Review: Casio FC-200V 2nd Edition

Review:  Casio FC-200V 2nd Edition

Quick Facts

Model:  FC-200V 2nd Edition

Company:  Casio

Years:  October 2022 - present

Type:  Finance 

Batteries:  Solar and Battery (1 LR44)

Memory: 7 memory registers

System:  Algebraic with Order of Operations

Contrast Setting

The Financial 2nd Edition 

Ten years ago I reviewed the FC-200V "1st edition", which had the gold keyboard.  To be honest, I the cash flow problem I had was probably due to operator error (me).  

The gold 1st edition was released in 2004 and 18 years later, we have the black 2nd edition.  The 2nd edition follows Casio updating the scientific calculators such as fx-115 ES, fx-300 ES, and fx-300 MS.  According to Casio, the redesign are more environmental friendly and more durable than their previous editions.   

Like the fx-115 ES 2nd Edition, the keyboard FC-200V 2nd Edition feels responsive and looks clean.  

The two rows of light gray keys features the worksheets and modes of the FC-200V:

SMPL:  Simple Interest

CPMD:  Compound Interest (Time Value of Money)

CASH:  Cash Flows

AMRT:  Amortization (of compound interest)

COMP:  Compute mode, main mode

STAT:  Statistics

CNVR:  APR/EFF Conversions

COST:  Cost/Sell/Profit Margin Solver

DAYS:  Days Between Dates and Date Calculation

DEPR:  Depreciation

BOND:  Bond Calculations

BEVN:  Breakeven Calculations

The sticker on the case lists all of variables used in the calculator, as well as how to set the contrast on the screen.   

The available regressions are:

A+Bx:  Linear

+Cx^2:  Quadratic

ln X:  Logarithmic

e^X:  Exponential

A∙B^X:  Exponential (any base)

A∙X^B: Power

1/X:  Inverse

We can store up to 80 single data points, or 40 pairs of data points.  Turning STAT mode on in SETUP will give us access to the frequency column.  However this reduces the maximum number of data points to 40 and 26, respectively. 

The types of depreciation models available are:

SL:  Straight Line

FP:  Fixed Percentage

SYD: Sum of the Year's Digits

DB:  Declining Balance

Some of the variables are shared with the time value of money variables:

n = life of the asset

I% = percentage or declining balance factor

PV = cost

FV = residual value or salvage value

The Cash Flow worksheet features the following calculations:

NPV:  net present value

IRR:  internal rate of return

PBP:  payback period

NFV:  net future value 

Be aware that the data entry is shared with the statistics mode.   The first data point is still marked data point 1.  Data point 1 is the initial cash flow, typically labeled CF0 in most calculators.  I wish that the FC-200V had two separate lists in memory for cash flows and statistics to reduce confusion.  Turning STAT mode on in SETUP will allow for each point to have a frequency.   

Switch between statistics and cash flow modes will clear the list of data points.   This is one of the few areas where data does not transfer between applications.  

There is a FC-100V which is battery powered but does not have depreciation, bonds, and breakeven calculations.   The FC-100V 2nd Edition is currently available outside of the United States.  

I think the FC-200V could have used a QR code command on the calculator like the fx-991 EX.  However, we get a QR code on the calculator's case which gives access to the user manual.  

One of my favorite features is the ability to store two expressions through SHORT CUT 1 and SHORT CUT 2, and two functions with the FMEM1 and FMEM2.  FMEM1 and FMEM2 are the only way to assign access some of the functions such as rectangular/polar conversions, arcsine, arccosine, arctangent, factorial, and absolute value to the keyboard.

Variables

The FC-200V has seven variables independent of the financial variables: A, B, C, D, X, Y, and M.  M has the memory add (M+) and memory subtract (M-) that Casio has on scientific calculators.  We can enter variables with the ALPHA key.  However, the store key brings up a menu and this is the only way to store variables.  

The Percent Key and the Percent Change Key

The percent key works like the percent function on scientific algebraic calculators, just dividing its argument by 100.  The percent key (Δ%) also had idiosyncrasies to it.  Just typing Δ% execute the function immediately. 

To add y percent to x:  x + x * y% or x * (1 + y%)

To subtract y percent from x:  x - x * y% or x * (1 - y%)

To calculate percent change from x to y:  x - y Δ%

To calculate (y + x)/x * 100%:  x + y Δ%

To calculate sale price:   cost * profit margin Δ%

The manual makes a great reference, not only detailing the operations of the calculator, but also lists reference formulas.  You will have to find it online, as the calculator only gets quick start guides in English, Spanish, and French.

Final Thoughts

The FC-200V 2nd Edition is a feature rich financial calculator and its pretty easy to use, if you are willing to work with the idiosyncrasies.  

 

  

Source

Casio.  "FC-200V-2 Financial"  Retrieved December 3, 2022.  https://www.casio.com/us/scientific-calculators/product.FC-200V-2/

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2022.  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. 

Retro Review: Sharp EL-506V

Retro Review:  Sharp EL-506V

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.