The Museum of HP Calculators

HP Forum Archive 11

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Questions about Programming
Message #1 Posted by Ben Salinas on 1 Apr 2003, 9:17 p.m.

Ok, I have a few questions about programming. I am familiar with the 32sii's keystroke programming. What type of programming was used on the 41 or 42. Was it keystroke, or was there a language. If there was a langauge, did you choose commands from menus, or type them in? I am trying to figure out rather to use keystroke, or a language for my HP Design a Calculator entry.

Currently, the calculator is going to be a scientific calculator, with a 2 line display (more than likely). It is going to pseudo-graph, (basically provide a table of values), but not actually display the line. It is going to have all of the basic (and more advanced) scientific functions, and be RPN, with an option of Algebraic entry (to increase possible sales). I am also contemplating how much memory to include. I am thinking, that it would probably be much more cost effective to just include a large amount of memory (like maybe 1 meg or so), and not have it expandable. Are there any real reasons to make it expandable? It will have IR or some sort, and USB to connect calculators together, or to a computer. (or other external devices)

It will probably be marketed to people who want a good scientific, "shirt pocket" calculator. A portion of the market will also be high school students, especially here in Texas, where we have calculator contests, and literally everyone uses the 32sii (well just 90% of everyone... the top 90%) That's all for now. Any other comments/suggestions would be appreciated -Ben Salinas

      
Re: Questions about Programming
Message #2 Posted by Randy on 1 Apr 2003, 11:21 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Ben Salinas

The 41 is keystroke to a point, functions that are not on the keyboard have to be entered by typing the name in alpha mode.

The 42S is keystroke, all functions are available through menu selections, sometimes faster than the 41, but if you don't know the grouped functions, you'have to scroll through every function in the list to find it.

I think both methods have their merits.

For my 2 cents worth, I'm an simplistic kind of guy, so I can't begin to imagine what I would do with a meg of memory in a calculator. Heck, I can't fill 8K in a 42S.

BTW - the I/R was left out of the later machines due to concerns from the education market that it could be used to cheat. I like I/R and I don't think RF is calculator ready. USB is nice, but the micro-sized connectors used on today's cameras would NEVER withstand normal use by surveyors and others who need to get to their data. If the 48 has a mechanical flaw, it's the 10 cent 2 mm connector used for I/O which can break if anything hits or bends the cable. The cable could be re-designed to help prevent this as it is partially due to the big heavy plug that makes a great lever. Seems to me no I/O system is perfect, but I think I/R is less problematic for heavy use. IRDA is available on a chip, it's fast and it's cheap.

            
Re: Questions about Programming
Message #3 Posted by R Lion on 2 Apr 2003, 7:52 a.m.,
in response to message #2 by Randy

I can't begin to imagine what I would do with a meg of memory in a calculator. Heck, I can't fill 8K in a 42S

My 42s has 40% of memory free: I can't imagine what more I could program... but my 48gx has more than 640Kb filled with programs!. More features, more memory, more programs...

Raul

                  
Re: Questions about Programming
Message #4 Posted by Paul Brogger on 2 Apr 2003, 11:03 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by R Lion

If the 42s had a an INPUT port or IR capability, there'd be no hassle at all finding something to fill its memory. The 8K is hard to fill with programs because they all have to be entered by physical keystrokes.

I imagine people interested in, for example, discovering primes could use more 42s memory for data that is generated "out of the blue" in the investigation of mathematical theory . . . But any empirical data itself has to be keyed in to the 42s.

So, no computer connection imples limited need for memory. But computer connectivity implies essentially unlimited desire for memory. If it's to have an input port, users will find a use for more memory than is (originally) designed in.

                        
Re: Questions about Programming
Message #5 Posted by R Lion on 2 Apr 2003, 12:51 p.m.,
in response to message #4 by Paul Brogger

I agree, Paul. Although I'm a 15c addict, with an input port in the 42s, I'd look for someone that expand its memory to 32Kb ;-)

Raul

      
Re: Questions about Programming
Message #6 Posted by Dave Shaffer on 2 Apr 2003, 3:19 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Ben Salinas

Ben,

I'm not original with this idea - others have suggested it here when "new" calculators have been fantasized:

Have memory expansion be basically optional - via the memory cards (compact flash, etc.) used for digital cameras and the like. Or, similar to the USB "thumb drives". These would let the user decide how much memory he/she needs, as well as offer connectivity to computers (and other electronic devices).

Good luck with your submission!


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