HP Forum Archive 08

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HP 41CV Message #1 Posted by Dennis on 6 May 2002, 12:00 a.m. Hello!! My father is a civil engineer and he bought his HP 41CV back in the 80's. He also bought some civil and surveying software along with the unit. He has been using it since then and it seems that time has finally cought up with. Can someone help me find him a new calculator that is similar to the one he have? Maybe a successor model that is still available? I guess that the most important thing for him would be the applications (surveying and engineering) that he can use with it. (I am planning to give this as a birthfay present). Thanks in advance!!

Re: HP 41CV Message #2 Posted by Karl Schneider on 6 May 2002, 3:32 a.m., in response to message #1 by Dennis Dennis -- You might take a look at the thread of 3 May titled, "HP 41CV-what is the replacement". Personally, I recently bought a 41CV and 42S, both of which I plan to keep. The 42S, discontinued in 1995, is not expandable as the 41's were, but is more user-friendly with softkey menus and more memory. -- Karl

Re: HP 41CV Message #3 Posted by Dennis on 6 May 2002, 5:34 p.m., in response to message #2 by Karl Schneider Hi Karl! Thanks for the quick response!! I really appreciate it. I read the discussion thread that pointed out. I guess, I really want to buy my father a new device that would actually replace his old calculator (although it would really be hard for me to convince him to switch because he really likes it) with a new one. I guess what I am looking for now is a device that runs a similar SURVEYING application. Thanks so much for your help!!

Re: HP 41CV Message #4 Posted by David Smith on 6 May 2002, 5:43 p.m., in response to message #1 by Dennis What is the problem with the one he has? It is a rare '41 machine indeed that cannot be repaired... usually just by opening it up and cleaning the contacts under the I/O assembly and CPU card. And possibly fixing cracked case posts or screw bosses. Or fixing corroded battery contacts if you left the batteries in.

Re: HP 41CV Message #5 Posted by Dennis on 7 May 2002, 12:03 a.m., in response to message #4 by David Smith Hi David! Thanks for your reply! I have advised my father to do just what you told me. I will keep you posted if everything works out. Thanks again!!

Re: HP 41CV Message #6 Posted by Dave Huff on 7 May 2002, 12:41 a.m., in response to message #1 by Dennis Well, the obvious would be to find at LEAST one more 41 :) But, since I'm a Surveyor and Dad is the Civil engineer, I'd say for basic survey needs (coordinate geometry, curve calculations etc.) that the TDS (Tripod Data Systems) basic COGO card that works with the HP48GX would be the ticket. Best price I have seen is with Hayes Instrument in TN (ask for Eddie and tell him I sent ya) (www.hayesinstrument.com) and you can probably find the 48 at the local office depot---about $125 for the card and another $150 for the calculator. Light years ahead of the 41 as far as menus go, but you'll have a hard time weaning him off the 41. It's inherent with the breed!

Re: HP 41CV Message #7 Posted by Dennis on 7 May 2002, 10:56 a.m., in response to message #6 by Dave Huff Hi Dave! Thank you so much for your response! I am familiar with the terms that you've used and I think that this is what my father really wants! You are right when you said that it would be hard for me to wean him from his HP41! =) I will check out the website that you've recommended and advise my father about it. I currently have a Palm OS PDA. I searched some engineering and surveying applications and found some commercial products. As I am not an engineer (I am a computer analyst/deisnger)and I really can't tell if those applications would be better compared to what he has or what you were recommending. I found some LAND SURVEY applications, COGO for land surveyors, Mechnical Engineering Applications, Hydrolics, etc. These are the applications that he currently used with his HP41. What do you think? Is this the best way to go right now? Thanks in advance God bless!

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