The Museum of HP Calculators

HP Forum Archive 20

[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #1 Posted by Howard Owen on 16 Sept 2011, 11:42 p.m.

I have my second 15C LE now. Since I intend not to open the box, I can't tell what its LE number is. The serial number is printed on the outside of the package however. Is there any simple mapping between the two numbers? Perhaps we could post many examples and see if a pattern emerges?

My first one has serial# CNA1320813 and LE# 00336, My second one has serial# CNA1310KBP

      
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #2 Posted by M. Joury on 16 Sept 2011, 11:54 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Howard Owen

I would suggest that you should open the box to remove the batteries.

Cheers,

-Marwan

            
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #3 Posted by Michael de Estrada on 17 Sept 2011, 12:05 a.m.,
in response to message #2 by M. Joury

Maybe he should run the self test to make he doesn't have a 12C ROM.

                  
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #4 Posted by Lincoln R. on 17 Sept 2011, 12:08 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by Michael de Estrada

Has that actually happened?

                        
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #5 Posted by Michael de Estrada on 17 Sept 2011, 12:12 a.m.,
in response to message #4 by Lincoln R.

Yes. Read the threads below this one.

                              
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #6 Posted by Lincoln R. on 17 Sept 2011, 12:35 a.m.,
in response to message #5 by Michael de Estrada

Oh dear. Cyrille and Tim must really be wanting to smack someone in manufacturing right now.

      
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #7 Posted by Lincoln R. on 17 Sept 2011, 12:04 a.m.,
in response to message #1 by Howard Owen

I own two: CNA1310KBJ, LE#02195. CNA13208KX, LE#02922.

I'd assume the serial number breakdown goes something like this:

CNA - Some China plant code (I think CNA is Kinpo and 4CY is Inventec) 1 - Made in 2011 (normal mid-97 and up HP Datecode) 31 - Week 31 (Sounds about right for late august/early septemberish) 0KBJ - Production number. It looks like they've gone to using numbers instead of digits. Since our production numbers are close together, it'd be interesting to see what LE number you have. If they go in order, I think your CNA1310KBP would be LE#02201, but it would seem that they don't, since your unit that was built a week later has LE#00336 and mine that was built a week later has LE#02922.

If I may propose a theory, I might guess that all the metal back plates were printed, sent to the manufacturing plant, and then placed onto calculators in no particular order.

            
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #8 Posted by Howard Owen on 17 Sept 2011, 12:32 a.m.,
in response to message #7 by Lincoln R.

Ah. Batteries of course. Just the excuse I needed :)

My CNA1310KBP has LE #02193. Perhaps the process for applying back labels and the process for applying serial numbers are not connected.

                  
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #9 Posted by Michael de Estrada on 17 Sept 2011, 12:45 a.m.,
in response to message #8 by Howard Owen

The S/N is a tacky stick-on label that often isn't even straight. I removed mine and stuck it on the first page of the manual for safekeeping. I doubt there is any relationship between it and the LE #.

                        
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #10 Posted by Mike Morrow on 18 Sept 2011, 11:37 a.m.,
in response to message #9 by Michael de Estrada

For all China-made HPs it appears that machinery is in use to apply the serial number strip crookedly, by design. If the strips were applied manually, at least some should occasionally be correctly applied, just by chance. Has anyone ever observed otherwise?

                              
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #11 Posted by Lincoln R. on 18 Sept 2011, 11:56 a.m.,
in response to message #10 by Mike Morrow

I've seen them at different angles on the same model, so I'd imagine the labels are either applied by humans working very fast (quite likely in the land of 25 cent/hour labor) or a very poorly calibrated machine (also somewhat likely since serial number labels aren't really a critical part).

Although one thing I am curious about: We're pretty sure we know that HP and TI use largely the same contract manufacturers. I haven't seen a TI with a stick-on label, so the companies probably have the equipment for engraving serial numbers, unless TI does something ridiculous like engrave serial numbers when they get the calculators at their warehouse. This could be possible, the last TI I bought was in around 2005 or 2006, the calculator was made in China, but the batteries and manual were both made in the USA. I doubt TI would waste money shipping batteries and paper overseas only to be shipped back inside calculator boxes.

                              
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #12 Posted by Dan W on 18 Sept 2011, 11:02 p.m.,
in response to message #10 by Mike Morrow

Quote:
For all China-made HPs it appears that machinery is in use to apply the serial number strip crookedly, by design. If the strips were applied manually, at least some should occasionally be correctly applied, just by chance. Has anyone ever observed otherwise?

Mine is very nearly perfectly straight.

                        
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #13 Posted by Howard Owen on 18 Sept 2011, 12:26 p.m.,
in response to message #9 by Michael de Estrada

My 15C LE SN sticker is only slightly misaligned.

                              
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #14 Posted by sylvandb on 19 Sept 2011, 5:25 p.m.,
in response to message #13 by Howard Owen

Quote:
My 15C LE SN sticker is only slightly misaligned.


Mine was significantly misaligned. Now it is removed to the interior of the battery compartment.

                  
Re: Any relation between 15C LE numbers and serial numbers?
Message #15 Posted by M. Joury on 17 Sept 2011, 8:51 a.m.,
in response to message #8 by Howard Owen

While you are at it, as Michael suggested, verify that you have a 15C and not a 12C in 15C's clothing.


[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Go back to the main exhibit hall