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HP Forum Archive 15

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HP 97 Self Diagnostics
Message #1 Posted by Brian Blackwell on 23 Mar 2006, 9:08 p.m.

I have an HP 97 which I retired many years ago in working order. Online I recently found and purchased new batteries and awaiting delivery. I would like to test the calculator once the batteries arrive. Does anyone know if there is a self diagnostics built into the calculator and how to activate it. Thank you in advance for any advice.

      
Re: HP 97 Self Diagnostics
Message #2 Posted by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil) on 23 Mar 2006, 10:22 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Brian Blackwell

Hi, Brian;

I have a working HP97 and, for as long as I know, these calculators have no specific buitl in, self-test feature. Anyway, their original Service Manual includes two programs that are used to test their features and locate, if applicable, in which ROM does the problem occur, I mean, if there is any problem with the calculator.

Anyway, if you make sure the batteries are fully charged and you place them correctly, simply turn it on, check if the display showns 0.00, try a few calculations, read/writ a magnetic card, print something and go ahead. (good) Chances are that your 'retired' HP97 becomes active in a heart beat. These small 'beasts' come from a time when daring was not exactly dreamming...

Success!

Luiz (Brazil)

            
Re: HP 97 Self Diagnostics
Message #3 Posted by Klaus on 24 Mar 2006, 2:23 a.m.,
in response to message #2 by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil)

Hi Luiz, hi all!

My HP-67 has a magnetic "diagnostic" card, it was in the standard pac. If the card reader does not work, there is the printed program in the standard-pac manual.

Best wishes! Klaus

                  
You're right! (was: HP 97 Self Diagnostics)
Message #4 Posted by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil) on 24 Mar 2006, 2:23 p.m.,
in response to message #3 by Klaus

Hallo, Klaus;

You made me remember about the Diagnostic Card and the program listing, you are right. I forgot about that. Mainly because mine has none... There is also a specific, 'red label' card for cleaning the card reader head.

BTW: in my name, C stands for Claudio, the Portuguese equivalent to the German Klaus.

Cheers.

Luiz (Brazil)

                        
Re: You're right! (was: HP 97 Self Diagnostics)
Message #5 Posted by Trent Moseley on 24 Mar 2006, 4:24 p.m.,
in response to message #4 by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil)

Luiz,

I remember someone mentioned at one time that is wasn't a good idea to use that abrasive card for cleaning the recording head. What's your opinion?

tm

                              
Red abrasive card for cleaning the recording head
Message #6 Posted by Vassilis Prevelakis on 24 Mar 2006, 4:46 p.m.,
in response to message #5 by Trent Moseley

 Trent Moseley wrote:

> I remember someone mentioned at one time that is wasn't a good
> idea to use that abrasive card for cleaning the recording head.

Why then would HP put it there in the first place?

Its not a good idea to overuse the card, because it is abrasive.

Think of it as prune juice, helpful in small quantities, but you should not overdo it :-)

**vp

                                    
Re: Red abrasive card for cleaning the recording head
Message #7 Posted by Vieira, L. C. (Brazil) on 24 Mar 2006, 5:05 p.m.,
in response to message #6 by Vassilis Prevelakis

Hi;

I second Vassilis. The manual states that one should use the abrasive cleanning card only when the card reader shows some specific behavior.

Cheers.

Luiz (Brazil)

                                          
Re: Red abrasive card for cleaning the recording head
Message #8 Posted by Brian on 26 Mar 2006, 8:31 p.m.,
in response to message #7 by Vieira, L. C. (Brazil)

Wow, thank you all for your help. I found my cards and the diagnostic card. I forgot all about that. Thanks.

While online I found good info about the gummy wheel condition. So I ordered the gummy wheel repair kit. Before I test the reader I will do the repair.

The new battery did bring it to life. And seems to work good.

Any comments or advice on the wheel kit process?

Again thanks for the help.

                        
Re: You're right! (was: HP 97 Self Diagnostics)
Message #9 Posted by Klaus on 27 Mar 2006, 2:14 a.m.,
in response to message #4 by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil)

Hi Luiz,

amazing coincidence with our names. I think americans are joking that every German's name is either 'Klaus' or 'Fritz', although these name are not so common anymore.

About the red label card: I agree that moderate use will not do any harm (the surface of the dard is rather smooth), but I think for experienced users it is better to take the whole thing apart and clean the head manually. This is because not only the head will be dirty, but also the rubber wheel and the contact balls.

Have a nice week! Klaus

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