Opinions wanted: HP 16c programmers calculator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 08:41:27 pm
content: Dear forum,I desperately need some opinion on this!For years I have been looking at the good old HP 16c calculator. There is something about these things I can not really explain, but it pushes my buttons and I WANT one.As you can imagine, they are not exactly affordable - what is the main reason I did not just buy one when available.So please let me know what you think: What would be a reasonable price to pay? Are these still useful in the field? Any pros / cons to keep into account?And in case you just want to share your appreciation or disgust for them, own one yourself and want to share a picture or story: Please! Go aheadRegards,Frederik

author: nugglix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 08:55:57 pm
content: Do you knowhttps://www.swissmicros.com/?Not that expensive.I got a DM41L

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 09:03:18 pm
content: My 15C has been by my side for 30 years (my god I am old), and still gets used almost daily. I don't know how it happens, but once you learn to use one of these it seems to re-shape your brain in a way that is irreversible. A 16C sure would look nice next to it when I am programmingIf this one ever stopped working I'd probably cry for a while, but then I think the SwissMicros would be where I would look for a replacement.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 09:06:16 pm
content: I bought one when they first came out, to replace my aging TI Programmer. I sold it after a couple of years because I really wasn't using it.Things I liked:- It was pretty.Things that bugged me:- Hex on 7 segment display, surely they could have done better for the price (16 seg or 5x7)- Key clicks a bit too stiff for the small size (presumably the same as the rest of that range).- The brushed Aluminium facia scratched easily.I seem to remember a problem with the batteries going flat, I can't remember what size and type of button cells they used.(It clearly didn't manage to re-shape my brain)EDIT: These days I use NEOCAL on my old Palm TX (now I really will be sad whenthatdies!). It does RPN and displays 4 levels of stack. I think there are free and paid versions available for Android too.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 09:48:30 pm
content: I keep thinking about treating myself to one on ebay, but I can never quite bring myself to press the bid button. If I happened upon one at a yard or estate sale, I'd probably snap it up. I loved them when I could borrow one in college, but finally got a Casio CM-100 because they went on sale at the campus book store.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:02:43 pm
content: Just get the 48sx

author: 0xdeadbeef
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:10:41 pm
content: Somehow this forum pushed me into wanting a 16C too. Searched ebay for quite some time, finally got one in good condition from the US.But admittedly, I never really used it since thenNow it sits in the shelf next to a Casio CM-100 I bought in "new old stock" conditionThis forum really had a bad influence on me...Side note: there is a free Android app that simulates it.Side note 2: for a programmer, it's much more convenient to use a console based calculator orwrite your own.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:28:49 pm
content: Quote from: 0xdeadbeef on March 03, 2017, 11:10:41 pmAnd you probably dropped about what one of those Keysight u1252b meters are going for. That's what really has my mouse hovering over the "Buy It Now" button.

author: 0xdeadbeef
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:50:36 pm
content: I kinda suppressed what I paid for it. Just looked it up: $161,50And this was already more than two years ago.

author: rbm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:54:25 pm
content: I have owned one of these since the 1980's and still love it. RPN rocks.If you can't justify the real thing but want the next best, why not use the Windows emulation of HP 16C calculator? Much cheaper than the real thing.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 11:48:35 am
content: Thank you all for your repliesQuote from: nugglix on March 03, 2017, 08:55:57 pmYes, I know about these, but from the photos I have seen, I do not like the typeset on them at all and something seems a little off for my taste. it might have something to do with knowing that it is »just« a remake.I already own a HP 49g+ which runs RPN if you like and can do everything I need (and more I guess), but it simply does not »flip my switches«. I am absolutely not attached to this one and would not be grieving over it if lost or stolen. -> regarding eugenenine's recommendationAs no one came up with any real cons so far, hunting for a 16c it is then! I will be spreading my sensory array to find one in working condition for a /reasonable/ price, without pushing it to much.Will keep you posted, if you like

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 10:38:51 pm
content: Emulation just doesn't do it. It's a way to check you can handle the logic, but half the pleasure of owning an older HP calculator is the buttons. You just can't beat those buttons.The 16C is actually the first HP calculator I bought (new, in about 1985). Plenty more since - all secondhand, except for a couple of NIB 32SII I swapped from some '35s - but although the 32SII is probably the one I use the most, I still like the 10C series the best, and the 16C and 15C are best of the bunch.Get it.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 11:08:46 pm
content: I want to find someone with a higher end 3d printer and see if we can't print an HP keypad.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 05:46:57 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on March 03, 2017, 09:06:16 pmYour batteries must be bad. I am using my HP16C about every other day and last time I put in a set of batteries was at least 17+ years ago and probably 20+ years ago. My usage is light, but a set of batteries lasting that long is amazing.The  key is getting a little soft and doesn't click the same as other keys, but all else are working perfect.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 09:43:46 pm
content: QuoteI couldn't honestly say now, just a distant memory - It must be getting on for 30 years since I sold mine.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 09:29:06 pm
content: You guys convinced me to drop some money on an ancient calculator!As luck would have it, there was an interesting offer on one of the small ads I just could not turn down.If nothing unforeseen happens, I will own it by next week

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 09:34:59 pm
content: Where did you find one in an ad, I don't seem them much unless I look on ebay.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 09:54:18 pm
content: It was listed on a local platform here in Germany. Actually it was the only one listed in quite some time (as you mentioned they pop up on eBay from time to time, but would-be-prices are absolute bonkers).15c are much more common, but these also go for pretty unreasonable prices (±200€)I saw that amazon.com has a lot of the 15c limited edition (2011 re-release) listed from 200$ up to 700$ – you need to be a hardcore fan for that I guess.Just for reference: The still available 12c (platinum) is priced at @ 80€ retail. I know, it is in a totally different field of use, but regarding manufacturing cost the 10c line should be all more or less the same.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 10:37:39 pm
content: I watch our local criagslist for any hp calculators but they are pretty rare. I watch for tektronix and have picked up a couple scopes for $40 and 50. I watch for fluke some but there are all kinds of those and they are all beat up. Found one Amiga last summer.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 11:10:44 am
content: Quote from: nugglix on March 03, 2017, 08:55:57 pmIt makes me super sad that they used Arial on the keys instead of Helvetica.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 12:06:57 pm
content: There are a lot of things wrong with the typography used on the Swissmicros IMO. Also: No slope on the keys.In total, these machines just don't cut it for me, even as a »citation«.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 12:34:20 pm
content: Good news everyone!Today I got my newly acquired 16c!From the serial Number it was made somewhere around March 5. – 11. 1984, born in the U.S.A.Condition is decent for its age, just some minor scratches and dings.Here are some quick snapshots.Guess who’s excitedEdit: It came with the original sheath in OK condition, but I will most likely just sew a new one from some soft leather.

author: zombiehunter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 01:58:27 am
content: Sorry for digging up this old post, But I have a HP 16C that I'm looking at selling, the S/N 2517A08108, it is in pristine condition with case any suggestions what to ask for itPlease delete if I'm not allowed to ask this question

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 02:10:46 am
content: you can try over here toohttp://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/

author: zombiehunter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 02:22:42 am
content: Thank you for your reply

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 11:54:21 am
content: Don’t sell it!

author: GeoffreyF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 02:51:39 pm
content: I have owned one since they first came out. Back in that day, I actually needed it. However, with the kind of ready access we have to computers today and that many things which involved individual bits, now handled by high level languages, it is really rare that I actually use it. All that said, I occasionally take it out and play with it, remembering those earlier times.I might be willing to trade it for a Curta calculator in good condition :-)

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 05:00:29 pm
content: I carry my 16c everywhere I go, since I bought it. Fits nicely in a small pocket on my jacket. But of course, that is maybe just me being a little outré.One of the features I use a lot is conversion between the different numeral systems. It’s so incredibly handy while programming // reading other peoples code.Also: Either you love inverse polish notation or you don’t.Regarding current prices I don’t know what a *reasonable* amount would be in down-under. Here in Europe, the 16c and 15c in good condition usually get listed for something like 200 €, though I think that is a bit excessive and actual selling prices are much lower.I paid 125 € for mine (very minor scratches with original sleeve in condition b+) - that’s around 198 AU$.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 05:26:22 pm
content: This is the auction for it here, $500-600 NZ which is expensive and seller is in Nelson, Zealand which means pickup for most people is out of the question. International postage on top would be ridiculous as well.https://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/other-electronics/calculators/listing-1828628884.htmAdvertising in this thread was probably to curtail not being able to join and post in Buy/Sell/Wanted straight away, seller seems to be acting a little coy considering it's already listed for sale with quite a detailed description.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 06:02:19 pm
content: While we are still here in 2018, someone seems to already be living in 2268! That asking price is absolutely ridiculous.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 06:48:58 pm
content: I don't get to use my 48sx every day but still keep it. Well it did quit working a while back but I have a fix in the works.

author: Formaldehyde
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 27, 2019, 06:51:11 pm
content: I just sold mine for $180 on eBay.

author: syshah15
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2020, 08:10:59 pm
content: I have a HP 16C that I'm looking at selling, the S/N 264A01179 it is in original box with Manual not opened with case any suggestions what to ask for it

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2020, 08:55:22 pm
content: I've got 3 calculators in this series. The HP16C looks in good condition but it totally depends on what the back looks like.Case is not in good condition or needs cleaning/rejuvenating, they cost $20 plus shipping to replace with another original. If you find or buy a cheap HP12C with a good original case you can swap them over and then resell the HP12C back on ebay.Looks like people are willing to pay about $100 for the owners manual on ebay so perhaps for everything $260 upwards. It's all about the quality of the photos and who else is selling what. Some have recently gone quite cheap but if the right buyer comes along and the case looks new etc it might sell for over $300.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2020, 09:00:59 pm
content: In case it matters to anybody, there are other (cheaper) calculators that can do what the 16C can do (arithmetic in different bases, binary shift and mask etc). The price premium for the 16C is mostly collector value.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2020, 09:46:32 pm
content: There is also a modern replica with faster electronics sold by Swissmicros.But an original model with the original box and unopened manual has a higher collector value.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2020, 10:44:14 pm
content: I don't think it's collector value at all. Perhaps that is more applicable to the 10C and 11C but you got to be nuts to buy a complete set I doubt the people doing that will put a dent in the HP15C and HP16C sales. There are plenty of HP16C still out there and if anything the price has gone down a bit.The series were just well made calculators and the HP16C weren't as cheap as the HP12C or as common. With inflation the HP16C is still a $250 calculator. Prefer the HP15C over the HP16C anyway.