Favorite Solar Calculators – Six Years Later

Favorite Solar Calculators – Six Years Later

Favorite Solar Calculators – Reading that Blog Entry Today

On June 10, 2012, I listed some of my favorite solar calculators of all time: 

https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-favorite-solar-calculators-of-all.html

I still love the TI-25X Solar, I wish the screens weren’t so damn fragile!  I went through two of them. 

I have two fx-115 ES Plus calculators, one gray and one black.  The black looks much better!

Maybe one day I’ll get the BA 35 Solar again from eBay.  Maybe I will give the Casio FC-200V a second shot. 

As of March 2018, Casio fx-3650pII is the current edition of the fx-3650P.  The fx-3650PII is in the shape of the fx-115ES/991ES/300ES/82ES Plus.  That’s about it from what I can get from research:  still four program areas with 360 steps and 7 variables.

Info on the current fx-3650PII:  http://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/calc/products/fx-3650PII/

No, Casio still currently sells the fx-3650PII only outside the United States, which means for us Americans, we have to order online.  An open invite to Casio to stock the office stores and university stores with this model in the States is extended. 

The current Sharp EL-W516 edition, the EL-516WT, eliminated the formula storage, eliminated the catalog, and reduced the definable keys from 4 to 3, I am not happy about that.

My review on the EL-W516T:  https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2017/07/review-sharp-el-w516t.html

Three More Inductees

I have three more to add to the list I posted in 2012:

Casio fx-991EX Classwiz – 2015 – Present

The Classwiz model is the next step in Casio solar powered calculators.  They have an icon menu, like their graphing calculators, and there is an [OPTN] key that allows users to specific mode-specific functions.  Modes includes computation (COMP), complex numbers (arithmetic, polar/rectangular conversions), base integers, matrices up to 4 x 4, vectors, statistics, distributions, basic spreadsheets up to 5 x 45, equation solving, inequalities and ratios.  The newest feature is the QR function that will take a screen shot of the calculator, or in some cases, statistical graphs, which can be retrieved from the Casio QR Website or app.

See my review of the Classwiz here:  https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2015/11/casio-fx-991ex-classwiz-review.html

I can only hope the next iteration the Classwiz and the fx-3650P or fx-50FII merge so programming will be included.

TI-30 SLR+ – 1987 – 1990s

This is a bigger version of the TI-25X Solar (TI-30X Solar internationality).  This calculator completely runs on solar and light power.  What I look about this better than the TI-25X are the keys and the fact the display isn’t so fragile.  See my detailed blog of it here:  https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2014/09/ti-30-slr-and-memories-of-school.html

Casio fx-260 Solar II (we can included the Casio fx-260 Solar, fx-82 Solar, fx- 82 Solar II)

Original fx-260 Solar/fx-82 Solar:  2000s – present

Current fx-260 Solar II/fx-82 Solar II: 2017 – present

I don’t know what I was thinking when I skipped this model last time.  The fx-260 offers a wide variety of functions:  trigonometry, logarithms, fractions, degrees and degrees-minute-second conversions, polar/rectangular conversions, and one variable statistics.  This is great calculator for those who want a small, compact, calculator that attacks the basics.  The fx-260 series is completely solar powered.  Pictured is the newer fx-260 Solar II, which the mode markers have been mode to the back of the calculator case.  Can’t beat the classics. 

Review:  https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2017/03/review-casio-fx-260-solar-ii-fx-82.html

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2018.

Review: Sharp EL-W516T

Review:  Sharp EL-W516T

Essentials

Company:  Sharp

Year:  2017

Type:  Scientific, 4 line display

Power:  Solar

Statistics: 1 and 2 Variables

Other:  Distributions, Conversions, Constants, Matrices, Vectors, Solver

Operating System:  Algebraic

Number of Memory Registers: 9

Cost:  approximately $18.00

I purchased the calculator at my university bookstore. 

Introduction

The EL-W516T is a spiritual update of Sharp’s EL-W516 model.  The arrow keys are trapezoidal and slightly enlarged, the keys are no longer glossy, and the placements on the keyboard for some features are different (examples are the calculus functions d/dx, ∫ dx, Σ). 

What I like about the EL-W516T is that you can set the WriteView mode to either show exact values or show all answers in approximate decimals.  In approximate mode, only decimal answers and fractions will be shown.  If you want answers in terms of square roots (radicals) or π, you will need to be in exact mode. In earlier models, exact was the default.   

The display is still four lines and very crisp.  The processing speed of the EL-W516T is about the same as its predecessor, which is still decent and fast.  It took about 27 seconds to calculate Σ(1/(x^2), x, 0, 500). 

The EL-W516T carries over the statistics mode, along with the regressions, drill mode, complex number mode, and the solve mode.  You can solve general equations (in the form of f(x) = 0), quadratic equations, cubic equations, 2 x 2 linear systems, or 3 x 3 linear systems. 

There are several added functions to the EL-W516T.  In normal mode, we get LCD, GCD, integer division, and the product of f(x) calculus functions.  In matrix mode, we get the row echelon forms (ref and rref).  The EL-W516T bumps the number of available distributions to 3, adding Binomial and Poisson, and creates a separate mode for it.  We also gain the valuable inverse normal distribution function. 

However, not everything from the EL-W516X made it to the EL-W516T.  For instance, instead of lists, the EL-W516T has vectors.  Regretfully, the formula memory registers that the EL-W516X had are not present on the EL-W516T. 

  

The ALPHA/”3rd F” Key

The [ALPHA] key acts more as a hybrid ALPHA/third shift key.  Case in point:

[ALPHA], [ ( ]:  Integral (∫)

[ALPHA], [ ) ]:  Derivative (dx)

[ALPHA], [ * ]:  Sum (Σ)

[ALPHA], [ ÷ ]: Product (Π)

[ALPHA], [ 4 ]: Constants

[ALPHA], [ 5 ]: Conversions

[ALPHA], [ 1 ] and [ 2 ]:  Engineering notation shifts

[ALPHA], [ 9 ]:  Display A-F, X, Y, and M on one screen

Comparison Sharp EL-W516 vs. EL-W516T

Sharp EL-W516X on the left (older), EL-W516T on the right (newer)

Here is a side by side comparison with the new EL-W516T against the previous EL-W516.  You can see my review for the EL-W516 here:    http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2011/09/sharp-el-w516x-review.html

That was six years ago. Time flies!   In the EL-W516T column, I marked additional functions in green and things that didn’t make it to the EL-W516T in red. 

The EL-W516T (the one with the T) is the new version. 

	EL-W516 (2011)	EL-W516T (2017)
Number of Functions, according to Sharp	556	640
Calculus	Derivative (d/dx) Integral ( ∫ dx) Sum (Σ)	Derivative (d/dx) Integral ( ∫ dx) Sum (Σ f(x)) Product (Π f(x))
Catalog	Yes	Not available
Variables	9:  A, B, C, D, E, F, X, Y, M (independent)	9:  A, B, C, D, E, F, X, Y, M (independent)
Formula Memory	4:  F1, F2, F3, F4	Not available
Stored Function Memory	3:  D1, D2, D3, D4	3:  D1, D2, D3, no forth slot
Complex Numbers	Arithmetic, rectangular/polar conversion, square, cube, conjugate, absolute value	Arithmetic, rectangular/polar conversion, square, cube, conjugate, absolute value, argument, real part, imaginary part
Bases	5:  Decimal (default), Hexadecimal, Binary, Octal, Pental (base 5).  Logic operations AND, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR included in non-decimal modes.	5:  Decimal (default), Hexadecimal, Binary, Octal, Pental (base 5). Logic operations AND, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR included in non-decimal modes.
Number of Regressions	7:  Linear (a+bx), Quadratic (a+b+cx^2), Exponential (a*e^(bx)), Logarithmic (a+b*ln x), Power (a*x^b), Inverse (a + b/x), Geometric (a*b^x)	7:  Linear (a+bx), Quadratic (a+b+cx^2), Exponential (a*e^(bx)), Logarithmic (a+b*ln x), Power (a*x^b), Inverse (a + b/x), Geometric (a*b^x)
Numeric Functions	% (divided by 100), log_a	% (divided by 100), log_a, GCD, LCM, iPart, fPart, int÷
Price Factorization	No	Yes
Number of Conversions	44	44
Number of Constants	52	52
Table Function	No	Up to 2 functions in the form of f(x), table can be scrolled
Polynomial Solver	Quadratic, Cubic	Quadratic, Cubic
Simultaneous Equations	2 x 2 system, 3 x 3 system	2 x 2 system, 3 x 3 system
Matrix Size Limit	4 x 4, 4 matrices	4 x 4, 4 matrices
Matrix functions	Inverse, determinant, transpose, identity, fill, random matrix, cumulative matrix, augment 2 matrices	Inverse, determinant, transpose, identity, fill, random matrix, ref, rref (cumulative matrix, augment are not available)
Approx/Exact	Exact by default, press [CHANGE] for approximate	Can be set up
Random functions	Random number, dice roll, coin toss, random integer	Random number, dice roll, coin toss, random integer
Distributions	Normal (area only) – in Statistics Mode	Distributions gets their own mode:  Normal and inverse, Binomial, Poisson
Lists	List functions	Not available (gets replaced with Vector Mode, see below)
Vectors	Not available	Vectors: 4 vectors up to 3 elements each: dot product, cross product, angle between vectors, unit vector
Home Button: automatically switch to Normal Mode	No	Yes

Final Verdict

Sharp has revamped the EL-W516 line with the EL-W516T.  I like the additional functions and the new vector and table modes.  The only thing that I wish Sharp didn’t drop was the definable function registers.  Sharp instead kept the quick functional slots (D1 – D3) instead. 

For me, the non-glossy keys are a plus, but this is a personal preference.

Overall, the EL-W516T is a good calculator to consider purchasing. 

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2017

Review: Canon F-792SGA Scientific Calculator

Here it is, a full in-depth review of the Canon Eco-Friendly F-792SGA calculator. For a hilarious intro video to the calculator, just click here:

http://youtu.be/F4QJZSLYLyk

Thanks Gina and Dad!

Quick Stats
Company: Canon
Price: The price ranges from $13 to $20.
Power: Solar, with battery backup (one CR2032 battery)
Where to Buy: Online. I am not aware of any stores in the United States (maybe Fry's?) that have them on sale. I got mine from amazon.com.
Package: Blister package. The calculator comes with two foldable manual sheets: one in English, the other in Spanish.
Special Note: The calculator's shell is made of recycled plastic.
Year Manufactured: first manufactured in 2013

Official web page from Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/calculators/compact_calculators/f_792sga

At the time of this blog post, Canon does not offer an electronic version of the manual. Hopefully it will be uploaded soon.

Calculator Modes Offered
(First page)
1: COMP - Regular Calculator Mode
2: CMLX - Complex Number Mode
3: STAT - Statistics Mode
4: BASE - Base Calculations
5: EQN - Simultaneous Equations up to 4 x 4 systems, Quadratic, Cubic, and Quartic polynomial solver
6: TABLE - Function table of one variable
7: MATX - Matrices with operations for up to 4 x 4 matrices
8: VCTR - Vectors with operations for up to 3-element vectors
(Second Page)
1: INEQ - Inequality Solver
2: RATIO - Ratio Solver

General Math Mode

The F-792SGA allows for linear or textbook input and output. In textbook input, exact roots and multiples of π are displayed. Pressing the F-D key converts answers between exact and approximate.

Keyboard and the Apps Key

The keys are nice and responsive. Also, the keys stay in place when pressed and don't make slight shifts, giving the keyboard stability.

The keyboard is also nicely organized. The dedicated Apps button gives the user access to functions depending on the mode.

COMP: Π (product), Σ (sums), Max (of at least 2 numbers), Min (of at least 2 numbers), Q...r (quotient and remainder), Mod, LCM (of at least 2 integers), GCD (of at least 2 integers)

CMPLX: Polar and rectangular conversions, real part, imaginary part, conjugate, argument

STAT: ability to change regression type, edit data, regression variables, normal distribution area calculations

BASE: AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, NOT, NEG, base markers

EQN: change equation type

MATX: edit matrices, determinant, transpose, generate identity matrices, inverse of matrices (Inv), adjoint to matrices

VCTR: edit vectors, dot product. (Use × for cross product)

RATIO and INEQ: change type

Advanced Functions on the Keyboard

In COMP mode, you can calculate numerical derivatives of f(X), definite integrals of f(X), random numbers, and random integers (Press [Alpha], [ . ]).

Solving Equations in COMP Mode

To solve an equation, type in the equation, follow it with a comma (Press [Shift], [ ) ]). Then press [Shift], [CALC]. You can use the variables A through F, X, Y, and M.

38 Built In Formulas

Canon has a nice feature that is exclusive to the Canon scientific calculator line: that is the 38 built in formulas. On the F-792SGA, just press [Alpha], [ ( ]. Then scroll to get the formula desired, press the equals key. You are prompted for the variables and the result is returned.

For reference, I will have the 38 formulas listed at the end of this review after the Verdict section.

Complex Mode

The complex mode is a separate mode. The nice thing is that there are real and imag functions. Unfortunately, transcendental functions (powers, logs, trig) are not available with complex numbers.

Statistics Mode

You can turn the frequency column on and off. The F-792SGA can store up to 80 single points or 40 pairs. With the frequency column turned on, the number of slots are halved.

Regressions available are: Linear, Exponential (y = a*e^(b*x) and y = a*x^b), Power, Logarithmic, Inverse, and Quadratic (nice!)



F-792SGA vs. Other Scientific Calculators

The display and operating system of the Canon F-792SGA is practically the same of Casio's current Natural-V.P.A.M calculators (such as the fx-115ES PLUS). However, this is not a straight-knock off of the Casio counterpart.

Here are some differences:

* The F-792SGA has 79 scientific constants and 170 conversion pairs compared to the fx-115ES PLUS's 40 and 40, respectively. For further comparison purposes, the Sharp EL-W516X has 52 and 44, respectively. The nice thing about the F-792SGA is that you don't need to type a code to access the constants and conversions.

* The F-792SGA has a ratio solving mode, which I think is unique to this calculator (or to the Canon line?). This mode solves for X in two ratio statements: a:b=X:d and a:b=c:X. This is in place of the fx-115ES PLUS' verify mode.

* Up to 4 x 4 matrices can be used with the F-792SGA. This is on par with the Sharp EL-W516X. However, I like the matrix handling and operation on the F-792SGA better.

* The F-792SGA is one of the few solar scientific calculators to solve quartic equations, if not the only one.

* The F-792SGA has 19 memory registers: A-F, X, Y, M, and 0-9. The numeric storage registers are good for longer-term storage of constants. This is first calculator of this time to allow the use of numeric registers.

* The F-792SGA has 38 built in formulas, exclusive to Canon scientific calculators. This is referring to all non-graphing calculators.

Verdict

The Canon F-792SGA is a solid calculator and can rival the solar scientific calculators that are available. Again, you may not be able to find Canon calculators in most stores (that is unfortunate), so the most realistic way to get one is to order online (assuming it is available in your country).

I hope you enjoyed this review.

Eddie

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List of Formulas included with the F-792SGA

1. Area of a Triangle: S = 1/2 * b * c * sin A

2. Area of a Circle: S = π * r^2

3. Fan-Shaped Area (Sector): S = 1/2 * r^2 * θ

4. Area of a Parallelogram: S = a * b * sin θ

5. Area of an Ellipse: S = π * a * b

6. Area of a Trapezoid: S = 1/2 * (a + b) * h

7. Surface Area-Sphere: S = 4 * π * r^2

8. Surface Area-Cylinder: S = 2 * π * r * (h + r)

9. Volume-Sphere: S = 4/3 * π * r^3

10. Volume-Cylinder: V = π * r^2 * h

11. Volume-Cone: V = 1/3 * π * r^2 * h

12. Sum-Arithmetic Progression: S = 1/2 * n * (2*a_0 + (n-1)*d))

13. Sum-Geometric Progression: S = a_0 * (r^n - 1)/(r - 1)

14. Σ(n^2) = 1/6 * n * (n + 1) * (2*n + 1)

15. Σ(n^3) = (1/2 * n * (n + 1))^2

16. Distance between two points: √((x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2)

17. Included angle between two lines: θ = atan((k_2 - k_1)/(1 + k_1 * k_2))

18. Law of Cosines-find side: a = √(b^2 + c^2 - 2*b*c*sin A)

19. Law of Sines-find side: a = 2 * r * sin A

20. Distance: d = v_0 * t + 1/2 * a * t^2

21. Velocity: v = v_0 + a * t

22. Circular Motion-Finding Period with velocity: T = 2 * π * r/v

23. Circular Motion-Finding Period with angular velocity: T = 2 * π/omega

24. Period of Simple Pendulum: T = 2 * π * √(l/g)

25. Electric Oscillation Frequency: f = 1/(2 * π * √(L * C))

26. Resistance: R = ρ * l/s

27. Joule's Theorem: P = V^2/R

28. Joule's Theorem: P = I^2 * R

29. Shunt Resistance: R = (R_1 * R_2)/(R_1 + R_2)

30. Kinetic Energy: E = 1/2 * m * v^2

31. Gravitational Potential Energy: E = m * g * h

32. Centrifugal Force: F = m * v^2/r

33. Centrifugal Force: F = m * omega^2 * r

34. Law of Gravity: F = G * M * m/r^2 (G = 6.6728*10^-11)

35. Electric Field Intensity: E = Q/(4 * π * epsilon * r^2)

36. Heron's Formula: S = √(Φ*(Φ-a)*(Φ-b)*(Φ-c)) where Φ=(a+b+c)/2. Only a,b, and c are asked for.

37. Optics-Reflective Index: E = sin I/sin r

38. Optics-Critical Angle-Total Reflection: θ = asin(n_2/n_1)

** g is assumed to be g = 9.80665 m/s^2. Use SI units.

Note: These formulas are included with most Canon scientific calculators, like the F-710. The notable exception is the F-604, where the formulas are not present.
Source: Canon F-792SGA Manual

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This blog is property of Edward Shore. 2014

My Favorite Solar Calculators of all time

In no particular order...

Texas Instruments TI-25X Solar - mid to late 1990s

This small calculator packs a lot of punch. 8 digit that converts to 5 digit with 2 digit exponent any time the number exceed eight digits. Features include reciprocal, polar/rectangular conversion, one variable statistics, and decimal-DMS conversion. When I had the TI-25X the first time, back in the late 90s, it was my go-to calculator for quick calculations. I just bought another one from Amazon a week ago.

The calculator is truly solar, that is no batteries are used in any operation, which is rare in solar scientific calculators. (The battery, I think, aids long-term memory storage).

The trouble with the 25X was protecting it. It now lives in a small camera case with bubble wrap around it when not in use. I wish Texas Instruments was still manufacturing the 25X.

Casio FX-115ES Series - 2004-present

This is my favorite calculator Casio has produced. Not only the calculator operates on solar power, but it also was the first (I believe) calculator to have calculus functions: integral, derivative, and sum of a function. Matrices and vectors are also featured. The calculator can solve equations in one variable. Entry of mathematical expressions is straight forward. You can set the calculator to textbook entry mode or linear (classic) mode. I prefer the latter (the less pairs of parentheses I have to track the better).

The 2012 revision, fx-115ES PLUS (pictured), adds, among other things, integer factoring, verification tests, and product of a function.

Outside the United States, this calculator is named the fx-991DE/ES (PLUS).

Texas Instruments BA 35 Solar - early 1990s
(not pictured :( - I don't have it anymore)

Anyone who can operate a BA 35 or a BA II Plus should feel comfortable with the BA 35 Solar. The BA 35 Solar has the following:

* Time Value of Money, using periodic interest rate.
* Cost Sell Margin/Markup calculations
* Interest Conversion
* Amortization
* One variable statistics.

I gave my BA 35 Solar to my dad and he loved using it. Unfortunately, the display went nuts and it had to be retired.

Texas Instruments TI-36X Series (TI-36 Solar: 1986-early 1990s, TI-36X Solar: 1993-present, TI-36X Pro: 2011-present)

If you wanted the most advanced non-graphing calculator, you pretty much went for the TI-36X series. The original TI-36 Solar was powerful non-programmable calculator which had base conversions, hyperbolic functions, normal distribution calculations, and complex numbers (limited to arithmetic). When Texas Instruments upgraded the 36 to the 36X, the normal distribution calculations and complex numbers were dropped, but eight scientific constants, eight metric-English conversions, and linear regression were added.

This calculator received a lot of use during my days of middle and high school. I owned the original 1993 design and it went with me everywhere I went. The solar panel was punctured by a pencil and it died. Eventually, I got the 1996 design (pictured) and is my favorite design of the TI-36X Solar. Texas Instruments redesigned the calculator in 2004, giving it a gray faceplate and white keys, which I also have.

In 2011, Texas Instruments released the TI-36X Pro (named TI-30X Pro in Europe), which a serious upgrade of the 36X series. New features include derivatives, integrals, tables, equation solver, and entry in textbook format. For me, I had to get used to the keyboard because a lot of the keys cycled through functions. An example: the sine key (sin, sin^-1, sinh, sinh^-1), math constants ( π , e, the complex number i ), and the key that annoys me the most, the variable key (x, y, z, t, a, b, c, d).

If you waited to 2012 to consider getting a TI-36X Pro, you did a good thing in waiting. The early versions were buggy and were erroneous in calculations involving π and fractions. Thankfully, TI fixed the bugs and now I can confidently use the TI-36X Pro.

Casio fx-3650P: 2002 - present?

Casio, I think, is the only manufacturer of calculators left that produces programming calculators that also operate on solar power (with battery). I purchased this calculator on eBay (unfortunately it is not sold in stores in the United States, it should be IMHO).

The calculator has 360 program steps on which 4 programs can be stored. The programming language is a simplified set of the programming commands found on the Casio fx-5800p and its graphing calculators. Commands include LABEL, GOTO, basic testing, input prompt, and output.

Other features include complex number arithmetic, base conversions, and Numeric integrals.

Victor V34 - 2000s

Take a good loom at this calculator. If this calculator reminds you of the super popular Texas Instruments TI-30X IIs, it is because the keyboard design is similar.

While the TI-30X IIs sold in many colors for the 2009, 2010, 2011, and (I'm expecting) 2012 back to school seasons, the Victor V34 offers a feature that the TI-30X IIs doesn't: base conversions and logic operations. I purchased this hard to find calculator in a local stationery store in Glendora, CA.

Sharp EL-W516 Series - 2000s - Present

There are two functions two versions. The original had a gray faceplate. Sometime in 2011(?), Sharp made a design change and made the entire plate black. The model is now the EL-W516X with black keys, white, green, and gold lettering. In the United States, the Sharp calculators can be found at Target stores.

Like the Casio fx-115 ES, the Sharp EL-W516 series offers entering calculations in textbook format. Unlike the fx-115ES where you can get exact or approximate answers when demanded, the EL-W516 forces you to cycle through the format of the answers (exact/mixed fraction, improper fraction, decimal approximation) with the press of the CHANGE key (this applies to Normal mode).

The Sharp EL-W516 series offers unique functions:
* Drill feature - a quiz of arithmetic problems
* Functions with lists
* 4 definable function keys
* 4 definable formulas (I love this feature)
* Pental Numbers (Base 5)


That is a list of my favorite solar calculators. Eddie



This blog is property of Edward Shore. © 2012