WP43 Alternative key layout --> C43

This area is for discussion about these families of custom high-end Scientific Calculator applications for SwissMicros devices.
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Jaymos
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by Jaymos »

H2X wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 11:06 am
Dani R. wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:35 am
I almost dare not say it, because there is a danger that it will be implemented quickly. But here are two thoughts anyway.

1) We don't have an auto repeat yet, so you can't just keep the BSP key pressed, and digit by digit is deleted. I think this is a good thing, auto repeat should never be introduced on a calculator.
Never say never, there might be a really good use case for it, but until that use case comes up - and is justifiable - and this is not it - I'm totally with Dani.
Dani R. wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:35 am
2) We already have Long Press Commands. It is conceivable that in NIM the Long Press of BSP could trigger a CLX. Just like that, as another Easter egg and without any urgent reason to want to introduce this extension as well.
I agree. Conceivable, yes. Urgent, no.
Item 2 goes to my todo list 75% down the list though. I like that.
Jaco Mostert
Elec Eng, South Africa
https://47calc.com C47 (s/n 03818 & 06199), WP43 (0015). In box: HP42S, HP32Sii, WP34S&C, HP28C, HP35s, EL-506P, EL-W506, PB700; ex: FX702P, 11C, HP67 & HP85; iOS: 42s Byron, Free42+, WP31S/34S, HCalc.
H2X
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by H2X »

Jaymos wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:17 pm
H2X wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 11:39 am
toml_12953 wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 11:27 am
My Grandmother would rather have J and N. :)
And I'd love to have an OFFIMG of her using her WP43C. Please share! :mrgreen:
What would you do to have a letter for JEIN.... mmm
Quantum computing on the WP43C? I'd give an arm and/or a leg. Or neither. 8-)
What is the metric tensor in imperial units?
rprosperi
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by rprosperi »

Dani R. wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:07 am
H2X wrote:
Sat Mar 14, 2020 7:05 pm
The [ENTER] and [EXIT] keys, [ON] and [OFF] labels say it: English is the language.

I vote Y and N only, or none at all.
+1
I say none at all. My only point in noting the above was that it's easy to spot and recognize the Y/N highlights since they are intuitive to a native English speaker. While I don't think keeping only Y & N highlighted would offend any non-native English users of the 43C, I'd say it's not worth it to have these in a separate color; these 2 keys and ON are the only white labels, probably not justified to add a 4th color to the painting/marking scheme used; make all 3 gray like the other letters.

And speaking of which, I'd say it would probably better to brighten the shade of gray used a bit, as I believe that the current color, while clear in these perfect hi-res images, will likely be notably harder to read on a real bezel. I understand the idea is for them to be less bright than the white of the key labels, and therefor less distracting, but if too dull, they will only distract and not be of help at all. The early DM42 and pre-beta 41X machines used lighter shades and they were both changed to brighter/bolder colors since the muted colors are washed out on the dark brown bezel background.
--bob p

DM42: β00071 & 00282, DM41X: β00071 & 00656, DM10L: 071/100
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Jaymos
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by Jaymos »

rprosperi wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 4:36 pm
I say none at all. My only point in noting the above was that it's easy to spot and recognize the Y/N highlights since they are intuitive to a native English speaker. While I don't think keeping only Y & N highlighted would offend any non-native English users of the 43C, I'd say it's not worth it to have these in a separate color; these 2 keys and ON are the only white labels, probably not justified to add a 4th color to the painting/marking scheme used; make all 3 gray like the other letters.
I find the brighter Y/N invaluable since I made my set of original WP34C and WP34S vinyl labels and I carried over that successful trick over here. They are a help when the calculator for some unexpected reason requests a confirmation, and you need to find that Y or N in an alphabetic sequence. It helps me find it and be sure to press it.

If we have colour issues later, we can reconsider.

rprosperi wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 4:36 pm
And speaking of which, I'd say it would probably better to brighten the shade of gray used a bit, as I believe that the current color,
That could well be and we will come back to this one once the first prints (non metallic) are checked. Contrast has been a concern all along and you are right, if found to be insufficient we will increase contrast.
Jaco Mostert
Elec Eng, South Africa
https://47calc.com C47 (s/n 03818 & 06199), WP43 (0015). In box: HP42S, HP32Sii, WP34S&C, HP28C, HP35s, EL-506P, EL-W506, PB700; ex: FX702P, 11C, HP67 & HP85; iOS: 42s Byron, Free42+, WP31S/34S, HCalc.
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Jaymos
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by Jaymos »

Progress report on my first laser cut loose WP43C template.

Material - 0.3 mm white gloss finish magnetic sheet: First trial cut fits loosely, the magnetic force makes the template cling to the calculator body. If you turn it around, it clings. If you shake it it comes off.

I have not had it in my hands, the photo and message above is from the printers. Not sure if he will print it tomorrow.

Inautilus's layout from of last weekend ago will be printed on it. Does not matter if it is old - the trial is to see if the concept works.
PHOTO-2020-03-15-19-38-15.png
PHOTO-2020-03-15-19-38-15.png (97.35 KiB) Viewed 4926 times
Jaco Mostert
Elec Eng, South Africa
https://47calc.com C47 (s/n 03818 & 06199), WP43 (0015). In box: HP42S, HP32Sii, WP34S&C, HP28C, HP35s, EL-506P, EL-W506, PB700; ex: FX702P, 11C, HP67 & HP85; iOS: 42s Byron, Free42+, WP31S/34S, HCalc.
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inautilus
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by inautilus »

Looks promising ...! :)

Perhaps the magnetized substrate ... in combination with side tabs is a possible solution to the upside down issue ...?
D A MacDonald
Mar Eng, Designer, CANADA
HP35, HP41C, HP28S, HP35s. PC: HP15C, Free42, WP31S, WP34S
(Operators Right in bold)
"It is not the strongest or most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change ..." Darwin
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Jaymos
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by Jaymos »

inautilus wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:21 pm
Looks promising ...! :)

Perhaps the magnetized substrate ... in combination with side tabs is a possible solution to the upside down issue ...?
Agreed. I will have the tabs cut with the next cut/print. Also from the photo, the lines around the buttons could be a bit tighter. Later to judge that though.

J
Jaco Mostert
Elec Eng, South Africa
https://47calc.com C47 (s/n 03818 & 06199), WP43 (0015). In box: HP42S, HP32Sii, WP34S&C, HP28C, HP35s, EL-506P, EL-W506, PB700; ex: FX702P, 11C, HP67 & HP85; iOS: 42s Byron, Free42+, WP31S/34S, HCalc.
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Walter
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by Walter »

inautilus wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:21 pm
Perhaps the magnetized substrate ... in combination with side tabs is a possible solution to the upside down issue ...?
Just for curiosity: what's the "upside down issue"? The overlay looks sufficiently asymmetric, doesn't it?
WP43 SN00000, 34S, and 31S for obvious reasons; HP-35, 45, ..., 35S, 15CE, DM16L S/N# 00093, DM42β SN:00041
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inautilus
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by inautilus »

Jaymos wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:10 pm
Progress report ...
.
If you turn it around [ ... ], it clings. If you shake it it comes off.
Insert where indicated by backets: 'where the calculator is upside down'
D A MacDonald
Mar Eng, Designer, CANADA
HP35, HP41C, HP28S, HP35s. PC: HP15C, Free42, WP31S, WP34S
(Operators Right in bold)
"It is not the strongest or most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change ..." Darwin
H2X
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Re: 43S Alternative key layout --> WP43C

Post by H2X »

Jaymos wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 9:16 pm
inautilus wrote:
Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:21 pm
Looks promising ...! :)

Perhaps the magnetized substrate ... in combination with side tabs is a possible solution to the upside down issue ...?
Agreed. I will have the tabs cut with the next cut/print. Also from the photo, the lines around the buttons could be a bit tighter. Later to judge that though.

J
What's there for the magnet to cling to? The original DM42 faceplate?
What is the metric tensor in imperial units?
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