HP HP-16C User guide

HEWLETT-PACKARD
HP-16C
Computer Scientist
OWNER’S HANDBOOK
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NOTICE
Hewlett-Packard Company makes no express or implied
warranty with regard to the keystroke procedures and
program material offered or their merchantability or their
fitness for any particular purpose. The keystroke procedures
and program material are made available solely on an “‘as is’’
basis, and the entire risk as to their quality and performance is
with the user. Should the keystroke procedures or program
material prove defective, the user (and not Hewlett-Packard
Company nor any other party) shall bear the entire cost of all
necessary correction and all incidental or consequential
damages. Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for
any incidental or consequential damages in connection with
or arising out of the furnishing, use, or performance of the
keystroke procedures or program material.

(fifi HEWLETT
PACKARD
HP-16C
Computer Scientist
Owner’s Handbook
April 1984
00016-90001 Rev. D
Printed in U.S.A. © Hewlett-Packard Company 1982

Introduction
Welcome to the world of the Hewlett-Packard Computer Scientist!
You’re in good company with HP—the calculator of choice for
astronauts in the space shuttle, climbers on Mt. Everest,
yachtsmen in the America’s Cup, and engineers, scientists, and
students the world over.
The HP-16C is a versatile and unique calculator, especially
designed for the many professionals and students who work with
computers and microprocessors—whether as programmers or
designers. The HP-16C specialized design provides:
e Integer arithmetic in four number bases (hexadecimal,
decimal, octal, and binary), operating in 1’s or 2’s Complement
or Unsigned mode.
e A variable word size, selected by the user, up to a maximum of
64 bits.
e Logical operators and bit manipulations.
e 203 bytes of user memory, providing up to 203 program lines.
¢ Floating-point decimal arithmetic.
e Continuous Memory, retaining data and program instructions
indefinitely.
e Extremely low power consumption and long battery life.
This handbook is written with the professional in mind—someone
already familiar with the principles of computer organization and
binary operations. The handbook accommodates a wide range of
expertise, however. For a quick overview of and reference to the
calculator’s operations, use the Function Summary and Index—the
blue-edged pages just in front of the Subject Index.
Part I of the handbook, HP-16C Fundamentals, covers the specific
operations of the HP-16C, as well as its RPN (Reverse Polish
Notation) logic system. Part II, HP-16C Programming, is dedicated
to keystroke programming methods and capabilities. Each pro-
gramming section is structured to give first a general explanation
2

Introduction 3
of operations, then examples, then a more detailed look at certain
features. This makes it easy for you to get a quick picture of how
the system operates, if this is all you need.
The functions discussed in sections 1 and 2 of part I and in part II
(HP-16C Programming) are similar to those used in certain other
HP calculators, while the features unique to the HP-16C are
concentrated in sections 3 through 6.
Before starting these sections, you can get a brief introduction to
the capabilities of the HP-16C by working through the HP-16C: A
Quick Look, starting on page 10.
Finally, the appendices include details on error and flag
conditions, lists of operations with special characteristics, and
warranty and service information. The Function Summary and
Index at the back of the handbook provides short descriptions of
every key’s function, with page references to more comprehensive
material within the handbook. It makes it easy to get the most from
your HP-16C!

Contents
The HP-16C: A Quick Look ............................... 10
Keyboard Operation ............coiiiiiii .. 10
Integer Calculations .......... .. ..., 11
Floating-Point Calculations ............................. 11
Programmed Solutions ........... ... . i, 12
Partl: HP-16C Fundamentals ....................... 15
Section 1: Getting Started ............. .. ... ... .. ... ..... 16
Power Onand Off ... ... ... e, 16
Keyboard Operation ..., 16
Primary and Alternate Functions ........................ 16
Clearing Prefix Keys . ..., 17
The “CLEAR KEYS ...ttt it i e e 17
Display Clearing: [CLx]and[BSP] ............ccovvvvunn... 17
One-Number Functions ........... ... .. . i, 18
Two-Number Functionsand [ENTER] ..................... 18
ContinUOUS MEMOrY .. .ttt it et et et ieieenns 19
WhatisRetained .............coiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnn. 19
Resetting Continuous Memory ...............ccovenin... 20
Section 2: The Automatic Memory Stack ................ 21
The Memory Stack and Stack Manipulation .................. 21
Stack Manipulation Functions .................. ..., 22
The LAST X Register ........couiiiiinnnnnnnn.. 23
Numeric FunctionsandtheStack ........................... 24
Stack Movement ........... ...t 24
Nested Calculations .............co i, 25
Calculations WithConstants ...............coovenvnnnn.. 26
Section 3: Number and Display Control ................. 28
IntegerMode ........ .. i 28
NumberBaseModes ...............ccoviiiinennnni... 28
Temporary Display (“SHOW"™) ..., .. 28
4

Contents 5
Complement Modes and UnsignedMode .................... 29
1'sComplementMode ................cciiiiiinininn... 30
2'sComplementMode ........... ..., 30
UnsignedMode ... 30
Word Size and Window Display ...............c.ccovivnn.. 31
Word Size ..o e 32
WindoWws ... 33
Scrolling oo 33
The Display and Internal Representation .................... 35
Flags ..o e e 36
Machine Status ([STATUS]) ...oviiinee e 37
Special Displays . ...viiii i e 38
ANNUNCIAIOTS ot e e i e et e e e 38
Error Display ... e 38
Low-Power Indication ..............cciiiiiiiiininanan.. 38
Section 4: Arithmetic and Bit Manipulation
Functions ........ ... ... ... . . . 39
Carry and Out-of-Range Conditions .............. ..., 39
Flagd: Carry (C) ..ovvi i e e et et e e 39
Flag5: Out-of-Range (G) ........ccviiiiiiiiiinnn. 40
Arithmetic Functions . ... i i i 41
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Divison ......... 41
Remainder After Divisionand[RMD] ..................... 43
SQUAre ROOt ...t e 44
Negative Numbers and Complementing .................. 44
Logical Operations ..........uuiriuintninin i innenennn. 44
NOT ot e e 45
AND e e 45
O R o e e 45
EXCLUSIVE OR ..o e i e e 46
ShiftingandRotating Bits ... 46
Shifting Bits . ... ... e 46
Rotating Bits ........ i it e i e 48
Setting, Clearing, and TestingBits ................ccivvnon.. 50
MasSKIiNg ottt e e 51
Bit SUMMaAtiON ... e 52
“Double” FUNCLIONS ... . i it i et e 52
Double Multiply ... i e 52
DoubleDivide ...... ... i e 53
Double Remainder ........ ...ttt 54
Example: Applying Double Divide ....................... 54

6 Contents
Section 5: Floating-Point Numbers ..................... 56
Converting to Floating-Point DecimalMode .................. 56
ConversionintheStack ............coiiiiiiiiinvnn. 56
Other Effects of Converting to Floating Point Mode ........ 57
Digit Entry and Other Display Formats ................... 58
ReturningtointegerMode ......... ..., 59
ConversionintheStack ............cccoiiiiiivnnnn. 59
Other Effects of ConvertingtoIntegerMode .............. 60
Floating-Point Arithmetic ........ ...t iiiiiinnnn.. 61
FUNCLIONS ..o i e et e et ittt i ieeeens 61
The Out-of-RangeFlag .......... ..., 61
Functions Not Active in Floating PointMode ................. 61
Digit Separators . ....ovii i e e 61
Section 6: Memory and Storage ..................cc.cuu... 62
Memory AlloCation . ...ttt it et e 62
Converting Storage Registers to Program Memory ........ 62
Converting Program Memory to Storage Registers ........ 63
Storage Register Size ..........coiiiiiii i 63
Viewing the Status of Memory Allocation ((MEM]) ......... 65
Storage Register Operations ...........c.cciiiiiinnnennnnn. 66
Storing and Recalling Numbers Directly .................. 66
Alteration of RegisterContents .....................ou... 67
Clearing Data Storage Registers ...............ooiieen. 68
Thelndex Register ........coiniiniiiiiiiiiininenenn, 68
Abbreviated Key Sequences .............. ... i, 68
Storing and Recalling Numbers in the Index Register ...... 68
Storing and Recalling Numbers Indirectly ................ 69
PartII: HP-16C Programming ...................... 71
Section 7: Programming Basics ......................... 72
The Mechanics ...ttt ittt 72
Creatinga Program ..........ccoiriiiininennenennennnnns 72
LoadingaProgram ..........c.iuiiiiiinininenenenennnnns 72
Runninga Program ...........cciiiiiiiiiiiniiiinennens 75
Intermediate Program Stops .........coviiiiiiiiinnnann 75
Datalnput ... e 76
Program Memory ...ttt it e et e 77
Program InstructionsandKeycodes ...................... 77
Example ... e e e 78

Contents 7
Further Information ......... ...ttt 80
ProgramLabels ......... ..o 80
Unprogrammed Program Stops .. .....ovvvinvnenennennn. 81
Nonprogrammable Functions .................cooivin.. 81
Section 8: Program Editing .............................. 82
The MechaniCs ......vuuiiiiii it i 82
Movingto alinein Program Memory .................... 82
Deleting ProgramLines ............ccoiiiiinininennnnn. 83
Inserting ProgramLines ..........cuiiiiiivnnnnnnnnnnnns 83
EXample .. e e 83
FurtherInformation ....... ... ... .. ittt 85
Line POSItioN ... ..ot i e 85
Initializing Calculator Status .............coviiiiienenn. 85
Section 9: Program Branching and Controls ............ 87
The MechaniCs ......o.iiiiii it i et ieennn 87
Branching .......... i i e 87
Indirect Branching Using the Index Register .............. 88
Conditional TeStS ....iiiiiir ittt it ei i enennn 88
Testing for SetFlagsandSetBits ........................ 89
Loop Control with Counters: and(1SZ] ............... 90
EXampPle .o e e e 90
Further Information .......... ..o iiiiiiinii i, 94
SUDIOULINES ..ottt i e e 94
Program Versus Keyboard Use of ................... 95
Appendix A: ErrorsandFlags ........................... 96
Error Conditions ... ..ottt e e e 96
Functions That AffectFlags ............ccoiiiiiiiiennennnn. 98
Appendix B: Classes of Operations ...................... 99
Operations Terminating DigitEntry ......................... 99
Operations Affecting Stack Lift ............................. 99
Disabling Operations ..........coiiiiiiinininnenenenennn 99
Neutral Operations ..........coiiiiiniieenennennnnennnn 99
Enabling Operations ............coitiiiiiiiinenennnens 100
Operations Affecting the LAST X Register .................. 100
Operations AffectingScrolling ...................ciuia... 100
Prefix Keys .. ovvi i e i e e e e 101
Operations Not Active in Floating-Point Decimal Mode ....... 101

8 Contents
Appendix C: Battery, Warranty, and
ServiceInformation ............cooiiiiiiiiiiiiiin.. 102
Batleries ..ottt ittt e 102
Low-Powerindication ............ccouiiiiiinininenennn. 103
Installing New Batteries .............cccciiiiiienvnn.. 104
Verifying Proper Operation (Self-Tests) ..................... 106
LimitedOne-YearWarranty ..........ovveiinrinennnnennnns 108
What WeWillDo ... .ot it i ii e 108
WhatlsNotCovered ............cciiiiiiniiiinnnnnnnn. 108
Warranty for Consumer Transactions in the
UnitedKingdom ... ... ... ittt 108
Obligationto Make Changes .................covvivnn.. 109
Warranty Information .......... ... ... i, 109
S BIVICE it i e e e 110
Obtaining Repair Service in the
United States ...ttt ittt 110
Obtaining Repair ServiceinEurope ..................... 110
International Service Information ....................... 111
Service RepairCharge ..........coviiiiiinininnenenenn. 111
Service Warranty ........co.iiiiiniiinenennenennenns 112
Shipping Instructions ..........coiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnn. 112
Further Information ........... ... i, 113
When You Need Help . ......... ... ... ... ... .......... 113
Temperature Specifications .................ccciiiivnon.. 113
Potential for Radio and Television Interference
(forU.S.A. ONly) oot e e e 114
Appendix D: Programs for Format Conversion ........ 115
Function SummaryandIndex ........................... 120
.................................................... 120
Clearing . .ovr i e 120
DIgIt ENtry .o e e 120
Stack Rearrangement ........... .. .. .. i, 121
Number and Display Control ............ccviiinininenen... 121
Mathematics ...t 121
Bit Manipulation ....... ... ... i 122
Memoryand Storage ...........ccoiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin, 123
Index RegisterControl .............co i, 123

Contents 9
Programming . ......ouiiin i e 123
Conditionals ... ..ot e 124
SubjectIndex ........ ..o 125
The HP-16C Keyboard and Memory ....... Inside Back Cover

The HP-16C:
A Quick Look
The HP-16C Computer Scientist is a powerful problem solver,
operating in either Integer mode or Floating-Point Decimal mode.
In Integer mode you can perform integer binary arithmetic,
number base conversion, bit manipulations, and logical opera-
tions. In Floating-Point Decimal mode you can work out extensive
floating-point calculations. Programming can be done in both
modes. The HP-16C Continuous Memory retains data and program
instructions indefinitely until you choose to reset it.
An important feature of the HP-16C is its extremely low power
consumption. This efficiency eliminates the need for a recharger
and provides a lightweight, compact design. Power consumption in
the HP-16C is so low that the average battery life in normal use is 6
to 12 months. In addition, the low-power indicator gives you plenty
of warning before the calculator stops functioning.
The HP-16C also conserves power by automatically shutting its
display off if it is left inactive for a few minutes.
Keyboard Operation
Your Hewlett-Packard calculator uses Reverse Polish Notation
(RPN), an operating logic that involves the use of the key.
The use of eliminates the need for parentheses in
calculations; instead calculations are performed using a memory
stack. For example, let’s look at the arithmetic functions.
With the calculator on (press if necessary), select a number
base (hexadecimal, decimal, octal, or binary) in Integer mode by
pressing the key marked [HEX], [DEC], [OCT], or [BIN]. This
establishes the number base mode for the display, and is indicated
by the presence of an h, o, d, or b at the right of the display. The
default mode (at initial turn-on or Continuous Memory reset) is
Hexadecimal (Integer). You can clear the display to zero by
pressing [9](CLx](a blue-printed function).*
*If you have not used an HP calculator before, notice that most keys have three labels. To
use the main function—the one printed in white on top of the key—just press that key.
For those printed in gold or blue, press the gold key or the blue (9] key first.
10

The HP-16C: A Quick Look 11
To perform arithmetic, key in the two operands—separated by
(ENTER]—and then the operator. The function is executed when its
key is pressed, and the result immediately appears. If you enter a
digit incorrectly, press to undo the mistake, then key in the
correct digit.
Integer Calculations
When you set one of the number base modes, the calculator
operates in Integer mode.
To Compute* Press Display
(in base 2) [9](CcLx](BIN] 0b
1111 -1 1111 [ENTER] 1 (-] 1110 b
1111 X 11 1111 [ENTER] 11 (%] 101101 b
You can also calculate using a value already in the display:
To Compute Press Display
101101 +10 10 (%] 10110 b
10110 AND 1111 1111 [f][AND] 110 b
(The (:] operation results in the display of a C annunciator,
signifying that the carry flag has been set. Flags are explained on
page 36. Press g](CF]4 to clear the flag and the annunciator.)
Notice that in the four examples:
® Both numbers are keyed in before you press the operator key.
° is used only to separate two numbers that are keyed in
one after the other.
e Pressing a function key—in this case [-], [x], [¢], or [AND]—
executes the function immediately and displays the results.
Floating-Point Calculations
The HP-16C can perform floating-point decimal arithmetic when it
is in Floating-Point Decimal mode. The function will
convert the calculator from Integer mode into Floating Point mode
and display the specified number of decimal places.
*The calculator should display 2-16-0000 when [f][STATUS] is pressed. If it does not,
refer to page 37.

12 The HP-16C: A Quick Look
To Compute Keystrokes Display
(floating-point decimal) (f][FLOAT]4 0.0000
—49+6 4.9 (CHS][ENTER]6[%] -0.8167
V60 60(9](z 7.7460
Programmed Solutions
Writing a Program. The HP-16C is keystroke-programmable:
you can program it simply by recording the same keystrokes you
use to evaluate a problem manually.
Example: Write an iterative pro-
gram that adds 1 continually to a
given number.
Keystrokes Display*
(9] 000- Sets calculator to
Program mode (PRGM
annunciator on). Line
000.
CLEAR 000- Clears program memory.
(g][LBL]A 001-43,22, A Assigns this program
label “A”.
1 002- 1 Line002: 1.
003- 40 Line003: adds 1 to
whatever is in display
when program is run.
(fJSHOW 004- 4226 Momentarily pauses and
displays binary result.
(GTOJA 005- 22 A Continues executionin a
loop.
*The display includes line numbers and keycodes. Keycodes are two-digit numbers that
indicate the row and column position of the key(s) pressed.

The HP-16C: A Quick Look 13/14
Keystrokes Display
(9] Returns calculator to
Run mode; no PRGM
annunciator. Display
will show the result of
the last calculation
performed.
Running the Program. Key the starting number (for example,
zero) into the display. You do not need to use since starting
the program will separate the two numbers to be added. The
program above adds 1 to whatever number you key in.
Keystrokes Display
DEC Converts to Integer
mode, base 10. (You can
start in any number
base; the program will
display the numbers in
binary.)
16 [f)(WSIZE Sets word size to 16.
0 0 d Initial number: 0.
(GSBJA 1 b Addresses and starts a
10 b program with label “A”.
11 b The momentary displays
100 b arebinary.
R/S 22 d Sincethisis an endless
loop, stop program
execution with
(run/stop). The display
shows the decimal
equivalent of the binary
value at the particular
moment you press [R/S].
This introduction to the HP-16C should give you a feel for its
operation. It is only a glimpse, however; for a look at the dozens of
other powerful HP-16C functions, turn the page and explore Part I,
HP-16C Fundamentals.

Partl
HP-16C
Fundamentals

Section 1
Getting Started
This section provides a detailed orientation to general use of the
HP-16C: digit entry, display clearing, the use of and RPN
(Reverse Polish Notation), and Continuous Memory. Although the
examples use Integer mode, all features operate identically in
Integer and Fleating-Point Decimal modes unless otherwise
indicated. This material has been written primarily for those
unfamiliar with these features of current Hewlett-Packard
calculators.
Power On and Off
The key turns the HP-16C on and off.* To conserve power, the
calculator automatically turns itself off after a few minutes of
inactivity.
Keyboard Operation
Primary and Alternate Functions
Most keys on your HP-16C perform one primary and two alternate
(“shifted”) functions.” To select the primary function printed on the
face of a key, press only that key. For example: [£]. To select the
alternate function printed in gold above the key or in blue below
the key, press the like-colored prefix key ([f] or (g]) followed by the
function key. For example: and [9](DBL=].
*Note the key is lower than the other keys to prevent its being inadvertently pressed.
TThroughout this handbook, we will observe certain conventions in referring to
functions. References to the function itself will appear as just the function name in a
box, such as “the [MEM] function.” References to using the key will include the prefix
key, such as “press (9][MEM].” References to the functions printed in gold under the
brackets labeled “CLEAR,” “SET COMPL,” or “SHOW” will be preceded by the word
“CLEAR,” “SET COMPL,” or “SHOW,” such as “the CLEAR function” or “press (f]
SHOW [DEC].”
When a prefix key can be followed by any of several keys, the reference will specify the
possible keys in braces. For example, “press {0to7}".
16

Section 1: Getting Started 17
Notice that when you press the or Ok
(9] prefix key, an f or g annunciator f
appears and remains in the display
until another key is pressed.
Clearing Prefix Keys
A prefix key is any key that must be followed by one or more
additional keys to complete the key sequence for a function. There
is a list of all prefix keys in appendix B.
When any prefix key (such as or (f]) has been pressed,
pressing CLEAR will clear that prefix key, leaving the
calculator ready for a new keystroke. If you have mistakenly
pressed [f]instead of (9] or vice-versa, you can correct it merely by
pressing the other key.
The “CLEAR"’ Keys
The ““CLEAR’ operations are listed below. Clearing a register
means to replace its contents with zero.
Clearing Sequence Effect
(fJCLEAR [PRGM
In Run mode: Repositions program memory to line 000.
In Program mode: Clears entire program memory.
(f]JCLEAR Clears all data storage registers.
(f)JCLEAR Cancels any prefix from a partially
entered key sequence.
Display Clearing: [CLx]and
The HP-16C has two types of display clearing operations:
(clear X) and (back space).
In Run mode:
° clears the display to zero.
° deletes only the last digit in the display if digit entry has
not been terminated. ([ENTER] and most other functions
terminate digit entry so that the next digit keyed in becomes
part of a new number.) You can then key in (a) new digit(s) to
replace the one(s) deleted. If digit entry has been terminated,
then acts like [CLx].

18 Section 1: Getting Started
Keystrokes Display
HEX Hex mode. Display
shows last result.*
1234 1234 h Digit entry not
terminated.
BSP 123 h Clears only the last digit.
1 1231 h
1231 h Terminates digit entry.
BSP 0 h Clears all digits to zero.
12 12 h
(9](CLx] 0 h Clears display whether
or not digit entry has
been terminated.
In Program mode:
° is programmable: it is stored as a programmed
instruction, and will not delete the currently displayed
instruction.
° is not programmable. It is used instead to delete program
instructions.
One-Number Functions
A one-number function performs an operation using only the
number in the display (X-register). To use any one-number
function, press the function key after the number has been placed
in the display.
Keystrokes Display
0 0O h
FFFF h
Two-Number Functions and |ENTER
A two-number function must have two numbers present in the
calculator before executing the function. [+], [-], [X], and (%] are
examples of two-number functions.
*The calculator should display 2-16-0000 when is pressed. If it does not,
refer to page 37.