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HP 42S problem - Keeps switching off after turn-on
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HP 42S problem - Keeps switching off after turn-on altzone@gmail.com 11-20-2006
Posted by altzone@gmail.com on November 20, 2006, 3:12 pm
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 Hi
I inherited a 42S and it switches off imediately after switching on. In
some cases the display will flash for a split second, in other cases it
doesn't show anything. If I press the ON key fast enough I can keep the
display on until I release the key.

The self test (ON-LOG) works just fine, and passes OK. But at the end
it just switches off. ON-ROOT (the reset function?) works and very
briefly display "Machine Reset". Same thing for the ON-SUM-XEQ Program
Reset.

I can even adjust the contrast, and even get it to do calculations if I
press a key fast enough at power on, but it switches back off again as
before.

Anyone know what is wrong? Is there any higher level reset function I
can try?

The batteries are brand new and tested, and I have tried a 2nd set.

Thanks
Dave :)


Posted by Paul Rubin on November 20, 2006, 7:45 pm
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> Anyone know what is wrong? Is there any higher level reset function I
> can try?

Try removing the batteries and shorting out the calculator's battery
contacts momentarily with a piece of wire. Also, clean the battery
contacts.

Posted by altzone@gmail.com on November 20, 2006, 8:25 pm
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Paul Rubin wrote:
> > Anyone know what is wrong? Is there any higher level reset function I
> > can try?
>
> Try removing the batteries and shorting out the calculator's battery
> contacts momentarily with a piece of wire. Also, clean the battery
> contacts.

Did that, no joy.
It appears to be some sort of software/firmware issue, as the
calculator powers up and stays on just fine in the self test mode. In
normal mode it just shuts off immediately.

Dave :)


Posted by Raymond Del Tondo on December 24, 2006, 7:36 am
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Hi,

it's unlikely for the HP-42S to have firmware problems.
Have you tried a master reset (ON+A+F) ?

ON+A+F means to press and hold the ON key,
then press and hold the upper left menu key,
then press and hold the upper right menu key,
then release them all.

The interactive self test mode can be reached with ON+D,
the looping test mode with ON+E,
exit to normal mode with ON+C .

The sequences are described in the user manual, too.


There are two kinds of problems in Pioneer Series calcs
which come to mind:

- Stuck keys
- Contact problem between the internal PCBs

Neither of the above seem to be the cause,
as your unit seems to repsond in a normal way
in self test mode.

So from my perspective it could be
that the RAM area is corrupted,
which can be resolved by doing a master reset.

HTH

Regards

Raymond

BTW: There's a more suitable forum for this
kind of 'handheld': www.hpmuseum.org ;-)

In case you want to reply to this message
please reply to my eMail address,
since I don't read the handhelds news group very often.



> Paul Rubin wrote:
>> > Anyone know what is wrong? Is there any higher level reset function I
>> > can try?
>>
>> Try removing the batteries and shorting out the calculator's battery
>> contacts momentarily with a piece of wire. Also, clean the battery
>> contacts.
>
> Did that, no joy.
> It appears to be some sort of software/firmware issue, as the
> calculator powers up and stays on just fine in the self test mode. In
> normal mode it just shuts off immediately.
>
> Dave :)
>






Posted by altzone@gmail.com on January 19, 2007, 3:47 am
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Raymond Del Tondo wrote:
> Hi,
>
> it's unlikely for the HP-42S to have firmware problems.
> Have you tried a master reset (ON+A+F) ?
>
> ON+A+F means to press and hold the ON key,
> then press and hold the upper left menu key,
> then press and hold the upper right menu key,
> then release them all.
>
> The interactive self test mode can be reached with ON+D,
> the looping test mode with ON+E,
> exit to normal mode with ON+C .
>
> The sequences are described in the user manual, too.
>
>
> There are two kinds of problems in Pioneer Series calcs
> which come to mind:
>
> - Stuck keys
> - Contact problem between the internal PCBs
>
> Neither of the above seem to be the cause,
> as your unit seems to repsond in a normal way
> in self test mode.
>
> So from my perspective it could be
> that the RAM area is corrupted,
> which can be resolved by doing a master reset.
>
> HTH
>
> Regards
>
> Raymond

Thanks Raymond.
Unfortunately none of that works either.
I get a brief "Memory Clear" message on the display but it just turns
off again.

> BTW: There's a more suitable forum for this
> kind of 'handheld': www.hpmuseum.org ;-)

I've asked there to no avail.

Thanks
Dave :)


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