Amazing calculator, and impressive product
For PX16C an HP16C Programmers Calculator Emulator
I've always wanted an HP 16C, but I find them too expensive. I do a lot of assembly programming on vintage hardware, so this is the perfect calculator. At first I wasn't too sure if I would like a clone of my "dream calculator" but at this price I thought it was worth trying it out.
I received the package much sooner than expected, so that was a nice surprise (3 days to ship all the way to Canada). The packaging is great, and all components individually packaged and labelled by type. The PCB is great quality and nice design, and very clearly labeled, so finding where each component goes is very easy. The assembly instructions are very clear, containing very clear pictures and tips, so soldering the whole thing was pretty straightforward. I ended up using the aluminum front plate to perfectly align the buttons when soldering those. The tips in the documentation mention this, and it worked perfectly.
I wasn't sure if I wanted the 3D printed bumper since I've never seen a 3D printed object that looks good, but the bumper actually looks really good. Assembling the board with the aluminum back and front was very easy, and fit is great. It makes for a really nice little package. The printing on the back is a nice touch, and I think gives the same information as the original 16C has printed on the back. The front panel, with the holes for the buttons fits perfectly, with almost no gaps around the buttons, the side and the display.
The calculator worked on the first try, no problems there. The LCD is nice and contrasty, and it has custom settings for contrast and backlight (which the original 16C doesn't have I think).
The calculator seems perfectly compatible with the original 16C, at least for the things I tried, which included writing a simple program.
There are many sides to a project like this, including programming a perfect replica of a classic HP calculator, designing the hardware for it, case design, production of all the pieces of the case, documentation etc etc, and everything is of high quality. A very impressive product. This calculator has quickly earned its own place next to my Apple ][+ for when I'm having fun doing 6502 assembly.