HP Forum Archive 15

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HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #1 Posted by Hugh Evans on 27 Feb 2006, 11:11 p.m. This news item should be of interest to many of you. Chad and I at OpenRPN have received a donated set of 49G+ internals. We are already in the process of designing a piggyback PCB which will modify the keyboard layout and provide a double width ENTER key in its' traditional location. From there the electronics will be mounted in an OpenRPN enclosure fabricated from ABS and neoprene. In addition it will be given a new set of tactile domes, double shot key labels, and voyager style keys. Updates will be posted regularly (openrpn.org is down for maintenance at the moment), and will include plenty of pictures, CAD renderings, and prototypes. Questions and comments are welcome. Best Regards, Hugh

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #2 Posted by Don Shepherd on 27 Feb 2006, 11:47 p.m., in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans Hi Hugh. I have been following the recent discussions regarding openRPN, and I would just like to say more power to you guys. I find it very ironic that the same people who constantly complain and bemoan the fact that the quality of HP calculators has gone down since the 1980's are so quick to criticize you for actually trying to do something about it. Hey, to heck with them! If their glass is half empty, that is their problem. I'm sure many of us are lurking out here, just wanting you guys to succeed. Keep up the good work! Don Shepherd

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #3 Posted by Wayne Brown on 1 Mar 2006, 12:03 p.m., in response to message #2 by Don Shepherd Quote: I find it very ironic that the same people who constantly complain and bemoan the fact that the quality of HP calculators has gone down since the 1980's are so quick to criticize you for actually trying to do something about it. Don't tar us all with the same brush. I think HP's quality has turned into pure crap and I have no expectation there ever will be any significant improvement; but I also applaud Hugh and the other OpenRPN folks, and wish them the best of luck in their noble efforts.

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #4 Posted by Antonio Maschio on 28 Feb 2006, 2:34 a.m., in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans I only want to say that you guys at OpenRPN are doing a great work, and I long for the moment I'll have all three models in my hand. Greetings from Italy -- Antonio Edited: 28 Feb 2006, 2:35 a.m.

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #5 Posted by e.young on 28 Feb 2006, 7:48 a.m., in response to message #1 by Hugh Evans Do you have an estimate for when this machine will be available?

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #6 Posted by Hugh Evans on 1 Mar 2006, 12:11 a.m., in response to message #5 by e.young If everything goes according to plan, it should be ready in a few months. I'm already designing a piggyback PCB and will then move on to the enclosure. I'll be posting updates on a regular basis both at openrpn and here. -Hugh

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #7 Posted by Tell Us When It's Ready on 2 Mar 2006, 6:52 a.m., in response to message #6 by Hugh Evans Skip the updates, just do it and tell the world when it's ready. Otherwise, it's just more OpenRPN vaporware,VaporWare,VAPORWARE...

Re: HP 49G+ Retrofit Message #8 Posted by . on 2 Mar 2006, 6:59 a.m., in response to message #7 by Tell Us When It's Ready No, please don't skip the updates. I really like the idea of making milestones - as long as the goals are concrete (eg, step 4 is "PCB artwork has been created and sent to be fabbed"). If there is evidence that the project is progressing I think it will shut up the critics.

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