First time HP-41 owner needs a little advice
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 5:48 am
Hello,
I've have an HP-15C & HP-16C, but I'm not the typical hard-core HP calculator user/owner.
I've just acquired my first HP-41, a CV in the box, with almost new & complete documentation (including the registration card, accessories catalog, etc.
The 41 is very clean, not used much, better than very good condition- at least on the outside. The calculator & display look very clean and in great condition too. I'm amazed at such a find for a newbie. There is a bit if dust around the edges of the keypad, how should I clean this?
There doesn't seem to be any gaps along the edges, as would be caused by loose or cracked plastic posts.
I've been going through the manual learning the new machine. This is the most fun part of getting a vintage calc. I just love HPs manuals. They are so well written. I miss the days when you buy a device and actually got paper documentation. I'm all for saving the planet, but good, paper manuals are nice to have.
All keys click like they are new, and the calculator seems to respond to each key press. Many of the math functions are way over my head, so I don't know what to expect for many of them.
That said, I'm familiar with the self tests in the 15C & 16C, and I'm surprised & disappointed that there isn't a self test/acceptance test in the 41, given that it is so much more powerful. Why is that? Did HP run out of code space in the ROMS, or is there another reason?
A built in self test seems like a great idea for every electronic device.
The battery case still holds itself shut, but I think I will buy a spare. It looks like it could come loose if jarred.
There is a tiny bit of corrosion on one of the springs, fortunately it was caught in time before it spread.
The calculator side of the contacts are very bright and shiny, like this one just rolled off of the production line.
I do want to disassemble the whole thing to make sure everything else is ok inside. I'm considering doing the CL upgrade, since the serial number
is in the correct range, and the display has the square corners.
There was a tiny drop of corrosion on the dark padding under the battery case, but it doesn't look like it ran. It's barely noticeable, but I'd liek to remove the residue for the sake of prevention.
What is the best way to clean the corrosion off of the spring and padding? Does vinegar & baking soda remove corrosion?
Is there any compound I should coat the springs with to prevent future corrosion (similar to the lead posts on a car battery)?
Thanks
Tony
I've have an HP-15C & HP-16C, but I'm not the typical hard-core HP calculator user/owner.
I've just acquired my first HP-41, a CV in the box, with almost new & complete documentation (including the registration card, accessories catalog, etc.
The 41 is very clean, not used much, better than very good condition- at least on the outside. The calculator & display look very clean and in great condition too. I'm amazed at such a find for a newbie. There is a bit if dust around the edges of the keypad, how should I clean this?
There doesn't seem to be any gaps along the edges, as would be caused by loose or cracked plastic posts.
I've been going through the manual learning the new machine. This is the most fun part of getting a vintage calc. I just love HPs manuals. They are so well written. I miss the days when you buy a device and actually got paper documentation. I'm all for saving the planet, but good, paper manuals are nice to have.
All keys click like they are new, and the calculator seems to respond to each key press. Many of the math functions are way over my head, so I don't know what to expect for many of them.
That said, I'm familiar with the self tests in the 15C & 16C, and I'm surprised & disappointed that there isn't a self test/acceptance test in the 41, given that it is so much more powerful. Why is that? Did HP run out of code space in the ROMS, or is there another reason?
A built in self test seems like a great idea for every electronic device.
The battery case still holds itself shut, but I think I will buy a spare. It looks like it could come loose if jarred.
There is a tiny bit of corrosion on one of the springs, fortunately it was caught in time before it spread.
The calculator side of the contacts are very bright and shiny, like this one just rolled off of the production line.
I do want to disassemble the whole thing to make sure everything else is ok inside. I'm considering doing the CL upgrade, since the serial number
is in the correct range, and the display has the square corners.
There was a tiny drop of corrosion on the dark padding under the battery case, but it doesn't look like it ran. It's barely noticeable, but I'd liek to remove the residue for the sake of prevention.
What is the best way to clean the corrosion off of the spring and padding? Does vinegar & baking soda remove corrosion?
Is there any compound I should coat the springs with to prevent future corrosion (similar to the lead posts on a car battery)?
Thanks
Tony