Great video, thanks for posting this. I purchased an excellent condition 50g from someone, but somehow there were a few specs of dust under the LCD cover. I have no idea how it got under there since the LCD cover is glued so tightly to the case. The dust isn't causing any harm but it's annoying to look at, and your video helped me remove the cover and clean it off.
This is the best calculator for working vectors, linear algebra, matrices and simultaneous equations. A typical vector statics problem would take me 3 pages of paper, but with this calculator I can solve problems almost paperless. Not just the vector operation, but the time consuming basic arithmetic and the "error prone" algebra to solve a variable. It does all that, but only with the RPN can you use this power. It's not that hard to figure and you "learn" the programming scripts/algorithm if you can call it that. It's just a sequential entry of commands like you would normally do. Forget about HP prime =pretty color screen but bullshit number crunching = changing modes over and over + re-entry over/over. Now with Prime I need a sheet of paper or two to solve problems. Oh yeah, I just remembered the hp50g has a "spreadsheet" feature integrated. You listening? It's got freakin EXCEL functions inside the hp50g. Amazing. Anyways, HP50G is the king for engineering calculations, because you can start and finish a complete complex problem without ever having to write down anything on paper. Enter xyx values → get vector notation do a cross product, solve for an unknown, solve for a bunch of unknowns, etc. etc.
Delightful video story and with a happy ending, too! Thanks for sharing and all credit to you for persisting in trying to find a solution. A successful solution which will now help so many happy owners of the wonderful HP 50G RPN calculator should they encounter the same card issue. Yes!
Nicely done 👍 I had a few dust specks under the glass screen, I guess the material round there can degrade over time or dust can enter from the 2 open ports above it, these calculators are a nightmare to dissemble, why oh why can't manufacturers use screws on the back of the case ? Snap on plastic hinges are the worst 😨
Before you open your calculator take out the SD card, turn it on, start the filer. Then quit the filer, turn off the calculator and replace the card. Turn it back on, start the filer and the card should behave normally. This also works if your card suddenly reads garbage.
Good advice to first see if you have a software or hardware problem. In my case, it was a hardware issue, such that the SD Card LOCK detector was not working, necessitating the need to open the calculator and perform the hardware mod you see in my video.
Why are you doing this? You said with the new flashed rom you could write to the card. Problem solved no? Not perfect solution but preferable to taking the thing apart and all the inherent problems. I cant believe they hid two screws under the stuck on screen. Nice picture and sound quality and steady camera. Makes a difference to many other videos.
Because I have an EE degree and know what I am doing. :-) (You asked.) The OS that I flashed to my 50g is called newRPL, which is still in the Alpha stage. Most of the calc's functionality does not work when using it. Furthermore, the reason there was "no problem" when I used newRPL is because newRPL ignores certain features of the SD card. newRPL doesn't care whether it is locked or not. But that again is not a solution for me because newRPL is not a complete piece of software yet that is viable for any of us to use daily on the 50g. It's merely something fun to test and offer feedback to the person who is developing it in his spare time. For more info on this, please visit the HP Museum forum as linked in the description under my video. Thanks.
You changed the SD "card"? If so, I am glad to see it was the card that was the problem in your case. But as my video shows, the SD card was not the root problem in my case. In my case, it was the SD card "slot/holder/reader mechanism" that was faulty, and my video shows how I fixed it, or rather "patched it." It's more of a patch (which is acceptable to me) than a fix because it reads/writes all cards regardless of the LOCK switch position on the card. But again, that is acceptable to me.
Before you open your calculator take out the SD card, turn it on start the filer. Then quit the filer, turn off the calculated and replace the card. Turn it back on, start the filer and the card should behave normally. This also works if your card suddenly reads garbage.
Good point , however, we all learned something new from his video. So the net effect of the whole was greater. This brave young man should be commended. Its these pioneers that make a difference
The MoHPC guys are amazing. I wonder what is supposed to be sitting over SW1? Looks like maybe there was a button on the bottom at one time. That's a typical capacitive keyswitch pad.
@@JDW-I connected a cable like in the video but it gives me the same message, I think I am going to take it to a service to see if they can fix it. Greetings!.
@@emilianobertola3467 If indeed you have the same exact problem with your SD-card slot, it could just be a soldering issue. But having a soldering expert examine your work would be helpful, I agree.
Can I ask you how the reset connection is made? When you stick a pin in does it short the circuit board, or is one layer loose and it touches the other layer? Thanks! It says SW1 is it a switch? When I stick a paper clip in I get no feedback! Does the back actually have a plastic bit (I can see it a little in your video) that actually pushes the pcb components? Many thanks!
Wow thanks for this video! I’m just watching this video as I had left my 50g calculator with batteries on and they totally leaked and got damaged. I followed your procedure to open the calculator and found the battery contacts got corroded, I am hoping I can fix them with some Deoxit. Would it be possible for you to show a better schematic of the cables that go on the upper side of the calculator to the back cover? Some of my cables have broken loose and I may need to replace them somehow. I am definitely not an expert but there’s a capacitor also on the back cover that got damaged on one terminal, so I am at loss about what I could do in this case... I was thinking of fully separating them and maybe run the back cover through an ultrasonic cleaner as alcohol is not getting the job done. I appreciate any help, thanks!
Thank you for your kind words. The capacitor you refer to is 1000µF 16V. Measure the height and width of your calculator's capacitor, then ensure you're replacement is the same or smaller size, and so long as your replacement is also 1000µF 16V, it will work perfectly. Here's a web page with a photo that shows you the wire connections on the battery side: suna-jebem.blogspot.com/2018/01/hp-50g-blue-graphical-calculator-repair.html The 49G+ is very similar to the 50g and photos of that can be found here: www.hpmuseum.org/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/hpmuseum/articles.cgi?read=408 Please let me know if this helps.
Hi, Luis. I've never measured the voltages at the ICs on the PCB, so I cannot answer your question, unfortunately. But it's a great question that the good people over at the HP Museum forum can answer for you if you post the same question there: www.hpmuseum.org/forum/forum-4.html
Lamentablemente, HP no se ha mostrado entusiasmado con sus productos de calculadora desde hace mucho tiempo. Y, hasta donde yo sé, ningún proveedor externo se ha ofrecido nunca a ofrecer este tipo de piezas de repuesto.
Agreed. It would probably be their most popular model if they did decide to re-create it. But I’m guessing the reason they haven’t done that is because they lack the engineering ability to do it. It is a very complex piece of hardware and software.
@@JDW- true, swissmicros used the already developed free42 for there dm42 however, the hp50g has a windows clone of the calculator and it may be possible for swissmicros to modify the PC clone like they did using the free42
BTW, for anyone "putting a rubber SD card plug" to keep out dust. Don't do that. The calculator "thinks" that's an SD card and does not turn on. Very very frustrating.
As shown at 11:56, there is a single red wire on the right side (when viewed from the back, SD card facing down), and two red wires at the lower left side.
Yes, I'm glad I've never had issues with my 48gx that would require me to open it. You can see a photo of that and all my HP calculators on my Flickr account here: www.flickr.com/photos/66071596@N00/albums/72157699805228815
I agree that it is harder than it should be to open and service them. But the good news is, that is the only one in my HP calculator collection that ever needed servicing.
Great video, thanks for posting this. I purchased an excellent condition 50g from someone, but somehow there were a few specs of dust under the LCD cover. I have no idea how it got under there since the LCD cover is glued so tightly to the case. The dust isn't causing any harm but it's annoying to look at, and your video helped me remove the cover and clean it off.
Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. I assume you used a rather large suction cup like shown in my video?
This is the best calculator for working vectors, linear algebra, matrices and simultaneous equations. A typical vector statics problem would take me 3 pages of paper, but with this calculator I can solve problems almost paperless. Not just the vector operation, but the time consuming basic arithmetic and the "error prone" algebra to solve a variable. It does all that, but only with the RPN can you use this power. It's not that hard to figure and you "learn" the programming scripts/algorithm if you can call it that. It's just a sequential entry of commands like you would normally do. Forget about HP prime =pretty color screen but bullshit number crunching = changing modes over and over + re-entry over/over. Now with Prime I need a sheet of paper or two to solve problems.
Oh yeah, I just remembered the hp50g has a "spreadsheet" feature integrated. You listening? It's got freakin EXCEL functions inside the hp50g. Amazing.
Anyways, HP50G is the king for engineering calculations, because you can start and finish a complete complex problem without ever having to write down anything on paper. Enter xyx values → get vector notation do a cross product, solve for an unknown, solve for a bunch of unknowns, etc. etc.
Delightful video story and with a happy ending, too! Thanks for sharing and all credit to you for persisting in trying to find a solution. A successful solution which will now help so many happy owners of the wonderful HP 50G RPN calculator should they encounter the same card issue. Yes!
Thank you for your kind words, Joseph.
Nicely done 👍 I had a few dust specks under the glass screen, I guess the material round there can degrade over time or dust can enter from the 2 open ports above it, these calculators are a nightmare to dissemble, why oh why can't manufacturers use screws on the back of the case ? Snap on plastic hinges are the worst 😨
Before you open your calculator take out the SD card, turn it on, start the filer. Then quit the filer, turn off the calculator and replace the card. Turn it back on, start the filer and the card should behave normally. This also works if your card suddenly reads garbage.
Good advice to first see if you have a software or hardware problem. In my case, it was a hardware issue, such that the SD Card LOCK detector was not working, necessitating the need to open the calculator and perform the hardware mod you see in my video.
Brave! Glad your courage was rewarded.
Ótimo tutorial amigo, aprendi a abrir minha hp50g e consertar graças a sua explicação, muito bom trabalho, obrigado por compartilhar! .
Você é bem vindo, Clecio! Estou feliz que meu vídeo te ajudou. Obrigado por assistir e comentar!
se podria haber solucionado tambien bloqueando la palanca de bloqueo del adaptador sd con algun pegamento ??
Sinceramente no lo sé porque no lo intenté.
my screen was dirty.. with this it fixed!!! Thx
I'm pleased to hear my video helped you, Antonio. Best wishes!
Excellent video! I just obtained an almost new HP50g and I was wondering how it's dissasembled. Great video quality.
Thank you for your kind words!
Thanks for your video.
I would never open such a device with the batteries connected.
What a dreadful design to have 2 screws under the screen cover.
Why are you doing this? You said with the new flashed rom you could write to the card. Problem solved no? Not perfect solution but preferable to taking the thing apart and all the inherent problems. I cant believe they hid two screws under the stuck on screen. Nice picture and sound quality and steady camera. Makes a difference to many other videos.
Because I have an EE degree and know what I am doing. :-) (You asked.) The OS that I flashed to my 50g is called newRPL, which is still in the Alpha stage. Most of the calc's functionality does not work when using it. Furthermore, the reason there was "no problem" when I used newRPL is because newRPL ignores certain features of the SD card. newRPL doesn't care whether it is locked or not. But that again is not a solution for me because newRPL is not a complete piece of software yet that is viable for any of us to use daily on the 50g. It's merely something fun to test and offer feedback to the person who is developing it in his spare time. For more info on this, please visit the HP Museum forum as linked in the description under my video. Thanks.
I had the same problem, changed the sd and everything worked fine.
You changed the SD "card"? If so, I am glad to see it was the card that was the problem in your case. But as my video shows, the SD card was not the root problem in my case. In my case, it was the SD card "slot/holder/reader mechanism" that was faulty, and my video shows how I fixed it, or rather "patched it." It's more of a patch (which is acceptable to me) than a fix because it reads/writes all cards regardless of the LOCK switch position on the card. But again, that is acceptable to me.
Before you open your calculator take out the SD card, turn it on start the filer. Then quit the filer, turn off the calculated and replace the card. Turn it back on, start the filer and the card should behave normally. This also works if your card suddenly reads garbage.
Good point , however, we all learned something new from his video. So the net effect of the whole was greater. This brave young man should be commended. Its these pioneers that make a difference
The MoHPC guys are amazing. I wonder what is supposed to be sitting over SW1? Looks like maybe there was a button on the bottom at one time. That's a typical capacitive keyswitch pad.
Unfortunately, I have no idea about SW1, but that would make for a great question on the forum here: www.hpmuseum.org/forum/forum-4.html
Consegui arrumar a minha calculadora com esse vídeo
Great video! I have the exact same problem but I couldn't solder the cable because I'm pretty noob at soldering xD.
It's not too difficult. Just practice soldering on something else first, then do the work on the calculator.
@@JDW-I connected a cable like in the video but it gives me the same message, I think I am going to take it to a service to see if they can fix it. Greetings!.
@@emilianobertola3467 If indeed you have the same exact problem with your SD-card slot, it could just be a soldering issue. But having a soldering expert examine your work would be helpful, I agree.
Can I ask you how the reset connection is made? When you stick a pin in does it short the circuit board, or is one layer loose and it touches the other layer? Thanks! It says SW1 is it a switch? When I stick a paper clip in I get no feedback! Does the back actually have a plastic bit (I can see it a little in your video) that actually pushes the pcb components? Many thanks!
Have a look at the PCB in my other video and note the "SW1" traces on the PCB at "16:18" in that video: th-cam.com/video/ETqQP_uxS44/w-d-xo.html
Wow thanks for this video!
I’m just watching this video as I had left my 50g calculator with batteries on and they totally leaked and got damaged.
I followed your procedure to open the calculator and found the battery contacts got corroded, I am hoping I can fix them with some Deoxit.
Would it be possible for you to show a better schematic of the cables that go on the upper side of the calculator to the back cover? Some of my cables have broken loose and I may need to replace them somehow.
I am definitely not an expert but there’s a capacitor also on the back cover that got damaged on one terminal, so I am at loss about what I could do in this case... I was thinking of fully separating them and maybe run the back cover through an ultrasonic cleaner as alcohol is not getting the job done.
I appreciate any help, thanks!
Thank you for your kind words. The capacitor you refer to is 1000µF 16V. Measure the height and width of your calculator's capacitor, then ensure you're replacement is the same or smaller size, and so long as your replacement is also 1000µF 16V, it will work perfectly.
Here's a web page with a photo that shows you the wire connections on the battery side:
suna-jebem.blogspot.com/2018/01/hp-50g-blue-graphical-calculator-repair.html
The 49G+ is very similar to the 50g and photos of that can be found here:
www.hpmuseum.org/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/hpmuseum/articles.cgi?read=408
Please let me know if this helps.
By any chance do you know what is the voltage the calculator's board uses?, 4 batteries makes 6V, but the backup is 3.2V
Hi, Luis. I've never measured the voltages at the ICs on the PCB, so I cannot answer your question, unfortunately. But it's a great question that the good people over at the HP Museum forum can answer for you if you post the same question there: www.hpmuseum.org/forum/forum-4.html
Excelente tutorial me saco de un apuro
Gracias por sus amables palabras.
no venden display para la hp 39gs?
Lamentablemente, HP no se ha mostrado entusiasmado con sus productos de calculadora desde hace mucho tiempo. Y, hasta donde yo sé, ningún proveedor externo se ha ofrecido nunca a ofrecer este tipo de piezas de repuesto.
Congratulations! Does it still work 5 yrs later ?
My 50g still works great, Mike! It's also still the ultimate RPN calculator from HP.
@@JDW- I would like to see swissmicros make a clone of the 50g+ using the same high quality construction as there excellent dm42
Agreed. It would probably be their most popular model if they did decide to re-create it. But I’m guessing the reason they haven’t done that is because they lack the engineering ability to do it. It is a very complex piece of hardware and software.
@@JDW- true, swissmicros used the already developed free42 for there dm42 however, the hp50g has a windows clone of the calculator and it may be possible for swissmicros to modify the PC clone like they did using the free42
BTW, for anyone "putting a rubber SD card plug" to keep out dust. Don't do that. The calculator "thinks" that's an SD card and does not turn on. Very very frustrating.
What number are the red cables
As shown at 11:56, there is a single red wire on the right side (when viewed from the back, SD card facing down), and two red wires at the lower left side.
At least it wasn't an HP48. Those are even more of a pain in the ass to open.
Yes, I'm glad I've never had issues with my 48gx that would require me to open it. You can see a photo of that and all my HP calculators on my Flickr account here: www.flickr.com/photos/66071596@N00/albums/72157699805228815
hp makes the calculators very difficult to repair
I agree that it is harder than it should be to open and service them. But the good news is, that is the only one in my HP calculator collection that ever needed servicing.