Retro Review: Sharp EL-506G
Essentials
Company: Sharp
Type: Scientific
Year:
1992
Battery: LR44 x 2, back case is screwed in
Digits:
10
Memory
Registers: 7 (A, B, C, D, X, Y, M). M is
the independent register and is the only register available in all calculator
modes. Storage arithmetic commands M+
and M- are included.
Type
of Entry: Algebraic (called D.A.L. for
Direct Algebraic Logic by Sharp)
Thank
you for Bob Patton. I won this
calculator as one of the door prizes on last week’s HHC 2017 (a post will be
coming shortly).
I
am going to describe the features by the modes available on the calculator.
Mode 0:
Normal Mode
This
is the normal mode where most of the mathematical operations are
available. Here you can convert integers
to and from decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal mode. The maximum binary number is 511 (2^9 – 1),
and binary numbers are 10 bits including a signed bit (leftmost). In binary, octal, and hexadecimal sub-modes,
the Boolean functions NOT, AND, OR, XOR, and XNOR are available.
It
is also in this mode where you can enter and work with fractions. Fraction parts are separated by a small
“r”. Unfortunately, you cannot convert
directly from decimal approximation to fractions.
A
wild thing about the algebraic operating system is the display. Most calculators will have you type the full
expression on one line and give the answer on the second. The EL-506G is however, one line. Yes, you still enter expressions as you would
write them but there is no way to go back and edit them. During calculation, the function name or
symbol will appear on the left hand the screen.
Multiplication is shown by *, and division is shown by /. Implied multiplication is allowed, indicated
by (*). It takes a little getting used
to.
On
the EL-506G, Implied Multiplication gets higher priority than multiplication
used by the multiply key [ x ]. So:
6
/ 2 ( 1 + 2 ) = returns 1
While
6
/ 2 * (1 + 2) = returns 9.
I
like how the percent key works on the EL-506G, allowing to chain multiple
calculations.
Conversions
and Constants
The
EL-506G has 32 constants and 32 conversions.
If you have an EL-506G and need a listing, please email me at ews31415@gmail.com.
Mode 1: Complex Mode
The
typical set of functions available for complex mode are present: arithmetic,
1/x, and x^2. The [a b/c] key is mapped
to i (√-1), while the [D°M’S] key is mapped to ∠.
Complex
mode has two sub-modes: rectangular and polar.
You can convert and change sub-modes by the use of the [→rθ] key. [→rθ] converts to polar, while the shifted
function ([2ndF] (→xy)) converts to rectangular.
Mode 2:
Simultaneous Equations – Linear Systems
This
modes solves 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 systems. The
matrix is set up as follows:
Ax
= B where
A
= [ [a1, b1, c1] [a2, b2, c2] [a3, b3, c3] ], B = [ [ d1 ] [ d2 ] [ d3 ] ]
For
2 x 2 systems, set a3, b3, c1, c2, c3, and d3 all to zero.
For
each linear system solved, the determinant of A is also calculated.
Mode 3: Statistics Mode
When
entering statistics, you will be asked to choose a model:
0
(SD): 1 Variable Statistics
1
(a+bx): Linear Regression, y = a + bx
2
(…+cx^2): Quadratic Regression, y = a +
bx + cx^2
3
(e^x): Exponential Regression, y = a *
e^(bx)
4
(ln x): Logarithmic Regression, y = a +
b ln x
5
(a*x^b): Power Regression, y = a * x^b
6
(1/x): Inverse Regression, y = a + b/x
The
[ STO ] key is mapped to the comma to enter bivariate data.
The
[ M+ ] is for data entry.
The
[ 2ndF ] (M-) is to erase data.
Keyboard
The
keyboard feels quite nice, as the keys require a light touch. Everything is very responsive.
Final Verdict
The
only tick I have is that the lack of editing algebraic expressions, when you
only have one line to work with. Other
than that, this calculator is enjoyable to use.
Eddie
I
have two more retro reviews in the upcoming weeks: TI-35 Plus and Radio Shack EC 4000 (TI-57
clone). I also can’t wait to share with
you what went on during HHC 2017.
It
is a year off from next, but if you want to spend a weekend and have a massive
geek, calculator, and math fest all rolled into one, the HHC 2018 will be next
September. I have so much fun at these
conferences! Please bug me as new
information become available.
This
blog is property of Edward Shore, 2017.
