Author Topic: General Discussion (Read 84833 times)

SirCmpwn · « **Reply #210 on:** August 07, 2010, 10:21:51 am »

Okay, looks good, but move the +-*/ to the right of the numbers, like graphmastur said. Take out the store button. I will just have KOS use = anyway, which you should put in. Change 2nd to shift. 2nd is too similar to the TI-83+, they might get legally mad. Also, separate all the arrow keys. Lets be honest - this will be used for games at some point, and having a circular arrow key layout won't work too well.

I also sketched it up last knight, and it looks slightly different, but I think that this version it better.

I also think we should add another row of keys towards the bottom. I don't really like the OK\ret, it doesn't fit very well with my OS. However, Enter/Clear would do the trick nicely. On the last row of keys, if you need things to put there, try log/ln. Also, move the entire left column down one button, save the 2nd\shift key, and move the alpha key below it.

@alberthrocks: I know all of this stuff, I was just reassessing/agreeing with things that were stated earlier.

squidgetx · « **Reply #211 on:** August 07, 2010, 10:23:39 am »

i do believe he means 'store' as in the -> character
imho, i don't really like the horizontalness of it though; it looks more like a mini computer like the voyage or 92 than a calculator

also i think that using both 2nd and alpha to access a function could be nasty (excuse me if i'm interpreting your post wrong, but it sounds like you're planning to use 2nd+Alpha similar to a "3rd" key)

edit: damn, ninja'd

alberthrocks · « **Reply #212 on:** August 07, 2010, 11:03:08 am »

I like the design, but do remember that we're trying to compete against the TI-8x series.
Looking like a Voyager sitting next to the TI-83s or TI-84s are probably going to scare people away.
Bringing this to class may cause confusion in terms of using it, and of course, trouble with the teacher who demands that you "must have a TI-8x or you fail this class".
What we need is a design that is similar to the TI-83/84 design, but not exactly the same.

That said, I'm right now designing a keypad mockup.

SirCmpwn · « **Reply #213 on:** August 07, 2010, 11:04:59 am »

My design is similar, but also made at midnight

I like the idea of a vertical layout, I don't want it to look like a Voyager.

matthias1992 · « **Reply #214 on:** August 07, 2010, 11:43:59 am »

Ok I am redesigning now, but it very soon looks like a Ti84/83

program4 · « **Reply #215 on:** August 07, 2010, 01:10:26 pm »

Instead of the password during the test, my suggestion is that there be an option similar to press-to-test, but better. The teacher can disable all programs and apps for a given amount of time (like 45 minutes) during a test. After that, you will be able to use the programs again. This way, nothing is deleted, and you can still use your programs after the test or if your ports are broken.

If you can implement an accurate timer into the calculator, it would be nice.

calc84maniac · « **Reply #216 on:** August 07, 2010, 01:29:45 pm »

Quote from: SirCmpwn on August 07, 2010, 10:21:51 am

Change 2nd to shift. 2nd is too similar to the TI-83+, they might get legally mad.

I don't know about that, I had a Casio scientific calculator that had a 2nd function key. I think it's pretty standard on calculators.

apcalc · « **Reply #217 on:** August 07, 2010, 01:33:02 pm »

Quote from: calc84maniac on August 07, 2010, 01:29:45 pm

Quote from: SirCmpwn on August 07, 2010, 10:21:51 am
Change 2nd to shift. 2nd is too similar to the TI-83+, they might get legally mad.
I don't know about that, I had a Casio scientific calculator that had a 2nd function key. I think it's pretty standard on calculators.

Yeah, I got scientific calc from the dollar store that had a 2nd function key, so I think it is ok.

SirCmpwn · « **Reply #218 on:** August 07, 2010, 01:54:15 pm »

I agree that it should have an accurate clock.
Also, I think that 2nd doesn't fit well with KOS, but Shift does. Perhaps just give it a funky icon, like the 89?

Happybobjr · « **Reply #219 on:** August 07, 2010, 02:40:30 pm »

well i am all for a 2'nd key, but i will make due with the shift.

Quote from: program4 on August 07, 2010, 01:10:26 pm

Instead of the password during the test, my suggestion is that there be an option similar to press-to-test, but better. The teacher can disable all programs and apps for a given amount of time (like 45 minutes) during a test. After that, you will be able to use the programs again. This way, nothing is deleted, and you can still use your programs after the test or if your ports are broken.

If you can implement an accurate timer into the calculator, it would be nice.

I love your idea, it will make teachers that are if'y about some strange new calculator feel safe. Anyways, it could always be worked around

.

Quick question, how would you place the os into a circut board or whatever? That is whet i really don't understand.

Edit: omg i just realized i think i might have one i could hook up to my computer, checking now.

matthias1992 · « **Reply #220 on:** August 07, 2010, 02:44:12 pm »

New design more Ti-8x ish but I demand my bigger screen

(see OTcalc>eZ80 hardware discussion)
EDIT screen resolution hasn't be decided on yet...

DJ Omnimaga · « **Reply #221 on:** August 07, 2010, 02:46:58 pm »

One thing: we should be able to fit the calc in our pockets (well, pants with deep pockets, at least), like we can do with the TI-73 through 89T. Let's either make it not too long, otherwise, let's make it not too large. Also, I don't remember, but didn't the shape of the 92 prevented it from being entered into tests, too? I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have something that is larger than longer? Let's make sure it's not too small either, though, so the screen is easy to read. Durability is one big concern, too.

fb39ca4 · « **Reply #222 on:** August 07, 2010, 03:08:17 pm »

I would prefer having the link ports in the top, makes connecting with a short cable easier.

matthias1992 · « **Reply #223 on:** August 07, 2010, 03:10:47 pm »

I guess it somewhat smaller then the Nspire. I don't think size should be our main concern, if we can fit everything in there neatly with space left then we can shrink it down but otherwise...

alberthrocks · « **Reply #224 on:** August 07, 2010, 03:15:15 pm »

My goal is to get the OTZ80 to be a little smaller than the TI-8x, but stronger in terms of speed.
And that design looks good

Just wondering - is it possible to place the arrows in the middle? (horizontally, top)

Author Topic: General Discussion (Read 84833 times)

SirCmpwn

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

squidgetx

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

alberthrocks

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

SirCmpwn

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

matthias1992

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

program4

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

calc84maniac

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

apcalc

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

SirCmpwn

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

Happybobjr

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

matthias1992

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

DJ Omnimaga

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

fb39ca4

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

matthias1992

Re: Let's build our own calculator!

alberthrocks

Re: Let's build our own calculator!