HP Forums

I bought a "brand new" hp20s today from a stranger for $25. The package was "open box", but inside everything looked new. I've used a hp48sx since '91 and when it came time to buy my kids a scientific calc, I thought the 20s might be a good one.

Anyway, the calc displayed some random digits (mostly zeroes) on its screen when I turned it on and they would not clear. I performed the self-test found in the manual and got a "20-FAIL 8" error message, which the manual says means that I need to have it serviced.

I searched the HP site and found how to reset the calc. This worked and the screen display returned to normal and everything seems to work fine. HOWEVER, when I do the self-test, it still gives the same error message.

What do you think? Does it still need service or do I just ignore the message? Thank you for any insight!

Hello !

In performing the self-test, I get the same results at my HP-20S !.
It works properly, so I do not think its any wrong with Your calculator.

Edited: 11 July 2008, 9:01 a.m.

Well, that is reassuring! Thank you! ~Karen

Karen,

I tried my wife's HP20S ( I need RPN !) and it gives me "20- good". However, it took me a number of attempts to get it right and each of those gave me "20- fail 8". It's probably fine but you could try resetting it as described in the manual and retrying if it really bothers you.

Regards
Charles

Got it!! It says Good! Thanks everyone! ~Karen