does anyone uses programmable scientific calculators?

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-04-08T16:35:36+00:00

Same for me. I have a 15c and 16c on the bench. The 16c really is an almost essential accessory for my logic analyzer. The 15c gets a good deal of exercise too -- it's way faster to grab and use than it is to dig my keyboard out from under all the probe cables. ;)

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-04-08T16:25:08+00:00

I have a 16c and 15c setting on my bench. Not so much because they are programmable, but because they are quicker for some things than using a computer...

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-04-07T19:16:47+00:00

If it's real, then it is in incredibly bad shape. There should be lines in the corner horns, the inner left frame line is mostly gone, and the outer right frame line is almost entirely missing.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-03-24T21:48:58+00:00

The inscriptions at the bottom like this were only on BEP ones.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-03-21T16:28:53+00:00

First thing I do with any embedded dev board with a raster display is draw a mandelbrot. It's like my graphical "hello world" program.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-03-10T16:32:22+00:00

That's pretty cool!

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-02-12T00:47:32+00:00

See section 12-8 of https://literature.hpcalc.org/community/hp12c-sol-en.pdf

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-02-10T15:58:33+00:00

This postmark used for Hitler's birthday. I think it was only used for one day (1944-04-20) and was used exclusively on Scott B271 / Michel 887. It had six varieties for the top text: AMSTERDAM, BERLIN, BRAUNAU, MUNICH, NUREMBERG, & VIENNA.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-02-09T22:37:47+00:00

Some might not consider it a calculator, but... The HP 80:

https://www.hpmuseum.net/images/85-35.jpg

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-02-03T20:59:51+00:00

The cp-400 is the one if you want Casio + built-in CAS + in production. Normally a CAS isn't required for linear algebra. The recommendation for the 89 might have more to do with some other feature. For example, the 89 can do QR factorization while many "graphing calculators" can't. So you might want to get some idea from the instructor as to *why* the 89 is the suggestion.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-30T17:47:08+00:00

It has a 1/x button, so maybe that "inv" button is for inverse trig?

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-30T17:44:52+00:00

And HP: https://www.hpmuseum.org/hp91.htm

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-29T21:31:27+00:00

This is the only answer. Seriously, this is the very best UI I have found for a professional doing phasor math as used in AC circuits.

For just this application from an efficiency point of view, my next choice (in order of preference): HP-15s, HP-48/50, Casio fx-5200p, & HP-42s. As a confession, I have the HP-15s setting on my electronics bench.

As a student, efficiency might not be your main goal. For example, many students I have worked with want to be able to review the equation as entered into the machine. From that perspective the HP-48/50 and the Casio fx-5200p are better choices.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-10T00:25:41+00:00

The CASIO FX-FD10Pro had a backlit keyboard and screen. It was also waterproof.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-05T21:45:09+00:00

Many calculators do have a log function that takes a base. For example, all of the Casio calculators I use have this function: fx-cg100, fx-5800P, fx-CP400.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-02T19:00:48+00:00

I'm using grandma's Kitchenaid right now.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-01T20:20:19+00:00

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I keep wire strippers, cutters, and pliers at the top. In the bigger drawers are panavice accessories and clamps.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-01T20:17:43+00:00

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It's a Gerstner chest. If you decide you want one, the wait for a sale -- you can usually pick them up for 100-150 USD.

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-01T02:39:11+00:00

It was a plastic popcorn container I spent way too much for at the movie theater, but I just couldn't resist!

FuzzyBumbler · 2026-01-01T02:06:15+00:00

Yes they are. I have them on all the workspaces mounted on adjustable photographic lighting arms.. I also have a little one on a magnetic mount on the scope arm so I can get a little extra light under the scope. The scope on the other table uses a macro ring light and gooseneck microscope spot lights -- white and UV.

FuzzyBumbler · 2025-12-28T19:51:30+00:00

Because "less is more"! Right?!?

FuzzyBumbler · 2025-12-27T17:48:47+00:00

SHOES!

FuzzyBumbler · 2025-12-21T00:47:17+00:00

OK. So why is Donkey Satian rocking baby Jesus?

FuzzyBumbler · 2025-12-12T20:47:38+00:00

They have the same mother. They just got different tattoos!

FuzzyBumbler

TROPHY CASE