23, 2018, 06:38:01 PM

Here is my current small collection. The Ti 1025 (a gift from my brother) and the HP 39gs is in daily use at the office. I also have cheap Casio scientific calculator in my jacket pocket at work. Ill post a pic later.

Nice assortment, Grathr! :like:
The TI-1025 is a very good calculator to use. IMO of course.

Thanks!
Its fun to use. Built like a tank :D

Heres the Casio fx991ex I have in my jacket pocket.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 23, 2018, 06:48:30 PM
Now that is old-school EDC, Grathr! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 23, 2018, 06:49:28 PM
I got a bit bored and put batteries in the lighted display calculators. :)

(http://i.imgur.com/qnWePnp.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on October 23, 2018, 07:29:15 PM
Ordered some new batteries for my Casio fx-4500P, CR2025 and CR1216  :)

Hopefully I get it back up and running in couple of weeks!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on October 23, 2018, 07:35:13 PM
Didn't you love calculators as a kid, typing '58008' on one and turning it around?  ::)

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 23, 2018, 07:41:20 PM
Didn't you love calculators as a kid, typing '58008' on one and turning it around?  ::)

 :facepalm:
:rofl:
Indeed, but I used 5318008. :D
And the teacher friendly, 0.1134. :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 26, 2018, 12:23:08 AM
I got a bit bored and put batteries in the lighted display calculators. :)

(http://i.imgur.com/qnWePnp.jpg)

Holy cow, you could almost read by all that light!

Very cool!

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 26, 2018, 02:29:04 AM
Thank you, Def!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on October 26, 2018, 02:27:56 PM
Ordered some new batteries for my Casio fx-4500P, CR2025 and CR1216  :)

Hopefully I get it back up and running in couple of weeks!  :cheers:

It's alive! IT'S ALIVEEEE!!!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1972/44651541615_ff2e0d5151_c.jpg)

And after some 20 years I might add!  :cheers:

 :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: AlephZero on October 26, 2018, 02:59:19 PM
Just fed it one of each

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-tz0P1ecL.jpg)

(http://static1.motonet.fi/img/9/9500328/300/9500328.jpg)

As good as new!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 27, 2018, 02:24:32 AM
Very nice, Aleph! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 27, 2018, 02:55:45 AM
Just fed it one of each

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-tz0P1ecL.jpg)

(http://static1.motonet.fi/img/9/9500328/300/9500328.jpg)

As good as new!  :cheers:


awesome!    glad it still worked.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on October 28, 2018, 07:37:25 PM
Just fed it one of each

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-tz0P1ecL.jpg)

(http://static1.motonet.fi/img/9/9500328/300/9500328.jpg)

As good as new!  :cheers:

:like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 30, 2018, 11:52:39 PM
Man it would be so cool to try and surf the forum on an old calculator!  :D

Anyone up for a challenge?  :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9PCf2B7lzA

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 01, 2018, 01:07:40 PM
Man it would be so cool to try and surf the forum on an old calculator!  :D

Anyone up for a challenge?  :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9PCf2B7lzA

Def

that would be like cutting a 28 inch pizza with you 91mm vic scissors
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 01, 2018, 02:25:44 PM
I never said it was ideal, just that it would be cool to do once.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C9kljVvUMAA5Hvi.jpg)

Once.

Bonus points for anyone who gets that reference....  :tu:

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on November 01, 2018, 05:53:03 PM
I never said it was ideal, just that it would be cool to do once.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C9kljVvUMAA5Hvi.jpg)

Once.

Bonus points for anyone who gets that reference....  :tu:

Def
don't be a fargin icehole
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 01, 2018, 10:17:47 PM
I knew YOU would get it.... question is, how many others?  :D

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on November 02, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 02, 2018, 07:38:14 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

glad you like it!

have you used any of the conversions yet?  that is SUPER simple, but very handy.

since you are new to RPN, this probably will not affect you as much, but the 35s limits the stack to 3 entries (no idea why)

This can be a limitation for certain calculations, but the work can just be accomplished other ways.
the 48SX, GX, and 50G I have have unlimited stacks.

I can enter numbers as I get them, then do whatever I need like

21  Enter
41  Enter
1   Enter
9   Enter
10   Enter
0   Enter
+
+
+
+
+
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on November 02, 2018, 08:18:16 PM
you really need to see it if you have no idea...
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on November 02, 2018, 08:33:02 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

glad you like it!

have you used any of the conversions yet?  that is SUPER simple, but very handy.

since you are new to RPN, this probably will not affect you as much, but the 35s limits the stack to 3 entries (no idea why)

This can be a limitation for certain calculations, but the work can just be accomplished other ways.
the 48SX, GX, and 50G I have have unlimited stacks.

I can enter numbers as I get them, then do whatever I need like

21  Enter
41  Enter
1   Enter
9   Enter
10   Enter
0   Enter
+
+
+
+
+

I have used the conversions a few times. Very handy. Also writing and executing short programs is surprisingly easy for repetetive calculations. (Just need to remember wich program is stored as what letter)

The short stack is a mystery to me too.

One thing that I dont understand is why I cant choose wich program to be automaticly executed when hitting the R/S button. I might be wrong, (or havent figured out how) but is seems like it only runs the last programmed program. It would be so much better if it just continued the last used program in stead.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 02, 2018, 09:54:30 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

glad you like it!

have you used any of the conversions yet?  that is SUPER simple, but very handy.

since you are new to RPN, this probably will not affect you as much, but the 35s limits the stack to 3 entries (no idea why)

This can be a limitation for certain calculations, but the work can just be accomplished other ways.
the 48SX, GX, and 50G I have have unlimited stacks.

I can enter numbers as I get them, then do whatever I need like

21  Enter
41  Enter
1   Enter
9   Enter
10   Enter
0   Enter
+
+
+
+
+

I have used the conversions a few times. Very handy. Also writing and executing short programs is surprisingly easy for repetetive calculations. (Just need to remember wich program is stored as what letter)

The short stack is a mystery to me too.

One thing that I dont understand is why I cant choose wich program to be automaticly executed when hitting the R/S button. I might be wrong, (or havent figured out how) but is seems like it only runs the last programmed program. It would be so much better if it just continued the last used program in stead.

I am afraid I am little help on the programming question.  I spent years programming TI calculators, but almost no time programming HPs.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grathr on November 03, 2018, 04:09:09 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

glad you like it!

have you used any of the conversions yet?  that is SUPER simple, but very handy.

since you are new to RPN, this probably will not affect you as much, but the 35s limits the stack to 3 entries (no idea why)

This can be a limitation for certain calculations, but the work can just be accomplished other ways.
the 48SX, GX, and 50G I have have unlimited stacks.

I can enter numbers as I get them, then do whatever I need like

21  Enter
41  Enter
1   Enter
9   Enter
10   Enter
0   Enter
+
+
+
+
+

I have used the conversions a few times. Very handy. Also writing and executing short programs is surprisingly easy for repetetive calculations. (Just need to remember wich program is stored as what letter)

The short stack is a mystery to me too.

One thing that I dont understand is why I cant choose wich program to be automaticly executed when hitting the R/S button. I might be wrong, (or havent figured out how) but is seems like it only runs the last programmed program. It would be so much better if it just continued the last used program in stead.

I am afraid I am little help on the programming question.  I spent years programming TI calculators, but almost no time programming HPs.

The programming I do is very basic. I bet you know more about it than me.  :salute:

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 03, 2018, 04:11:36 PM
I have no idea what movie that is. :think:

PS
I got the 35s a week ago, and love it. I wish I had discovered RPN earlier. :tu:

glad you like it!

have you used any of the conversions yet?  that is SUPER simple, but very handy.

since you are new to RPN, this probably will not affect you as much, but the 35s limits the stack to 3 entries (no idea why)

This can be a limitation for certain calculations, but the work can just be accomplished other ways.
the 48SX, GX, and 50G I have have unlimited stacks.

I can enter numbers as I get them, then do whatever I need like

21  Enter
41  Enter
1   Enter
9   Enter
10   Enter
0   Enter
+
+
+
+
+

I have used the conversions a few times. Very handy. Also writing and executing short programs is surprisingly easy for repetetive calculations. (Just need to remember wich program is stored as what letter)

The short stack is a mystery to me too.

One thing that I dont understand is why I cant choose wich program to be automaticly executed when hitting the R/S button. I might be wrong, (or havent figured out how) but is seems like it only runs the last programmed program. It would be so much better if it just continued the last used program in stead.

I am afraid I am little help on the programming question.  I spent years programming TI calculators, but almost no time programming HPs.

The programming I do is very basic. I bet you know more about it than me.  :salute:

I have only made one HP program, and it was a simple one variable formula.

on the TI side, I have made all sorts of programs,  back in the mid 90s, I wrote my own games and such.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 04, 2018, 12:37:42 AM
you really need to see it if you have no idea...

One of the best movies ever made.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WEPlSPwWu8

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 04:08:43 AM
I just got this on ebay.  I am excited to display this one in the box

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303089780350 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/303089780350)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 04:13:58 AM
Very nice, detron! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 04:19:12 AM
Ya gotta stay current with new technology.  :iagree:

(https://i.imgur.com/m4MS1hO.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 06:14:26 AM
Ya gotta stay current with new technology.  :iagree:

(https://i.imgur.com/m4MS1hO.jpg)

that is a beauty!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 06:37:48 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:


When are you expecting your Casio, detron? Great price for a NIB vintage scientific.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 06:56:16 AM
Thank you, detron! :cheers:


When are you expecting your Casio, detron? Great price for a NIB vintage scientific.  :like:

I just bought it today.  it has not shipped, but the estimate is between March 16th and March 21st.  since the shipping was real cheap, I do not mind it being a slow shipping.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 07:07:06 AM
An obligatory  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 07:20:16 AM
Getting the 256KB Sharp out got me digging around for this classic. Not quite a calculator, so I apologize for that, but it will do math. Even the backup file on the compact flash card was intact, so ran the restore and it was just as I left it back in the day. The Matrix was "uber cool" back then. :P

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

(https://i.imgur.com/bUQctLW.jpg)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 07:37:44 AM
Getting the 256KB Sharp out got me digging around for this classic. Not quite a calculator, so I apologize for that, but it will do math. Even the backup file on the compact flash card was intact, so ran the restore and it was just as I left it back in the day. The Matrix was "uber cool" back then. :P

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

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

that is a Beauty!   I am an IT type by trade, so this resonates with me.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 07:48:57 AM
Not quite a calculator, so I apologize for that, but it will do math.

computers are nothing but math, binary machines that do boolean computations.   every aspect of what they do stems from that
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 07:52:41 AM
That is awesome to know! Fellow IT guy here.  :cheers:
I got out of the field, but was a Cisco Network Engineering speSmurfpillst(fancy way of saying I wrote IP tables, updated firmware, layered security and crawled through attics) for years.

The Jornada was the first piece of computer technology I coveted so badly I could taste it. I had been into repairing small motors and bicycles, so started cutting grass and fixing my neighbor's computers to get the money together. Got a deal for $699 on one and bought it. The 3Com PCMCIA card was $100 and bought a few weeks later. The one in the photos is the same unit.  :ahhh

computers are nothing but math, binary machines that do boolean computations.   every aspect of what they do stems from that
True dat. :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 09, 2019, 08:07:42 AM
That is awesome to know! Fellow IT guy here.  :cheers:
I got out of the field, but was a Cisco Network Engineering speSmurfpillst(fancy way of saying I wrote IP tables, updated firmware, layered security and crawled through attics) for years.

The Jornada was the first piece of computer technology I coveted so badly I could taste it. I had been into repairing small motors and bicycles, so started cutting grass and fixing my neighbor's computers to get the money together. Got a deal for $699 on one and bought it. The 3Com PCMCIA card was $100 and bought a few weeks later. The one in the photos is the same unit.  :ahhh
True dat. :cheers:

I am more of a Network security / Security policy type.
I work for the Navy, so I also deal with other areas including forensics, radios (like cops use, not wifi), and ethical hacking.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 09, 2019, 02:58:36 PM
I am more of a Network security / Security policy type.
I work for the Navy, so I also deal with other areas including forensics, radios (like cops use, not wifi), and ethical hacking.
:o
Very cool job, detron!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 16, 2019, 02:17:52 AM
this arrived today.  the box is still sealed.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155516.jpg?m=1552698810) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155516.jpg?m=1552698809)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155523.jpg?m=1552698813) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155523.jpg?m=1552698813)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155605.jpg?m=1552698818) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190315_155605.jpg?m=1552698817)

I like that is is sealed, but I also want to open the box   :facepalm:

the most tempting item is the extra application book "Computing with the Scientific Calculator".

in a box looking like this, I believe this to be 1993-1995 ish.  I am happy to have this in my collection

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 16, 2019, 02:20:13 AM
after a quick search, I found the book and bought one.  now I can leave this item sealed!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 16, 2019, 02:34:42 AM
I do find it funny that this box looks almost the same (color differences, or maybe pohotographic differences)  but says 228 functions instead of 167 functions.
I do know some countries have different ways of determining number of functions that may result it different counts

http://www.jackbergsales.com/electronics/CasioFx-115D-10DigitLCDScientificCalculator.htm (http://www.jackbergsales.com/electronics/CasioFx-115D-10DigitLCDScientificCalculator.htm)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on March 16, 2019, 01:38:43 PM
Awesome!

Gotta keep it in the box, in case you need to warranty it. :pok:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 16, 2019, 08:27:41 PM
Awesome!

Gotta keep it in the box, in case you need to warranty it. :pok:

good call    :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 16, 2019, 08:32:19 PM
found two nice items this morning at the Goodwill

Casio J-1  for .99 cents

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_140732.jpg?m=1552764384) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_140732.jpg?m=1552764383)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_140739.jpg?m=1552764422) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_140739.jpg?m=1552764421)


and a TI-5040 for $2.99  (date code puts it from 1981)

it is missing the plastic piece that goes over the paper, but otherwise this is in great shape, and the owner never removed the protective film from the keypad area  (notice right below the price tag)
this uses a thermal printer, so ink is not an issue, as long as you can find compatible thermal paper.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_141705.jpg?m=1552764271) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190316_141705.jpg?m=1552764270)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 17, 2019, 02:59:40 AM
Really like that J-1! Good price too.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 17, 2019, 03:03:37 AM
Really like that J-1! Good price too.  :like:

the working screen picture was taken with the batteries that were already in it too!   that was a steal!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 17, 2019, 03:05:47 AM
Vintage calculator for the cost of batteries? Yes please.  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 17, 2019, 05:40:57 AM
Vintage calculator for the cost of batteries? Yes please.  :woohoo:

I was super happy with that find. 

the few calculators that I am really looking for right now are the Casio fx-61F and the HP-28S

there are many other calculators I would buy if I find, but those are my two current grails.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 17, 2019, 02:56:19 PM
I don't have anything to add (no pun intended!) but I did want to say how cool it is to see these awesome machines!

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 17, 2019, 04:24:37 PM
I don't have anything to add (no pun intended!) but I did want to say how cool it is to see these awesome machines!

Def

multi-tools of the mathematics world
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on March 23, 2019, 10:32:25 AM
interesting, related topic: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-calculator-will-get-a-graphing-mode/
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on March 23, 2019, 01:16:55 PM
I finally figured out which calculator I still have in storage...or at least I think I still have it.

It is a Texas Instrument Ti-37 Galaxy Took me a long time to find one online.

https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar (https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 23, 2019, 09:35:39 PM
I finally figured out which calculator I still have in storage...or at least I think I still have it.

It is a Texas Instrument Ti-37 Galaxy Took me a long time to find one online.

https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar (https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar)

Chako,

I do not have enough calculators to calculate the odds of what I got in the mail today, based on your comment

Ti-35 Galaxy.   so close

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_153119.jpg?m=1553373200) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_153119.jpg?m=1553373199)

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 23, 2019, 09:36:13 PM
interesting, related topic: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-calculator-will-get-a-graphing-mode/

that is great!   the built in calculator could easily be improved.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 23, 2019, 09:37:49 PM
I finally figured out which calculator I still have in storage...or at least I think I still have it.

It is a Texas Instrument Ti-37 Galaxy Took me a long time to find one online.

https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar (https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/texas-instruments/texas-instruments-ti-37-galaxy-solar)

also,  check out datamath.org (http://datamath.org)  I would have provided a URL directly to your calculator, but this site does not alter the URL as you browse.

that is a sweet calculator though! 
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on March 23, 2019, 11:12:25 PM
interesting, related topic: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-calculator-will-get-a-graphing-mode/
Funny how fast they got some good suggestions, huh? :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 03:18:02 AM
well, I bought an expensive calculator today   :facepalm:

HP Prime

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210848.jpg?m=1553393593) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210848.jpg?m=1553393593)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210904.jpg?m=1553393574) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210904.jpg?m=1553393574)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210913.jpg?m=1553393574) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210913.jpg?m=1553393573)

I will need a good bit of time in the manual, but I think this is going to be a great calculator
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on March 24, 2019, 04:03:10 AM
You know...it could be the same model. It took me a long time to find the calculator image online...working from memory. I have not seen it since 2000. Fairly certain I still have it in storage. I do remember the blue outer case well.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 04:25:15 AM
You know...it could be the same model. It took me a long time to find the calculator image online...working from memory. I have not seen it since 2000. Fairly certain I still have it in storage. I do remember the blue outer case well.

very cool!

if you go to datamath.org (http://datamath.org)  and look for it, it will also explain differences between the models somewhat.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on March 24, 2019, 10:47:43 AM
that is great!   the built in calculator could easily be improved.
Funny how open sourcing it and letting people have some input can boost it indeed.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 04:54:31 PM
One from my non-HP collection...was my first programmable calculator in school around 1983.  :salute:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 05:37:53 PM
One from my non-HP collection...was my first programmable calculator in school around 1983.  :salute:

that is a BEAUTY!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 05:49:06 PM
Thanks Detron.  :hatsoff:

I actually have two...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 05:54:37 PM
Thanks Detron.  :hatsoff:

I actually have two...  :facepalm:

that is very nice looking pair!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 05:55:12 PM
Thanks Detron.  :hatsoff:

I actually have two...  :facepalm:

that 28S looks great too.  I want to get one of those eventually
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 06:08:49 PM
Yes, very different programming. Powerful machine but needs some dedication to understand. Some good 3rd party books like this one
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 06:13:14 PM
Just opened this one up.  a CASIO fx-5800P.

I have not seen this in a store, I found it online and it is always listed as Casio Japanese calculator.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115806.jpg?m=1553446991) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115806.jpg?m=1553446990)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115800.jpg?m=1553446987) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115800.jpg?m=1553446987)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115608.jpg?m=1553446984) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115608.jpg?m=1553446983)

the built in formula list is nice.  a handy addition and one of the things I loved about the HP 48SX, 48G, 48GX, and 50G

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115658.jpg?m=1553446966) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115658.jpg?m=1553446965)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115709.jpg?m=1553446967) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190324_115709.jpg?m=1553446966)

the text on this one is large, but easy to read.



Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 06:16:42 PM
Nice one Detron. I have great respect for Casio.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 06:38:12 PM
Nice one Detron. I have great respect for Casio.  :like:

I do too.

to me the best is HP.  once I learned RPN I saw how powerful some HPs were.  I have the Prime, 50G, 48GX, 48G, 48SX, 35S, 15C, and 12C.  AMAZING CALCULATORS!
I grew up with a TI-85.  I learned a lot of math because I was fascinated with it and would read the manual and play with it all the time.  then I got a Ti-89, and a Ti-92.  all good calculators
Casio has innovated so much over the years, and every model has something I like.  the fx-115ES PLUS is an amazing calculator for the price.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 09:03:30 PM
Nice collection Detron. Great to meet others with this interest.  :like:

I went a little crazy a few years ago and went for all the LED pocket HPs and the HP-12 series. Only missing the HP-80 but time to move on so not stressing about that gap. I think I have enough to keep me busy.   :facepalm:

All working but those using battery packs needed rebuilding. I use the 2nd HP-65 daily at work. Always get a laugh doing RPN  :rofl:

Not many people understand my interest in old calculators. I guess I just appreciate product that was build to last and engineered with amazing passion, using technology that at the time stretched every boundary.

HP-35
HP-45
HP-55
Hp-65 (2)
HP-67
HP-80 (2)
HP-38C
HP-41CV
HP-14B 50th anniversary
HP-17BII
HP-10BII
HP-28S
HP-10C
HP-11C
HP-15C
HP-16C
HP-12C (2 x original US builds 1981 (1st yr) and 1988)
HP-12C (2 x CN builds, single and double batteries)
HP-12C (2 x Platinum, one early without undo key)
HP-12C (2 x anniversary 25th and 30th)

Have one other gem that’s probably my rarest, but not HP. Bowmar history is a story for another day  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 09:24:10 PM
Nice collection Detron. Great to meet others with this interest.  :like:

I went a little crazy a few years ago and went for all the LED pocket HPs and the HP-12 series. Only missing the HP-80 but time to move on so not stressing about that gap. I think I have enough to keep me busy.   :facepalm:

All working but those using battery packs needed rebuilding. I use the 2nd HP-65 daily at work. Always get a laugh doing RPN  :rofl:

Not many people understand my interest in old calculators. I guess I just appreciate product that was build to last and engineered with amazing passion, using technology that at the time stretched every boundary.

HP-35
HP-45
HP-55
Hp-65 (2)
HP-67
HP-80 (2)
HP-38C
HP-41CV
HP-14B 50th anniversary
HP-17BII
HP-10BII
HP-28S
HP-10C
HP-11C
HP-15C
HP-16C
HP-12C (2 x original US builds 1981 (1st yr) and 1988)
HP-12C (2 x CN builds, single and double batteries)
HP-12C (2 x Platinum, one early without undo key)
HP-12C (2 x anniversary 25th and 30th)

Have one other gem that’s probably my rarest, but not HP. Bowmar history is a story for another day  :tu:

that is a nice set of HPs!   WOW!

 :drool:

I do not even have a job that is made easier with a calculator  :rofl:    I do network security, forensics, and policy.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 24, 2019, 09:58:54 PM
They’re mostly redundant outside exams that allow them, now with Excel and iPhones...but nothing beats that mechanical click of a good HP calculator. And they are fun to collect and learn to use.   :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on March 24, 2019, 11:29:38 PM
Too bad graphing and programmable calculators that can remember formulae are a no-go in my exam.  :rofl:
Basic "scientific" calculator only.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 24, 2019, 11:35:13 PM
They’re mostly redundant outside exams that allow them, now with Excel and iPhones...but nothing beats that mechanical click of a good HP calculator. And they are fun to collect and learn to use.   :tu:

to me a phone app (even an emulator of a real calculator) are just backups.  they are not a easy to use IMO.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 25, 2019, 03:13:30 AM
Nice collection Detron. Great to meet others with this interest.  :like:

I went a little crazy a few years ago and went for all the LED pocket HPs and the HP-12 series. Only missing the HP-80 but time to move on so not stressing about that gap. I think I have enough to keep me busy.   :facepalm:

All working but those using battery packs needed rebuilding. I use the 2nd HP-65 daily at work. Always get a laugh doing RPN  :rofl:

Not many people understand my interest in old calculators. I guess I just appreciate product that was build to last and engineered with amazing passion, using technology that at the time stretched every boundary.

HP-35
HP-45
HP-55
Hp-65 (2)
HP-67
HP-80 (2)
HP-38C
HP-41CV
HP-14B 50th anniversary
HP-17BII
HP-10BII
HP-28S
HP-10C
HP-11C
HP-15C
HP-16C
HP-12C (2 x original US builds 1981 (1st yr) and 1988)
HP-12C (2 x CN builds, single and double batteries)
HP-12C (2 x Platinum, one early without undo key)
HP-12C (2 x anniversary 25th and 30th)

Have one other gem that’s probably my rarest, but not HP. Bowmar history is a story for another day  :tu:

Wow, Max. Just wow. Amazingly comprehensive and awesome to look at. :drool:

well, I bought an expensive calculator today   :facepalm:

HP Prime

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210848.jpg?m=1553393593) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210848.jpg?m=1553393593)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210904.jpg?m=1553393574) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210904.jpg?m=1553393574)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210913.jpg?m=1553393574) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190323_210913.jpg?m=1553393573)

I will need a good bit of time in the manual, but I think this is going to be a great calculator
Great addition to your collection, Detron! As well as the others. :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 25, 2019, 06:08:04 AM
Thanks GLBM. Technology from another age...  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on March 25, 2019, 12:00:28 PM
Thanks GLBM. Technology from another age...  :hatsoff:
Oi.... That's a slide rule that you're thinking of. :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 25, 2019, 02:55:13 PM
 :cheers:, Max!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 27, 2019, 06:42:18 PM
Got a quirky one yesterday  the Casio fx-9860G Slim

a Graphing calculator that sports a clam-shell design.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123532.jpg?m=1553708267) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123532.jpg?m=1553708266)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123502.jpg?m=1553708267) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123502.jpg?m=1553708266)

it even has a backlight!

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123435.jpg?m=1553708266) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190327_123435.jpg?m=1553708265)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 27, 2019, 08:26:30 PM
Lovely! Not seen that one before.  :like:

Electro-luminescent (EL) backlight. I bet you it buzzes when lit? Due to higher voltage signal to the tile.

Looks like it has a few good built-in apps. Enjoy!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 27, 2019, 08:36:52 PM
Lovely! Not seen that one before.  :like:

Electro-luminescent (EL) backlight. I bet you it buzzes when lit? Due to higher voltage signal to the tile.

Looks like it has a few good built-in apps. Enjoy!  :cheers:

no buzz that I can detect.  I am familiar with items that do buzz due to voltage.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 27, 2019, 09:17:49 PM
Did you get any user/programming guides with it? Would be fun to see a lunar lander or other vintage game...  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 27, 2019, 09:23:27 PM
Did you get any user/programming guides with it? Would be fun to see a lunar lander or other vintage game...  :like:

no guides,   :oops:

but here are the manuals

https://support.casio.com/manualfile.php?rgn=5&cid=004002003 (https://support.casio.com/manualfile.php?rgn=5&cid=004002003)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 27, 2019, 09:39:16 PM
Comprehensive 600 software manual! But only a few sample graphical programs.  :(

You’ll have to write your own games  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 27, 2019, 10:01:38 PM
Comprehensive 600 software manual! But only a few sample graphical programs.  :(

You’ll have to write your own games  :tu:

in 1993 or 1994 I was writing games in my Ti-85.  I had that calculator mastered.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 27, 2019, 10:29:13 PM
A lot of the older online resources seem dead but this one seems to have some good stuff http://www.casiopeia.net/forum/downloads.php?cat=12&sid=9c85bd70353f83a14b61c99edea3d7dc (http://www.casiopeia.net/forum/downloads.php?cat=12&sid=9c85bd70353f83a14b61c99edea3d7dc)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 28, 2019, 12:48:33 AM
A lot of the older online resources seem dead but this one seems to have some good stuff http://www.casiopeia.net/forum/downloads.php?cat=12&sid=9c85bd70353f83a14b61c99edea3d7dc (http://www.casiopeia.net/forum/downloads.php?cat=12&sid=9c85bd70353f83a14b61c99edea3d7dc)

thank you.

I never programmed any Casio calculators, I have only programmed Ti and HP
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 28, 2019, 02:30:28 AM
Got a quirky one yesterday  the Casio fx-9860G Slim

a Graphing calculator that sports a clam-shell design.

That is quite interesting(in a unique kind of way) and a cool find!  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 28, 2019, 11:10:21 PM
I picket up a SHARP ELSI MATE EL-500 (https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_334552)

this late 70s calculator was sold for under $15, which at the time was cheap for a pocket calculator.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190328_155211.jpg?m=1553810833) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190328_155211.jpg?m=1553810833)

works like a champ, and seems pretty solid.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 28, 2019, 11:15:32 PM
Cool scientific with memory. Nice!  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 28, 2019, 11:38:06 PM
Cool scientific with memory. Nice!  :like:

this calculator is really nice.  I like it a lot!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 29, 2019, 12:21:47 AM
got this badboy today too.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190328_174702.jpg?m=1553814350) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190328_174702.jpg?m=1553814349)

I paid $80, for this 11C with manual and a 12C with manual. 

I wanted a printed manual for my 12C, and they seem to go for $15 and up.  the 11C seems to go for quite a bit with the manual.

the seller (a friend) was selling them for his Dad.  he told me "$40 for the pair, I do not know what is fair"  I told $60 was fair, and more if you have manuals.  He had manuals, so I said $80
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 29, 2019, 03:40:44 AM
Very nice recent acquisitions, detron!  :dd:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 29, 2019, 05:26:18 AM
Nice detron. Has the ‘user defined’ top keys like later HPs and even a random number generator.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 31, 2019, 07:00:15 AM
This Radio Shack EC-4035 is from the late 1980s, and was described as an "Engineering Scientific Calculator"
it is just a re-branded Casio FX-580

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190330_234523.jpg?m=1554007646) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190330_234523.jpg?m=1554007645)

this calculator has a gamma function, which I have not seen on many scientific calculators.
another cool feature of this model is the "unit" mode, which allows electrical units to be used and calculated.
Volts, Amps, Time, Watts, Farads, coulombs, and ohms can be assigned as units, if you multiple volts time amps, the answer will be in Watts. (and other similar conversions)  (under the 0-6 keys)
the units for electrical calculations can be combined with the engineering units such as kilo, mega, giga, etc.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 31, 2019, 07:19:47 AM
Nice detron. Those 80s Sharps rock and had good Japanese quality construction. I love the brown plastic flip covers you got with them.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 31, 2019, 07:46:36 AM
Reminds me of this Sears calculator from late 70s. Called a ‘Universal Calculator’ it has a whole lot of conversation features. So say you want to know how many metres 0.25 miles is, you tap in 0.25, press the white ‘convert’ button on the right, press the ‘mile’ key (= key) and then the ‘m’ key (8) to get the answer (402.336). Has this cool vinyl hard carry case with a belt loop. You must have been the envy of your buddies with this guy on your hip!  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on March 31, 2019, 07:54:29 AM
Reminds me of this Sears calculator from late 70s. Called a ‘Universal Calculator’ it has a whole lot of conversation features. So say you want to know how many metres 0.25 miles is, you tap in 0.25, press the white ‘convert’ button on the right, press the ‘mile’ key (= key) and then the ‘m’ key (8) to get the answer (402.336). Has this cool vinyl hard carry case with a belt loop. You must have been the envy of your buddies with this guy on your hip!  :tu:

that is a cool calculator!   very nice
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on March 31, 2019, 08:04:05 AM
 :hatsoff: and still works, but I don’t think I can trust all the conversion functions.  :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on March 31, 2019, 08:49:33 AM
Wow. Those are fantastic conversion tools! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gregpost on April 02, 2019, 08:49:49 AM
Love this thread.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 04, 2019, 04:36:58 AM
Love this thread.

:dd:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 07, 2019, 08:13:03 PM
Picked up a 1970 Texas Instruments Slimline 35 that I do not think was ever used.  the manual even creaked when I opened it.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105358.jpg?m=1554660492) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105358.jpg?m=1554660491)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105426.jpg?m=1554660492) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105426.jpg?m=1554660491)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105447.jpg?m=1554660492) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190405_105447.jpg?m=1554660491)

this calculator has a metal body, and has a good weight.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 07, 2019, 08:15:36 PM
Picked up a boxed Radio Shack EC-4020.  this one has a pretty good sized manual.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190403_142045.jpg?m=1554660516) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190403_142045.jpg?m=1554660515)

I love these Casio's (and re branded versions) that have a slide power switch on the side like this one.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 07, 2019, 08:17:44 PM
a "New on Card" SHARP EL-506G.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190403_142029.jpg?m=1554660518) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190403_142029.jpg?m=1554660518)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 07, 2019, 08:21:27 PM
I prefer scientific calculators to financial ones, but I do love using the Time Value of Money (TVM) calculations to do mortgage estimates and see how changing the variables effect the solution.
the HP 12C is a great calculator, the the HP 10bII+ has quite a few more functions.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190406_184541.jpg?m=1554660506) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190406_184541.jpg?m=1554660506)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190406_192332.jpg?m=1554660511) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190406_192332.jpg?m=1554660511)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on April 07, 2019, 09:32:49 PM
Nice one Detron! Nothing beats a financial HP calculator.  :like:

I just with those PMT values were lower when calculating TVM values.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 07, 2019, 09:35:03 PM
Nice one Detron! Nothing beats a financial HP calculator.  :like:

I just with those PMT values were lower when calculating TVM values.  :facepalm:

I wish this was RPN, but not the end of the world.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 17, 2019, 09:06:05 PM
I was very excited to get this one in the collection.  nice to have the box and all paperwork.

an HP 28S.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132950.jpg?m=1555526942) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132950.jpg?m=1555526941)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133000.jpg?m=1555526938) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133000.jpg?m=1555526937)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132824.jpg?m=1555526907) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132824.jpg?m=1555526906)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132843.jpg?m=1555526907) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132843.jpg?m=1555526906)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132904.jpg?m=1555526905) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_132904.jpg?m=1555526905)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133020.jpg?m=1555526934) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133020.jpg?m=1555526934)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133038.jpg?m=1555526931) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133038.jpg?m=1555526930)

this serial number indicates that this particular calculator was made in 1990 (around the 49th week)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133126.jpg?m=1555526903) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133126.jpg?m=1555526902)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133138.jpg?m=1555526903) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-28S/20190417_133138.jpg?m=1555526902)

the HP 28S was released 1 year after the 28C.  the 28C had only 2k or RAM which was unable to allow the calculator to actually function properly.  they updated the RAM to 32k which was more than sufficient, even though in today's world it sounds tiny.

the 28C was the first calculator with a CAS (Computer Algebra System), but the 28S was the first one with a CAS and enough RAM to put in decent size problems.
the clamshell design allowed for more keys including direct access to the alphabet keys.
this is an RPN calculator.

Original MSRP was $235  (over $500 in 2019 money)

the 28S does include a solver that allows you to enter equations with one or more variables, and solve for any variable.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 17, 2019, 09:10:45 PM
99 cent find

found this at a thrift store for 99 cents!

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-10b/10b.jpg?m=1555528166) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/HP-10b/10b.jpg?m=1555528166)

HP 10b.  a financial calculator that is actually pretty nice.  I really like the looks of this one
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on April 17, 2019, 09:11:44 PM
Great one Detron! (28S) We’ll never see the likes of these again, so it’s great to appreciate what these represented 30 years ago...and that they still work today.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 17, 2019, 09:19:07 PM
Great one Detron! (28S) We’ll never see the likes of these again, so it’s great to appreciate what these represented 30 years ago...and that they still work today.  :like:

it is an example of the power HP put into devices back when they made amazing calculators
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on April 17, 2019, 10:07:02 PM
it is an example of the power HP put into devices back when they made amazing calculators
And today, they're still similar, performance-wise. :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 19, 2019, 01:59:03 AM
pickup all three of these at a single thrift store today

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175426.jpg?m=1555631789) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175426.jpg?m=1555631788)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_180811.jpg?m=1555631763) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_180811.jpg?m=1555631762)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175650.jpg?m=1555631793) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175650.jpg?m=1555631793)

I paid $10 for all three
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 19, 2019, 02:04:42 AM
Got an HP 18C with Manual in the mail today.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_190046.jpg?m=1555632175) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_190046.jpg?m=1555632174)

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on April 19, 2019, 05:19:50 AM
pickup all three of these at a single thrift store today

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175426.jpg?m=1555631789) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175426.jpg?m=1555631788)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_180811.jpg?m=1555631763) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_180811.jpg?m=1555631762)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175650.jpg?m=1555631793) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190418_175650.jpg?m=1555631793)

I paid $10 for all three

Awesome Panasonic and Canon.  :dd:

Those lighted displays always make me happy.  :)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on April 19, 2019, 09:16:55 AM
Great finds detron. I wish there were thrift shops like you get in the US where I live.  :cheers:

VFD technology is quite amazing. The vacuum fluorescent display is effectively a tiny cathode ray tube like an old TV. You still see some around on control equipment, but largely replaced by LCD and OLED technology.  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 29, 2019, 03:26:06 AM
for anyone who cares to watch presentations from the HHC (HP Handheld Computers) conferences from 2010 through 2018

https://www.youtube.com/user/hpcalcorg/videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/hpcalcorg/videos)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on April 29, 2019, 07:40:18 AM
Thanks Detron.  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on April 29, 2019, 01:44:16 PM
Thanks Detron.  :tu:

I had no idea that this was a thing.  happy I stumbled upon it
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 07, 2019, 04:25:31 PM
Since I have 6 HP 12C calculators   :facepalm:

I seem to play with them a lot.  My version of a "Hello World" program for programmable calculators is Heron's Formula (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heron%27s_formula).
I decided to do this on my HP 12C for fun and a learning process of the keystroke programming.

the user stores the 3 sides of a triangle in the registers 1,2,3 and then presses R/S to calculate the area of that triangle.

the program is

f P/R
RCL 1
RCL 2
+
RCL 3
+
STO 5
2
/
STO 4
RCL 1
-
STO 7
RCL 4
RCL 2
-
STO 8
RCL 4
RCL 3
-
STO 9
RCL 8
X
RCL 7
X
RCL 4
X
g SQROOT
STO 6
g GTO 00
f P/R



after entering your sides in 1,2, and 3 and running the program, the area is displayed on the screen.
any of the following can be recalled and used as needed.

RCL 1 = side 1
RCL 2 = side 2
RCL 3 = side 3
RCL 4 = semi-perimeter
RCL 5 = perimeter
RCL 6 = area of the triangle
RCL 7 = semi-perimeter - side 1
RCL 8 = semi-perimeter - side 2
RCL 9 = semi-perimeter - side 3

I know this is not anything special, but it is enough to excite me and keep me playing with my wonderful calculators.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 07, 2019, 05:36:55 PM
Looks like a good program to try out - thanks Detron!  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 07, 2019, 08:06:08 PM
Looks like a good program to try out - thanks Detron!  :like:

thank you.

I am sure you know, but SQROOT means the symbol.  I was just too lazy to make the proper symbol for the write up.

I prefer Scientific over financial calculators, but man, the 12C is impressive!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on May 08, 2019, 03:27:53 AM
Since I have 6 HP 12C calculators   :facepalm:

I seem to play with them a lot.  My version of a "Hello World" program for programmable calculators is Heron's Formula (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heron%27s_formula).
I decided to do this on my HP 12C for fun and a learning process of the keystroke programming.

the user stores the 3 sides of a triangle in the registers 1,2,3 and then presses R/S to calculate the area of that triangle.

the program is

f P/R
RCL 1
RCL 2
+
RCL 3
+
STO 5
2
/
STO 4
RCL 1
-
STO 7
RCL 4
RCL 2
-
STO 8
RCL 4
RCL 3
-
STO 9
RCL 8
X
RCL 7
X
RCL 4
X
g
STO 6
g GTO 00
f P/R



after entering your sides in 1,2, and 3 and running the program, the area is displayed on the screen.
any of the following can be recalled and used as needed.

RCL 1 = side 1
RCL 2 = side 2
RCL 3 = side 3
RCL 4 = semi-perimeter
RCL 5 = perimeter
RCL 6 = area of the triangle
RCL 7 = semi-perimeter - side 1
RCL 8 = semi-perimeter - side 2
RCL 9 = semi-perimeter - side 3

I know this is not anything special, but it is enough to excite me and keep me playing with my wonderful calculators.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing that. :salute:

Hope you don't mind, but I √'ed it for you. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 08, 2019, 06:18:30 AM
Very cool. Thanks for sharing that. :salute:

Hope you don't mind, but I √'ed it for you. :facepalm:

I appreciate it actually.  thank you
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on May 08, 2019, 05:21:10 PM
I appreciate it actually.  thank you
:cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 08, 2019, 06:09:41 PM
One of my students gave me this last night

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103706.jpg?m=1557331448) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103706.jpg?m=1557331448)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103844.jpg?m=1557331454) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103844.jpg?m=1557331453)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103719.jpg?m=1557331417) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103719.jpg?m=1557331416)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103831.jpg?m=1557331413) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190508_103831.jpg?m=1557331412)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 09, 2019, 08:20:16 AM
Nice detron. Looks like an APF mark 40 calculator. Great gift.  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on May 09, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
That is very nice! Gotta love a bright red display. :dd:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 09, 2019, 02:04:55 PM
Nice detron. Looks like an APF mark 40 calculator. Great gift.  :like:

thank you.  I was wondering what the "real" version was.  I had figured out the APF portion (who went bankrupt in 1983) but not the model number before being rebranded
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 09, 2019, 02:08:02 PM
That is very nice! Gotta love a bright red display. :dd:

it is pretty
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 09, 2019, 04:34:13 PM
thank you.  I was wondering what the "real" version was.  I had figured out the APF portion (who went bankrupt in 1983) but not the model number before being rebranded

I think it was private label by a Japanese factory. A lot were using the white/blue key combo. You will need to take a look inside at the chips to allow further research. Possibly Canon or Sharp.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 09, 2019, 04:43:07 PM
I think it was private label by a Japanese factory. A lot were using the white/blue key combo. You will need to take a look inside at the chips to allow further research. Possibly Canon or Sharp.

hmm,  I might open it and take some photos.  but it will be when I get done with my degree.  so little free time right now.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 09, 2019, 04:50:06 PM
 :tu: good priorities.  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 10, 2019, 01:32:03 AM
:tu: good priorities.  :tu:

I try,  but is is soo hard when i have a full time job, teach a class once a week, have a family, etc, etc
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 22, 2019, 06:43:46 PM
today's mail call

HP 12C Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190522_112232.jpg?m=1558543188) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190522_112232.jpg?m=1558543187)


Casio fx-15   (sharpies for scale)
this is from around 1975

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190522_112140.jpg?m=1558543190) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190522_112140.jpg?m=1558543190)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 22, 2019, 09:49:48 PM
Very nice Casio and HP-12C detron.  :like:

Now you need the 30th Anniversary Edition.  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 23, 2019, 02:08:11 AM
Very nice Casio and HP-12C detron.  :like:

Now you need the 30th Anniversary Edition.  :tu:

i don't NEED it.

(I am sure I will grab one one day)

I am waiting for 2021 and the 40th Anniversary
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 23, 2019, 06:27:15 AM
But you’ll WANT one...beautiful champagne bezel...  :pok:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on May 23, 2019, 06:31:34 AM
Detron,

Love that fx-15! :drool:

But you’ll WANT one...beautiful champagne bezel...  :pok:
Cool pic, Max! :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on May 23, 2019, 08:07:04 AM
 :hatsoff: thanks GLBM.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 23, 2019, 01:50:25 PM
But you’ll WANT one...beautiful champagne bezel...  :pok:


ahhhhhhhh    YES I DO!!!      :twak:

 :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on May 23, 2019, 04:33:47 PM
But you’ll WANT one...beautiful champagne bezel...  :pok:

I just saw the crazy price those 30th Anniversary editions ones sell for.  I am OK without it.    :rofl:

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on June 25, 2019, 02:18:02 AM
Finally picked up one of the HP-41 series calculators.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190200.jpg?m=1561421217) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190200.jpg?m=1561421216)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190243.jpg?m=1561421210) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190243.jpg?m=1561421210)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190154.jpg?m=1561421220) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20190624_190154.jpg?m=1561421219)



The HP-41C was released in 1979  it was the first portable alpha-numeric calculator, and HPs first LCD screen.  unlike most LCDs that are 7 segment, this one is a 14 segment LCD to accommodate the Alpha-Numeric requirements
The HP-41C had 4 expansion ports.  there are add on modules you can get and plug into the calculator to extend the features.  there are "pacs" for Aviation, circuit analysis, clinical lab/Nuclear medicine, machine design, navigation, surveying, securities, stress analysis, finance, math, statistics, engineering, extra memory, a quad memory, etc.
in 1980, HP released the HP-41CV (V as in Roman Numeral 5)  it had the quad memory module built in, providing 5 times the memory and leaving the 4 expansion ports open.

I have an HP-41CV. and there are loads of accessories available such as: bar code reader, 3.5" floppy drive, 5.25 Floppy drive, printer, magnetic card reader, port extenders, etc.

the HP-41 was the backup computer on the Space shuttle.  https://hpinspace.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/hp-41-series-and-the-space-shuttle-program/ (https://hpinspace.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/hp-41-series-and-the-space-shuttle-program/)

The 41C was introduced in 1979, priced at $295. The HP-41CV was introduced in 1980, priced at $325. The HP-41CX was introduced in 1983, priced at $325.

I am exited to have a new calculator to learn!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: gerleatherberman on June 25, 2019, 04:54:56 AM
That is just awesome, detron! :drool:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Yadda on June 28, 2019, 02:15:39 AM
Finally picked up one of the HP-41 series calculators.

Congrats!  I have one, I picked up via Freecycle a few years ago.  In the early to late 80's the HP 41 series was considered the must have calculator for engineering students with the budget to afford it.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on June 29, 2019, 01:15:24 AM
Congrats!  I have one, I picked up via Freecycle a few years ago.  In the early to late 80's the HP 41 series was considered the must have calculator for engineering students with the budget to afford it.

it does seem like an amazing machine, especially if you consider the other tech available at the time.
this calculator is still a great calculator, but the computers that were available at that time are not as useful.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on August 28, 2019, 03:28:16 AM
Well how is this for a tale.

I thought I stored the Casio FX-6300G in deep storage...but that was not so. I accidentally stumbled over my black cat in the dark kitchen. I didn't even know she was there. She took that rather personal and ran to the bedroom to hide under the bed. I felt really bad and took a flashlight to see if she was ok. I then spied the calculator under the bed. Huh...I hadn't seen that calculator for years and wondered how it got under there. Yes I do clean under the bed...so I am just :think: about this. On the positive side, I am now reacquainted with the calculator. I had taken the batteries out for storage ages ago. I popped in a pair of CR2032, and had a bit of trouble changing the contrast on the LCD screen. Guess the calculator didn't like the deep under the bed storage.  :rofl:

After re-inserting the batteries a few time, the calculator is now up and running.

As for the cat...well...she took her time to forgive me...2 hours, and is now out and about. Whew.  :facepalm:

(https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo006/IMG_7750small_zpsrw0o4u4l.jpg) (https://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo006/IMG_7750small_zpsrw0o4u4l.jpg.html)

(https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo006/IMG_7754small_zpscyktggq9.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo006/IMG_7754small_zpscyktggq9.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on August 28, 2019, 05:58:37 AM
Well how is this for a tale.

I thought I stored the Casio FX-6300G in deep storage...but that was not so. I accidentally stumbled over my black cat in the dark kitchen. I didn't even know she was there. She took that rather personal and ran to the bedroom to hide under the bed. I felt really bad and took a flashlight to see if she was ok. I then spied the calculator under the bed. Huh...I hadn't seen that calculator for years and wondered how it got under there. Yes I do clean under the bed...so I am just :think: about this. On the positive side, I am now reacquainted with the calculator. I had taken the batteries out for storage ages ago. I popped in a pair of CR2032, and had a bit of trouble changing the contrast on the LCD screen. Guess the calculator didn't like the deep under the bed storage.  :rofl:

After re-inserting the batteries a few time, the calculator is now up and running.

As for the cat...well...she took her time to forgive me...2 hours, and is now out and about. Whew.  :facepalm:

(https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo006/IMG_7750small_zpsrw0o4u4l.jpg) (https://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo006/IMG_7750small_zpsrw0o4u4l.jpg.html)

(https://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo006/IMG_7754small_zpscyktggq9.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo006/IMG_7754small_zpscyktggq9.jpg.html)

I have one of those.  pretty sweet compromise to get a little graphing in a scientific size body.  I do not have a box or manual, so it is very cool to see those.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 23, 2019, 12:10:41 PM
From The Hustle:

Quote
Is the era of the $100+ graphing calculator coming to an end?
Texas Instruments has enjoyed a near monopoly on graphing calculators for nearly three decades. But new technology may be threatening the company’s empire.

BY ZACHARY CROCKETT

Texas Instrument’s best-selling graphing calculator, the TI-84, is a woefully outdated piece of technology.

Since its debut in 2004, its specs and components have remained virtually unchanged. With 24 kilobytes of RAM, a 96x64 pixel screen, and a power system that still relies on 4 AAA batteries, it has been usurped by hundreds of modern handheld devices. While the cost of its components has dramatically decreased, its price ($150 MSRP) has not.

Yet, for millions of middle school and high school students around America, the graphing calculator is still a required standard — and TI controls an estimated 80% of the $300m+ market.

An obsolete piece of technology has managed to maintain a stranglehold on an increasingly tech-savvy education market. But it appears that the rise of new, free-to-use technology is starting to chip away at this empire.

How TI cornered the calculator market
In the late 1980s, electronics companies began to see a space in the education market for a calculator that could graph equations.

Though Casio (1985) and Sharp (1986) were the first to market, it wasn’t until 1990, when Texas Instruments released the TI-81, that graphing calculators really began to hit the mainstream.

TI, a semiconductor giant, sensed “an opportunity to provide some inexpensive technology that students could use every day.” But there was a problem: At the time, most students were perfectly fine with drawing graphs on paper and using simpler handheld calculators. Educators were rightfully wary of change — especially change that wasn’t yet proven to improve student performance.

So, over a 20-year period, TI set out to manufacture demand by making its calculators mandated classroom tools.

The company established partnerships with big textbook companies that integrated TI-specific exercises (complete with screenshots of buttons) into classroom curricula. It sought approval for standardized test use from administrators like the College Board. And every time a competing tech innovation came along, it lobbied to maintain its perch atop the parabola.

According to Open Secrets and ProPublica data, Texas Instruments paid lobbyists to hound the Department of Education every year from 2005 to 2009 — right around the time when mobile technology and apps were becoming more of a threat.

The company campaigned against devices with touchscreens, internet connection, and QWERTY keyboards. In one instance, it even lobbied the Texas legislature to make it mandatory for all students to take Algebra II — a course that often requires the use of a TI graphing calculator.

“A lot of [TI’s] graphing calculator success was due to really aggressive lobbying for certain policies,” a source in the education space told The Hustle. “They made it so that that the types of things you were allowed to bring into a test were essentially limited to their devices.”

At the same time, TI set up a robust teacher training program, launched a help hotline (1-800-TI-CARES), and organized conferences with hands-on demonstrations.

By 2000, TI had sold 20m graphing calculators at $100+ a pop — enough for 40% of America’s high-school students. This ubiquity led The New York Times to dub it the “greatest technological advancement in math classrooms in a generation.”

But why, 20 years and many tech leaps later, are students still forced to buy these calculators? And why are they still prohibitively expensive?

Monopolies set their own prices
TI now enjoys an estimated 80% market share of the international graphing calculator market.

Its bestseller, the TI-84 Plus, was first released in 2004 for around $120. Since then, the cost of electronic components has dramatically decreased, along with TI’s R&D costs — yet the TI-84 Plus still sells for nearly the same price.

One analyst placed the cost to produce a TI-84 Plus at around $15-20, meaning TI sells it for a profit margin of nearly 50% — far above the electronics industry’s average margin of 6.7%.

Peter Balyta, the president of TI Education Technology, defends his calculators’ price point: “A TI calculator is a one-time investment in a student’s future that takes them from middle school math and science classes through college, as well as into the important exams they take along the way,” he says.

Some students don’t see it this way.

“It basically sucks,” says Marcus Grant, an 11th grader currently taking a pre-calculus course. “It was really expensive for my family. There are cheaper alternatives available, but my teacher makes [the TI calculator] mandatory and there’s no other option.”

Many math teachers make graphing calculators mandatory; others strongly suggest that students purchase one. This is partly because TI has benefitted from anti-smartphone laws passed in certain districts.

“New York state does not allow computer or phone use on Regents exams, only approved handhelds,” says Dina Kushnir, the Math Department Chair at Fayetteville-Manlius Central Schools. “So we have no choice but to equip students to use some sort of handheld device effectively and efficiently for high-stakes math assessments.”

After years of training and support, other teachers are simply too familiar with TI calculators to switch to alternate tools, like free smartphone apps.

“The process of approval [for new technologies] hinges on teacher acceptance of the technology and their willingness to integrate it into the classroom,” says Lisa Ellermann, a Math Consultant at Texas Region 8 Education Service Center. The training and support for TI calculators, she adds, outranks that offered for new tech.

Cheaper options have come along (Casio has offered $50 calculators that perform the same basic tasks) but TI was too entrenched in the system to compete with.

Analysts have long projected that the “specialized nature” of the graphing calculator would eventually be usurped by more generalized machines, like phones or computers.

That prediction hasn’t yet come to fruition. But recently, things are starting to change.

The battle to make graphing calculators free
While tutoring low-income students in 2011, a Yale math grad named Eli Luberoff began to notice a “horrible inequity” in the system.

“A lot of families simply couldn’t afford to spend $100 on a calculator,” he says, “and it was creating a huge imbalance in access to math tools.”

So, Luberoff created Desmos, a free graphing calculator application for desktop and mobile. He didn’t expect it to turn into a company — but today, more than 40m students and teachers use it.

“Our business model is the exact opposite of TI’s,” says Luberoff: “Their model has always been to give [tech] away for free to textbook companies and force families to buy it at a premium price; our model is to give [tech] away for free to students, and charge textbook companies to integrate it.”

Large middle and high school math textbook publishers like McGraw Hill have recently licensed technology from Desmos. Pages that once contained screenshots of TI-84 buttons now direct students to interactive exercises on the free Desmos app. As tests increasingly move from graph paper to school-provided computers, Desmos has also found success in the digital assessment space.

Gaining trust in the classroom, however, has been an uphill battle.

“You’re trying to convince teachers who’ve been teaching with TI for 20 years to try something new,” says Luberoff. “It’s hard enough to be a teacher without dealing with technological change. But most understand our tool is more equitable. It’s modern technology. It’s what kids use now.”

But TI says there are several problems with free alternatives like Desmos.

“Schools often have to pay for IT support and consistent, reliable broadband internet, in addition to purchasing tablets and laptops to run the apps,” says Balyta. “Using tools that require internet access is especially challenging for schools and districts in rural areas, where infrastructure is limited.”

Is change on the horizon?
Today, 90% of teachers in the US still use handheld calculators like the TI-84 as their primary math tool in the classroom. Only 6% use software or apps as their primary tool.

When asked if competing technology has impacted calculator sales, TI cited a TI-funded study showing that calculator usage has “remained consistent.”

Another source told The Hustle that graphing calculator sales have seen a 15% YoY decline in recent years — a trend that free alternatives like Desmos may be at least partially responsible for.

In its annual reports, TI wraps calculator revenue into a larger category (“Other”), which includes additional products. Since 2014, this category has seen a 35% decline, from $2.2B to $1.4B.

It is unclear how much of this decline can be attributed specifically to calculators. But it’s an indicator that the devices may not be selling like they used to.

As a company that has been on the forefront of new technologies for decades, it’s likely that TI understands its calculator kingdom will eventually cede to new innovations. And when this does happen, it won’t be that crushing: Calculators make up only a tiny fraction of TI’s $15.8B annual revenue.

“15 years ago, the TI-84 was an amazing device with a huge benefit to teachers and students,” says Luberoff. “Now, it’s time for their empire to cede way.”

https://thehustle.co/graphing-calculators-expensive/?utm_source=sunday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TI&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fthehustle.co%2Fgraphing-calculators-expensive%2F

Just thought people in this thread may find it interesting.  :D

Def
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on September 23, 2019, 02:13:01 PM
What I don't understand is why a TI-84 is required?
First year of Uni, and we were told to buy the same 'ol Casio fx-85GT's.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 23, 2019, 06:58:04 PM
From The Hustle:

https://thehustle.co/graphing-calculators-expensive/?utm_source=sunday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TI&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fthehustle.co%2Fgraphing-calculators-expensive%2F

Just thought people in this thread may find it interesting.  :D

Def

Thanks Grant!     that is so true.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: cody6268 on September 24, 2019, 01:49:32 AM
I'm wondering, how good is a 12C for accounting type work, as opposed to a more general scientific/engineering calc?  A friend of mine gave me a  1992 HP-48G; which is a lot more capable. Plus outside of a little work needing done to fix the screen (dead pixels) and some buttons that require me to press the bottom of the screen bezel to work, it won't cost me much extra.  And apparently better built. Unfortunately, I have never worked with an RPL calculator before, and it's a little confusing. My Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Silver Edition just died after a decade (I suspect a leaking backup battery, followed by its probably 200th two-foot drop played a part), and since I no longer need the graphing functions, I bought a TI-36X Pro to replace it (basically, the only reason I still use my TI-84 is I like how it displays); and on some tests/exams, the TI-36 can be used where the TI-84 obviously can't (I've had tests where a TI-34 wasn't allowed and was given a basic pocket calculator, but that's another story)

And if you're wondering what is wrong with the TI-84; I cannot enter anything. And that was before I discovered the backup battery issue. I'm hoping a new battery is the only problem. Not something serious like a busted connection inside.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 24, 2019, 02:29:11 AM
I'm wondering, how good is a 12C for accounting type work, as opposed to a more general scientific/engineering calc?  A friend of mine gave me a  1992 HP-48G; which is a lot more capable. Plus outside of a little work needing done to fix the screen (dead pixels) and some buttons that require me to press the bottom of the screen bezel to work, it won't cost me much extra.  And apparently better built. Unfortunately, I have never worked with an RPL calculator before, and it's a little confusing. My Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Silver Edition just died after a decade (I suspect a leaking backup battery, followed by its probably 200th two-foot drop played a part), and since I no longer need the graphing functions, I bought a TI-36X Pro to replace it (basically, the only reason I still use my TI-84 is I like how it displays); and on some tests/exams, the TI-36 can be used where the TI-84 obviously can't (I've had tests where a TI-34 wasn't allowed and was given a basic pocket calculator, but that's another story)

And if you're wondering what is wrong with the TI-84; I cannot enter anything. And that was before I discovered the backup battery issue. I'm hoping a new battery is the only problem. Not something serious like a busted connection inside.

I would say that the 12C is a great calculator for what it is intended for.    the 48G is a great calculator, but would not be my choice for accounting work (I own a 48G and 48GX).    I own 8 12Cs, and for calculating mortgages, and TVM calculations they are great.  I know some of the newer calculators do add a few extra features for the financial world, but the 12C does almost everything with less key-strokes.

Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 24, 2019, 02:40:02 AM
I'm wondering, how good is a 12C for accounting type work, as opposed to a more general scientific/engineering calc?  A friend of mine gave me a  1992 HP-48G; which is a lot more capable. Plus outside of a little work needing done to fix the screen (dead pixels) and some buttons that require me to press the bottom of the screen bezel to work, it won't cost me much extra.  And apparently better built. Unfortunately, I have never worked with an RPL calculator before, and it's a little confusing. My Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Silver Edition just died after a decade (I suspect a leaking backup battery, followed by its probably 200th two-foot drop played a part), and since I no longer need the graphing functions, I bought a TI-36X Pro to replace it (basically, the only reason I still use my TI-84 is I like how it displays); and on some tests/exams, the TI-36 can be used where the TI-84 obviously can't (I've had tests where a TI-34 wasn't allowed and was given a basic pocket calculator, but that's another story)

And if you're wondering what is wrong with the TI-84; I cannot enter anything. And that was before I discovered the backup battery issue. I'm hoping a new battery is the only problem. Not something serious like a busted connection inside.

I did not appreciate RPN (or RPL) until a few years ago.  but once I understood it (which only takes an hour or so) I feel it is superior.  I think of it as a thinking persons calculator.
I wrote a program for the 12C to solve Heron's formula for solving the area of a triangle from just the length of the three sides.  very simple to program.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on September 24, 2019, 03:11:31 AM
A good read Def.

I bought a Ti 84 CE for a song and a dance at the local Staples. They were selling it for a steal. I bought one. Then I believe you told me about Wabbitemu. I am now a convert. Love that app...so much so, I told a few math colleagues, and now they instruct their students to use that if they have an android cell phone.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on September 24, 2019, 03:33:26 AM
A good read Def.

I bought a Ti 84 CE for a song and a dance at the local Staples. They were selling it for a steal. I bought one. Then I believe you told me about Wabbitemu. I am now a convert. Love that app...so much so, I told a few math colleagues, and now they instruct their students to use that if they have an android cell phone.

I love emulating my calculators, I use it when I am out and about.  I do prefer the tactile feel of a real calculator though.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 07:03:20 PM
Alright all you so called nerds, bow to the king of nerds, some of my "calculaltor" collection:
Very nice collection :cheers:
I only have I think two but do have about 25 K & E’s
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 07:04:36 PM
Just found mine, a very simple one:
Very nice and I love the ruler part!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 07:06:51 PM
Those came in 4ft and 7ft sizes.  Here's my 4 footer hanging in my office, once again proving that I'm the biggest nerd here:
:facepalm:
That is so nice!  :like: :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 07:09:47 PM
I got a packet earlier last week.  :dd:
Inside, a long box!
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=56917.0;attach=397569)
Box, though a bit tattered, is perfectly useable. :tu:
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=56917.0;attach=397567)
Price: 13 shillings. :o There apparently used to be 20 shillings in one pound. :think: So this was 13/20th of a pound. From the time period it was probably made, I figure that's equivalent to around £15 today. So it's just the equivalent of a cheap casio calculator  ;)
Glad you got one!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 07:30:13 PM
A couple that were close by. Have a special one coming in from Russia. The wait is going to kill me on that one!  :rofl:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on October 17, 2019, 09:25:16 PM
Very nice and I love the ruler part!  :cheers:

Yeah, the original schoolchild's multitool  :D
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 17, 2019, 09:41:27 PM
Yeah, the original schoolchild's multitool  :D
Never thought of that but your so right!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 17, 2019, 11:23:33 PM
A couple that were close by. Have a special one coming in from Russia. The wait is going to kill me on that one!  :rofl:

:drool: so many scales.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 24, 2019, 11:09:04 PM
Found this one stateside and it is a different manufacturer so I picked it up and got it in today! Very nice!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 24, 2019, 11:27:14 PM
That's... Different. :o :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on October 25, 2019, 03:41:46 AM
That's... Different. :o :like:
I like the circular slide rules because you can never go off scale with them! IIRC even with it being only a 2 inch diameter “pocket watch” size it would come close to a 5 inch slide rule. So every thing you can do on the C and D scales you can do on this one.  :tu:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on October 25, 2019, 07:39:52 AM
Wow, that's neat! I didn't know that.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 28, 2019, 07:32:43 PM
I had wanted an HP 42S for a long time, and I finally got one (about 6 months ago, but have been to busy to play with it.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122630.jpg?m=1572285720) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122630.jpg?m=1572285687)

one of the most powerful non-graphing calculators that HP ever made.  has over 600 features according to HP and is a sought after model by some engineers still to this day.

if only this had a better screen, and USB connectivity for saving or adding programs and data.


.

.


.


.

.

and just like that Swiss Micros made an awesome calculator

the DM42.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122721.jpg?m=1572285727) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122721.jpg?m=1572285711)

yes,  I had to have one. 


one of the really cool features is the saved states of the calculator that can be switched quickly.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122746.jpg?m=1572285606) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122746.jpg?m=1572285605)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122804.jpg?m=1572285606) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122804.jpg?m=1572285604)

EE is the Electronics Engineering, daily is just my normal usage, and I plan to build a financial saved state.

by having switchable saved states, I can load programs, settings, views, etc for a specific function, and then have the same categories of settings for other uses.    typically people have all of the programs they use loaded into the calculator, and just call upon what they need at that time.  the nice thing about the save states is when I want to to something like financial work, all of the other programs are not cluttering up the lists.  The settings such as 2 decimal places are set, and maybe the larger font, are set.
then once I am done with financial work, I switch back to daily and all of my programs and settings are back.

how is the accuracy?   IEEE 754-2008 quadruple precision decimal floating-point, which consumes 16 bytes per number, and gives 34 decimal digits of precision, with exponents ranging from -6143 to +6144.

here you can see the x Register has 3.14159265359, and at the top is what is shown when I tell the calculator to show the full value.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122947.jpg?m=1572285779) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122947.jpg?m=1572285778)

the screen is beautiful!  very clear and crisp.
the power off state of this calculator displays a type of wallpaper as seen below.  you can pick and choose the ones you want and it will cycle through them with every power off action.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122659.jpg?m=1572285752) (http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Detron/Detrons-Calculators/20191028_122659.jpg?m=1572285732)


the calculator is very fast, and even faster when the USB is connected to a computer (faster clock cycles)

USB allows the saving or adding programs, and other data types including save states.  the EE save state I got was a single download that I added, and now i can operate just like the person who spent the time making all the configurations for that save state.

The DM42  runs the free42 emulation software that was customized.  new firmware is available periodically and is a simple procedure to update the calculator.



Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on October 28, 2019, 09:31:30 PM
That really is a beauty!  :like:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on October 28, 2019, 09:39:10 PM
I fixed the missing picture that showed the 32 digit precision.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on November 02, 2019, 02:42:53 PM
I like that SwissMicros...especially that big screen! Just right for my old eyes.  :rofl: :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on November 02, 2019, 02:59:48 PM
Here is another oldie for you...an Otis King calculator
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 02, 2019, 03:25:05 PM
Here is another oldie for you...an Otis King calculator

that is a nice one!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 02, 2019, 05:35:39 PM
I like that SwissMicros...especially that big screen! Just right for my old eyes.  :rofl: :cheers:

the font size is adjustable.  you can configure the stack and the font to your liking.  it is a great calculator!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on November 02, 2019, 10:38:43 PM
the font size is adjustable.  you can configure the stack and the font to your liking.  it is a great calculator!
That is a nice feature! Thanks for sharing  :cheers:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Rapidray on November 23, 2019, 02:39:57 PM
Well the KL-1 from the Ukraine came in - the 2M symbol - here with the other makers of the KL-1.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Don Pablo on November 23, 2019, 02:45:39 PM
Height of slide rule nerdiness. :drool:
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: detron on November 24, 2019, 02:44:56 AM
those look great!
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Chako on December 31, 2019, 06:27:40 AM
I was cleaning the upstairs room and found my Texas Instruments Ti-37 Galaxy solar calculator in an long unused brief case. I thought it was stored elsewhere and was surprised I found it where I did.
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Max Stone on December 31, 2019, 10:45:05 AM
So the oldest item in my office (after me), is my HP-65. Used daily for basic calculations. Card reader still works. Stores up to 100 program steps (the limit of the HP-65). Has a rebuilt battery pack and the serial number dates this one from 1973, so now getting on for 47 years old.
Still prefer the positive tactile feedback from the HP-65’s keypad to anything else this side of a mechanical gaming keyboard.
Quite incredible that this piece of electronics is still working perfectly after all this time. Such a testament to the vision of Bill Hewlett and David Packard.  :salute: :salute:

 https://youtu.be/3qHcWUqr9fU (https://youtu.be/3qHcWUqr9fU)
Title: Re: Detron's Calculator Experience, or even more proof I am a nerd
Post by: Whoey on December 31, 2019, 03:08:23 PM
after 6 months working in France with AZERTY keyboards I'm wondering if the calculators have equally frustrating key layouts to make life difficult.