[comp.sys.handhelds] Basic questions from a new HP48 owner

ked01@ccc.amdahl.com (Kim DeVaughn) (03/16/91)

I've recently purchased an HP48 (great little machine, despite the
poor documentation), and am trying to bootstrap myself up with all
the indespensible utilities such as ASC\->, \->ASC, and the like.

Since I don't yet have up/download capabilities working from my
Amigas, I need to enter these utilities by hand directly into the
HP48.

No real problem, but in the posting I have by William Wickes that
gives the P1/P2/P3/SETUP versions of the ASC twins, the initial P1
version has the line "IF DUP TYPE 2 \=/" in it.

The question is ... what the heck is "\=/", and how do I enter it from
the keyboard?

Also, I assume lines not between \<< \>> pairs are not entered (such
as the %%HP .... line, and lines the look like comments like "P1   @ ASC\->").

(BTW, is the @ char used to denote pgm comments, or what?)

Thanks for help with these very basic questions.  One final one ... is
there a *good* book that describes the commands, program structure,
standard practices, etc. for this machine?  After having been spoiled
by the excellent documentation for the HP65 and HP41 that I have, I
am really disappointed with what is provided with the HP48.

/kim

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akcs.brentlz@hpcvbbs.UUCP (Brent Ellzey) (03/18/91)

After using my 48 for about 7 months I've come to the conclusion that
the documentation by HP is not all that bad, there is just too much to
handle for a new user.

I feel safe in recomending Grapevine's "An Easy Course in Using the
HP-48SX" for new HP-48 owners.  This book is available from EducalCALC
or direct from Grapevine Publications, P.O. Box 2449, Corvallis, OR
97339-9960.   See item #2419 here at comp.sys.handhelds  for more info
on EduCALC products, prices, and address.

as to your question on "/=\" the "/" preceding "=\" is a part of the
translation of HP-48 characters for use with non-HP-48 computers. See
pages 626-628 of the Owner's Manual Volume II for a better :-) 
explanation.

Oh yeah, "\=/" is the the translation of "not equal"...

Don't get too frustrated with your 48 and HP. Give youself some time to 
get over (or at least higher up :-) the relatively steep HP-48SX learning
curve.

Hope this is somewhat helpfull.

BrentLZ   e10140197@ccit.arizona.edu