HP-11C
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Calculator manufacturing |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Hewlett-Packard |
| Products | Programmable calculators (HP-10C, HP-11C, HP-12C, HP-15C, HP-16C) |
| Parent | Hewlett-Packard |
The Hewlett-Packard Voyager series of calculators was introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1981. Each model in this lineup is programmable, utilizes Reverse Polish Notation, and includes continuous memory. Although their designs are largely similar, the models were tailored to different user groups by offering varied functionalities.
Models
The Voyager lineup from HP calculators consisted of five distinct models, some of which had several versions produced over different periods:
- HP-10C – entry-level scientific calculator (1982–1984)
- HP-11C – intermediate scientific calculator (1981–1989)
- HP-12C – financial/business calculator (1981–present)
- HP-15C – advanced scientific calculator (1982–1989, 2011, 2023–present)
- HP-16C – programmer's calculator (1982–1989)
HP-10C
Despite its number suggesting otherwise, the HP-10C was the final and most basic model launched in the series. It functioned as a straightforward scientific programmable calculator but lacked many features found in the HP-11C, which offered double the capabilities at a slightly higher price point. Positioned as an introductory device, its relatively high price hampered sales, resulting in a brief production span and making it a rare find today.
HP-11C
The HP-11C occupied the mid-tier segment of scientific programmable calculators, striking a balance between advanced features and affordability to suit professionals requiring complex computations.
HP-12C
The HP-12C stands out as a premier financial calculator, celebrated for its enduring production since 1981 and widespread use. Its popularity inspired HP to introduce an enhanced version named the HP 12c Platinum in 2003, along with other variants such as the HP 12c Prestige. Anniversary editions have helped maintain its relevance in the market over time.
HP-15C
The HP-15C represents a high-performance scientific programmable calculator equipped with features like root-finding, numerical integration, complex number handling, and matrix calculations. Manufactured from 1982 until 1989, persistent demand led HP to issue limited edition re-releases in 2011 and again in 2023.
HP-16C
Designed specifically for computer programmers, the HP-16C supports conversions between numeric bases such as hexadecimal, decimal, octal, and binary. It also offers specialized operations including bitwise manipulation and shifting. Although HP has not developed another dedicated programmer’s calculator since then, many of the HP-16C’s functions have been incorporated into subsequent models.
Arithmetic
Hewlett-Packard enlisted numerical analyst William Kahan from UC Berkeley, who played a key role in developing the IEEE 754 standard for floating-point arithmetic, to craft the numerical algorithms for these calculators. He also contributed to authoring their user manuals.
Programming
The calculators within the HP Voyager series support keystroke programmable functionality, enabling users to record sequences of keystrokes that can be executed to solve particular problems. These programs can utilize all keyboard commands and incorporate conditional and unconditional branching as well as looping constructs, facilitating repetitive processes and decision-making logic.
Programming features differ among the various HP Voyager models:
| Feature | HP-10C | HP-11C | HP-12C | HP-15C | HP-16C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSP / ← [F 1] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| LBL[F 2] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| GSB/RTN[F 3] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| x≤y, x=0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| x=y, x≠y | No | Yes | No | Yes [F 4] | Yes |
| x<0, x≠0, x>y, x>0 | No | Yes | No | Yes [F 4] | Yes |
| x<y, x≤0, x≥y, x≥0 | No | No | No | Yes [F 4] | No |
| DSE, ISG[F 5] | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| DSZ, ISZ[F 5] | No | No | No | No[F 6] | Yes |
| SF, CF, F? | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| I (I)[F 7] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
- ↑ Without BSP (backspace), program editing is limited to step overwriting.
- ↑ In absence of LBL (Label), goto instructions refer only to absolute step numbers.
- ↑ Without GSB (Go Subroutine)/RTN (Return), subroutine programming is not possible.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Accessible via the Template:Keypress Template:Keypress n (indirect) command
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Loops are challenging without DSZ/DSE (Decrement and Skip) and ISZ/ISG (Increment and Skip).
- ↑ Available on HP-15C Collector's Edition by activating an undocumented "16" (HP-16C) mode.
- ↑ Without indirect addressing capability, only registers 0–19 are accessible; thus programming lacks full Turing completeness.
Models
The HP-12C along with its variants continue to be extensively utilized and remain available from Hewlett-Packard as of 2025.
Although the HP-15C was discontinued for a long time, it was reintroduced in 2011 as a "Limited Edition" and again briefly in 2023 as a Collector's Edition, both now no longer produced.
Emulators
Hewlett-Packard provides official commercial emulators of the 12C and 15C models for both Android and iOS devices.
Simulators
There are many software simulators designed to mimic a variety of HP calculators, including those from the Voyager lineup. Among the longest-running projects is the WRPN Calculator, an open-source, public domain simulator for the HP-16C.
Clones
In response to the sustained demand for the Voyager series, SwissMicros (previously known as RPN-Calc) introduced a collection of compact, credit-card-sized calculators that replicate original HP firmware on contemporary hardware. This lineup features models such as the DM10, DM11, DM12, DM15, and DM16. While all units share the same hardware base, they differ in keyboard layout and firmware, which can be updated via a dedicated port. After releasing larger versions in 2015—namely the DM15L, DM41L, and DM16L—SwissMicros launched the DM11L early in 2016 followed shortly by the DM12L. A limited edition run of the DM10L was scheduled for 2019.
See also
- Bulk CMOS semiconductor fabrication method utilized in HP Nut processors
Bibliography
External links
- MyCalcDB:
- SwissMicros Producer of HP calculator clones