| HP codename, series |
Davinci, Pioneer |
| Type, Precision, Input Mode |
Scientific, 12 BCD digits, exponent ±499, Reverse
Polish Notation |
| Programmable |
Yes, keystrokes |
| Performance
Index |
13. This is about 5 times as fast as the HP-41C. |
| Memory |
Permanent memory. 8192 bytes for program and all data,
program and variables shared |
| Display |
132x16 LCD dot matrix, 22x2 characters |
| Special features |
Two line display showing X and Y register or X register and
top function key assignments. Solver (root finding), matrix operations,
numerical integration, complex numbers, strings, various curve fitting
models. Software compatible to HP-41. Graphics capabilities and
infrared port for printing.
Works with the HP Infrared
Printer. |
| Original Pricing, Production |
31.10.1988 ($120) - 1.3.1996 (approx. $120) |
| Batteries |
3x small button sized cells |
| Dimensions |
Length 14.7cm, Width 7.8cm, Height 1.5cm |
| Links |
HP-42S
RPN Scientific Calculator Owner's Manual, June 1988 (PDF)
HP-42S
RPN Scientific Programming Examples and Techniques, July 1988 (PDF)
HP-42S
Fast Mode.
HP-42S.com.
Hardware
and Software details (MoHPC)
RSKEY.org.
For Machine language programming see comment about HP-17B.
Hidden matrix functions (local page).
|
| Forensic Result | 8.99999864267
|
| Comment |
One of HP's absolute high-end machines. It was designed to be
code-compatible with the HP-41. The number of features is overwhelming
and covers much of what can be found in the HP-15C and HP-32SII plus
full high-resolution graphics capabilities. In the 300+ pages manual
the engineers proudly note "... an efficient operating system has been
developed..." - indeed this is no exaggeration! Different from the
HP-32S/HP-32SII program and variable names are not restricted to a
single letter but can have lenghty names like in the HP-41.
Compared to the HP-32SII it doesn't support fractions - and it is only
about half as fast.
Its biggest disadvantage is of course that programs cannot be stored on
magnetic cards or read in using a bar code wand or some serial PC
interface. The serial interface came only later with the much larger HP-48.
According to Nelson M. Sicuro the ROM
version of the HP-42S can be
determined as follows:
- Press ON & LOG together to enter the debugger.
- Press the decimal point.
- Now a character on the left and a digit on the right will
be displayed briefly: This is the ROM version number.
- Press ON & the square root button together to quit the
debugger.
|
