HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48

In comp.sys.hp48, ms312860@longs.lance.colostate.edu (Mark Christopher Schwartz) writes:

> I am trying to write a program to calculate unit vectors, and I am having
> difficulty figuring out how to take three objects from the stack and write 
> them > into a 3-D vector.  This is my first program that I am writing myself, 
> so if anyone else has written a similar program, I would be grateful for 
> a copy.
> 
> send E-mail to:  ms312860@longs.lance.colostate.edu

Here's how to do it:

1)  Turn to the index in the back of The Fine Manual.

2)  Look in the index under "vectors."

3)  Go down the list of entries under "vectors" until you find "unit vector."

4)  Turn to the page indicated.  This page gives you a list of the steps to
    follow in creating a unit vector.

5)  Now, to turn it into a program, you need to Read part of The Fine Manual.
    a)  If you have the 2-volume, spiral bound manual, then turn to
        Chapter 25, "Programming Fundamentals."  Once you've worked through
        this chapter, you should be able to write your own program easily.
    b)  If you have the 1-volume, book-style bound manual, then turn to
        the section called "Programming" in Chapter 1, "Trying Out the HP48."
        After reading two pages, you should be able to write your own program
        easily.

> BTW can someone tell me how useful the programmers manual is?  Being a 
> student low on $$$, I would hate to buy one and not find it useful (the 
> only programming language I know now is FORTRAN).

Well, a poor college student who hasn't yet worked through the Owner's Manual 
has no need for the Programer's Reference Manual.

The Programmer's Reference Manual is not meant to replace or substitute for
the (Fine) Owner's Manual.  It's a supplement to it, a reference work.  You
won't learn how to program the 48 by reading the PRM.  Save your money for 
now.  Read the Owner's Manual first, and then if you still need to know more 
about the 48, you can buy the PRM later.


Regards
Ray Depew
Integrated Circuits Business Division
Hewlett Packard Co, Fort Collins, Colorado
rrd@hpfiqa.fc.hp.com
Disclaimer:  Did I really say that?  Well, it's a good thing I edited it first!
Lines: 57
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 92 16:56:01 MST
From: dougc@bert.cs.byu.edu (Douglas R. Cannon)
Organization: BYU, Provo, Utah
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: an error on the hp?

In article <1992Dec11.201232.2403@hubcap.clemson.edu> jmauric@eng.clemson.edu (John Maurice) writes:

>   heres a question i got on my physics test:
>
>   a change of 20 degrees in the celsius scale is equal to:
>
>   ____ K  
>   ____ degrees fahrenheit
>
>   40_C   --> 104_F
>   20_C   --> 68_f
>   -------------------
>
>   now do a substraction....
>
>   20_C  change     -->      -423.67_F     ??????????
>
>
>   ERROR!!!!!!!!!
>   is this bug known? it does the kelvin one ok.. but the
>   fahrenheit one produces an error. why does the hp have
>   this error? help!

This is not a bug, but rather a misunderstanding of how units are defined
on the HP48.  I am not saying, "read the FAQ", but this is the best way
to answer your question:

From the file FAQ3 at seq.uncwil.edu in /hp48/FAQ3:

------
9. If I add two temperatures like 34 deg.F and 11 deg.F, I get 504.67
   deg.F.  Why don't I get 45 deg.F?

   If the units attached to the number consists only of a temperature and
   nothing else, operations are done using an absolute temperature scale
   (relative to absolute zero).  If the units consists of a temperature
   and something else, such as degrees/minute, the operation will not be
   done using an absolute temperature scale.

   It also does not make any physical sense to add two temperatures.  You
   can't add a cup of water at 20 degrees C to a cup of water at 30
   degrees C and end up with two cups of water at 50 degrees C.
------

To combine your physics problem with the above information, try this:

104_F/cu
68_F/cu

now do a subtraction:

36_F/cu

This makes a little more sense.


-Doug Cannon
From: mjjj@vax5.cit.cornell.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Non HP RAM Cards?!?  Not for $40 for 32K, I hope...
Date: 11 Dec 92 12:08:56 EST
Distribution: comp
Organization: Cornell University

In article <19279.2b261442@ecs.umass.edu>,
cail@ecs.umass.edu (Brian J. Cail, University of Massachusetts) writes: 
> I have a friend who has a HP48SX who recently purchased a Smith Cornna
> type writer RAM expansion card (32K) for use in his HP48SX.  It seems to
> work fine but will is damage the calculator?  If not they're a steal at under
> $40 for 32K!
> 
> 				
> 					Brian
> 					<Cail@ecs.umass.edu>

Regardless of the possible dangers of using non-hp RAM cards, $40 seems like an
outrageous price for a measly 32K of RAM.  I recently purchased a new HP 128K
RAM card for $89.

Malevor


Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: kevin@rodin.wustl.edu (Kevin Ruland)
Subject: FAQ is at seq.uncwil.edu - please read!!
Organization: Center for Optimization and Semantic Control, Washington University
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 22:14:40 GMT

Considering the volume of questions recently asked that are answered
on the FAQ, I suggest that now is a good time for everyone to pick up a
copy.  FTP to seq.uncwil.edu (128.109.221.20) get /hp48/FAQ-HP48.

Kevin Ruland
kevin@rodin.wustl.edu
From: aa392@Freenet.carleton.ca (Viktor Toth)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Using programmable calcs in exams
Date: 20 Dec 92 03:58:24 GMT
Organization: National Capital Freenet, Ottawa, Canada


Er... I am just a casual reader here, but this subject still po's
me even though I haven't been to a university classroom in ages.

To those who forbid the use of calculators: why not forbid the
use of rulers as well? After all, those lazy students with rulers
will NEVER learn to draw straight lines freehand! You could also
then forbid the use of pencil sharpeners, so people would learn
the necessary skills to sharpen a pencil with a knife; heck,
don't even allow ballpoint pens, after all, they would NEVER
learn how to use a *real* pen if you do! (Yes, folks, I am
serious... when I was in grade school in Hungary, they actually
did this!)

My simple opinion is this: man has been a tool-making animal for
the last 2 million years or so. Educational institutions should
ENCOURAGE the efficient use of tools, not forbid them, for
goodness' sake! Besides... I have little doubt that the fellow
who takes the time and the effort to learn how to program his or
her HP48, plug in Maxwell's equations, etc., would by that time
learn those equations pretty well.

Viktor Toth - Ottawa
--
From: payner@netcom.com (Rich Payne)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Difference between 28c and 28s???????
Date: 20 Dec 92 22:26:02 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)

In article <1992Dec18.190602.18069@gdwest.gd.com> luse@gdwest.gd.com (Stephen A. Luse) writes:
>In article <BzF01J.7Mv@ulowell.ulowell.edu> gvahe@cs.ulowell.edu (Gerry Vahe) writes:
>>Can someone out there please tell me the difference between a 28c and a 28s?
>>I am interested in buying a used calculator and I need the differeces. 
>>thanks a lot.
>>-gerry\
>>\
>
>The 28C has 2K of user RAM, where as the 28S has 32K of user RAM,
>otherwise no differences.  The 28C is extremely limited since you
>can barely do a decent Taylor series expansion in the 2K RAM,
>much less store any useful programs and still have working memory.

I believe that there is one other difference, the 28S has directories
and directory commands, and the 28C has none, and no need.
 
>Unless your needs are minimal, you should definately avoid the 28C, 
>and if possible consider the 48S or 48SX: you'll be much happier
>in the long run.
>
>(I have a 28S for sale. If you're interested, make me a reasonable
>offer.)
>
>			     Stephen Luse
>			     luse@gdwest.gd.com


Rich

payner@netcom.com
From: l1a192@rick.cs.ubc.ca (Alan James Fryer)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Retailers in Vancouver
Date: 12 Dec 1992 20:44:40 -0800
Organization: Computer Science, University of B.C., Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Distribution: bc
NNTP-Posting-Host: keats.rick.cs.ubc.ca
Summary: Where to Buy one in BC


Question 1

I'm interested in buying a HP48SX, but the price on campus seems to
be pretty steep ~$ 330.  Someone told me that there are places in
Vancouver that offer better prices, but he couldn't remember any names.

Does anyone out there know of any places?


Question 2

From the FAQ I assume that version E is the most up-to-date version.  There
are bugs listed for the other versions, but none for ver E.  Does this mean
that all the old bugs were corrected?  Were any other changes made? 
Also, are there any rumurs of a version F comming out soon?
 

From: akcs.totofgs@hpcvbbs.cv.hp.com (Christophe NGUYEN)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 12:40:02 GMT
Subject: Re: TRONII+.LIB & TRONII+.DOC available...
Message-ID: <2b3073f2.1977.4comp.sys.hp48.1@hpcvbbs.cv.hp.com>
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48

Hello...

Tron.doc is NOW available on seq.uncwil.edu

Go and get it there...

See ya,

Christophe.

Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: cjoneill@uncc.edu (IV O'Neill, Cornelius Joseph)
Subject: Re: Christmas coming soon...
Followup-To: Christmas coming soon...
Reply-To: cjoneill@uncc.edu
Organization: University of NC at Charlotte
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 00:32:57 GMT

Please send the "nice present from france" uuencoded. Also, if you have time, instructions on downloading it would be nice.

Thanks
C.J.
From: ccoprfm@prism.gatech.EDU (Monte Freeman)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Extra set of manuals for an HP48??
Date: 17 Dec 92 17:35:37 GMT
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology


 Hello,

  I'd like to order an extra set of manuals for my HP48. I'm not yet to the
point where I feel comfortable enough with it to not have the docs around for
those "now exactly how does that work" situations. This is the first programable
calculator I've ever owned, and it's taking a little getting used to...

  At any rate, I carry around so much other stuff between work and home that it
would really be nice if I could have one set of manuals at home and one set at
work. Anyone have any idea how I would go about getting an extra set?

  I seem to remember a catalog type thing that came in the box with all the
other stuff. I expect the info I need is in this publication, but I can't find
it any longer.... :-(

   Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,


-- 
Monte Freeman  --  Operations Department / Information Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia, 30332
Internet: ccoprfm@prism.gatech.edu
Bitnet:   ccoprfm@gitvm1.bitnet
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: jurjen@gamma.irdeto.nl (/home/other/jurj)
Subject: Re: Dictionary / Spell Checker ...
Summary: Very good idea!
Keywords: spell
Organization: STORC, Postbus 616, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Distribution: world,local
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 09:03:29 GMT


It is a good idea to make a spelling card.  The problem would be to make a good
compression algorithm to be able to get a reasonable amount of words on the
card.  This is possible using the sorted order.
Suggested software:
- search for words alphabetically
- search for partial match
- search anagrams
- play boggle, word master mind
Anyone who wants to make a card like that can consult me for algorithms.  I do
not have the time to make one myself, unfortunately!
-- 
/*---   Jurjen N.E. Bos   -------------------   Email: jurjen@irdeto.nl   ---*/

int a=10000,b,c=2800,d,e,f[2801],g;main(){for(;b-c;)f[b++]=a/5;for(;d=0,g=c*2;c
-=14,printf("%.4d",e+d/a),e=d%a)for(b=c;d+=f[b]*a,f[b]=d%--g,d/=g--,--b;d*=b);}
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: vyainsm@expert.cc.purdue.edu (Sean Vyain)
Subject: HP48SX to PC interface
Keywords: help me
Organization: Purdue University
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 15:15:14 GMT

	Howdy, I have just built a cable to connect my hp48 to a PC through
a 25-pin serial port.  My question, and it may be a dim one, is can the printer
port be treated as a serial port by Mess DOS?  Yes, I have no serial port.  The
machine has a game port (15 pins) and a printer port only.

	Any and all help appreciated,

		Sean Vyain

		vyainsm@cs.purdue.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: hoeferbe@gn.ecn.purdue.edu (Bernard Everett Hoefer)
Subject: SOLVE questions
Organization: Purdue University Engineering Computer Network
Distribution: usa
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 92 20:19:10 GMT


	I do not understand what my HP48SX is doing when I try
to solve the following equation.

X*INV(TAN(X))=-4.8749269433

	I get X:  14.4622844612 as the answer, but that is not the
answer I want.  For some reason, the calculator starts its guesses
between +1 and -0, then jumps to +1 and +5, then +11 and +32 and
finally narrows it down to 14.4622844612.
	Why does it ignore 2.64454252521 (the answer I am looking
for) while it is between 1 and 5?
	Second question:  when I limit the guessing between
0 and 6.28 (since I am in radians) the calculator jumps right over the
guessing between 0 and 6.28, and starts looking between 6.28 and 163,
then 163 to 293!
	I understand that the calculator looks for a sign reversal,
but it is skipping over two of them when I limit it from 0 to 6.28.
Can anybody explain why it jumps around so (seemingly) randomly?

-- 
				Bernard Everett Hoefer
				Purdue University
				School of Nuclear Engineering
From: jgreff@plains.NoDak.edu (Jason Greff)
Subject: Re: Using programmable calcs in exams
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 08:44:17 GMT
Organization: North Dakota Higher Education Computing Network


Being a senior EE at North Dakota State, I can tell you that I have seen
the number of HP48s and HP48sx calculators go up from about 10% of the
class having them to about 60% of the class having them since I started
going to school.  We don't have a policy on them at our school yet.  I
happen to know a few profs that own the calculator themselves.

What I have found is that at the higher level of course work you generally
are allowed a cheat sheet for formulas if there is any math involved in
the course at all.  This is only natural, since your instructors know you
won't be required to memorize formulas in the "real world."  So in the
area of a crib sheet the calculator is useless.  On the other hand it does
save some time for those students that have them, but I don't think you
can penalize a student for doing something that works to his advantage in
that area.

Instructors here still require that you show your work on tests and I
think it would be stupid if they didn't.  Besides, partial credit for a
problem is usually based on how you worked it, and if you just happened to
get the problem wrong, you'd get no points for the problem without showing
your work.

I personally feel that the core classes generally do not require
calculators.  The calculus classes are mostly symbolic and require a lot
of writing.  The other core classes aren't generally about math and so any
math work can be made easy by using "nice" numbers.  This doesn't get in
the way of learning the fundamentals of the course, and it makes tests go
faster.

-- 
Jason Greff          North Dakota State University - Fargo, North Dakota

"It's better to remain quiet and be | "It's hard to be an individual while
 thought a fool than to speak and   |  you are busy trying to conform." --Me
 remove all doubt." -- Lincoln      |
From: jorchard@dciem.dciem.dnd.ca (Jeff Orchard)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Where is my Memory?
Date: 11 Dec 92 15:43:56 GMT
Organization: Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine

I'm sure this question has been asked MANY times.  So I apologize
to those HP-48 veterans who have to flip through yet another question
about mysterious memory loss.

Anyway...
I recently received my serial cable in the mail so of course I am
trying out all sorts of software.  But I noticed (as I became
conscious of memory constraints) that my calculator was hiding
some memory from me.  Even after I deleted all the software, I still
only had about 27,500 bytes.

Then, just now actually, I reset my calculator's memory and started
fresh.  I loaded APPT, the appointment scheduler, and set a schedule
item just for fun.  Well, I decided my Sharp electronic organiser was
at least as good as APPT so I purged it all.  Well, a minute or so later
the alarm went off... the scheduled item I entered was still in there
somewhere.  My alarm catalogue is empty, so where is it stored?  And my
memory is missing a few bytes again.

What is going on?!  What could be taking up the memory?

Jeff Orchard
jorchard@dretor.dciem.dnd.ca
From: akcs.wa7bqb@hpcvbbs.cv.hp.com (Dale Dyer)
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 02:40:02 GMT
Subject: Re: Radio for HP48sx
Message-ID: <2b312f4f.2390.2comp.sys.hp48.1@hpcvbbs.cv.hp.com>
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48

There are several data transceivers on the market that would
take a bell 202 modem signal as mod/demod source.  Repco, RSI
Microwave Data Systems, to name a few.  I have used each of 
these in radio telemetry ... no reason the HP-48 couldn't
be used here, presuming you are properly licensed, etc.

Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: plaw@undergrad.math.waterloo.edu (Paul Law)
Subject: HP42s programs wanted
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1992 04:43:41 GMT


Could anyone tell me where I could get some programs for a HP42s?
Thanks!

Paul.

Xref: sparky comp.sys.hp48:6325 comp.sys.handhelds:2574
From: tdrew@ocf.berkeley.edu (Andrew Ting)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48,comp.sys.handhelds
Subject: >> HP48 Programmer's Reference Manual <<
Date: 16 Dec 1992 03:21:32 GMT
Organization: U. C. Berkeley Open Computing Facility
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: monsoon.berkeley.edu




I have a HP48 Programmer's Reference Manual in great condition
available for $11 including shipping.

Email tdrew@ocf.berkeley.edu

Andy.
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
From: aschoorl@engr.UVic.CA (Andre  Schoorl)
Subject: EduCalc Number Valid In...
Reply-To: aschoorl@engr.UVic.CA
Organization: University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 92 16:16:28 GMT

Earlier last week some people posted a phone number for EduCalc.  However, I don't
think this number is valid in Canada.  When I called, a message said "This Number
Is Not Valid From Your Correct Calling Location."  Could someone please e-mail me
or post EduCalc's address so I can write them instead?  Thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andre Schoorl				Computer Engineering Student
aschoorl@engr.uvic.ca			University of Victoria, Canada.
From: kolstad@cae.wisc.edu (Joel Kolstad)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Radio for HP48sx
Date: 15 Dec 92 01:26:05 GMT
Organization: U of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering

>In article <TAL.2@sarpih.no> TAL@sarpih.no (Tor Atle Lunde) writes:
>
>> This subject facinates me a lot.  I have been thinking of this since 
>>i made a chat program for the hp48sx, and i hope this problem will be solved 
>>nice and easlily!  FM receivers can be bought (and made) very cheap and 
>>small, but the transmitter makes some sort of problems.  Of course, since I 
>>am thinking of using this on school with my classmates, we cannot have 
>>walkie-talkies on our desk.  So does anyone know of a transmitter that is 
>>compact enough to use at school ??

I know this isn't what you wanted, but, if you stretch the definition of
"radio" a little, you already have one built in -- the IR port!  This built
in radio just happens to be transmitting up in the GHz range and has
a line of sight transmission pattern. :-)

It'll happily zap programs, etc. to someone all of... 6 inches?... away.  
The IR LED has plenty of zing in it, but HP hobbled the receiver so that
people wouldn't be tempted to CHEAT ON EXAMS.  Ahem.

(This is actually an interesting move... it lets the 48 still act like a
remote control, vs. hobbling the IR LED which would save a lot of power,
but diminish the 48's hacker value.  Hmm.)

						---Joel Kolstad
From: dane@nermal.SantaRosa.Edu (Dane Jasper)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Radio for HP48sx
Date: 18 Dec 92 05:01:14 GMT
Organization: Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA

>In article <guest.3.724432502@dhhalden.no> guest@dhhalden.no (GJEST) writes:
>>
>>Hrmph!	Why do you all get this wrong....Douglas and Joel : my intensions 
>>were strictly limited to making a net of hp's on my school, and NOT to cheat 
>>on any exam....as if I should need that :)  

Hmm..  I can see this - packet chat - you ask "Where was Custer's last
stand?!" and the on-duty HP Network person in the library quickly looks it
up for you and types back the answer.  This could lead to instructors with
radio jammers!  =)  What next??   With regards to 'as if I should need
that'; with the HP's solve and equationwriter applications, multiple choice
becomes rediculous!  Just plug in all the answer and find the right one..

Dane Jasper
From: omf@pyros.hacks.arizona.edu (Oscar Fowler)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Re: Serial cable to 25-pin port???
Date: 17 Dec 92 02:35:51 GMT
Reply-To: omf@pyros.hacks.arizona.edu
Distribution: world,local
Organization: Sirius Cybernetics Corporation
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-a4

>>This may be a rather dumb question, but here goes:
>>I just got the cable for my HP (FREE offer :-) :-)) and had one major/minor
>>question.  Since the PC end of the cable is a DB-9, and by mouse already takes
>>up the only DB-9 serial port on my computer (COM 1) is there any problem with
>>just getting one of those adaptors that allows you to hook up a 9 pin to a 25
>>pin port?  It is rather a hassle to unload my mouse driver, remove the mouse,
>>reboot the computer, and connect my serial cable :-(...  This (adaptor) would,
>>in my opinion, be the easiest, simplest solution to the problem, but I would
>>like to know if it will work _before_ I buy the adaptor

I used a spare adapter that came with my Microsoft Serial Mouse -
works fine.  The HP cable only uses a couple off lines, and I'm
quite sure any adapter will work.  Be sure you get a 9-PIN MALE to
25-PIN FEMALE adapter, though - most go the other way around!

Oscar Fowler
Computing from sunny Tucson, Arizona
omf@hacks.arizona.edu
From: rrd@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Ray Depew)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 15:32:57 GMT
Subject: Re: printing programs with serial kit
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48

Philip Holliman asks:

> Has anyone managed to get these programs to work with any serial
> printers. I'm talking about the two programs that come with the serial
> interface kit (IBM PC).  

Yep, they work fine.  You have to make sure that the printer and the 48 are
set to EXACTLY the same parameters.  Try this:

	2400 baud (you can speed it up once you are sure it's working) 
	8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity (that's NONE)
	no handshaking (not XON/XOFF, not ENQ/ACK, not RTS/CTS)
	(On the 48:  IR/wire should be "wire")

You may also need to get another cable to connect your 48 to your printer,
one that swaps the TXD and RXD lines.

> ...  Also I downloaded a terminal emulator program
> (dte48), plugged my HP48 into a terminal point (through a dumb modem
> (pins 1 and 7 straight through, 2 and 3 swapped)) and nothing much
> happened.  

I'll let someone else handle this one.

Regards Ray Depew
Integrated Circuits Business Division
Hewlett Packard Co, Fort Collins, Colorado
rrd@hpfiqa.fc.hp.com
From: hpclub@ee.ualberta.ca (HP Club acct)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Subject: Popeye game...is it out there?
Keywords: popeye
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:05:18 GMT
Organization: University Of Alberta, Edmonton Canada

I was wondering if anyone has heard word of a popeye game for the 48?
A few weeks ago I had a caller on my BBS informing me that there was a
Popeye game that his friend had and that I should get it off of his friend
The guy was really smart in that he didn't tell me anything about himself
so that I could contact him at all or his friend.  I did an archie but
found nothing so I was wondering if someone had it then please post it.
It would be much apreciated.

Roland Davis
--