The Museum of HP Calculators


HP-11C

The HP-11C was a mid-range scientific programmable calculator. Compared to the previous series it would fall between the HP-33E/C and HP-34C. It also included two new features: a built-in random number generator and a backspace key that allowed numbers to be corrected a digit at a time.

Non-Programmable Features

Compared to the HP-10C, the HP-11C also included:

Programming

What really separated the HP-11C from its lower priced sibling was its more advanced programming capabilities. The HP-11C provided label addressing (0-9 and A-E), subroutines (nestable to 4 deep). 8 conditional tests, increment/decrement loops, and 2 flags. For program editing, the calculator featured implied insert (instructions entered didn't overwrite the current instruction) and deletion via the backspace key.

The HP-11C provided indirection via a dedicated I register like the HP-34C. The I register itself was controlled by STOring or RCLing I and indirection was achieved by STOring or RCLing (i). Indirection was allowed on STO, RCL, GTO, GSB, the display modes and exchange (exchange X with the register indicated by i.) The I register could also be used with the ISG (Increment then Skip if Greater) and DSE (Decrement then Skip if less than or Equal.)

The HP-11C had 63 lines of permanent program space. As programs grew larger than 63 lines, registers were converted into additional program space starting at R.9 and ending at R0. There were 20 registers (not including the I register) and each register converted into 7 lines of program space. Thus, with all registers (except I) converted to program space, there were 203 program lines.

User Mode

The HP-11C included a limited user definable keyboard. When the user mode was in effect (and the USER annunciator showed in the display) the gold shifted labels A-E were swapped with the unshifted math functions on the same keys. This allowed 5 user programs to be invoked with single keystrokes.

Front view (~73K)
Three quarter view (~84K)
Back view (~85K)
Back label (~78K)

Manual Available
HP-11C features

Technology and Packaging

Dimensions and Weight

Price at Introduction: $135

Introduction-Discontinuation: 1981-1989

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