Retro Review: Sharp EL-506V
Quick Facts
Model: EL-506V
Company: Sharp
Type: Scientific
Years: around 2003
Display: 10 digits
Batteries: Solar (with LR-44 backup)
Original Retail Price: Roughly $15 - $20
Logic: Direct Algebraic Entry
Features
The Sharp EL-506V has the following modes, accessed by pressing [ 2ndF ] [ MATH ] then the appropriate number at the "0-3?" prompt:
0: Normal (and Base Mode)
1: Complex Number Mode
2: 3-VLE: 3 x 3 Linear Systems
3: Statistics
Entering the Statistics Mode will provide a further "0-6" prompt:
0: SD: Single Variable
1: a + bx: Linear (y = a + bx)
2: ...+cx²: Quadratic (y = a + bx + cx^2)
3: e^x: Exponential (y = a * exp(bx))
4: ln x: Logarithmic (y = a + b ln x)
5: ax^b: Power (y = a*x^b)
6: 1/x: Inverse (y = 1/x)
Normal Mode
Variables:
There are seven registers for the EL-506V: A, B, C, D, X, Y, and M. The memory M has the store sum (M+) and store minus (M-) functions. What is unusual is that there is no ALPHA key. Instead, we will need to press [ 2ndF ] [ RCL ] to type alpha characters.
Base Conversions:
In Normal Mode, you can convert integers (fractional parts are not retained) to Hexadecimal, Octal, and Binary. In only these three modes, you have the Boolean functions NOT, AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, and NEG.
Calculus:
You can enact some calculus functions. Start by typing in your function. Don't forget to use [ 2ndF ] [ RCL] to type alpha characters.
ALGB: Evaluate the expression. When the variable flashes, you are prompted for a value.
∫ dx: Simpson's rule. Evaluates the definite integral of f(x). You are prompted for a (lower limit), b (upper limit), and n (number of subdivisions, even). Don't forget to enter f(x) first.
d d/x: Numerical Derivative of f(x). You are prompted for a point (x) and a tolerance (dx)
Conversions and Constants:
The EL-506V has 40 conversions and constants, all which are listed on the help card that comes with the calculator.
Fractions, decimal/degrees-minutes-seconds conversions, and random numbers complete the function set.
Example Calculation
Below is an example of how the display handles mathematical calculations. Generally, numbers entered are being shown on the bottom line while everything else is shown on the top line.
Note when editing saved expressions, everything is edited on the top line. Inserting characters are automatic. Delete characters by pressing [ DEL ].
Complex Mode
The [MATH] offers the rectangular/polar conversions. Answers are shown in separate parts. The real/radius part is shown first. To see the imaginary/angle part, press [ 2nd ] [ Exp ] (←,→).
Keyboard and Verdict
I like the off-white background and how surprisingly the green, gray, and orange font shows on the calculator and keys. It almost gives a glow-in-the-dark feel (no, the EL-506V does not glow in the dark, darn it!).
The key response is adequate.
The calculator needs to be in total light for the display to work properly. Maybe it just need fresh batteries, but that has been my experience so far.
This calculator is a good alternative if a modern scientific calculator is not available or you prefer a feature-rich vintage solar scientific calculator.
Eddie
All original content copyright, © 2011-2020. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.
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| Sharp EL-506V |
Quick Facts
Model: EL-506V
Company: Sharp
Type: Scientific
Years: around 2003
Display: 10 digits
Batteries: Solar (with LR-44 backup)
Original Retail Price: Roughly $15 - $20
Logic: Direct Algebraic Entry
Features
The Sharp EL-506V has the following modes, accessed by pressing [ 2ndF ] [ MATH ] then the appropriate number at the "0-3?" prompt:
0: Normal (and Base Mode)
1: Complex Number Mode
2: 3-VLE: 3 x 3 Linear Systems
3: Statistics
Entering the Statistics Mode will provide a further "0-6" prompt:
0: SD: Single Variable
1: a + bx: Linear (y = a + bx)
2: ...+cx²: Quadratic (y = a + bx + cx^2)
3: e^x: Exponential (y = a * exp(bx))
4: ln x: Logarithmic (y = a + b ln x)
5: ax^b: Power (y = a*x^b)
6: 1/x: Inverse (y = 1/x)
Normal Mode
Variables:
There are seven registers for the EL-506V: A, B, C, D, X, Y, and M. The memory M has the store sum (M+) and store minus (M-) functions. What is unusual is that there is no ALPHA key. Instead, we will need to press [ 2ndF ] [ RCL ] to type alpha characters.
Base Conversions:
In Normal Mode, you can convert integers (fractional parts are not retained) to Hexadecimal, Octal, and Binary. In only these three modes, you have the Boolean functions NOT, AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, and NEG.
Calculus:
You can enact some calculus functions. Start by typing in your function. Don't forget to use [ 2ndF ] [ RCL] to type alpha characters.
ALGB: Evaluate the expression. When the variable flashes, you are prompted for a value.
∫ dx: Simpson's rule. Evaluates the definite integral of f(x). You are prompted for a (lower limit), b (upper limit), and n (number of subdivisions, even). Don't forget to enter f(x) first.
d d/x: Numerical Derivative of f(x). You are prompted for a point (x) and a tolerance (dx)
Conversions and Constants:
The EL-506V has 40 conversions and constants, all which are listed on the help card that comes with the calculator.
Fractions, decimal/degrees-minutes-seconds conversions, and random numbers complete the function set.
Example Calculation
Below is an example of how the display handles mathematical calculations. Generally, numbers entered are being shown on the bottom line while everything else is shown on the top line.
 |
| How the display operates during entering an expression |
Note when editing saved expressions, everything is edited on the top line. Inserting characters are automatic. Delete characters by pressing [ DEL ].
Complex Mode
The [MATH] offers the rectangular/polar conversions. Answers are shown in separate parts. The real/radius part is shown first. To see the imaginary/angle part, press [ 2nd ] [ Exp ] (←,→).
Keyboard and Verdict
I like the off-white background and how surprisingly the green, gray, and orange font shows on the calculator and keys. It almost gives a glow-in-the-dark feel (no, the EL-506V does not glow in the dark, darn it!).
The key response is adequate.
The calculator needs to be in total light for the display to work properly. Maybe it just need fresh batteries, but that has been my experience so far.
This calculator is a good alternative if a modern scientific calculator is not available or you prefer a feature-rich vintage solar scientific calculator.
Eddie
All original content copyright, © 2011-2020. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.