I haven't needed a handheld calculator to do cogo for a long time, but I want to buy one for myself now so I am looking for suggestions. I started many years ago with an HP41 and the SurveyPac and after that I also had a 48GX with the SMI card for a few years too. I like using RPN.
I'm going to start shopping today and I guess I will need to familiarize myself with the current HP models that are now available and also what kinds of surveying cogo programs that are being sold too.
Experiences and recommendations are appreciated. Thanks !
hp 48 is all i use. i have 2 backups in moth balls just in case.
Newt, those are 48GXs on eBay and I am looking for whatever the new current thing is. Thanks
Snoop. Interesting. Maybe I'm going to find out there isn't something after the 48 worth considering??? Thanks.
I like the 50g quite a bit. Not quite as solid feeling as the 48, but much faster. Same programmability. Several cogo options available. A little more than $100 - so a pretty good buy.
Any experiences and comments on this HP50 and the SurveyPac by D'Zign ?
http://www.calculatorsource.com/dz-survey.html
Shawn, we just cross posted. I was asking about that HP50. Thanks.
There really isn't anything in the way of a new calculator that matches the HP41 or HP48. I use an HP35s for routine math and like it qquite a bit. D'Zign has a program for it, I haven't used it. The HP35s is an RPN calc and the key feel approaches that of the HP41.
If it's cogo calculating power in a compact package you are looking for you should probably be looking at a laptop.
I have a HP35s programed w the D'Zign routines. It has some COGO capabilities but I really only use the programs for horizontal & vertical curves so I cannot speak to how well they work. Love the 35s though.
The 48 is damn near impossible to beat. Calculator and calcs if you need it. The stack beats that of the 41, 42, 35, 33, or any other model. I have a 48 that I've had for many many years, and one or two in reserve. I have a 42 also that collects dust. On my iPhone, I have an HP15C that works very well in a pinch.
Stick with what you know.
Stick with the HP41 and SurveyPac -- Now available on your Smart Phone!
JBS
I also run an HP 41 app on my iPhone.
JB-where can you get the 41 & SurveyPac for android? Thanks!
48GX with SMI:-) is great. Been using it for years. Glad to hear that others think so to.
The Umbrella Surveyor.
I got an HP48 for my android by searching apps and found it pretty quickly. It is very nice and good-size keys on a tablet-size machine. (and free)
I latched up on an old hp48SX, made in the USA at a good price. It is plenty of memory if you aren't using it as a data collector and just as a powerful calculator. I found that many GX's have a little glitch that some are hard to turn on and you have to hold it in the bottom left corner while pushing the on button. I haven't heard of that glitch in the SX. Also the GX's seem to go for a lot more money.
I can't comment to the HP50
....just a couple of thoughts.
I have a newer HP 35s, and just don't like it much. I'll keep pulling up my HP11 or my 48 for quick calculations.
In my humble opinion you will not beat the 48. The 50 is nice but just not for me. I think it is a lot like rock n roll, what you grew up on is what you think is cool no matter how old it gets.
Norman, laptops I have a plenty. Just want a calculator that does what my 41 with the SurveyPAC did or my 48 with the SMI card did. Well, I found 2 48s in the closet. Now I just need a card to put in it. SMI seems to be all over eBay. Thanks.
JB, I have the 41 on my iPhone, but not the SurveyPAC. I will haave to look for that. Thanks.