Recommended Pocket-Calculators for Engineers
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Can´t get the Casio fx-61F?
Then try one these vintage cheapies as an alternative.
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Manual to the Casio Engineering series:
www.decadecount...
Inside the Casio fx-115D:
www.decadecount...
![Every Maker should have... [Pt.44]...a Pokitmeter](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVPQ6a7MVWM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Every Maker Should Have [Pt.40]...an HP-15C, HP-35S or a Casio fx-61F](/img/n.gif)
The CASIO FX-7000G/GA have all those keys even under shift function apart from 1/x. I used it for my masters exams. Needed some of the more advance functions that don't exist on standard calculators.
The FX-991MS is my go-to for electrical engineering undergrad work. It has everything you need including quick access to metric prefixes and a few handy constants, excellent manipulation of complex values, and overall a fast and intuitive interface. The FX-991EX ("Classwiz") is my next choice, and I much prefer the VPAM input to ensure larger and more involved equations are entered correctly (I'm looking at you, physical electronics...) and it has everything you could need -- however for some unknown reason, the engineering prefixes are buried two layers into the option menu (takes 4 DIFFERENT key presses to get your prefix input when in complex mode, 3 otherwise) while they left the Shift layer of numbers 4-9 unassigned entirely. If they'd fix that, it'd probably be perfect, and I understand that with so much capability crammed into the same form factor the UI is bound to be strained.
I sometimes play around with other calculators for my work, mostly for enjoyment. We aren't generally permitted any programmable or graphing calculators on any of our engineering tests that I've come across so far (located in Canada).
one don't really need the alphabetical prefixes , we all know what they are in 10^... ENG button is very handy though
@@ernestb.2377 Of course, but it makes it look cleaner with more involved inputs. It's more annoying that it's ommitted on the EX when the exact keys are left unused.
@@Thirsty_Fox Yeah, okay, but is also matter of being used to specific notation I suppose..
@@ernestb.2377 Definitely useful in electrical eng -- probably less so in most other fields. Part of being "VPAM" is making the engineering units look accurate, too. You can really see if you've entered your data correctly when it's input as it's written.
Of course, now that the EX has been replaced by the CM, my minor complaint about extra input steps has been taken to new levels. It's no fewer than 12 button presses to get the 'k' for kilo on the CM. Simply atrocious. I don't want to use menu trees for direct inputs.
A very good video. The fx-61F is a specialist calculator and it was made specifically for electrical engineers, and hence in limited quantities. Personally I think, the D series were some of the best designed Casio scientific calculators (fx-100D, 115D, 570D and 991D). One downside: You cannot input complex numbers directly in polar form, and cannot take conjugates quickly. The F series and the D series calcs are not easily available in countries where people do not trade such items on eBay. The fx-MS series are also good calculators, but with some downsides. There are newer general purpose calculators (like the fx- ES series or EX series) with many memories, but does not save calculation history.. The ES and ES plus series do not have the engg symbol input, but the MS series do have them. The newest EX series do not have the direct symbol input on the number key, but have an [OPTN] menu key, *which is annoying.* The fx-991 MS has direct engg symbol input in the COMP or ENG modes.
I'll never forget how long it took my Dad to explain RPN LOL, how suddenly there was a calculator with NO equals button.
Just bought the Super fx 991D and waiting for it to ship. It’s nice and thin, which is perfect, but the persistent engineering mode is amazing for circuit analysis. It’s not a 61f, but it’s also 15-20x less, so more than worth it.
Thanks for this great video. I’ve always been bewildered by the plethora of Casio models. I just wanted to point out that the venerable HP48GX when outfitted with the electrical engineering card is quite an amazing instrument .
Great video. I still have my fx-991D after a couple of decades and it's still my go-to for everyday work, despite only having a one-line display.
A word to those who purchase this calculator with the included #202c manual: There is an error in the battery replacement specification. Page 14 of the manual specifies the GR927 lithium battery. This is incorrect. The silver oxide battery #399 is the correct choice.
I noticed exactly the same error :-)
Forgot to mention it.
Has the LCD display on the 991D shown any signs of blackening? Because on some D series calculators this starts happening after around 10 to 15 years. The D series machines were made from 1991 to 1996.
No darkening yet, and I've had it since new. It may have lower hours than some other units of the same model. I've been retired for several years and I don't have the calculator turned on for several hours a day anymore.
@@markuswx1322 It is related to the quality of the reflective coating applied, nothing to do with number of hours is turned on. Some D series calculators have a lower quality coating. The fx-100D, 115D, 570D, 991D were some of the best scientific calculators ever made by Casio, for engineers. I've had a fx-991MS since 2008, and there is no darkening, but I have seen other 82MS, 82ES LCDs darken after around 10 years. It begins with a small dark spot at the center and then gradually expands.
@@Crazytesseract Good to know. This remains my favorite calculator even though I have a few more sophisticated ones.
Try Casio FX-4500P. Not like 61F, but really, really goood.
The Casio fx-580 (same as the Radio Shack EC-4035) might also be a suitible model for some. As far as I can tell, the key layout is close to that of the fx-115D, except you do have to press SHIFT+[sq.rt] to get the square function. I like the added electrical symbols too; many consider it a gimmick, but if you make a miscalculation, it's immediately obvious when the answer is not in the expected units.
As far as current production calculators for engineers, the fx-5800p is not bad. It has some annoyances (must press SHIFT to get ENG functions, units like kilo, nnao, etc. must be selected in a menu, etc.), but overall not bad.
(My apologies for not spell checking prior to submission.)
Still have my Fx-61f. That calculator got me through HNC Electronics Engineering and (along with a Sharp EL9300) degree physics.
The critical thing I found was to use the machines until it became transparent to operate them. The confidence they gave me was a lifeline.
I had an fx115D since the 90s, then the battery connector started playing up - I think it was a flexi with a conductive layer which contacted the batt., can't remember whether it was one or both batt. conn. that were like this, but I concluded that it would be a lot of trouble to try and substitute another battery connection arrangement - it got binned I'm afraid, and now, with a more recent Casio substitute which is not as good, I regret chucking it out :o( It WAS a fantastic calculator - my replacement won't even convert hex/dec/bin, and has some almost impossible to understand memories ! Thanks for this vid about the Casio alternatives to look for on ebay. You got yours very cheaply, I must say. Fx61 is obviously the one to have - I had never seen one until this video. Parallel component keys - fantastic !
10:58 There is quite a difference between "not ideal" and "unusable"...
He seems to have completely missed the point of the Natural Input on the FX-85DE PLUS. If he botherd to read the manual he could bring himself into the 21st century.
@@chas2077 Seems to be a trend with some calculator users... I've seen it mostly with the RPN guys, who swear RPN is clearly superior and nothing even comes close. They too live in the '80s.
@@CristiNeagu I feel like RPN was made to solve a problem that doesn't really exist anymore. I find it kind of fun to use sometimes, but it's more just a different way of doing the same thing. With higher resolution displays becoming the norm, I think VPAM like the FX-991 EX will make the most sense for people, especially since it's easy to verify your equation and modify it as needed. The one major design flaw with the EX is not having the engineering prefixes on the numbers (which are left blank instead.. thanks Casio).
Hello,
i`m an engineer in industrial vibrating machine technology; i started with a HP-11c (1986-2003) then switched to TI 84+ with the Zilog Z80 CPU because for me it is important to see the history of the calculation on the display and i need approx. 20 small basic programms for my daily work. Approx. 2008 i switched to the TI Voyage 200 CAS system which was a massive improvement and a radical departure of everything i tried before (superb keyboard, variables as you want them, solves differential equations...) and i am still very happy with it. It has a Motorola 68000 CPU; and it connects to PC via TI USB adapter. For calculations in very dirty enviroment (in foundry basements...) i use the symcalc app on my smartphone which is also a fully functional CAS system but, of course, i hate the "keys" of this one. Importance of pocket calculators decreased in the last years because all calculations related to a projects must be stored as an excel file in the project file folder to allow any collegue to have a look at where a solution comes from and how it was calculated.
Anyhow, wonder why you do not recommend any TI calculator, have you ever tried a Voyage 200 ? If not, you should try...
Best regards
This video is only about pocket scientific *calculators* (without the programming capabilities). The emphasis was on the ergonomics to make quick basic *manual* calculations.
For the programmable calculators the possible choices and models (and personal tastes, demands etc.) are way too large to make a video about.
I own a fx115d that I bought in cvs thirty years ago, if my memory isn’t playing tricks on me. I just changed the battery for the second time. The current number for the battery type is “399” or”395/399”. A great calculator. You place the battery in the display half with the positive pole facing up and the snap the back half on. Do not bend the clip in the back half to jam in a battery. It doesn’t go there. It just lays in the well in the front half. Screw it up and you will have years of service in darker lighting.
Unfortunately the 61F has no regression calculation mode, which is very common and important in engineering practice.
BTW, the 50F from the same era is more applicable for engineering, because the LR feature and two independent program area.
I have both, I like 50F better.
And you can noted as you can check eBay prices, the rare CASIO fx's prices higher than the HP's, therefore more better solution to select a 15C (if you needed a full complex arithmetic including matrices) or cheaper but little limited 32SII - which is the best from the 90's.
Well it all depends on your needs and preferences and taste of course. The focus here was on electrical engineering and directly accesible ("1-key") functions (plus the quality of the keys and the LCD-contrast).
I think in todays world for anything more than basic calculations I would more comfortably on a PC or with an app on a smartphone. And that´s why the FX-61f in my view is unbeatable for electrical engineers. And it´s not that expensive if you have the patience to wait for a real auction on Ebay (not the overpriced "buy-at-once" offers). I got both of my FX-61f´s for less than 40 Euros while you can hardly ever snap a HP-15C for under 100 Euros.
In the meantime I have the reviewed Casios lying all over the shop at every desk and bench while my HP-15C and the HP-35S I have at home.
Key layout can be convenient, but I think most people care more about features, cost, and build quality.
Hell, the Sharp EL506P and clones are fantastic things, with the clones being absolutely TINY due to the extreme cost reduction (They WILL wear out fast unfortunately). You have insanity like complex numbers and base conversion all crammed into ~13 inches squared.
I mainly grab my modded Sharp EL535TG (the model is set via resistors on the PCB). The higher end model in that range is essentially an fx-115es plus but with engineering symbols (no need to remember the value for fempto!)
Very specific calculator FX-61F, any other would need more instructions for the job. I guess that (according the comments) the main point is missing in this case. Anyway there are no contenders today in the area of specific job calculators that were made in that era. Period! Or have anyone some today's suggestions?
These may be of use to *some* electrical engineers but certainly not all of them. Other engineering disciplines would find them of little use. A *general purpose* scientific calculator has much greater utility across a much wider range of engineers: mechanical, industrial, chemical, mining, civil, systems, architectural, construction, etc. Among the older ones, TI made some excellent slim and small LCD display models from the early 1980's through the 1990's. The TI-30-II and TI-30-III from the 1980's and the TI-36x (Solar) from the 1990's are two extremely useful examples. They easily fit into a shirt pocket. Casio precision among their vintage models, with the transcendentals in particular, is spotty. Error on some accumulates quickly. The severity of this should be one of the criteria for calculator selection.
For those OK with HP's RPN entry, the HP-15C is a classic (along with the lesser HP-11C). SwissMicros now makes a DM42, a serious and thin HP-42S clone that's easily put into a shirt pocket - but wouldn't want to bend over and have a $230 calculator fall out onto a concrete floor. They also make the DM-11L and DM-15L clones of HP's Voyager series. These can be less expensive than finding the actual HP models, plus they're much faster with lower battery drain and USB connectivity. Even so, I wouldn't want to drop a $130 calculator onto a concrete floor. I learned not to stuff a calculator into my shirt pocket even if it fit there a very long time ago.
I used to have a TI 35X; the nice thing about it was the set of inbuilt physical constants (Planck's constant, gravitational constant, charge of electron, Stefan-Boltzmann, etc.). Clunky with complex arithmetic, though. Now-a-days it is all scilab/numpy.
I forgot to mention in the video that (except for battery-type and keyboard colouring) the main difference with the single "ENG" or dual "-->ENG" , "
Cool! Thanks for the tip! :)
I have FX-3800, pretty nice one ...
fx-50f plus
The Casio fx-450, fx-451 and fx-451M are not bad if you can put up with their unusual fold-out, membrane keyboards.
I've had bad experiences with heat seal ribbon cables.
@@qwertykeyboard5901 When I changed the dead "C-Power" battery in an fx-451M, the ribbon connecting the membrane keyboard became partially unstuck from the main PCB but after rubbing it back down with finger pressure, it stuck back down and it works fine.
Surprizingly for me, the fx-570AD doesn't have a function for transforming degrees to radians and viceversa.
thank you for the wonderful video. I am not an engineer, but love calculators as if I were an engineer. do you happen to know what the Casio suffix letters mean? (S, ES, MS, W, D, EX) I wish I knew, it would make me understand what other models were suppose to be.
I haven´t compiled a list of all the suffixes to make out their scheme of naming their calculators because I noticed that only the "D"-models serve most of my requirements.
I only recognized that you really have to look twice for not getting the wrong type when googling or searching on Ebay for the exact right model. That´s why I pointed this out that it´s important to get one with the "D"-suffix.
It´s really confusing because Casio seems to continue a model-line for quite some time with (especially in the recent models) completely different functionality and keyboard layouts than the earlier models with the same number.
KainkaLabs thank you
Why these exact letters were chosen: only Casio engineers will know. They seem arbitrary to me.
D: One line display with improved processor speed compared to V series
S : VPAM , with commands
W: 2 line display with review, VPAM
MS: 2 line display with replay/review S-VPAM
ES: Math input in textbook style, Natural VPAM
EX: High resolution display, advanced natural display.
@@Crazytesseract and there also F (Formula), P (programmable) and G (Graphical)
what's the big deal for them to add more rows for the buttons? there is no need for shift at all
Youd either have to male the keys much smaller or make the calculator bigger which would kinda contradict the fact that it is a pocket calculator tho there is a way they'd have to add a build in harcover and have a secondary keyboard on the cove which might not be a bad solution at all
I recently got the fx-115D but it doesn't have the hardcover. Can someone advise where a cover or pouch for it can be purchased?
Mine came with a pouch and manual when I purchased it brand new. No hardcover.
How do I use it in mathematics(complex numbers, definitly and sequences)
RTFM
@@KainkaLabs what do you mean
@@fatmaderrag4000 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTFM
I'm curious to know if anyone has found a phone app with the same electrical engineering functions as the FX-61F? Sort of unrelated: Is a calculator's layout and operation patented/copyrighted/trademarked? Can someone just make an exact copy of a particular Casio for the phone and not get sued?
There are a lot of HP calculator apps out there which imitate all the classical HPs (35, 1xC Voyager series, 41CV etc.)
So at least HP apparently has no objections and I wouldn´t expect any problems from Casio.
@@KainkaLabs Free42 is a good simulation of the HP-42S and can be programmed to do all the functions of the FX-61F as soft menu keys, but in RPN mode.
What is the difference between a Casio fx-115s (which I have) and a Casio 115d?
Looking at the keyboard in the pictures I can't deduce it.
Does anyone know?
On the first row you can see a difference between "Kin" and "Kout" on the 115d vs. "STO" and "RCL" on the 115f.
More important the 115f lacks the scientific prefixes "G", "M", "k", "m", "µ", "n" and "f" as a secondary function on the number keys.
So that´s why the "d"-versions of some Casios are the ones fpr engineers :-)
@@KainkaLabs thanks, I miss the secondary functions on the number keys in the photos
Casio fx-115S uses V.P.A.M. and have function command display at the top left of the LCD. The D calculators do not use V.P.A.M.
@@KainkaLabsBut 115s does have the engineering symbols input. You are speaking of 115f (?) which I am not aware of. I think you mean 115s. I used to have the 100s (AA size battery version of 115s), and it has this facility.
@@Crazytesseract Was looking at the manual for the Casio fx-115s (which is also for the 100s/570s/991s) and it does mention the engineering symbols (as you indicated in your reply) though it says: "If you press the above keys while the calculator is not in the ENG Mode, the ENG unit is not input. Instead, only the character that represents the engineering symbol is input." -- Not sure what this means? Also it looks like you need to press the mode button several times to enter into ENG mode.
FX-61F IS CALLED THE FX-260 IN USA IS AN EXCELLENT BUY FOR THE MONEY.
Hm. I´ve googled pictures for the FX-260 and they look like identical to the FX-82.
YOU ARE CORRECT,I MEAN'T FX-82
HAVING TROUBLE ORDERING ITEMS FROM YOUR CATALOG,IT WON'T TAKE MY ORDERS.
Just write an email to info@ak-modul-bus.de or to roger@kainkalabs.com what parts you want.
At which point did you have problems with the shop?
I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO READ GERMAN AND,IT WILL NOT TRANSLATE TO ENGLISH BY PRESSING THE ENGLISH BUTTON.
Thanks, but please kil-ohms not kilo-ohms.
So you also say kil-meters instead of kilometers and kil-grams instead of kilo-grams?