HP Forum Archive 21

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Is my HP-15C dying? Message #1 Posted by plivesey on 23 July 2013, 9:21 a.m. Hi all, Long time lurker, first time caller. A few years ago I picked up a Brazilian made HP15C. Recently it has been playing up a bit. Every now and then when I go to turn it on I get a PR-Error and today when I went to switch it to radians from degrees the screen went blank and it refused to turn on until I removed and replaced the batteries. I've checked the self tests and they all pass. I've had a search around but can't find reports of any similar issues. Any ideas? I have a WP34S and an HP49G but there's something rather beautiful about the 15C and it's always my first choice for a quick calculation. Paul

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #2 Posted by Barry Mead on 23 July 2013, 12:55 p.m., in response to message #1 by plivesey This is such an obvious question, so forgive me if you already thought of this. Have you tried replacing the batteries?

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #3 Posted by Katie Wasserman on 23 July 2013, 12:55 p.m., in response to message #1 by plivesey Assuming that you don't need new batteries. I don't think that your calculator is dying, just that it has an intermittent power problem. I'd try cleaning the battery contacts and re-tensioning the spring(s) -- just stretch them out a bit more. Edited: 23 July 2013, 12:57 p.m.

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #4 Posted by Kimberly Thompson on 23 July 2013, 1:15 p.m., in response to message #1 by plivesey Paul I have an HP-12c that transitioned from your described condition to your anticipated condition for your HP-15c. My particular model utilizes a single CR 2032 (3v) cell. I'm still attempting to revive my 12c. Any commonality? SlideRule

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #5 Posted by Randy on 23 July 2013, 2:16 p.m., in response to message #4 by Kimberly Thompson Quote: Paul I have an HP-12c that transitioned from your described condition to your anticipated condition for your HP-15c. My particular model utilizes a single CR 2032 (3v) cell. I'm still attempting to revive my 12c. Any commonality? SlideRule No commonality between the original 15C and a 2032 powered 12C. IMO, the only thing they have in common is the shape and the little badge that says "HP". It is common for the early 2032 cell powered 12C to have the (-) battery tab get bent out of position and fail to make contact with the edge of the battery. If you do not see the tab projecting inward enough to touch the battery, use a small screwdriver or hooked instrument to bend it back into place. In some cases, you'll need to cut some of the plastic away from the contact area to allow proper contact with the battery. The contact area was later redesigned to avoid the failure mode so your mileage may vary.

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #6 Posted by Kimberly Thompson on 23 July 2013, 4:38 p.m., in response to message #5 by Randy Randy Thanks for the response. The battery contacts are in EXCELLENT shape - NO corrosion, deformation etc - & the calculator has NO obvious defects - dents, etc. - It just seemed to have died after having intermittent battery problems / indications. A bit of a mystery since my other 5 SPICE calculators ALL work! Granted, my problem model is a 12c and the original post is a 15c - so - there may truly be NO commonality. Sorry my experience was of little value. SlideRule Edited: 23 July 2013, 4:42 p.m.

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #7 Posted by plivesey on 24 July 2013, 9:42 a.m., in response to message #1 by plivesey Thank you for all your kind replies. I've given the battery contacts a bit of a gentle bend to help connectivity. They look clean enough but I'll wipe them with some contact cleaner if this persists. Any other thoughts gratefully received. Paul

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #8 Posted by Randy on 24 July 2013, 9:47 a.m., in response to message #7 by plivesey If the problem persists, let us know which version 15C you have, as identified by the battery contact design here:

Re: Is my HP-15C dying? Message #9 Posted by plivesey on 24 July 2013, 3:11 p.m., in response to message #8 by Randy It's the original flat spring type.

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