EngrPaul

As many traditional users of the HP48GX calculator know, there are free emulators that allow you to put the complete calculator on your desktop or PPC.

With downloads and information from www.hpcalc.org to find ROM and kml files, you build yourself a free legal (GNU) calculator.

I had a real hard time adjusting to using the PPC emualtors because their skin visually didn't match up with the calculator.

Recently, a VGA version of BMP+KML was posted here: http://privat.swol.de/ChristophGiesselink/emu48.htm Note that there is also version 1.06 available, a full PPC install: just add ROM, and the right BMP+KML for your screen size

This VGA graphics was a step forward, but still not the "real" calculator I wanted.

So I took "Wombat 3" VGA .bmp and carefully put "Jemak's GX" graphics from the desktop version of the emulator in spots where the Wombat 3 .kml file is telling the emulator to find the buttons.

I am really pleased with the result and would like to share with my fellow VGA Axim users! (Even if you have a lesser model you can go to the sites above and get yourself an effective QVGA emulator)

Here is a screen shot, and the BMP/KML file pair in zip format for you to download if you wish.

EDIT: THIS IS AN UPDATED POST WITH UPDATED CONTENT (12/4)

I went through a second iteration to make the text more readable when shrinked down to a small VGA screen. I also tweaked the color of the screen, the size of the buttons and some shading.

The final product is now attached. ENJOY!

P.S. if you want a version with non-shaded buttons, go down to post #17

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

EngrPaul

An for you QVGA users (320x240), here is a Skin I made Pixel-by-Pixel for you.

You can also install the emulator version 1.06 from the link above.

THIS IS AN UPDATED POST. Better graphics and (12/4) Beep patch applied.

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

tallshorty

I use RDCalc. not free, but it's a really nice calculator

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Current Device: Axim x51v with 1 GB Lexar SD, 512 MB Kingston CF Card, Boxwave screen protector, GlobalSat CF GPS, Stowaway Universal IR Keyboard
Previous Devices: Axim x50v, Toshiba e800, Toshiba e750

kam33mitch

Thanks Paul.

EngrPaul

Here is the documentation for the calculator:

HP 48G Series Quick Start Guide:
http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=6402

HP 48G Series User's Guide:
http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=3937

HP 48G Series Advanced User's Reference Manual:
http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=6036

Note: The Advanced User's reference was NOT provided with the calculator. You would have to buy it separate. Now you can download it for free.

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

Ken S

Thanks for posting this Paul, I will install now. When I get a bit of spare time I may try and modify the VGA Beemer skin for use with the 48 rom. If I succeed I will post it also.

EngrPaul

I spent the day doing a QVGA skin from the ground up (based on W2 skeleton, but with my own graphics). I edited my second post on this thread with the updated picture and file.

I leared a couple things about KML files. Including how to change the LCD screen color.

My next project will be to apply the LCD color and better readability to the VGA skin. I will update that as well when I am finished.

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

aaronchow

Thanks for your hard work, I am checking your skin out now! ^^

EngrPaul

WHEW! I'm done sitting on my but playing with pixels. Unless there is any significant problems somebody brings to my attention, the final product has been posted for both VGA and QVGA.

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

Aldonova

Wow, great looking skin. Btw thanks for the links to the documentation.

stevodude

I must be mental or something, but where in the heck do you get a rom that's valid for the e48mb106 emulation software?
mine comes up with:
emu48 directory: \program files\emu48 - this is OK
Current KML script: engrpaul ral vga 48gx - this is OK

Click on OK and I get: error while opening include file keyboard Fatal error an line 464, press cancel to abort

click on the X, and I get the menu functions accross the bottom of the screen, but no calc?

It seems I need a rom ? I downloaded one through google, but the extention was .48G, so changed it to e48, but doesn't like that.

so in order to make it work I need a valid 48GX.e48 rom file?

EngrPaul

To get started you need a "ROM.48G" file in the install directory. Don't rename it. You also need the BMP and KML file in the directory.

Once you sucessfully boot with that ROM in the directory ("Try to recover memory" appears, press yes), THEN you can save your ".E48" file which remembers your calculator's memory and stack.

Be sure to check "save automatically on exit" in the options, and EXCLUDE "Emu48.exe" from your task manager "exit on close" feature. You always want to use the emulator's Exit button to close the program so that it saves your .E48 file.

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

Psykl0pz

HAve any of you tried the texas instruments graphics calculator emulator for pocket pc?


thats not too bad but has a few bugs wityh cxertain roms... yes its legal... erm (i think )... so long as you use your own rom dumps or something

EngrPaul

There's some information HERE about the release of the ROM files.

"In mid-2000 Hewlett-Packard released the 48SX/GX ROMS to the public. Previously protected by copyright, the only true way to get a ROM image was to dump the ROM of your own calculator..."

I would assume most people who use the 48GX emulator are people who once owned the calculator and got used to the keystrokes and getting results reasonably quickly. Perhaps (like me) writing programs specific to their job. I've owned 2 of them, only one survives (they didn't have screen protectors back then!). I used it so hard that I almost know where the keys are instinctively. That is, as long as the keys appear as they used to. Hence, my interest in a "real" emulator skin.

The calculator is a decade old and is no longer for sale. There's better stuff out there, with color screens and more intuitive input.

If you are looking for a new calculator, and never used the 48GX, I wouldn't be surprised if you give up on it quickly. Pocket Excel or relatively inexpensive calculators can achieve the same thing without the learning curve.

That said, there's a bunch of educational value in this calculator, and you may find it interesting what "cutting edge" was some years ago. Mine had a 256K memory card that was not flash, it requires a 3V lithium battery to keep the memory. I also purchased a calculus rom card, which extended more functionality and 3D graphing capabilities. This was my "Pocket PC" when I was in college.

Seeing how far we've come in a decade makes me wonder if we will be as nostalgic about our Axims in just a few short years...

__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

stevodude