Behold the WP-30S

[Sanjeev Visvanatha]

Based upon valued feedback here, a revisit of WP 30S is in order. It makes sense to share codebase with 31S. I will create a new thread to Reboot the 30S with an eye on tuning the keyboard, and simplification of the interface.

Some dilemnas arise:
1. Users do not want to clutter either the keys or faceplate with alpha labels. Fine, i understand.

2. Appears that Distributions are desired, but these require a few lettered registers.

Some possible solutions to cater to these:

1. alpha key map placed on calculator backside with entire alpha map. This becomes cumbersome.

2. Limited alpha registers ABCD XYZT JK available via STO/RCL. Register L not need direct access due to Last x. ABCD are easy enough to place and remember in top row. What about the rest?

3. Accept only traditional stack, move CONV, and place JK XYZT as the only lettered registers in the top row. Single strip label below top row to indicate lettered registers. Clever choice of strip label to also obscure 'Black S'.

4. Do not allow access to stack registers with STO/RCL, and make [1] and [2] be the distribution registers J and K. Access method would be like STO ENTER [1]. This is somewhat HP 21S-like. Shifted key positions would be labeled as:

FIX (j) and ENG (k)

Seeing how little these shifted keys get used, this may be the best compromise at simplification of interface and overlay requirements.


As I said, I will start a new thread for keyboard and interface discussions for 30S Reboot once 31S gets out of the nursery.

Thank you for all your feedback suggestions.

Edit: added shifted key labels for clarification.