Review: Swiss Micros DM16L
Welcome to a special Monday edition of Eddie’s Math and Calculator blog!
General Information
Company: SwissMicros, https://www.swissmicros.com
Type: Programmable Scientific - Boolean Algebra
Memory: 203 steps, shared with memory registers; 32 MB external flash
Battery: CR 2032
Connection: USB-B
Cost: 119 CHF, about $132.38 USD (2/5/2021)
Current Software Version: DM16_31, 7/21/2020
Case Included? Yes
Operating System: RPN (Reverse Polish Notation)
A Programmer’s Paradise
The Swiss Micros DM16L, and it’s small version, the DM16, is a clone of the highly popular and sought after Hewlett Packard HP 16C. The functions are suited to computer science, including:
One key conversions between Hexadecimal (base 16), Octal (base 8), Decimal (base 10), and Binary (base 2) integers.
Boolean features including AND, OR, NOT, XOR
Bit shift and rotating functions, masking bits, and double division, remainder, and multiplication
There is a separate floating point arithmetic mode, separate from decimal integer mode.
You can customize integers up to 64 bits by the WSIZE function. A handy shortcut is to set integers up to 64 bits is done by the key sequence: 0 [ f ] [ STO ] (WSIZE)
Negation of integers are determined by one of three modes: 1’s Complement, 2’s Complement, and Unsigned Numbers.
If that isn’t enough, you can manipulate and test specific bits with the SB (set bit), CB (clear bit), and B? (is the bit set) commands.
The STATUS command gives the user a three number status #-##-####.
The first number is the complement mode: 0 for unsigned, 1 for 1’s complement, 2 for 2’s complement.
The second number is the current wordsize, from 1 bit to 64 bits.
The third number is the status of the four user flags 0 to 3, in descending order (flag 3, flag 2, flag 1, flag 0): 0 for clear, 1 for set. The user flags are used in programming.
Programming
If you have programmed on the original HP-16C, then you would be right at home programming with the DM16L, with all the key codes and positions intact. There are eight comparison tests available: x≤y, x<0, x>y, x>0, x≠y, x≠0, x=y, x=0. Up to 16 labels can be used, labels 0-F. The special registers I and (I) are used for indirect storage and branching. The DSE and ISZ use register I.
Curiously missing is storage arithmetic. For example, instead of STO+ #, the following sequence of commands must be used: (number), RCL #, +, STO #.
Sample Programs
Integer Division: Quotient and Remainder
001 LBL A 43,22,A
002 STO 0 44,0
003 X<>Y 34
004 STO 1 44, 1
005 X<>Y 34
006 ÷ 10
007 R/S 31
008 RCL 1 45, 1
009 RCL 0 45, 0
010 RMD 42, 9 \\ remainder command
011 RTN 43, 21
Example: Word size = 16
Decimal Integer Mode (DEC): 41 / 7 = 5, remainder 6
Y: 41, X: 7 [ GSB ] [ A ]
Result: 5, [ R/S ], 6
Hexadecimal Integer Mode (HEX): FE2 / 81 = 1F, remainder 43
Y: FE2, X: 81 [ GSB ] [ A ]
Result: 1F, [ R/S ], 43
Adding Both the 1’s and 2’s Complement
001 LBL B 43, 22, B
002 STO 1 44, 1
003 Set 1’s 42, 1
004 CHS 49
005 STO 0 44, 0
006 RCL 1 45, 1
007 Set 2’s 42, 2
008 CHS 49
009 RCL 0 45, 0 // storage arithmetic is not available
010 + 40
011 STO 0 44, 0
012 RTN 43, 21
Examples: Word Size = 8
Hexadecimal Integer Mode (HEX)
x = 2D
Result: A5 (D2 + D3)
Hexadecimal Integer Mode (HEX)
x = F6
Result: 13 (9 + A)
Remember: Word size is important, as your mileage may vary.
Verdict
Swiss Micros continues to manufacture quality calculators. Due to the rarity and highly sought after HP 16C, the price to obtain one may be out of reach. The DM16L is a much more affordable alternative. The calculator is solid, keys feel great, and the added connectivity is an added bonus.
Eddie
All original content copyright, © 2011-2021. 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.
