67 Card Reader

[Matt Agajanian]

Hello all. Yes, about my newly acquired HP-67, again.

While my 67 is PROPERLY charging (the batteries are in the calc this time), I tried to run a card through the reader. When I inserted the card, I heard the motor so, it's sensing the card BUT, it's not grabbing the card and pulling it through. After which, the display reads 'Error.' So, I gently retract the partially inserted card (or is that not good).

Anyway, any thoughts on the card reader and why, the motor cannot pull the card through?

Thanks

Edited: 15 Mar 2012, 12:33 p.m.

[Marcus von Cube, Germany]

Card readers disintegrate partly over time: The rubber roller turns into goo. There are repair instructions in several old threads here and you can fetch the required parts (O-rings or silicone tubing) from eBay sellers if you don't find them in a shop.

The charger might have harmed the electronics in the card reader.

[Matt Agajanian]

Well, it sounds like my HP's card reader can be repaired. Right? Perhaps the FixThatCalc folks can do the surgery. So, even though I hear the motor, perhaps either I burnt out the card reader circuity from my initial charging mishap, the parts may have disintegrated and/or the rollers turned to goo. Right?

In any case, is my 67 fixable?

Thanks!

[Marcus von Cube, Germany]

It's most probably the roller. The repair can be done without asking Randy if you aren't born with two left thumbs. ;-)

[Matt Agajanian]

Thanks for the reassurance but, in my 46 years, I've not been very coordinated with my hands, especially with little parts and mechanics.

But, now that I know what I'm up against and the reassurance that my HP is curable, I think for the card reader to truly work after it's fixed, I should let the more skilled have a go at it.

[DavidShenk]

Hi Matt,

I've rebuilt my 67 card reader as well as several card readers for the 41. With instructions (and photos) found online, I don't think you'll have any trouble doing it. I used o-rings bought from the online auction site and they've always worked for me.

Dave

[Joel Setton (France)]

Hi,
the card reader is always powered from the battery, even when a charger is connected. As a result, you cannot read a card if the batteries are weak.
I hope this helps!
Joel Setton