HP32S disassembly

[Tom Walker]

I read Paul Bloggers article on taking a 32S apart and am trying mine. The problem is that one row of keys doesn't work, probably a loose connection between the keypad and PCB.

So far I have drilled the top 4 heat stakes and have the halves separated at the top. Looking down inside I can see what look like 4 posts, probably heat stakes, but have done a lot of wiggling and prying without freeing the bottom end.

Just how hard do you have to pull to get them apart?

I can't see where there was any heating done to put them together and wonder if they might be glued. Maybe a hair dryer on the bottom will loosen the glue?

I've tried to email Mr. Blogger but both addresses I got from this museum come back bad.

I'm a long time HP user but have had only 2 of them. A 35 which I got through my employer when they first came out in the early 70's(list price about $400 I think) and the 32S which I bought in about 1986.

RPN FOREVER!

Thanks,

Tom Walker

[Paul Brogger]

["Paul Blogger" -- I swear, it hadn't even occurred to me! I'll have to start one.]

My email address has gone through several iterations over the years, and is always "mangled" on this Forum. Take "NoHormel" (i.e., no SPAM) out of the mailto: address above, and you'll reach me at my current ISP.

They're melted-over heat stakes, just like the ones you drilled. Their orientations are reversed, however, and the heads are hidden beneath the metal faceplate of the keyboard.

You may wish to read also Article 199, "Increasing HP-42s Memory to 32k" for more info on taking Pioneers apart.

Also, look at the "internal pictures" of the HP-32s and HP-42s in the Museum articles for those calculators.

I just grab the two case halves, keeping clear of the internal PCB, and rip 'em apart. It's worked every time.

Good luck, and contact me here or via email if you need more info.

-- Paul B.

[Tom Walker]

Using Mr. Brogger's ideas (notice proper spelling of his name) and looking in other postings on this web site I was able to get my 32S working at least for now.

I couldn't pull the lower stakes out so I peeled the metal face plate up and partially drilled them free. Was then able to break them loose.

My solution was to clean the contacts on the 15 pin connection between the keypad and PC board.

Thanks to Mr. Brogger and others who posted information.

Tom Walker