R: HP Graphing Calculators

[Paolo Cavallo <ton0621@IPERBOLE.BOLOGNA.IT>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Larry Smith <Larry.Smith@SNOW.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2000 7:50 PM
Subject: HP Graphing Calculators


Sorry to be late in joining this discussion.

> I'm new to the 49G...

This sentence describes me as well. I've had my 48G for four years, and I sure will keep
it, too. I'm quite fond of both.

> 1.  If someone wants an algebraic calculator, don't they buy TI?  I thought
> the main point of buying HP was to get RPN; so why is the _default_ mode on
> the 49G algebraic?  This irks me.  And I doubt it stole much market share
> from TI.

Like you, I think they made algebraic the default mode to take away some share from TI -
the new look is also quite similar to TI-89. I was quick to shift again to RPN. I also set
the -117 flag to soft menu instead than choose box.

> 2.  The users guide that came with the 49G is inadequate ...
> My 1999 edition of the guide has incorrect instructions ...
> I find that particularly annoying.

I feel like you. I have the User's, the Pocket and the Ad. User's Guide, and I think the
manual for the 48G was *much* better. But I came to love the new calculator anyway.

> 3.  Is there some kind of 48-emulation mode I can put the 49 in?
I don't think there is.
> I prefer the function key menus to the pop-up menus that
> require scrolling.
See above.

> 4.  Here's the kicker: I've been totally unsuccessful in getting the 49 to
> plot anything.  I've followed the instructions in the manual to no avail.
> I've played with it for a long time to no avail (and remember I've been
> teaching the class on how to do it on the 48 for a half-dozen years).  I
> keep getting PPAR errors.  Not one single plot yet.  I've even taken the
> batteries out to reset it to its factory condition and I still can't get
> the instructions in the manual to produce a plot for me.

I'm not sure I know why you have been so unsuccessful. The manual gives instruction for
the algebraic mode, but of course you know that. In RPN mode, try the following:
* press <SYMB>
* choose [GRAPH] (F4)
* choose [2D/3D] (F4)
* you get the familiar plot screen; and also you can access
  * the [Y=] screen (LS+F1) to define functions
  * the [WIN] screen (LS+F2) to define the plotting window
  * the [GRAPH] screen (LS+F3) to visualize graph.
Let me know how that worked.

Forgive my poor English.

==================================================
Paolo Cavallo                " I am a teacher at
ton0621@iperbole.bologna.it    heart, and there
                               are moments in the
       classroom when I can hardly hold the joy. "
                               P. J. Palmer, 1998
==================================================