HP Forum Archive 13

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HP 49g+ Warning Message #1 Posted by Michael on 20 Oct 2003, 10:13 p.m. I received my HP 49g+ today and opened the manual to see how to put the memory battery inside. I followed the illustration in the book pushing down on the plastic piece with a pen while sliding the door off. The pen broke off the plastic retainer, Be very carefull when installing battery, plastic brakes VERY easily !!! I think I hold a world record for breaking a 49g+ :( Michael

Re: HP 49g+ Warning Message #2 Posted by Ed Look on 21 Oct 2003, 12:09 a.m., in response to message #1 by Michael Thanks for the warning. I'm many of us, even we hardened, experienced HP calc nuts have broken a battery door or chipped a case. It always feels bad, though worse when it's new. I am very sorry this happened to you. But because the calc is so new (not all resellers have it yet!), maybe if you contact HP, you can get a new battery cover.

Re: HP 49g+ Warning Message #3 Posted by Bob on 21 Oct 2003, 10:10 a.m., in response to message #2 by Ed Look I would probably contact HP and first ask for a free replacement door, rather than buying one. Since it was a new calculator and you were almost certainly handling it gently, it might have been a void or flaw in the molded plastic piece. (Examination of the fracture under a magnifying glass can sometimes be helpful in this effort) Small areas in molded parts are sometimes diificult to fill with the polymer during the molding operation. They might appreciate knowing this is a part that is prone to failure. It could be an under-designed part or a start-up problem. Now, if you were fumbling, tearing at the packaging, and being ham-handed due to the excitement of actually seeing a new RPN HP (and who among us could blame you ?)it might actually be your fault. You will have to judge. Good luck

Re: HP 49g+ Warning Message #4 Posted by Michael on 21 Oct 2003, 1:28 p.m., in response to message #3 by Bob Thanks guys, I didn't break the door, what I did break is in the battery compartment itself it's a small black plastic protrusion that helps hold the door in. It does seem to be secured but I will use some tape to secure it.

Re: Do you think it's repairable? Message #5 Posted by Paul Brogger on 21 Oct 2003, 1:36 p.m., in response to message #4 by Michael I haven't got a 'G+ yet, so I don't know what kind of plastic is used in its case, but someone here recommended methylene chloride for fixing broken plastic, and I've found some that works really well. What I found at a hobby shop (flying airplanes, R/C cars, plastic & balsa models, etc.) is called Ambroid "ProWeld". While it's apparently not "pure" methylene chloride, it does contain a substantial amount, and it is wonderful for fixing broken plastic -- even pieces that must tolerate some stress. It certainly won't work for ALL plastics, nor in all situations, but you may wish to try it . . .

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