Installing AAAA batteries on the HP-30b

As I am of the opinion that coin cells are not a good idea for programmable calculators, particularly those powered by processors with high speed capability, I decided to look into modifying my HP-30b to take AAAA-style batteries.

For non-programmable calculators, coin cells are fine as the routines for all functions are optimised and will complete usually within microseconds (some really complex functions may take a few tenths of a second at most).

However, programmable calculators allow the user to write their own functions and routines that may have many iterative loops that could take several seconds or even hours to complete. This often puts the processor in a mode that a higher current usage. The current drawn during this time is usually at levels that coin cells struggle to maintain – they have significant internal resistance to start with which gets worse as they discharge.

I have read that the ATMEL based range of calculators can use upwards of 20mA during program execution. There has been mention that the processor speed is reduced if a program continues for an extended period. However, someone regularly running a program that takes a few seconds, would put some strain on the CR2032.

Some comparisons of data between CR2032 (used in the 30b) and AAAA cells:

Parameter	CR2032	AAAA
Internal Resistance	10 000 – 40 000 mΩ	150 to 300 mΩ
Voltage	3V	1.5V
Capacity	230mAh @ 0.2mA to 2.0V	600mAh @10mA to 1.0V

The 30b uses 2 CR2032 in parallel, that is ~460mAh. To get the same operating voltage, two AAAA would need to be in series, still giving 600mAh capacity. Also with an internal resistance of two orders lower than the CR2032’s, voltage drop for the AAAA at 20mA is max. 0.006V whereas the CR2032 is min. 0.2V. Thus the AAAA should give a lot more "head room" and be less likely to cause the calculator to die or behave erroneously during "heavy" use during program or formula execution.

Also, I have repurposed this unit to a WP-34s.

Opening the 30b

First remove the back cover and undo the 5 screws, 2 are under the bottom rubber:

Just lift up the corners to get the last 2:

Now carefully pull the back off the front, bending the sides outwards to undo the clips:

 DO be careful so as not to damage the screen.

Finding space for the 2 AAAA cells

The cells were taken from a 9V battery. They are already conveniently tab welded together, so they can be split into pairs. (for more info to dismantle a 9V, google something like "AAAA from 9V").

NOTE: the cells that I obtained from a 9V battery, were of OPPOSITE polarity than expected (flat side was +ve) - so check first before connecting!!

After some measurements, I decided that directly behind the screen was the only place that had a reasonable chance of success such that when the back sliding cover was in place, it would look like an ordinary 30b.

BUT this would mean removing some of the padding that normally protects the screen.

First, cut a rectangle in the back:

I measured the approximate size for the 2 AAAA and marked it, drilled small holes around the inner perimeter of the marking, cut it out and smoothed the edges as best I could.

Back with original screen backing plate in place:

Screen backing plate removed and hole cut in its place: (note the metal plate - is it really necessary for the screen or just to give the calculator some heft?)

The rubber spacer in front of the screen also had to be removed:

Removing all this padding probably makes the HP calculator engineers cringe. But then I may have lost the guarantee when I opened it and started cutting... ;-)

However, I did think the screen needed a bit of protection. A piece of thin foam packing material was just right:

Some of this came with the WP-34s programming cable.

After seating the LCD properly and bending the wires in approximately the right route (to fit through the openings in the backing ribs - see dashed lines):

The two halves are clipped back together:

And now to see how much they protrude:

This should be fine when the slide on battery cover is replaced:

And it sill works:

The most frustrating bit for me was getting the inside of the LCD window clean, possibly because it's winter and the dry heated air in the house is making the plastic more static. Hopefully now it is closed there won't be too much dust getting in even though the gasket is removed. Only time will tell how susceptible the screen will be to damage without it's normal padding and batteries right behind it.

Other observations

The quality control of HP calculators has come to light again. When I first opened it up, I noticed a small chip on the top of the screen. Now note that I never brought a sharp object anywhere near the calculator and I am always careful to ensure the screen in not bent.

So now it's a race as to what will cause the screen to fail first, the batteries directly behind it or this chip cracking through on a cold winters night?