HP 38G Frequently Asked Questions

HP 38G
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Keystrokes in this document are shown in two different formats. Commands accessible on the keyboard are
shown as symbols, such as • , or within square brackets, such as [SPACE]. Commands accessible through menus
are shown between vertical bars, such as |CHOOS|.
Several of the commands and variables may be entered in one of two ways: either spell the word or recall it from
a built-in menu. For example, to enter the variable TIME:
1. Press and hold the [A...Z] key.
2. Press the letters T I M E.
3. Release the [A...Z] key.
OR
1. Press the " key.
2. Use the h key to highlight the " Modes" title.
3. Press i g to highlight " Time."
4. Press the |OK| menu key to enter the command.
Q: Why does the ((Ÿ )) annunciator stay on, even
after the calculator is turned off?
A: This indicates a low battery condition in the
calculator. The HP 38G uses three AAA batteries.
Q: Where can I find batteries for my calculator?
A: The batteries should be available at most
convenience or department stores. Select three AAA
batteries of any brand, but make sure they are all of
the same brand and type. NiCad batteries are not
recommended because of their low capacity and
short low-battery warning time.
Q: How do I change the number of decimal places
the calculator displays?
A: Press k [MODES] to enter the input form, then
h to highlight the " Number format" field. Press
|CHOOS|, then use the arrow keys to select the
desired format. If Fixed, Scientific, Engineering, or
Fraction is selected, a number indicating the number
of displayed digits will appear to the right of the
" Number format" field; simply arrow to this number
and type in the desired amount (up to 11).
Q: What does an "E" in a number (for example,
2.51E3) mean?
A: The " E" stands for exponent of ten. In the
example 2.51E3, the number is 2.51 × 10³, which
equals 2510.
Q: How do I adjust the contrast of the display?
A: Simultaneously press o and + to darken the
contrast, or simultaneously press o and - to
lighten the contrast.
Q: How do I set the date and time?
A: To set the date and time, store the correct
settings in the date and time variables. Use the
format M.DDYYYY for the date and H.MMSS for the
time. For example, to set the date as May 6, 1996:
1. If necessary, press •
environment.
2. In the command line, key in 5.061996, press the
|STOØ| menu key, then enter the variable DATE
(which is accessed by pressing " |HOME|, then
scrolling to the " Modes" title).
3. Press • .
Q: How do I display the current date and time?
A: After setting the date and time as described
above, enter the command DISPTIME. The day,
date, and time will be displayed in a message box.
The message may be removed by pressing the |OK|
menu key or ... .
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