I'm testing for my PS in October. Was hoping for a few leads on sites with good study Material. I'm also looking for a hp33 programmed with the cogo programs. I can do most the math long hand, but would like the time savings using the cogo functions. I found one site offering them for $280 with a video and sounds like good tech support. Does anyone have any links to a site I may save a few dollars, but still get quality service? I was just laid off, so cost savings would be helpful.
E-mail is [email protected], or please post here.
Thank you for any help or ideas.
Mark
Sorry the hp35 is 280, hp33 240 programmed.
> Sorry the hp35 is 280, hp33 240 programmed.
This is my first time posting
I have some hp33 programs that i wrote years ago.
they are hand written let me scan them and i will email them to you.
As far as the National exam goes you shouldn't need any programs. The math was pretty basic stuff.
I'm going to purchase one programmed. The 33's are a pain to program. I hear the 35's are more user friendly to program.
Was mostly looking for speed, rather than doing long hand cogo. I can do the math also, but time consuming.
Good luck on your exam.
I think may find a strong presence of PLS's that feel we shouldn't even need a calculator on a state specific exam. Myself included. It should be about laws, applying them in situations, and certain procedures, not crunching numbers.
> > Sorry the hp35 is 280, hp33 240 programmed.
>
> This is my first time posting
> I have some hp33 programs that i wrote years ago.
> they are hand written let me scan them and i will email them to you.
> As far as the National exam goes you shouldn't need any programs. The math was pretty basic stuff.
And good luck with the exam
I agree. My understanding is there are a few problems requiring coordinate solution for section corner restoration. Along with some area, and triangle problems. I was told the state specific had a section 6 question also requiring math solution as well as understanding the proportioning.
I just want to be prepared, want to pass the 1st try.
> I'm testing for my PS in October. Was hoping for a few leads on sites with good study Material. I'm also looking for a hp33 programmed with the cogo programs. I can do most the math long hand, but would like the time savings using the cogo functions. I found one site offering them for $280 with a video and sounds like good tech support. Does anyone have any links to a site I may save a few dollars, but still get quality service? I was just laid off, so cost savings would be helpful.
> E-mail is [email protected], or please post here.
>
> Thank you for any help or ideas.
> Mark
I enjoyed talking to you earlier Mark. Hope I was able to answer your questions.
Here is the list of programs on the LSW Preprogrammed Calculator.
Bearing to Azimuth
Azimuth to Bearing
Bearing–Bearing Intersection
Bearing-Distance Intersection
Distance-Distance Intersection
The SAA Case
The SAS Case
The SSA Case
The SSS Case
Coordinates for Intersection of Two Lines
Inverse
Area By Coordinates
Pre-Determined Area
Traverse
Circular Curve
Vertical Curve
Spiral Curve
Double Proportionate
Quadratic Equation
Curve Station Information
Trapezoidal Ditch
V-Ditch
Pipe Flow
Table of Contents
Also, I sent you a link to the Webinar with Advice for Exam Takers but thought it worth the effort to post the same here in case others were also looking for advice. There is no cost or obligation for anyone wishing to view the 1 hour presentation. You will have to provide your name and email address but we do not share that information with anyone else.
Hope that helps.
Larry P
I got it thanks for the info. I should be in touch in the next couple weeks.
For the State specific check with KSLS at http://www.ksls.com/ That is where I got my reference material. Also try the Kansas State Historical Society at http://www.kshs.org/. That is also where all corner records go.
Have you asked the Board?
Don't forget the NCEE's study guides. They are quite good.
Thanks I will check those sources.
Hp 35 is a breeze to program, MN Dot has the instructions clearly laid out with the checksum for you, free of charge. Good luck on the exam.
Programs In An HP 33/35 Are Not Needed
But if you insist buy an new HP 35 and plug in some basic free stuff.
Paul in PA
The national PS exam (ncees) isn't anywhere near as math intensive as the FS is/was. Using an RPN calculator already saves you alot of time on cogo or whatever calcs. I feel you'll be better served with the references you bring to the exam rather than shuffling thru a skeleton menu of generic programs on a calculator. I just don't see the programs as really being a big time saver (in comparison to knowing your reference material) for the exam, but if it gives you peace of mind, so be it. Good luck!
Programs In An HP 33/35 Are Not Needed
> But if you insist buy an new HP 35 and plug in some basic free stuff.
>
> Paul in PA
Let me respectfully disagree with my friend Paul from PA. It is very true that programs are not a substitute for knowing the subject. But his assertion that the programs are not needed is untrue for many being tested. The programs allow the test taker to spend less time on the math behind the problems and spend more time reading and answering other problems.
No program will bring additional knowledge to the table. What they buy you is TIME. For some, time can be a very precious commodity.
Larry P
Programs In An HP 33/35 Are Not Needed
Even if you are fast and good......calculate the problem by hand and check with the software....or run it through the software, and check it by hand calculation if you finish and have time.
I always do a double check on my own math on the job using a different method of calculation if possible. It is good for finding typos or busted numbers.
If I get a legal description and a drawing for approval, I take the description and run it through a cogo run verbatim and see if I get the same closure and area; in addition to checking the numbers against the map (also reading it for calls and etc.....same idea.
If you think you are perfect and always get it right the first time, I have a feeling I could find a number of mistakes.
Programs In An HP 33/35 Are Not Needed
We all make mistakes. I try to double check my math, or have a co-worker recheck my numbers. Most offices I've been in have had a check system. I find Leagal Descriptipons fall under this rule as well. First company I ran a crew for had me read and check all Legals. Taught me a good habit I've tried to keep through my 17 years.
Thanks for the advice
You sound very focused on math. I think that you will find that relatively little of the test is math based, and most of those questions that are math based don't require a programmed calculator.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be prepared for those questions that are mathematical, but your knowledge of boundary law principles and legal descriptions will be the more important.
Math seemed to be very important on the FS, so I guess I'm using past experience. The only part I'm really nervous about is the Kansas State specific. I've only been in the state a year (16 years Surveying in Wa. State). A couple Surveyors I worked with told me a question on the state test requires double proportion and section 6 question, both requiring a coordinate solution. I'd hate to make a simple math error and fail the test.