California Surveyors Forums

I like new technology but as most of us know, sometimes the older products offer better features than the newer. Im looking to purchase a calculator to help me with my State exam. Money is not of problem and i dont mind having the latest technology. So can the HP50 do what all of what hp48 can do and then some? thanks

Shawn,

I found that the state exam was not so much about calculation. This exam tests your judgment. Any calculator would have worked for me, but I used an HP-48 with an SMI cogo card. One capability I would recommend for a calculator is being able to convert lat/lon to state plane coordinates, and visa-versa. I’m a Gen-X guy who likes tech toys very much, but I still like the HP-48. Just get whatever you want, and use it often before the exam.

Thanks Paul. I agree with the exam being more on judgment. Im looking at the HP50 with the possibility of using it as a data collector. To be honest im not even sure if you can use the HP50 as a data collector. I know the HP48 can because my coworker showed it to me. Im assuming you can since it replaced the hp48? I should probably ask HP. Thanks for the tip though.

EDIT. I found out that the hp50 can be used as a data collector.

Greg Sebourn wrote:In April 2007 there were TDS Rangers and Husky's in the hands of examinees during the test. The reality is that you should use a simple calculator with trig functions. If it does lat/lon conversions, that's great but not necessary. It isn't so much a math test as it is a boundary concepts and law test. Just look at the test plan for confirmation.

Are TDS rangers even allowed during the exam?? I know someone that got in trouble for having his watch beep at noon when i was taking my LSIT.

you might check out the software D'Zign has for the HP 50.

I haven't used it myself, since I still have my 48GX. I don't believe the HP48gII has a data card port, but the HP 50 does.
I think D'Zign also makes software for the HP33 and 35 but I believe the 50 software is a lot more powerfull.
TDS still makes a COGO software card for the HP 48GX, however you'll have to find a used 48GX, since they don't make them anymore.

The Board's website states the HP 50 can be used for the State specific portion but not the NCEES portion.

steffan wrote:you might check out the software D'Zign has for the HP 50.

I haven't used it myself, since I still have my 48GX. I don't believe the HP48gII has a data card port, but the HP 50 does.
I think D'Zign also makes software for the HP33 and 35 but I believe the 50 software is a lot more powerfull.
TDS still makes a COGO software card for the HP 48GX, however you'll have to find a used 48GX, since they don't make them anymore.

Will do. Im looking at Precision Surveying Solutions DC50 software. Anyone have experience with that? I currently dont own any survey equipments. So im thinking i need a good calulator and can use this as a data collector.

I have seen some TDS rangers on ebay lately for good prices. For a data collector, I would look at one of those.

Shawn give me a call @ 858.228.0209, I can help you with your calculator needs.

Cheers

John Gilmore

I purchased this package several years ago and was never able to get it to work. They then sent me new firmware instructions on a pink sheet but I was not able to have any success with their product. I don't recall the specific issues;but they had a work-around for HP's problematic 49g that I was not able to install. Also, was not able to install the Dzign transfer program. Could not see using a calculator that would not download to the PC. It all still sits in a drawer. Maybe they have come up with a successful program for the Hp 50. I honestly lost all interest in their software and all confidence in that lemon of a calculator,the Hp 49g.

Shawn, which ever way you go with regarding the larger calculators, keep the HP 33s handy with Jim Butcher's programs in it.

When I took the exam in 2005 I had my handy-dandy HP48 at the ready, checked it out the night before...the morning of...and right after the exam began. Started on my first calculation and it asked if I wanted to restore the memory...didn't work after that...even with a battery change.

After the panic wore off I picked up the HP33 and began and finished the exam. I had to do much more note keeping for the coordinate calculations, but it worked...and I passed.

Ever since, my HP33 has not left my side and I have still not had problem one.

Marty

"Im looking at Precision Surveying Solutions DC50 software. Anyone have experience with that?"

I've been using a DC50 with a Topcon GTS-302 for about 2-1/2 years. I previously used a TDS-48, and I'm very happy with the DC50. There have been some glitches along the way, but the developers have been quite responsive, sometimes implementing software fixes the same day. The platform appears to be pretty stable now for total stations. I don't use it with GPS equipment, so I can't comment on that aspect of the package.

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I ran a HP 48G since it was brand new and never thought about changing, I figured I would be one of these old guys that ran the same calculator until I retired, I bought a HP 35 for a back-up. Used it once and have not picked up the 48G since, I think it is the greatest thing ever. It does everything I could want it to do.

But then again, you can get TDS downloaded to you phone now. So with that there is no reason for a seporate calculator, exept to take an exam.