Handheld calculator that for binary/hex/logic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 03:16:42 am
content: Is there any INEXPENSIVE calculators out there that do binary, hex, and bit logic well as the usual stuff you get in a scientific calc? I basically want the computer science calculator that comes with Windows 10, but in hardware form. I use that one constantly, but desire the convenience of an actual handheld.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 03:55:56 am
content: Define inexpensive. I've got a bunch of Sharp EL501XBWH in various places, they are cheap enough and work and feel good enough for my taste.

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 04:33:31 am
content: That would do allot of what I want, and it's definately in the price range I like. What it lacks that the Windows app has is bitwise logic functions. Sometimes when I'm trouble shooting, it's nice to have that to make sure what I think an operation should be doing is right.A large enough screen such that both operands, and the result can be seen at the same time would be nice too.I think $50 is as much as I'd want to pay for such a thing, roughly.

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 04:48:45 am
content: The Casio fx-115MS will do all the usual bitwise operations. Its interface for them is OK but not fantastic... but hey, it's $12 or something similarly ridiculous.There may be other more suitable/newer/cheaper models out there, but that's the one on my desk right now and it will get the job done.

author: Kalvin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 04:56:04 am
content: If you have an Android phone, you can search for a "programmers calculator" in the Application Store. There are a few HP calculator emulators like HP 16C, too.

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 07:45:09 pm
content: I use RealCalc (Plus) on Android. I like it a lot.For a physical calculator, TI's top end scientific (non graphing) calculator has what you need.TI-36X Pro, $19 on Amazon. Even has hex letter keys :-)(note: the similarly priced Casio fx-115ES PLUS also does it - in case you are more of a Casio guy).https://smile.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-Engineering-Scientific-Calculator/dp/B004NBZB2Y/

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 07:55:09 pm
content: BTW, fun fact about the Windows calculator which tricked me a couple of times: in the default "Standard" mode, it doesn't do proper operator precedence, it does fully left to right instead! (i.e. 1+0*100 =100)You have to put it in "Scientific" mode to get proper operator precedence. Fortunately, it's a sticky setting, so you won't get back to the crazy default mode unless you choose to.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 10:59:29 am
content: The cheapest calculator is inside your skull, and also the fastest once you get enough practice with it.Quote from: LaurentR on September 28, 2016, 07:55:09 pmI don't think any calculator which doesn't show the expression being entered should try to do things with precedence, as it gets confusing otherwise. A standard calculator should be used more like an accumulator machine.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 12:47:12 pm
content: Wouldn't the HP 16C be the ideal calculator?Available here as a clone:https://www.swissmicros.com/Unfortunatly a little expensive...Regards,Vitor

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 12:52:17 pm
content: AFAIK Casio has (or had) some calculators like that. I have a Casio fx-115MS which is an older model you can still find new on Ebay like this one:http://www.ebay.com/itm/FX115-MS-PLUS-SR-CASIO-Scientific-Calculator-with-300-Built-In-Functions-/361045645796

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 06:02:29 am
content: QuoteWorks for me.QuoteWell, maybe I started too late in life. Took me better part of 10 years working with hex and binary before this could be said.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 06:27:59 am
content: I like the powerone calculator in my iphone, I've got for $5 or something. it does all sort of calcs included hex and binary.you can also get a hp 16c emulated on the phone that's nice (and about the same price)

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 06:44:41 am
content: Quote from: amyk on September 29, 2016, 10:59:29 amIt's not very accurate or reliable and it doesn't do logarithms or trigonometric functions. Plus the solver is a bit wonky on mine.

author: douglaszxc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 07:28:49 am
content: Here's a free emulator to run on your PC.http://www.wrpn.emmet-gray.com/Downloads.htmlI have tried it ( the java version on linux ) seems rather nice. Looks just like an HP16C. Very well done, good documentation too.There are various versions for Windows and Mac/Linux (in java) and an Android version, too. The source is available in C# so it perhaps could be ported to run under mono on Linux.Download it and give it a try.If you want a "real" one to hold in your hand, a group has made a small reproduction one herehttps://www.swissmicros.com/#DM16 / DM16L as well as reproductions of some other classic HP calculators.

author: todd_fuller
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 03:45:48 pm
content: Used HP-48G calculators can be had for very reasonable prices on eBay. Perhaps the pinnacle of HP calculators?