Free42 Version 3

Discussion around the SwissMicros DM42 calculator
Thomas Okken
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by Thomas Okken »

Thank you! :-​)

The multi-line display logic in Plus42 is all new, completely separate from the corresponding logic in the DM42 firmware, so minor differences in behavior are to be expected.
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rudi
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by rudi »

Ok - It would be really great, if SM would make a DM42X with the extra key row based on your Plus42.
I would buy it immediately!
/Rudi

DM-42 (s/n 06999), HP-42S, HP-35s, HP-11c, HP-32SII (ex HP-41CV, ex HP-75C, ex HP-48G + a lot, really lot of a accessories)
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48GX
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by 48GX »

An extra key row would allow the 48GX to be an option. 🙂

Didn’t realize this was even out yet! I just laid down my $$ for it on iOS. Many thanks.
Waiting for SM to release DM42 hardware with one additional row of keys.
DM42, DB48X, DM32, HP42s, DM41X, HP35s, DM41L
Raising a next generation RPN/RPL user.
Thomas Okken
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by Thomas Okken »

48GX wrote:
Sat Apr 30, 2022 4:16 pm
Didn’t realize this was even out yet!
I'm going to advertise it with a one-time pop-up ad in the next Free42 release, that should bring it to the attention of a decent chunk of the target audience. But I don't want to do that until all Plus42 versions are available, so I have to wait for Google to approve it. Next week, I hope.
48GX wrote:
Sat Apr 30, 2022 4:16 pm
I just laid down my $$ for it on iOS. Many thanks.
Thank you!
rprosperi
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by rprosperi »

Thomas Okken wrote:
Sat Apr 30, 2022 4:42 pm

I'm going to advertise it with a one-time pop-up ad in the next Free42 release, that should bring it to the attention of a decent chunk of the target audience. But I don't want to do that until all Plus42 versions are available, so I have to wait for Google to approve it. Next week, I hope.
Excellent idea, it should help spread the word for sure. :)

But there can be no doubt that a few folks that have used Free42 for many years, without ever contributing towards it, will complain about the ad for Plus42, saying it's obtrusive, etc...
--bob p

DM42: β00071 & 00282, DM41X: β00071 & 00656, DM10L: 071/100
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rudi
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by rudi »

Btw - will it be possible to use it on then existing DM42?
Please excuse me, if this is a dumb question, I have not studied how the OS on the DM42 platform is set up.
/Rudi

DM-42 (s/n 06999), HP-42S, HP-35s, HP-11c, HP-32SII (ex HP-41CV, ex HP-75C, ex HP-48G + a lot, really lot of a accessories)
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Thomas Okken
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by Thomas Okken »

In principle, sure. Plus42 can be used even without the extra row of keys. But there are a couple of challenges:

For one, Plus42 has completely new logic for dealing with the big display. I'm not familiar with the DM42 firmware source code, but given the extensive patching SM must have done for their own big-display support, I imagine merging the two would be very difficult.

For another, Plus42 uses more memory than Free42, and RAM is a bit tight on the DM42 to begin with. The Plus42 RAM footprint could be reduced somewhat by replacing the STL classes it uses with more lightweight, custom-made classes, and maybe trimming the fat out of certain other data structures, like not always using int where a short or a char would suffice as well. Not rocket science but potentially also a lot of work.

And of course last but not least: Who would do such a port? It won't be me and I gather SwissMicros don't intend to, either. And for an unpaid hobbyist, this might be a bit too much of an effort to justify.
Thomas Okken
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by Thomas Okken »

The Android version of Plus42 is live at Google Play now. (link)
ctrclckws
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by ctrclckws »

Thank you, support given, and I finally see the big display.

For Google Play, you may need to Uninstall the beta first.

Then you can purchase Plus42.
DM10, DM10L: 00031 / DM11, DM11L: 00112 / DM12, DM12L: 02074
DM15, DM15L: 11069 / DM16. DM16L: 02001 / DM41, DM41L: 00859
DM41X: 00036ß / 00181 DM42: 3108 / 6084 WP43: 0032
Panchdara
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Re: Free42 Version 3

Post by Panchdara »

Cool. Will the paid version be self-updating as is Free42?

I reckon, then I'd have given TO $90 at that point. Will donations still be requested?
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