NavList:

I recently stumbled upon an interesting gadget, which may be of interest in the context of navigation to some of you.

It is a programmable, 4-level stack, RPN calculator named WP-34s.

The hardware is a common HP-30b business calculator with its compact case and keyboard with characteristic hard click. The real trick is the firmware -- the firmware was completely written by hardcore hp calc enthusiasts. And they included in this firmware every item of their wish lists that they lovingly composed over the years, discussed ad infinitum in their conferences and unsuccessfully lobbied HP to implement in the future models. Julian day calculation is a built-in function, for example.
The language and architecture is designed to be as compatible as possible with the older HPs, so if you really miss some specific HP-41 program, it should be easy to port.

There are several hardware hacks: crystal for accurate internal clock, PC connectivity though micro usb (requires cutting holes in the case) and IR diode for printing on HP compact thermal printer -- all supported by the firmware.

I got the version with a crystal. For what I can see, the clock in my unit gains something like a second a day, not sure how stable this rate yet. Even if it is not good enough to act as a chronometer, it can be used as a watch to time the sights. Access to the clock is fully programmable, so, you can program it to record time when you click a button and then enter the altitude and move on to next sight.

There is a PC emulator and a user manual in pdf file, in case you want to get a feeling what operation tastes like.

Andrew.

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