Calculator bit the dust.....
Calculator bit the dust.....
(OP)
Hi all,
I am on my third TI-85 and the display is failing :(. I looked at other TI models including the TI-83, TI-84 Plus C SE and TI-89 Titanium. I was able to emulate those models on my phone to see if I'd like them. I still prefer the TI-85, and really want something that does conversions easily. I found the conversion programs on the above models to be cumbersome.
What I would like a calculator to do:
I like a large display and history (like TI-85)
trig and scientific functions
x^2 button square root
^ button so I can do whatever root I need (like x^(1/4))
Conversions, including ft^2 to acre and gal to ft^3 (love the conv menu on the TI-85)
solve quadratic/simultaneous equations easily
It would be nice to have something to do decimal to fraction or add feet and inches and give answer in fraction form.
Should I get an old TI-86? Do they have better longevity than the TI-85?
I do like the RealCalc app for android. Anyone know if it is based on a calculator model?
Anyone have the TI36x Pro? CANON F-792SGA? Looks like the TI36x pro conversions are very limited.
I know a lot of you like the HP with RPN, but I'm not looking to go that route.
I am on my third TI-85 and the display is failing :(. I looked at other TI models including the TI-83, TI-84 Plus C SE and TI-89 Titanium. I was able to emulate those models on my phone to see if I'd like them. I still prefer the TI-85, and really want something that does conversions easily. I found the conversion programs on the above models to be cumbersome.
What I would like a calculator to do:
I like a large display and history (like TI-85)
trig and scientific functions
x^2 button square root
^ button so I can do whatever root I need (like x^(1/4))
Conversions, including ft^2 to acre and gal to ft^3 (love the conv menu on the TI-85)
solve quadratic/simultaneous equations easily
It would be nice to have something to do decimal to fraction or add feet and inches and give answer in fraction form.
Should I get an old TI-86? Do they have better longevity than the TI-85?
I do like the RealCalc app for android. Anyone know if it is based on a calculator model?
Anyone have the TI36x Pro? CANON F-792SGA? Looks like the TI36x pro conversions are very limited.
I know a lot of you like the HP with RPN, but I'm not looking to go that route.






RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
If you find one that you like, let us know!
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I recently went back to an HP11C after the new HP's have gotten too fancy.
Hard to to beat it.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
TI-36X. Never even came close to enjoying RPN.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-35S-Scientific-Calcul...
It is the simplest RPN calculator currently made and it's the only RPN calculator allowed in the FE/PE/SE exams. You can even hit a button to covert it to a tradition "algebraic" calculator for people who prefer that. To be clear, there are three makes of calculators allowed in the exams so you don't have to have that one for the exam, I'm just saying that it's the only one allowed that's RPN.
As for the difference between RPN and the other type...RPN saves keystrokes, is easier to use, is faster and more powerful...in my opinion. Hey, with this calculator you can't go wrong: you can try RPN and if you don't like it simply switch the mode to the traditional algebraic.
Yes, it has two registers while I prefer only one (like EE above, apparently). But if you want one of the older models that has only one they go for $200 or so on ebay, last I checked. For the $150 price difference I can live with the second (annoying) register.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I like a large display and history (like TI-85) ---- Yep
trig and scientific functions ---- Yep
x^2 button square root ---- Yep
^ button so I can do whatever root I need (like x^(1/4)) ---- Yep
Conversions, including ft^2 to acre and gal to ft^3 (love the conv menu on the TI-85) ---- Nope. It has some basic conversions but they're mostly imperial to metric
solve quadratic/simultaneous equations easily ---- Somewhat basic
It would be nice to have something to do decimal to fraction or add feet and inches and give answer in fraction form. ---- It will do decimal to fractions but I don't believe it will do feet-inches.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RPN is def. faster. Time is money!
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
The HP 33s is also permitted on the PE/SE test.
I would agree that the HP 35s is a very functional calculator and it also has algebraic input, should a person desire such a feature.
Myself, I use an HP 41CV made in 1985 and still running strong.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Funny how they keep producing the 12C financial calc, however.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
ExcelEngineering...for the financial calculators, I've never found anything close to the 12C...that's why they still produce them.
Anyone get the idea I like RPN?
One might ask why I have so many calculators. One would have to see my office to understand.....there are things in my files, boxes and stacks that get lost for years, only to re-surface. I once found one of my HP 32SII's closed up in a 3 ring binder on a bookshelf.....2 years after I had replaced it with another. Am currently looking for my 41C...probably in a box somewhere! Probably next to my slide rule.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I have a 15C, 32II, 48GX, a 35 (where is it?) and a Prime (which I haven't figured out yet).
Take a look at: http://www.hpmuseum.org/hpmuseum.html
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I'll second TehMightEngineers recommendation for the Casio fx-115 series. I used to have a TI-85 with a lot of programs, but then had to get used to a cheapo calculator for the PE & SE. I got so used to it, I never went back to the 85.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
who woulda thunk.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Yeah, just don't drop your cigarette on it...
Started with
TI SR51
HP27C
HP41C
HP11C
HP11C -- thought I lost it, like Jayrod, but found it, so there's 2 now
The TI nSPIRE is a somewhat obscure, but powerful calculator. It has a modular keypad that allows for emulation of the TI89.
TTFN

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RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike Lambert
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
HP11C- Been using it for 32 years and it's still going strong (although I did have to change the batteries three times)
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Anyway, we then discussed calculators and software that did such things for us and I thought of this thread. How many people, when faced with some math problem beyond basic algebra, actually do the math or do you "brute force" the equations like I do? If the former, do you employ any advanced calculators, mathcad (which is great for solving for variables), or something similar which can do the math for you and solve for the multiple variables? Or do you choose to write it all out by hand without letting a computer do the legwork?
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
This was on a HP49g, I currently use a HP50g after that died an unexplained death. I couldn't imagine using anything else now to be honest. It does everything you are after, and doesn't have to be used in RPN mode.
I can't even function on an algebraic calculator anymore as it is to be honest a completely different thought process, I guess it's like my workmates when they pick up my calculator for a quick calculation and they are horribly confused by RPN to the point where they hand it back to me to do the calculation for them!
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Love it...
Been using it for so many years, I just cannot use a TI.
TI operation: 4 X 5 =
HP operation: 4 enter 5 X
Still 4 keystrokes to get the answer...
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
HP 3 enter 4 enter 3 X + 7 strokes
Once you get used to it you will never go back
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Six strokes
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Another advantage of RPN over some types of algebraic calculators is that it shows intermediate calculations, which can be handy.
As you said, once you get used to it you'll never go back.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I just noticed that one of your criterion is "...solve quadratic/simultaneous equations easily..."
For that you'll need a calculator that can handle matrices. In the old days the HP 15c and 42s would do that, and do it easily. They still will, you'll just have to buy them off of ebay, though. But, I'm sure there are all kinds of wiz-bang calculators that can do it now, I just don't happen to know which ones they are.
Also, you can set up an excel spreadsheet to solve for simultaneous equations if you want. See here:
http://educ.jmu.edu/~drakepp/spreadsheet/howto/mat...
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
3 + 4 * 3 enter... seems close :D
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Ok, now try 3 x (4+3) on your TI. With RPN it's still 6 strokes.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Dik
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I suspect this one may divide down the lines of type of engineer and type of work.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
That's why I use the computer :) (with "not pick up the pencil" substituted for "not drop the pencil")
Probably, the mechanical guys here seem much more computer oriented than the structurals.
But as with all these debates, the important thing is not the tools you use, but the way you use them.
I'm reminded of a presentation that I went to recently, by Prof. Michael Collins, who attributes the loss of feeling for gross order of magnitude errors to the replacement of the slide rule by the calculator, rather than the introduction of desk-top computers.
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Dik
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Not to beat this dead horse too much but I think you might have missed my point there. If you type those numbers I posted into an algebraic calculator without using parentheses or the memory feature I think you’ll get the wrong answer.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
You should make some shirts
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I wonder if that shirt would be more popular than the "keep calm, the Structural Engineer is here" post from last week?
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
3 + (4x3)
3 x (4+3)
Rather, I would think that your calculator would revert to the hierarchy of operations and return 15 in both cases instead of 21 in the second case. Now if it was done in two separate operations, that I could see. But then the dastardly keystroke count goes up and we know what a danger that poses to civilization.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I missed your " now try 3*(4+3)". you are correct my friend. both return 15 not 21 if no parenthesis are used. touché
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
AmericanDemocrat thing...RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Now there's a topic! I know a high school math teacher who's been forced to adopt that system and it's caused her no end of grief. It's not really about teaching so much as it is about political indoctrination. For those so inclined you could check out an article in today's "TAS" that documents that. (I've abbreviated the publication so as to not be too overtly political and to make it available to only those with an express interest in reading about it; I know this is a technical forum. It's still worth knowing, though, what's being put through under the guise of math education...)
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
The SR50s were being ripped off in the mail, I ordered four of them for me and some colleagues, when the third mailing arrived the price had dropped to about $125.
Michael.
"Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved." ~ Tim Minchin
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
The main selling point for me, is that it presents the equations similar to how I would write them by hand where as RPN just spits numbers at you with blatant disregard of social etiquette.
RPN also sounds like some sort of stress related injury.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
My motto: Learn something new every day
Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way
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RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
When I starting my career 20+ years ago, the president of the firm had an HP calculator that was hinged, like a book. I think it had keys on the left hand side and a screen and more keys on the right hand side, or vice versa. I don't know the model number of that beast but it was an impressive looking device. He is retired now but I suspect he still has that calculator.
I haven't seen this much discussion on this site since the last ASD versus LRFD debate.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
That was a HP 28s (there might have been another version HP 28c?) that was a clam shell type case with keys on both sides and a 4 line screen that had graphic capability. It was a pre-curser to the HP 48s & HP 48g. It had many functions and menus like the 48 but never really caught on.
Jim
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
n-spire looks nice and plenty of features (like usable graphs and usable integration if you need it). but i suppose they are rather pricey.
first calc i ever had was hp20s. used it until electronics went haywire and didn't produce reliable results anymore.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I purchased my HP41CV in 1982 - first year at uni - and used it every day for a couple of decades until the circuitry went bad. I sent it to a guy in Florida to see if it could be repaired but if could not. I then purchased a HP 48GX but it was no replacement for the 41.
Then a few years ago I found this app and purchased it for $25. Has all the module packs, printer...use it every day. The only app I have paid for!
http://alsoftiphone.com/i41CXplus/
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I always used the TI-85 and TI-86, but when the PE exam came I switched to the Casio fx-115ES and I've never looked back. I miss all the old functions of the TI's, but they were just so slow. Takes 1-2 seconds to turn on, sometimes a second to run a calculation, while my simple Casio is instant. When I'm using the calculator all day those delays just add up and I couldn't go back.
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Sturr, getting an HP41CV would almost make it worthwhile to buy an iPhone.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I found it by searching the app store.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
It's basically like driving on the left vs right, whatever you get used to is best and any other way is wrong.
As to the calculators- I used a Casio fx115ES. It has some drawbacks. Basically, though, anything too complicated goes on Excel anyway.
The Rule of Shoes is that if you find some that you really really like, you'll never see them for sale again, and that seems to be the way with calculators, too. After a bit, you get used to whatever it is.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
-- You only need a calculator if you are going to take a NCEES exam of some sort. Otherwise...
-- If you are young enough to not have some certain calculator that you already own and would defend with your life then I'm sure you have a smartphone. RealCalc cost me $3.49, runs on my phone and tablet, has up to 50 lines of stack memory, does conversions, does all the expected operations of a standard scientific calculator, and will switch back and forth between RPN and Algebraic by changing a settings checkbox. And the display on any modern touchscreen device makes every calculator ever look like something that could have been dug up in Egypt. AND, next phone or tablet I get I can still install that app without re-buying it - just like my WolframAlpha app. RealCalc has relegated my ol' school HP48 to a dusty drawer, but still, I don't use the app unless I'm out onsite, at lunch, etc. Why? Because...
-- As IDS said above, why do hand calcs at all anymore? Even when I'm doing a really rough and quick first pass to get a feel for feasibility, beam size, etc, I use Excel. That way every number is permanently recorded, fresh grads can see how you arrived at something instead of watching you murmur with a calculator at the white board and just draw the results, and I can always come back and change one number and watch the effect ripple through every other line of calcs. Really, is there any reason to not use Excel, MathCAD, Matlab, etc?
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Realistically, though, if you REALLY wanted to minimize keystrokes, you probably wouldn't be typing line after line into a computer, now would you?
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I love RPN and can use algebraic calculators if I think about what I am doing but I don't do the parenthesis. Been doing RPN for so long it just seems easier.
_____________________________________
I have been called "A storehouse of worthless information" many times.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Why would you use excel for rough beam sizing?
You could do it on a calculator in 10 seconds.
FWIW, I don't feel that anything beats the real keypad of a calculator. Smartphone is ok for field use.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Wnen everyone started getting personal computers (20 years ago), Dbase was the bomb. It did calculations, sorts all in the DOS format. What do I do with those floppy disks with those Dbase calculations on it?
We, as engineers, need to be forward thinking enough to keep records that are usuable in the future. If you do all your work in Excel, are the formulae visible? Can the work be replicated? Is it on your C: drive, soon to crash?
I'm not saying that we need to go back to those well laid out calculations of the 1960's and slide rules. But we need to consider calculations as a deliverable, same as the drawings.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I literally start and end every project in Excel. Type out a few paragraphs of description of the project, list all applicable codes, list info given from the client, list all assumptions, and leave gaps for screen shots I take from GTStrudl, AutoCAD, LPile, etc. From there I import worksheets from other Excel files I made in the past, like Wind 7-10, or the Concrete Calculator one I attached here. That way its just like an old school set of hand calcs, flowing from page to page in the right order. All my spreadsheets show all formula, or when doing something complicated atleast provide a text explanation, "parallel axis theorem including transformed steel". When all is said and done you print the entire workbook to PDF, and then to actual paper, incase the world decides to stop using Excel.
The point isn't to sidestep the old way, its to turbo charge it. I didn't use to be this way. What changed me was working as an expert witness and needing to document every single number, and working with GTStrudl.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
I remember those mainframe monsters that programs were written by mark sense cards (a modification to punched cards).
Also inverting a matrix was a big thing back then only a mainframe could do that sort of stuff.
Makes me feel so old.
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
Should I be happy or sad that I have not used the high level maths from my college days?
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....
RE: Calculator bit the dust.....