Arithmetic operators don't work on my 32SII

[Simon Lockyer]

The subject says it all -- if I flex the body of the calculator a little, the situation improves a little, temporarily, but if the machine has been left sitting overnight, then I have to lean hard on the +, -, x, or ÷ for anything to happen. I've already had one 32SII die on me (replaced for around $200!), please tell me how to fix this one, somebody, it's not on its last legs, is it?

Please e-mail responses to slockyer@cox.net as I don't visit the forum as often as I should.

Many thanks, Simon

[bill platt]

Hi Simon,

Yes, you may be in a "un" fix. Yet, before you open it up, try removing the batteries, and soaking in distilled water for a day, and then thoroughly dry it in natural air, with a fan if you like, for about 3 days. Sometimes, the pad that puts pressure on the connectors becomes compressed, and the moisture sems to re-liven it (it is made from foam).

Generally, with this sort of problem, you also see the ability to make the operators work again by simply putting gentle but firm pressure to the bezel just below the display. If this is the case with you, then do not fret--just try this first.

I also suggest that you be patient with purchasing a back-up 32sii--I have never paid more than $ 130 for one--and the last one I bought 3 months ago, I got for under $100.

You might also go get a 33s. I know, it isn't as nice--except that you never run out of memory ever--and the equation list is better--the unary minus is no longer precedent. There are some bugs--which have been thoroughly analyzed here---but they can be worked around (worst is the sexagesimal, and the polar conversion bugs--and the RAD annunciator bug after reset). It is only $43 if you buy from Amazon and get the $10 rebate.

Best regards,

Bill

[Ed Look]

As much as I love using my 32SII, and because of that I don't take it work and use it at home, I use the 33S at work. But in doing so, it has grown on me, and it is now hard for me to say that it isn't as nice as the 32SII.

Of course, to me, aesthetics isn't everything! Besides, you can get used to the look of something. And, as you say, it has more memory and the constants list.

*** AND, IT'S RPN !! ***

[Frank B. (Germany)]

I had the same problem with a 32sII. If pressing the bezel just below the display resolves the problem, it is probably a contact problem. For me it helped prying open the calculator at the right hand side a little bit (maybe 1 mm) using a toothpick. Then I inserted a bit of cardboard (about 3 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, .5 mm thick) using a tweezer, so that the pressure at the magic spot is increased. Since that the calculator works like a champ. It has been used on a daily basis for more than 4 months now, no keyboard problems.

Frank.

[Simon Lockyer]

Frank B. -- thanks for your suggestion, a very practical fix which I will probably try as pressing under the bezel works for my machine --thanks!

Simon

PS I think I'd rather lose my left pinkie than my 32SII!

[V-PN]

You just might try the hp 33s with over 30,000. bytes of MEM

[VPN]