50g

I'm new to 50g, but a long-time HP user.

It seems to me that one of the more obvious advantages of connecting a
calculator to a PC would be the ability to use the calculator as an
enhanced numeric keypad. I often perform calculations on a calculator,
and then enter the result into the active cell of a PC Excel file that
I'm working on.

A few manufacturers have offered devices that combine rudimentary (4-
banger) calculator capabilities with a numeric keypad. These devices
allow the user to perform a calculation, then press a button to send
the result as a string to the insertion point in an open file on the
PC. These devices generally suffer from a paucity of calculation
features.

I'm wondering whether it's possible to get the 50g to send data to the
PC in the same way that these weakling devices do it. Maybe I'm
missing something obvious in the 50g documentation. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Yes. In windows you can set up any device that sends text to the
computer over a serial device and it parses it like keyboard input.
Basically, you assign a key to a program like << ->STR XMIT >>. Then
when you want to send, press the key.

TW

Ok,

I tried that, but got noting. Is there any other configuring on the
PC side? I tried setting the Accessibility Options to use serial
keys, but that didn't do the trick.

EKW

I don't know how useful this might be but worth a look:
http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=3721

Says it's for the 48 but you only need to put the calculator into
Kermit server mode; the rest is done on the pc. You control the hp by
typing everything on the pc, then, I guess you can cut & paste to
Excel.

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "m2mbob" <bob.ryan@...> wrote:
>
> I'm new to 50g, but a long-time HP user.
>
> It seems to me that one of the more obvious advantages of
connecting a
> calculator to a PC would be the ability to use the calculator as an
> enhanced numeric keypad. I often perform calculations on a
calculator,
> and then enter the result into the active cell of a PC Excel file
that
> I'm working on.
>
> A few manufacturers have offered devices that combine rudimentary
(4-
> banger) calculator capabilities with a numeric keypad. These
devices
> allow the user to perform a calculation, then press a button to
send
> the result as a string to the insertion point in an open file on
the
> PC. These devices generally suffer from a paucity of calculation
> features.
>
> I'm wondering whether it's possible to get the 50g to send data to
the
> PC in the same way that these weakling devices do it. Maybe I'm
> missing something obvious in the 50g documentation. Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
>

Thanks for your suggestion!
I'm a bit slow at parsing your syntax - I recognize the << >>
encapsulation of a program string, and I recognize the command XMIT
from the catalogue, but I don't understand ->STR .

Do you mean ->STR literally, as an argument for XMIT ?
Does -> represent the HP-50g keyboard sequence: [right-shift][0] ,
meaning that I should insert the right-pointing arrow ahead of the
three characters STR (thus creating a local variable named STR, and
transmitting its value, all in one elegant line of code)?

In my first feeble attempts (before submitting my initial question to
the group), I had assumed that I would need to build program steps
like:

<< 'STR' STO (grabs the value of
Level 1 of the stack
into variable STR)

XMIT (with baffling argument & syntax) (sends the value of
STR through the wire)

STR PURGE >> (deletes variable STR)

- but I got the error message:
XMIT Error: Bad Argument Type

- which implies, to my neophyte mind, that XMIT won't work when a
variable name is used as the argument.

The old "49g+ Advanced" manual's description of XMIT describes the
required argument as being the string, surrounded by "" .

I just haven't figured out how to write program steps to grab the
value in Stack Level 1, package it in "", and present it to XMIT as
the argument.

Any thoughts? I have a pretty high embarrassment threshold, so fire
away!

My headstone will say: "I Never Shoulda Loaned My 15C To Nobody".

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "Tim Wessman" <timwessman@...> wrote:
>
> Yes. In windows you can set up any device that sends text to the
> computer over a serial device and it parses it like keyboard input.
> Basically, you assign a key to a program like << ->STR XMIT >>.
Then
> when you want to send, press the key.
>
> TW
>

m2mbob wrote:

> Thanks for your suggestion!
> I'm a bit slow at parsing your syntax - I recognize the << >>
> encapsulation of a program string, and I recognize the command XMIT
> from the catalogue, but I don't understand ->STR .
>
> Do you mean ->STR literally, as an argument for XMIT ?
> Does -> represent the HP-50g keyboard sequence: [right-shift][0] ,
> meaning that I should insert the right-pointing arrow ahead of the
> three characters STR (thus creating a local variable named STR, and
> transmitting its value, all in one elegant line of code)?

He means the command represented by the right-arrow symbol
[right-shift][0], followed by the letters STR, no space between. It
converts its argument to a string.

Since in plain text we don't have the symbol for right arrow, by
convention we use a digraph composed of the minus sign and the
greater-than symbol. (We also don't have a symbol for "two
greater-thans in one space", which you get from [right-shift][+], but
you got that one yourself.)

Try using the CAT key to see all the commands.

> In my first feeble attempts (before submitting my initial question to
> the group), I had assumed that I would need to build program steps
> like:
>
> << 'STR' STO (grabs the value of
> Level 1 of the stack
> into variable STR)
>
> XMIT (with baffling argument & syntax) (sends the value of
> STR through the wire)
>
> STR PURGE >> (deletes variable STR)
>
> - but I got the error message:
> XMIT Error: Bad Argument Type
>
> - which implies, to my neophyte mind, that XMIT won't work when a
> variable name is used as the argument.

The program Tim gave you used the XMIT command in RPN mode, with its
parameter on the stack, preceding the command. It transmits a string
serially.

> The old "49g+ Advanced" manual's description of XMIT describes the
> required argument as being the string, surrounded by "" .

You were looking at the description of how to use XMIT in ALG mode. In
RPN mode, the argument comes first.

> I just haven't figured out how to write program steps to grab the
> value in Stack Level 1, package it in "", and present it to XMIT as
> the argument.

That was the program Tim gave you. To repeat it:

<< ->STR XMIT >>

One program, two commands long, first ->STR, convert one stack item to
string, place result on stack. Then XMIT, transmit one stack item, put
nothing on stack.

> Any thoughts? I have a pretty high embarrassment threshold, so fire
> away!

When you look at the manual be aware that it switches between ALG and
RPN when describing the commands. It's pretty easy to tell what you're
reading if you remember that.

> My headstone will say: "I Never Shoulda Loaned My 15C To Nobody".

That's what eBay is for! But, yes, I certainly agree with the sentiment...




--
Dave Boyd
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan, D.O.O.P.

Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing the
fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than RPN...

I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
[ENTER], I get this error message:
Invalid Syntax

For example (in RPN mode):
3
7
5
[ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
[right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
[right-shift][0] (the -> character)
[ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
S
T
R
[SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
[right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
(scroll to) XMIT
[ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
(or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)

Now my program is complete(?). If I next press [ENTER], the program
should be stored in the x-register, and then I should be able to
store the program as a variable.

But what happens instead when I press [ENTER] is:
Invalid Syntax

Similarly, if I attempt to invoke the same command sequence without
programming it:

3
7
5
[ENTER]
[right-shift][0]
[ALPHA][ALPHA]
S
T
R
[SPC]
X
M
I
T
[ENTER]

The result is:
Invalid Syntax

So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not providing.

Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when somebody
points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Dave Boyd <boydda@...> wrote:
>
> m2mbob wrote:
> > Thanks for your suggestion!
> > I'm a bit slow at parsing your syntax - I recognize the << >>
> > encapsulation of a program string, and I recognize the command
XMIT
> > from the catalogue, but I don't understand ->STR .
> >
> > Do you mean ->STR literally, as an argument for XMIT ?
> > Does -> represent the HP-50g keyboard sequence: [right-shift]
[0] ,
> > meaning that I should insert the right-pointing arrow ahead of
the
> > three characters STR (thus creating a local variable named STR,
and
> > transmitting its value, all in one elegant line of code)?
>
> He means the command represented by the right-arrow symbol
> [right-shift][0], followed by the letters STR, no space between.
It
> converts its argument to a string.
>
> Since in plain text we don't have the symbol for right arrow, by
> convention we use a digraph composed of the minus sign and the
> greater-than symbol. (We also don't have a symbol for "two
> greater-thans in one space", which you get from [right-shift][+],
but
> you got that one yourself.)
>
> Try using the CAT key to see all the commands.
>
> > In my first feeble attempts (before submitting my initial
question to
> > the group), I had assumed that I would need to build program
steps
> > like:
> >
> > << 'STR' STO (grabs the value
of
> > Level 1 of the
stack
> > into variable
STR)
> >
> > XMIT (with baffling argument & syntax) (sends the value
of
> > STR through the
wire)
> >
> > STR PURGE >> (deletes variable
STR)
> >
> > - but I got the error message:
> > XMIT Error: Bad Argument Type
> >
> > - which implies, to my neophyte mind, that XMIT won't work when a
> > variable name is used as the argument.
>
> The program Tim gave you used the XMIT command in RPN mode, with
its
> parameter on the stack, preceding the command. It transmits a
string
> serially.
>
> > The old "49g+ Advanced" manual's description of XMIT describes
the
> > required argument as being the string, surrounded by "" .
>
> You were looking at the description of how to use XMIT in ALG
mode. In
> RPN mode, the argument comes first.
>
> > I just haven't figured out how to write program steps to grab the
> > value in Stack Level 1, package it in "", and present it to XMIT
as
> > the argument.
>
> That was the program Tim gave you. To repeat it:
>
> << ->STR XMIT >>
>
> One program, two commands long, first ->STR, convert one stack item
to
> string, place result on stack. Then XMIT, transmit one stack item,
put
> nothing on stack.
>
> > Any thoughts? I have a pretty high embarrassment threshold, so
fire
> > away!
>
> When you look at the manual be aware that it switches between ALG
and
> RPN when describing the commands. It's pretty easy to tell what
you're
> reading if you remember that.
>
> > My headstone will say: "I Never Shoulda Loaned My 15C To Nobody".
>
> That's what eBay is for! But, yes, I certainly agree with the
sentiment...
>
>
>
>
> --
> Dave Boyd
> "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
> like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan,
D.O.O.P.
>

m2mbob wrote:

> Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing the
> fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than RPN...
>
> I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> [ENTER], I get this error message:
> Invalid Syntax
>
> For example (in RPN mode):
> 3
> 7
> 5
> [ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
> [right-shift][0] (the -> character)

...and a space, which you don't want. So now you [backspace], and then...

> [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
> S
> T
> R

And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.

Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker just to hold down the alpha
key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let go of the alpha key. You
can even keep it held down while typing the numbers and [+], [-], and
[*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).

> [SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> (scroll to) XMIT

Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever you were last, just hold
the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in the catalog more quickly.
(You can also press [right-shift][0] to go the entries starting with
-> to get to ->STR.)

> [ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
> (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)

That's easier, yes.

<snip>

> So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not providing.
>
> Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when somebody
> points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!

No need for that!


--
Dave Boyd
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan, D.O.O.P.

Guys, you're giving lessons here.

I'm glad I joined this group!

André

On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 3:59 PM, Dave Boyd <boydda@...> wrote:

m2mbob wrote:
> Thanks again!  Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing the
> fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than RPN...
>
> I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> [ENTER], I get this error message:
>            Invalid Syntax
>
> For example (in RPN mode):
> 3
> 7
> 5
> [ENTER]                  (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> [right-shift][+]         (<< >> to enter program mode)
> [right-shift][0]         (the -> character)

...and a space, which you don't want.  So now you [backspace], and then...

> [ALPHA][APLHA]           (prepares to input the next characters)
> S
> T
> R

And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.

Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker just to hold down the alpha
key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let go of the alpha key.  You
can even keep it held down while typing the numbers and [+], [-], and
[*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).

> [SPC]                    (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> [right-shift][SYMB]      (the CAT menu)
> (scroll to) XMIT

Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever you were last, just hold
the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in the catalog more quickly.
 (You can also press [right-shift][0] to go the entries starting with
-> to get to ->STR.)

> [ENTER]                  (selects the XMIT command)
>                          (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)

That's easier, yes.

<snip>

> So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not providing.
>
> Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when somebody
> points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!

No need for that!

--
Dave Boyd
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
 like a house of cards. Checkmate."  -Capt. Zapp Brannigan, D.O.O.P.

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On gio, 2008-03-27 at 18:43 +0000, m2mbob wrote:

> Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing the
> fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than RPN...
>
> I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> [ENTER], I get this error message:
> Invalid Syntax
>
> For example (in RPN mode):
> 3
> 7
> 5
> [ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
> [right-shift][0] (the -> character)

This inserts a space between the -> character and the following
"STR"....
Please ensure you delete this extra space with a backspace
Maybe you'd better select the \->STR command from
[LEFT SHIFT][PROG][TYPE][F4]

> [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
> S
> T
> R
> [SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> (scroll to) XMIT
> [ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
> (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)
>
> Now my program is complete(?). If I next press [ENTER], the program
> should be stored in the x-register, and then I should be able to
> store the program as a variable.
>
> But what happens instead when I press [ENTER] is:
> Invalid Syntax
>
> Similarly, if I attempt to invoke the same command sequence without
> programming it:
>
> 3
> 7
> 5
> [ENTER]
> [right-shift][0]
> [ALPHA][ALPHA]
> S
> T
> R
> [SPC]
> X
> M
> I
> T
> [ENTER]
>
> The result is:
> Invalid Syntax
>
> So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not providing.

Once again, I *do* think you need to get rid of the space between the
right arrow and the STR...

>
> Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when somebody
> points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!
>
>

Hope this helps.
Best regards.
Giancarlo

Thanks for your patience! After making the correction that you
recommended (eliminating the space between -> and STR ), the program
appears to function as expected. After executing, I have the value:
1 in the x-register.
I believe that the value: 1 is the code that XMIT
returns if the transmission was successful.
So from here the likely head-scratcher will be how to get the PC and
the target PC application to receive the string.
BTW, your knowledge of RPL and the 4x:50 family are impressive!

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Dave Boyd <boydda@...> wrote:
>
> m2mbob wrote:
> > Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing
the
> > fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than
RPN...
> >
> > I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> > [ENTER], I get this error message:
> > Invalid Syntax
> >
> > For example (in RPN mode):
> > 3
> > 7
> > 5
> > [ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> > [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
> > [right-shift][0] (the -> character)
>
> ...and a space, which you don't want. So now you [backspace], and
then...
>
> > [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
> > S
> > T
> > R
>
> And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.
>
> Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker just to hold down the
alpha
> key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let go of the alpha key.
You
> can even keep it held down while typing the numbers and [+], [-],
and
> [*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).
>
> > [SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> > [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> > (scroll to) XMIT
>
> Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever you were last, just
hold
> the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in the catalog more
quickly.
> (You can also press [right-shift][0] to go the entries starting
with
> -> to get to ->STR.)
>
> > [ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
> > (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)
>
> That's easier, yes.
>
> <snip>
>
> > So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not
providing.
> >
> > Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when
somebody
> > points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!
>
> No need for that!
>
>
> --
> Dave Boyd
> "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
> like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan,
D.O.O.P.
>

> I believe that the value: 1 is the code that XMIT
> returns if the transmission was successful.

Yes. It can also return a 0, but I've never once seen that. So just
modify the program to add a DROP. Did you assign it to a key? Or
just run it from the menu?

You could write up what you learned in a document and call it "Using
the 50G as an external keyboard on the computer" or something like
that. It would be a welcome addition on HPCALC.org I'm sure.

TW

My thanks to Tim, Dave and Giancarlo for their input and patience
regarding this interesting (to me, anyway) question of how to send a
string from a 50g to the insertion point of an open file on a PC.

So far you guys have carried me on your backs through the process of
writing the 2-step program to
- convert x-register contents to a string, and
- send the string using the XMIT command.

To answer your most recent question, Tim - I have not assigned the
program to a key via the USER capabilities (which I've yet to explore),
but have assigned the program as a variable in the directory from which
I'm most likely to use it, so that it shows up as a soft-key menu item
in that directory. When I press [VAR] to display the available
variables, then press [F1] (which is now labeled with the program
name), the program appears to execute (the value: 1 appears in the x-
register). Later I'll take time to learn how to do the USER key
assignment.

So I think the calculator is now doing the "sending" part of the task.
Meanwhile my PC is blissfully unaware of what a towering RPL code-
monster I've suddenly become, and is ignoring my impressive XMITs.

I think I'll have to figure out how to get WIN2000 to recognize the 50g
as an input device. So far I have tentatively concluded that the
connection between Conn4x and the server on the 50g is *not* part of
the solution, since on the calculator I have to exit the server in
order to work in the calc environment.

So I'm now addressing the puzzle of how to tell Windows that the 50g on
the other end of the USB cable is an input device. If lightning
strikes, I'll report my findings right away! If any of you guys already
know where the stumps are in this water, feel free to point them out!

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "Tim Wessman" <timwessman@...> wrote:
>
> > I believe that the value: 1 is the code that XMIT
> > returns if the transmission was successful.
>
> Yes. It can also return a 0, but I've never once seen that. So just
> modify the program to add a DROP. Did you assign it to a key? Or
> just run it from the menu?
>
> You could write up what you learned in a document and call it "Using
> the 50G as an external keyboard on the computer" or something like
> that. It would be a welcome addition on HPCALC.org I'm sure.
>
> TW
>

Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k baud Xon/off" and the
program works as advertised. You have to be sure and set these
parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer section and leave it
set to Kermit.
I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP calc ever) How do I
pass characters that the calc recognizes as operators with out a
syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I wanted to transmit the
string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to return its identity.
Regards
Matthew

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "m2mbob" <bob.ryan@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your patience! After making the correction that you
> recommended (eliminating the space between -> and STR ), the program
> appears to function as expected. After executing, I have the value:
> 1 in the x-register.
> I believe that the value: 1 is the code that XMIT
> returns if the transmission was successful.
> So from here the likely head-scratcher will be how to get the PC and
> the target PC application to receive the string.
> BTW, your knowledge of RPL and the 4x:50 family are impressive!
>
> --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Dave Boyd <boydda@> wrote:
> >
> > m2mbob wrote:
> > > Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing
> the
> > > fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than
> RPN...
> > >
> > > I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> > > [ENTER], I get this error message:
> > > Invalid Syntax
> > >
> > > For example (in RPN mode):
> > > 3
> > > 7
> > > 5
> > > [ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> > > [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
> > > [right-shift][0] (the -> character)
> >
> > ...and a space, which you don't want. So now you [backspace], and
> then...
> >
> > > [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
> > > S
> > > T
> > > R
> >
> > And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.
> >
> > Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker just to hold down the
> alpha
> > key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let go of the alpha key.
> You
> > can even keep it held down while typing the numbers and [+], [-],
> and
> > [*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).
> >
> > > [SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> > > [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> > > (scroll to) XMIT
> >
> > Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever you were last, just
> hold
> > the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in the catalog more
> quickly.
> > (You can also press [right-shift][0] to go the entries starting
> with
> > -> to get to ->STR.)
> >
> > > [ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
> > > (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)
> >
> > That's easier, yes.
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > > So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not
> providing.
> > >
> > > Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when
> somebody
> > > points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!
> >
> > No need for that!
> >
> >
> > --
> > Dave Boyd
> > "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
> > like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan,
> D.O.O.P.
> >
>

Press the alpha shift key first, then the *

--- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:

> Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k baud
> Xon/off" and the
> program works as advertised. You have to be sure and
> set these
> parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer
> section and leave it
> set to Kermit.
> I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP
> calc ever) How do I
> pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> operators with out a
> syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I wanted
> to transmit the
> string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to
> return its identity.
> Regards
> Matthew

____________________________________________________________________________________
Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one month at no cost.
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No go Don. It gives me the "too few arguments" error or just multiple
quotes. Trying to get the darned thing to send strings of ASCII
characters to control my HP35670a analyzer. Interface is serial
through a national instruments GBIP-232CV-A converter and I have
Eric's rs-232 cable..which works great by the way.
Regards
Matthew

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@...> wrote:
>
> Press the alpha shift key first, then the *
>
> --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:
>
> > Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k baud
> > Xon/off" and the
> > program works as advertised. You have to be sure and
> > set these
> > parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer
> > section and leave it
> > set to Kermit.
> > I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP
> > calc ever) How do I
> > pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> > operators with out a
> > syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I wanted
> > to transmit the
> > string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to
> > return its identity.
> > Regards
> > Matthew
>
>
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
> Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access
for one month at no cost.
> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text4.com
>

Question for Matthew:

From your post I'm gathering that you have successfully sent a
character string from your 50g to an active cell in an open Excel
file, or to the insertion point in some other file.

I'm having trouble following what you did to get there.

When I open the input form for APPS, I/O functions..., Transfer...,
the fields that I see in the input form don't appear to support input
corresponding to "8N1 19k baud Xon/off". I also can't find any
reference to "hyperterminal" anywhere in the three PDF manuals that
supply most of my comic relief.

I must be truly lost. My first suspicion (smack me with the cold fish
of the obvious here) is that I'm trying to get the 50g to talk to the
PC using the USB port and cable, when I should be using the serial
port and a serial cable of some kind.

If, in the input form, I choose Port: Serial,
I do see a Baud: field (which I had earlier stumbled upon using the
BAUD command). So I have a faint whiff of (maybe) picking up your
trail. But I can't fathom how to squish the rest of "8N1 19k baud
Xon/off" into this input form, nor what physical connection you are
using between 50g and PC.

All of my previous experience of HP calculator I/O has been via two
fingers and the occasional calculator dope-slap against my forehead.
Could you drop a couple of loaf-sized breadcrumbs to lead me in the
right direction?

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "ntesla66" <ntesla66@...> wrote:
>
> Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k baud Xon/off" and the
> program works as advertised. You have to be sure and set these
> parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer section and leave it
> set to Kermit.
> I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP calc ever) How do I
> pass characters that the calc recognizes as operators with out a
> syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I wanted to transmit the
> string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to return its identity.
> Regards
> Matthew
>
> --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "m2mbob" <bob.ryan@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for your patience! After making the correction that you
> > recommended (eliminating the space between -> and STR ), the program
> > appears to function as expected. After executing, I have the value:
> > 1 in the x-register.
> > I believe that the value: 1 is the code that XMIT
> > returns if the transmission was successful.
> > So from here the likely head-scratcher will be how to get the PC and
> > the target PC application to receive the string.
> > BTW, your knowledge of RPL and the 4x:50 family are impressive!
> >
> > --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Dave Boyd <boydda@> wrote:
> > >
> > > m2mbob wrote:
> > > > Thanks again! Part of my confusion did indeed come from missing
> > the
> > > > fact that the manual's description of XMIT uses ALG rather than
> > RPN...
> > > >
> > > > I still find, however, that if I write the program and then press
> > > > [ENTER], I get this error message:
> > > > Invalid Syntax
> > > >
> > > > For example (in RPN mode):
> > > > 3
> > > > 7
> > > > 5
> > > > [ENTER] (stores value 375 in x-reg.)
> > > > [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter program mode)
> > > > [right-shift][0] (the -> character)
> > >
> > > ...and a space, which you don't want. So now you [backspace], and
> > then...
> > >
> > > > [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input the next characters)
> > > > S
> > > > T
> > > > R
> > >
> > > And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.
> > >
> > > Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker just to hold down the
> > alpha
> > > key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let go of the alpha key.
> > You
> > > can even keep it held down while typing the numbers and [+], [-],
> > and
> > > [*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).
> > >
> > > > [SPC] (signals the end of the "STR" argument)
> > > > [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> > > > (scroll to) XMIT
> > >
> > > Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever you were last, just
> > hold
> > > the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in the catalog more
> > quickly.
> > > (You can also press [right-shift][0] to go the entries starting
> > with
> > > -> to get to ->STR.)
> > >
> > > > [ENTER] (selects the XMIT command)
> > > > (or skip the CAT menu and just type XMIT)
> > >
> > > That's easier, yes.
> > >
> > > <snip>
> > >
> > > > So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something that I'm not
> > providing.
> > > >
> > > > Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I will emit when
> > somebody
> > > > points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm making!
> > >
> > > No need for that!
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Dave Boyd
> > > "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall
> > > like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt. Zapp Brannigan,
> > D.O.O.P.
> > >
> >
>

Howdy Bob. Well first let me express my total confusion along with
you!I've slapped my head over this 50g more than once but never with
the calc... I love it to much Lol. The hyperterminal I describe is on
your windows os based computer not your calculator. The 8n1 stands for
8 bits no parity and 1 stop bit. The 19k baud is the transfer rate I
choose to use because thats where I have my gpib converter set (look
at other post) I am using a serial connection because I have not found
a good usb to gpib converter and have not tried to use usb into
hyperterminal because frankly I don't know how to do that yet and have
not had to.I bought a serial cable from
http://commerce.hpcalc.org/serialcable.php and the null modem cable
adapter along with it. I have been fighting the same battle as you
only I wish to talk to my spectrum analyzer (HP35670a) and not excel.
I use excel daily and after you get the 50g talking to your computer
we can address the VBA (visual basic for applications) code that we
will need to parse the data into cells. I am going to need this as
well so I can plot the analysis of frequency response data. So to
reiterate, the 8n1 19k is on your hyperterminal under
start/programs/accessories/communications/hyperterminal and the
hyperterminal supports "com" ports that are serial by nature and the
quick perusal of usb and hyperterminal looked problematic to say the
least. All the rest of you gurus out there "HELP" lol
Regards
Matthew Byrd.

Maybe I don't understand the nature of your problem.
Are you getting the error when you press the "xmit"
key? Or are you getting the error when you try to put
"*IDN?" on level 1 of the stack?

--- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:

> No go Don. It gives me the "too few arguments" error
> or just multiple
> quotes. Trying to get the darned thing to send
> strings of ASCII
> characters to control my HP35670a analyzer.
> Interface is serial
> through a national instruments GBIP-232CV-A
> converter and I have
> Eric's rs-232 cable..which works great by the way.
> Regards
> Matthew
>
> --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Press the alpha shift key first, then the *
> >
> > --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:
> >
> > > Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k
> baud
> > > Xon/off" and the
> > > program works as advertised. You have to be sure
> and
> > > set these
> > > parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer
> > > section and leave it
> > > set to Kermit.
> > > I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP
> > > calc ever) How do I
> > > pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> > > operators with out a
> > > syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I
> wanted
> > > to transmit the
> > > string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to
> > > return its identity.
> > > Regards
> > > Matthew
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

____________________________________________________________________________________

> > Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer:
> Blockbuster Total Access
> for one month at no cost.
> > http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text4.com
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

____________________________________________________________________________________
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8bit no parity is the default, at least it was on
previous models (hp48 & hp49). So, nothing to set but
the baud.

And you do need a serial cable but not just an
ordinary one. It's my understanding that the serial
port of the 50g doesn't meet the RS232 spec, voltage
is wrong as I recall. So you need a special cable made
just for the 50g. The one Matthew got at hpcalc.org
should be correct, I guess, since it works. I think it
was Samson Cables makes (or did make) one, too. See:
Message-ID:
<1172730293.195038.210160@...>

I have to qualify my statements by saying I don't have
a 50g and never used one in the serial mode, but have
use the 48g & 49g as such. I mostly lurk here but
occasionally reply when I'm pretty sure I'm correct.


--- m2mbob <bob.ryan@...> wrote:

> Question for Matthew:
>
> From your post I'm gathering that you have
> successfully sent a
> character string from your 50g to an active cell in
> an open Excel
> file, or to the insertion point in some other file.
>
> I'm having trouble following what you did to get
> there.
>
> When I open the input form for APPS, I/O
> functions..., Transfer...,
> the fields that I see in the input form don't appear
> to support input
> corresponding to "8N1 19k baud Xon/off". I also
> can't find any
> reference to "hyperterminal" anywhere in the three
> PDF manuals that
> supply most of my comic relief.
>
> I must be truly lost. My first suspicion (smack me
> with the cold fish
> of the obvious here) is that I'm trying to get the
> 50g to talk to the
> PC using the USB port and cable, when I should be
> using the serial
> port and a serial cable of some kind.
>
> If, in the input form, I choose Port: Serial,
> I do see a Baud: field (which I had earlier stumbled
> upon using the
> BAUD command). So I have a faint whiff of (maybe)
> picking up your
> trail. But I can't fathom how to squish the rest of
> "8N1 19k baud
> Xon/off" into this input form, nor what physical
> connection you are
> using between 50g and PC.
>
> All of my previous experience of HP calculator I/O
> has been via two
> fingers and the occasional calculator dope-slap
> against my forehead.
> Could you drop a couple of loaf-sized breadcrumbs to
> lead me in the
> right direction?
>
> --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "ntesla66"
> <ntesla66@...> wrote:
> >
> > Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k
> baud Xon/off" and the
> > program works as advertised. You have to be sure
> and set these
> > parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer
> section and leave it
> > set to Kermit.
> > I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP
> calc ever) How do I
> > pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> operators with out a
> > syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I
> wanted to transmit the
> > string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to
> return its identity.
> > Regards
> > Matthew
> >
> > --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "m2mbob" <bob.ryan@>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for your patience! After making the
> correction that you
> > > recommended (eliminating the space between ->
> and STR ), the program
> > > appears to function as expected. After
> executing, I have the value:
> > > 1 in the x-register.
> > > I believe that the value: 1 is the code that
> XMIT
> > > returns if the transmission was successful.
> > > So from here the likely head-scratcher will be
> how to get the PC and
> > > the target PC application to receive the string.
> > > BTW, your knowledge of RPL and the 4x:50 family
> are impressive!
> > >
> > > --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Dave Boyd <boydda@>
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > m2mbob wrote:
> > > > > Thanks again! Part of my confusion did
> indeed come from missing
> > > the
> > > > > fact that the manual's description of XMIT
> uses ALG rather than
> > > RPN...
> > > > >
> > > > > I still find, however, that if I write the
> program and then press
> > > > > [ENTER], I get this error message:
> > > > > Invalid Syntax
> > > > >
> > > > > For example (in RPN mode):
> > > > > 3
> > > > > 7
> > > > > 5
> > > > > [ENTER] (stores value 375
> in x-reg.)
> > > > > [right-shift][+] (<< >> to enter
> program mode)
> > > > > [right-shift][0] (the -> character)
> > > >
> > > > ...and a space, which you don't want. So now
> you [backspace], and
> > > then...
> > > >
> > > > > [ALPHA][APLHA] (prepares to input
> the next characters)
> > > > > S
> > > > > T
> > > > > R
> > > >
> > > > And now you have ->STR, instead of -> STR.
> > > >
> > > > Also, you may (or may not) find it quicker
> just to hold down the
> > > alpha
> > > > key and press S, T, R, in sequence, then let
> go of the alpha key.
> > > You
> > > > can even keep it held down while typing the
> numbers and [+], [-],
> > > and
> > > > [*] (alas, the [/] key is shared with Z).
> > > >
> > > > > [SPC] (signals the end of
> the "STR" argument)
> > > > > [right-shift][SYMB] (the CAT menu)
> > > > > (scroll to) XMIT
> > > >
> > > > Or, instead of scrolling to XMIT from wherever
> you were last, just
> > > hold
> > > > the ALPHA key and press X, to get you to X in
> the catalog more
> > > quickly.
> > > > (You can also press [right-shift][0] to go
> the entries starting
> > > with
> > > > -> to get to ->STR.)
> > > >
> > > > > [ENTER] (selects the XMIT
> command)
> > > > > (or skip the CAT
> menu and just type XMIT)
> > > >
> > > > That's easier, yes.
> > > >
> > > > <snip>
> > > >
> > > > > So either ->, ->STR, or XMIT needs something
> that I'm not
> > > providing.
> > > > >
> > > > > Here, in advance, is the the big DUH that I
> will emit when
> > > somebody
> > > > > points out whatever bonehead mistake I'm
> making!
> > > >
> > > > No need for that!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Dave Boyd
> > > > "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the
> dominoes will fall
> > > > like a house of cards. Checkmate." -Capt.
> Zapp Brannigan,
> > > D.O.O.P.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>

=== message truncated ===



____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Regarding the serial port cable for the HP50G, I got one from hpcalc.org and its working fine. It´s not just a cable but it has an Atmel microcontroller and a level conditioning IC, something like the max232, to convert the serial i/o to a true RS232 signal. As,far as I am concerned the cable is working ok. I am experiencing some data loss when I receive data but that has nothing to do with the Erich Rechlin's cable which is working fine. I previously used a homemade cable just for reception of Nmea strings from a GPS and, as I noticed that same characters where lost sometimes, I susptected something was wrong with my cable.  Transmition, nonetheless seems to work flawlessly. I am still working on this "missing character" problem.

Regards

Bill

Maybe this is kind of a trivial answer to all of this, but I go back
and forth between my calculator and computer all the time. The way I
do it is:

1. Hook up my calculator using the USB port and turn the calculator on
2. Open the Conn4x program and select "USB calculator" with the
collect using drop down list.
3. Press right shift and then right arrow.
4. On Conn4x press the "connect button"
5. On the View menu check Calculator Command, and when the window
opens, press the Update button and you have the calculator's stack in
the window.

Now you can operate the calculator typing in the command window on the
PC. If you have something stored on the calculator you can access it
simply by entering its storage label. Anything you run from here will
show up on the calculator stack or in memory when you disconnect the
xmodem server. You can use control-c to copy anything you highlight in
the command window or use control-v to paste into the command line.

You can disconnect and reconnect the xmodem server on the calculator
just by pressing the calculator's on button to go back to the
calculator or right shift then right arrow key to go back to the computer.

Sure, this involves manually copying and pasting numbers back and
forth between windows, but you really get a high degree of interactive
control on the calculator.

Hans

Good Morning Don. Yes the problem is with placing "*IDN?" on level 1
of the stack. No problems with xmit.
Regards
Matthew

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@...> wrote:
>
> Maybe I don't understand the nature of your problem.
> Are you getting the error when you press the "xmit"
> key? Or are you getting the error when you try to put
> "*IDN?" on level 1 of the stack?
>
> --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:
>
> > No go Don. It gives me the "too few arguments" error
> > or just multiple
> > quotes. Trying to get the darned thing to send
> > strings of ASCII
> > characters to control my HP35670a analyzer.
> > Interface is serial
> > through a national instruments GBIP-232CV-A
> > converter and I have
> > Eric's rs-232 cable..which works great by the way.
> > Regards
> > Matthew
> >
> > --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Press the alpha shift key first, then the *
> > >
> > > --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1 19k
> > baud
> > > > Xon/off" and the
> > > > program works as advertised. You have to be sure
> > and
> > > > set these
> > > > parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions transfer
> > > > section and leave it
> > > > set to Kermit.
> > > > I have a newbie question (the 50g is my first HP
> > > > calc ever) How do I
> > > > pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> > > > operators with out a
> > > > syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I
> > wanted
> > > > to transmit the
> > > > string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB device to
> > > > return its identity.
> > > > Regards
> > > > Matthew
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
> > > Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer:
> > Blockbuster Total Access
> > for one month at no cost.
> > > http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text4.com
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
> OMG, Sweet deal for Yahoo! users/friends:Get A Month of Blockbuster
Total Access, No Cost. W00t
> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text2.com
>

So as you enter the string you have "" on the edit
line with the cursor 'between' the quotes. Then press
the alpha key so the alpha symbol shows at the top of
the display. Then press the *.
And you then get the error? Is that correct?

--- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:

> Good Morning Don. Yes the problem is with placing
> "*IDN?" on level 1
> of the stack. No problems with xmit.
> Regards
> Matthew
>
> --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Maybe I don't understand the nature of your
> problem.
> > Are you getting the error when you press the
> "xmit"
> > key? Or are you getting the error when you try to
> put
> > "*IDN?" on level 1 of the stack?
> >
> > --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@...> wrote:
> >
> > > No go Don. It gives me the "too few arguments"
> error
> > > or just multiple
> > > quotes. Trying to get the darned thing to send
> > > strings of ASCII
> > > characters to control my HP35670a analyzer.
> > > Interface is serial
> > > through a national instruments GBIP-232CV-A
> > > converter and I have
> > > Eric's rs-232 cable..which works great by the
> way.
> > > Regards
> > > Matthew
> > >
> > > --- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, Don Hart <ddhart1@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Press the alpha shift key first, then the *
> > > >
> > > > --- ntesla66 <ntesla66@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Howdy All. Yep I set hyperterminal to "8N1
> 19k
> > > baud
> > > > > Xon/off" and the
> > > > > program works as advertised. You have to be
> sure
> > > and
> > > > > set these
> > > > > parameters in the "APPS" i/o functions
> transfer
> > > > > section and leave it
> > > > > set to Kermit.
> > > > > I have a newbie question (the 50g is my
> first HP
> > > > > calc ever) How do I
> > > > > pass characters that the calc recognizes as
> > > > > operators with out a
> > > > > syntax error? Characters such as +*? . Say I
> > > wanted
> > > > > to transmit the
> > > > > string "*IDN?" This would cause a GPIB
> device to
> > > > > return its identity.
> > > > > Regards
> > > > > Matthew

____________________________________________________________________________________
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This is Ed Von Essen and I've been playing with my 50G trying to duplicate your problem with the *.  The 50G does not like the asterix if one tries to put it in single quotes and then use the ENTER key.  The 50G is OK with using double quotes, either in RPN or Algebraic modes.   BTW, the XMIT function is specified as requiring a string argument  (HP 49G pocket guide).  And the asterix can be retrieved from the CHAR catalog or by using  ALPHA followed by X.  Now to set the 50G back to RPN.  Good luck.  Ed