I believe the HP-42s is one of the most versatile and powerful calculators by HP, and that the HP-97 has the best “layout” in terms of keys and size as a desk calculator, so I am wondering if it would be possible to combine these 2 jewels into one calculator.
My idea is to make this as simple as possible, which to me means physically installing an HP-42s inside and HP-97 and connect them (though a microprocessor maybe?), and map the keys on the HP-97 to get the Hp-42s results, on a modified double line LCD screen. For ex, when you press the [e^x] key (3rd row, 3rd column on the HP-97 keyboard), internally you are really “pressing” f^ [LN] (1st row, 5th column on the HP-42s).
I understand that there are many challenges like how to account for all those functions on the 42s not present on the HP-97 (for ex [Catalog]), but there are also some functions on the HP-97 not present on the HP-42s that could be remapped (like [Write data], or [Merge] ). The idea would be to make the Printer and Magnetic Card Reader operationally as well.
I am sure that someone with the right training, experience and tools would be able to do it (and I suspect there are many skillful enthusiasts in this forum).
I am ready to offer my HP-42s and my HP-97 as “guinea pigs” for this project, and if it is successful, the brave person who makes this transformation can get either my (2nd) HP-97 or HP-42s, or some monetary reward to be determined.
Giovanni