Showing posts with label TI-34. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TI-34. Show all posts

Friday, March 27, 2020

Review: Victor 930-2 Scientific Calculator

Review:  Victor 930-2 Scientific Calculator



Quick Facts:

Model:  Victor 930-2
Company:  Victor
Type:  Scientific
Years:  2008 to present
Display:  10 digits
Batteries:  Solar with battery backup (LR43/LR1130)
Retail Price:  $17.99
Logic:  Algebraic, AOS
Number of Functions:  154

Product website from Victor:  https://www.victortech.com/product/930-2

Powerful One Line Calculator - The 21st Century Version of the TI-34



The Victor 930-2 calculator has the following features:

*  Trigonometric functions and their inverses
*  Rectangular/Polar Conversions
*  Degrees/Degree-Minute-Second Conversions
*  Logarithms, Power, Exponential
*  Single Variable Statistics
*  Base Conversions with Boolean Functions (AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, NOT)
*  Constant Calculations
*  Fractions

The keys have the same mapping as the original Texas Instruments (one line) TI-34 from the 1980s and 1990s.   There are some keys and functions that are labeled differently:

Victor 930-2:  [ X→M ],   TI-34:  [ STO ]
Victor 930-2:  [ M+ ], TI-34:  [ SUM ]
Victor 930-2:  [ X←→M ], TI-34:  [ EXC ]
Victor 930-2:  [ INV ],  TI-34:  [ 2nd ]
Victor 930-2:  [ DATA ], TI-34:  [ ∑+ ]
Victor 930-2:  [ DEL ], TI-34: [ ∑- ]

The Victor 930-2 has a bigger and clearer numeric display and an on-off switch. 

Constant calculations is something that might be an overlooked feature on some of these calculators, so let's take a look at how it works.  This applies to both the Victor 930-2 and the TI-34. 

Constant Calculations

For selected two argument functions, you can repeat the calculations on the second argument by entering different values and pressing the equals button [=]. 

A  (op)  B [ = ]
C [ = ]    ( C op B )
D [ = ]    ( D op B )
...

op:  +, -, ×, ÷, y^x, x√y, AND, OR

Example 1:
f(x) = x × π,  x = 4, 3, 3.8

4 [ × ] [ INV ] [ EXP ] (π) [ = ]
Result:  12.56637061

3 [ = ]   ×π is stored in memory
Result:  9.424777961

3.8 [ = ]
Result:  11.93805208

Example 2:
f(x) = x^2.5, x = π, 10.2, e

[ INV ] [ EXP ] (π) [ y^x ] 2.5 [ = ]
Result:  17.49341833

10.2 [ = ]     ^2.5 is stored in memory
Result:  332.2771137

1 [ INV ] [ LN ] (e^x) [ = ]
Result:  12.18249396

Example 3: 
B can be a multi-step in constant calculations.

f(x) = x ÷ (4^2 + 3), x = 10, 20, 50

10 [ ÷ ] [ ( ] 4 [ x^2 ] [ + ] 3 [ = ]
Result:  0.526315789

20 [ = ]    ÷(4^2 + 3) or ÷19 is stored in memory
Result:  1.052631579

50 [ = ]
Result:  2.631578947

Fractions

You can enter fractions and calculate with fractions.  However, you can only convert between fractions and decimals if you start with fractions in your calculations.  The calculator has a limit of 10 digits between the whole part, numerator, and denominator. 

Keyboard

The keyboard is OK.  I like the contrast between the black background and the font better on the Victor 930-2. 

I am irked by the protective case, as it is difficult to take the hard shell case off once the calculator is locked in place.  I prefer the slide case of the TI-34.  I may not cover the 930-2 and use a case or the box to protect the calculator. 

Verdict

If you are looking for a TI-34, consider the Victor 930-2 as it is an updated version.  It does the job.  Again, I wish the hard shell case was easier to work with. 

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.

Monday, August 12, 2013

The TI-34 Calculator: The Original 1-Line TI-34

Greetings everyone!

Not too long ago I purchased an original-style TI-34 from Amazon; the one with the single line display. I the one purchased was made in, if I am reading the date code correctly, in 1991. So it is the second edition of the TI-34, because it has blue arithmetic keys. The original, made in 1987, had red arithmetic keys.

Source: http://datamath.org/Sci/Modern/TI-34.htm

Features:
* 10 digit display
* Trig functions
* Polar and Rectangular Conversions
* Fractions
* Boolean Operations and Base Conversions
* 1 Variable Statistics

Today's TI-34, which is called TI-34 MultiView, we gain a multi-line screen, the ability to type calculations in textbook form, integer functions (absolute value, LCM, GCD, etc.), two custom function programming, and linear regression. However, Boolean operations and base conversions are not available on the MultiView.

This is the TI-34 when it arrived at my door:

The keys all worked, but noticing the keypad had faded numbers, I figure a makeover was in order:

OK, art expert I am not. Cutting small stickers are not my forte either. At least the numbers, decimal point, and the change sign key are readable again.



Update: I am still working on the differential equations series. The series tentatively has these topics:

* Basic Differential Equation Solving
* Separable Equations
* First Order Linear Equations
* Second Order Homogenous Equations
* Laplace Transforms
* Runge-Kutta Approximation

The list of topics is subject to change. If you have suggestions, please let me know, always appreciate the feedback.


Until next time, have a great day. School is just around the corner for many so enjoy the summer vacation while it lasts! For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, hopefully the winter isn't being rough. Stay safe everyone!

Eddie


This blog is property of Edward Shore. 2013

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