The Museum of HP Calculators

HP Forum Archive 17

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HP-34C
Message #1 Posted by Larry Fox on 29 May 2007, 2:36 p.m.

I have seen an HP-34C that appears to produce the number 3.141492653 for pi rather than 3.141592654. Does anyone know if there is a known bug in some models of the HP-34C, or is this more likely to be a malfunction in this particular device? Thanks.

      
Re: HP-34C
Message #2 Posted by Massimo A. Santin on 29 May 2007, 5:51 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Larry Fox

On my (loved) HP-34C I obtain 3.141592654. It is a 1980 model (S/N begins with *2045S... and I bought it in 1980).

Edited: 29 May 2007, 5:59 p.m.

      
Re: HP-34C
Message #3 Posted by Mike T. on 29 May 2007, 6:45 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Larry Fox

What does the self test return..?

(STO, ENTER)

Mike T.

            
Re: HP-34C
Message #4 Posted by Larry Fox on 30 May 2007, 7:49 p.m.,
in response to message #3 by Mike T.

The self-test returned normal results, and as it turned out, the pi key also returned 3.141592654 according to the owner. Therefore, I have to agree with the respondents that suggested either hand key-in of the number or the results of a calculation. It was not seller's concern, but a prospective buyer's paranoia. Thank you, all!

      
Re: HP-34C
Message #5 Posted by Don Shepherd on 29 May 2007, 7:29 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Larry Fox

Larry, I noticed that readout in the EBay auction. I thought they just keyed the digits in that way, mistaking it for Pi. I don't think it is a failure (except in the seller's mind!).

            
Re: HP-34C
Message #6 Posted by Gerson W. Barbosa on 29 May 2007, 8:01 p.m.,
in response to message #5 by Don Shepherd

It's also possible the seller has keyed this in:

[h] [pi] [f] [->H.MS] [g] [->H]

On my HP-34C this returns 3.141592653 :-)

Regards,

Gerson.

      
Re: HP-34C
Message #7 Posted by Jimi on 30 May 2007, 2:35 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Larry Fox

I would guess that the seller just keyed in 3.14159265358, rather than hit the PI key, and the calculator display stopped at the ...53. My 34 returns 54 as the last digits, I would be surprised if any of the 34s returned something other than this with the PI key.


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