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+--- Thread: HP 28C - Too Few Arguments (/thread-4467.html)
HP 28C - Too Few Arguments - HP28CUSER - 08-03-2015 12:53 AM
Hello, I have an HP 28C calculator that only displays the screen with "Too Few Arguements"
then followed by 3: 2: and 1:
I need help to fix this screen and be able to use the calculator.
RE: HP 28C - Too Few Arguments - Steve Simpkin - 08-03-2015 10:04 AM
As a quick test, turn the calculator on and press the following keys:
[ON]
1
[ENTER]
2
+
The answer "3" should be on the right side of the line that begins with "1:" on the left side. If this is the case, the calculator is probably working ok. At this point you will need to start reading the Owner's Manual to better understand the RPL/RPN logic system this calculator uses. If you do not have the manual, an electronic copy is available from this site at http://www.hpmuseum.org/cd/cddesc.htm.
If you do not see the answer "3", describe what you do see on the display.
RE: HP 28C - Too Few Arguments - Brad Barton - 08-03-2015 03:23 PM
Steve's test should help illuminate the basics of RPN operation. You can also read up at the following link for a deeper explanation (http://www.hpmuseum.org/rpn.htm). RPN will seem a little foreign to you initially, but after 15 or 20 minutes it will be 2nd nature. It's so ingrained in my brain that I have trouble using a standard calculator. RPN just makes more sense to me.
Also, the 1: 2: and 3: are normal to see on the display, as is shown in this picture (http://www.hpmuseum.org/img/28cs.jpg) of a 28C. These numbers label the stack level that you will learn about by reading the first link.
The "Too Few Arguments" error message usually comes as a result of trying some operation without enough arguments on the stack. For example if you press the "+" button (or any other operation requiring 2 arguments) with only 1 number on the stack, you would get this error.
Good luck with your new calculator, and let us know if you have further questions.
Brad