Anyone have an uglier HP-15C

[Mike]

This has been posted in the ad section but I thought I'd show a photo of the ugliest HP-15C that I have seen.

The corner is torn off of the keyboard label. This is
one ugly calculator. Have you seen any worse cosmetic condition than this one?

Edited: 20 Dec 2003, 7:22 p.m.

[Nelson M. Sicuro (Brazil)]

[Mike]

I would like to have a 15C with a gold bezel. Anyone ever successfully remove a keyboard overlay from one of these calculators. It would be quite an operation but you would have a very unique 15C.

[Randy Sloyer]

When removing bezels, successful is a relative term...

The only way I have ever been able to get a bezel off any Voyager or Pioneer is to use a hot knife from the back - cutting away at the plastic and peeling it off the metal in small chunks. Takes a while and the ABS stinks to high heaven but you end up with a clean bezel. You might be able to use dental floss like a cheese cutter wire and UN-DU to lift from the front. At each key column or row, you'll have to pull the floss over each key to prevent creasing. I use Glide floss as it is flat and polypropylene. It is much stronger than the regular stuff. I have been able to remove the top silver bezels this way without damage. Takes awhile but it can be done.

While not a 15C, here's my ugly Voyager entry. Yes, it really is a 10C. It is obvious it was used as an RPN 4 banger - look at the major wear on the right side and the thick dirt level on the left. The actuation pin on the + key was worn to a nub. All keys on the right side had been pounded on for so long that the normally square edges of the keys had been completely rounded over, more like a Pioneer key. I replaced all the keys on the right side with keys from a Singapore 12C after removing all the blue shift functions.

[Mike]

one was going to put a gold bezel on a 15C, it might be easier to take a good 12C and rip the keyboard label off. Then, remove the guts and keys from a cosmetically inferior 15C (but with good keyboard template). That would make removing the template (overlay) much easier, without keys.

I may try that someday. Gold 15C . It would be costly though.

Edited: 20 Dec 2003, 9:11 p.m.

[Hans Brueggemann]

well,
why not rat-calcs, if there are rat-bikes...

cheers, hans

[Charlie O.]

A surveyor here at the office has a 15c which has been in daily use since new. I will include more details with the photo. He recently began using a 48gx but keeps the 15c for some of his calcs. Can someone tell me how to include a picture with my post? I will take the 15c home tonight and photograph it. Be forewarned that the picture may be upsetting to some viewers. Do not eat immediately prior to viewing the photo.

ceo

[Charles Oxford]

World's Ugliest 15c!!

[Raymond Del Tondo]

Wow, this one is really used!
Maybe some smart eBay seller could start an auction for this unit, telling it 'is in excellent condition with minor usage marks' ;-)

Raymond

[Charlie O.]

John says the only way he will give it up is to get one in better condition.

[Raymond Del Tondo]

...which won't be difficult, nearly every other unit looks better.

Raymond

[Ron Ross]

I can't imagine ANY other calculator series that rugged! I think the photo speaks for itself as to the toughness and durability of the Voyager series.

I drove off with my 42s on the side fender of my Jeep during a construction site visit. At about 40 mph I noticed my 42s develop wings and fly off the fender onto the payment and watch it tumble on the pavement behind me. I stopped very quickly to retrieve my abandoned friend, thinking it might be the end. A couple of gouges in the case, but my 42s came right on with no apparent harm. Talk about a close call.