HP Forum Archive 13

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My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #1 Posted by Luca Passaggio (Switzerland) on 18 Sept 2003, 5:33 a.m. Good morning everybody, This morning my belowed HP-12c (Singapore 3347S04420) is not responding to the ON button. I took out the 3 batteries and put them in again, but it is still not working. Yesterday it was OK and the batteries are almost new. I know that it hasn't a great value and that it is still sold, but I love THIS ONE ! I kindly ask you suggestions.... Thanking you in advance, Best regards, Luca

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #2 Posted by GS Leong on 18 Sept 2003, 6:01 a.m., in response to message #1 by Luca Passaggio (Switzerland) Take the batteries out and shunt the two connectors together with a paper clip. Then try reinstalling the batteries and hit the ON switch. Sucess!

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #3 Posted by Luca on 18 Sept 2003, 8:46 a.m., in response to message #2 by GS Leong Thank you for the reply ! I tried, but it didn't work. Other suggestions ? BTW, I immediately ordered a new HP-12C, and while waiting I will use my dear old HP-41C writing some financial programs in order to transform it in a financial calculator. At least I will do some exercise ! Best regards, Luca

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #4 Posted by Renato on 18 Sept 2003, 10:37 a.m., in response to message #3 by Luca Luca, HP manual suggests shorting battery terminals *while the batteries are in the calculator*. Also, you may try exchanging batteries, even if the current ones are new. I would try that before buying a new 12c - China units are not as good as your Singapore unit. There are some financial programs for 41 here: http://www.hpmuseum.org/software/41td/fincalc.htm Ciao Renato

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #5 Posted by Luca on 18 Sept 2003, 11:32 a.m., in response to message #4 by Renato Grazie mille, Massimo ! (Many thanks) I have done what was written in the manual, now I will try new batteries as per your suggestion but anyway I want a spare unit (even a Chinese one). I was in the middle of a financial meeting when the calculator died and I borroved a stupid algebric one from a collegue: now I know that I cannot work without RPN ! I am not an engineer but trust me that RPN works better also for marketing and financial people ! Thank you so much also for the link, it is very nice to see how kind and helpful is the people you find in this site ! Best regards, Ciao Luca

Sorry, I have written Massimo instead of Renato Message #6 Posted by Luca on 18 Sept 2003, 3:42 p.m., in response to message #5 by Luca I apologize....there are few with an Italian name and nevertheless I made a mistake...... I am suffering for my HP-12C..... Luca

Not a problem... Message #7 Posted by Renato on 18 Sept 2003, 10:45 p.m., in response to message #6 by Luca Besides, may I suggest you buy a used 12C instead of a new chinese unit. There are Singapore and Malaysia units around, and I bet they will last longer than most new chinese ones. You can even get lucky, and find a Brazilian or American one. I´ve been in Italy in mid-90s, at Falconara Maritima, working on a telecom manufacturer. Nice country - Brazil has a large number of Italian origin people, and has inherited some features. Ciao Renato

Re: Not a problem... Message #8 Posted by Luca on 19 Sept 2003, 3:09 a.m., in response to message #7 by Renato Obrigado muito muito ! Ciao Luca

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #9 Posted by Luca on 30 Sept 2003, 12:20 p.m., in response to message #4 by Renato Many thanks, Renato ! I did as you suggested, also with new batteries, and it didn't work, but after cleaning the contacts and doing it again few days later, it is working again now !!! I agree with you about the China made units, I bought one as a back-up but the feeling is not the same as my old one ! Thank you again, Ciao Luca

Re: My HP-12c seems to be dead.... Message #10 Posted by Renato on 30 Sept 2003, 10:10 p.m., in response to message #9 by Luca Ciao Luca ! I´m happy you got your 12c working again. I was not surprised you succeded. There have been many horror stories - cars passing over, hypopotamus digestion, etc., and the 12c survived. I also have seen some cases where a battery change turns up to a non-working calculator. I´ve seen this on 11c, 42S, 32SII and 41CV. Patience, some knowledge and persistance makes a necessary and effective solution.

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