Wanted: WP 34s Overlay

[johnb]

Does anyone know where I can get an overlay to make a WP 34s?

I've tried the website of the guy I *thought* was supplying those, and also tried e-mailing him, only to meet with radio silence. I'm hoping the guy is in good health and simply busy with other things.

However, I've just bought a new HP 30b -- fairly cheaply! -- and I really would like to complete the 34s conversion sooner rather than later.

Anyone got a spare they'd like to sell?
Or know of an active supplier?


Thanks!
-- johnb in atlanta

[BillBee]

Same here.

I emailed Eric a month ago and he is still having issues with the cutter. An option would be to see if I can just get a few printed sheets and go at them with the ole scissors.

My WPs have a few keys unreadable.

-Bill

[johnb]

Thanks so much for the rapid response, Bill!

I also noticed there's a guy on eBay who is running a conversion service (either send your 30B in, or for about $20 more he'll supply it). I wonder where he's getting his overlays from?

[BillBee]

I am lucky enough to have gotten the magic cable - so I have flashed a few but as you know they are pointless with out the overlays.. But if you get a chance send him a message regarding the overlays. If he starts selling those there are a bunch of us (and probably more) who would buy them. If he also did the 31s overlays it would be a big bonus. ($20 for a 30b is a good deal).

-Bill

[johnb]

I forgot all about that cable!

I'm guessing from your comments that it's hard to find?

I'm also guessing that the cable for an HP-48G doesn't fit.

[BillBee]

That cable is a tough one to find, it took me well over a year until a NOS one popped up on The Bay. Do a search for "wp34s cable" and you will find some good articles on folks who made their own using an aruino. My old PC was having issues and for sanity's sake had to walk away from it.

-Bill

[pascal_meheut]

(08-23-2022 12:55 PM)johnb Wrote:  I wonder where he's getting his overlays from?

If he has a vinyl cutter machine, he can print and cut them himself.
I think it can be done with a laser cutter too but I have not enough time to try it.

[lezouave]

Hello

ive made an overlay with my laser cutter.

[desertdawg]

I've got 2 30B's lined up to convert, but it doesn't make much sense until an overlay is available. Plenty of demand out there, a run of 50 or 100 doesn't seem unrealistic. Maybe someone else can pick up the baton here as I don't have the tools to do an overlay. But I will design and publicly share an stl file for 3d printing a connector once the overlays become available. I've got a USB-TTL level converter on the way.

[Sadsilence]

Sorry for late reply. 50 to 100 are too many, but I can print and cut some WP34S/WP31S overlays.

(09-08-2022 02:22 AM)desertdawg Wrote:  I've got 2 30B's lined up to convert, but it doesn't make much sense until an overlay is available. Plenty of demand out there, a run of 50 or 100 doesn't seem unrealistic. Maybe someone else can pick up the baton here as I don't have the tools to do an overlay. But I will design and publicly share an stl file for 3d printing a connector once the overlays become available. I've got a USB-TTL level converter on the way.

[johnb]

And I now have the magic cable for the 30b.

I'm willing to do the flashing for free, as long as the owner pays for shipping both ways, and at least a modicum of insurance (since things do get lost or damaged in the mail, which is out of my control).

If someone here is doing 34s v3 overlays that look really good, what would you charge for 1 or 2 of them? (I've got an older overlay on mine, so that I have to sometimes look at a separate guide printout because some of the keys were moved.)

[pascal_meheut]

I've built overlays for the HP-41c, the DM41x and the C43 with a laser cutter. I'm gonna check if I can do the same for the WP-34s.

You should check the DIY cables like the ones some forum members built.

[desertdawg]

(12-11-2022 10:02 AM)Sadsilence Wrote:  Sorry for late reply. 50 to 100 are too many, but I can print and cut some WP34S/WP31S overlays.

I'm a buyer for a couple.

[Dave Frederickson]

(12-11-2022 07:40 PM)pascal_meheut Wrote:  You should check the DIY cables like the ones some forum members built.

My favorite: https://hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-183-po...ml#pid4013

... and v2: https://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-25...l#pid23831

[johnb]

Does anyone here know a guy named Mark who may be a forum member, and who sells overlays?

A fellow member recommended him, and the guy was very responsive... until he got my money.

Now, no response either from him or from the member who recommended him.

I can understand there being all sorts of reasons why someone might be delayed. But not how they can first be impatient with me for taking 12 hours to respond, then not responding for 15 days.

I don't want to just casually start casting aspersions, but this is really beginning to seem like a scam. The overlays were already priced in excess of what others have quoted since, and now just no response?

I'm hoping there's a better explanation.


regards to all,
-- john.b

[Sadsilence]

Email sent.

(12-12-2022 10:25 PM)desertdawg Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 10:02 AM)Sadsilence Wrote:  Sorry for late reply. 50 to 100 are too many, but I can print and cut some WP34S/WP31S overlays.

I'm a buyer for a couple.

[johnb]

I have now seen the overlays @Sadsilence is printing.

They are very nice and vivid with what I'd call a "satin" texture.
Not flat, but only the slightest bit shiny.

regards,
-- john.b