Re: Calculator for the ABHP Examination

[Scott Schwahn <schwahn@jlab.org>]

If we can move off this thread with this post, I will be happy.  Everybody has their own
opinion, whether polish or reverse polish notation, simple or complex, etc.  What it comes
down to is getting something with which you are happy and comfortable.  This probably means
buying it now, and getting used to using it in your normal work.  Please find below the
policy as published at <http://phantom.ehs.uiuc.edu/~aahp/abhp/calculat.htm>.  I left out
the reset instructions part so you don't have to wade through it.

Good luck on the exam.
Scott Schwahn
<schwahn@jlab.org>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
USE OF PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS
AT ABHP CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

POLICY: Calculators with preprogrammed Health Physics related functions or Health Physics
data are not permitted in the ABHP certification examination.
Computers are not permitted. All data registers and all programs shall be erased
immediately before the beginning of the examination. The Application for
Approval of Programmable Calculators shall be accompanied with documentation of the
procedure, such as a photocopy of the procedure from the user's
manual. Proctors may direct the batteries to be removed from the calculator of any
candidate to ensure erasure.

ALLOWED CALCULATORS:

 CLASS I:
         Scientific or other calculators without programming or extensive data storage
features (e.g., more than 8 registers) and without any "applications" ROM
         programming. Examples are shown on the attached list.
 CLASS II:
         Portable, battery operated calculators which may have programming or extensive
data storage capability but which have the following features:
         (1) Completely erasable by a simple procedure.
         (2) Do not have an integral magnetic card reader or other easily concealable means
for acquiring programs or data arrays.
         (3) Do not have integral or easily added "applications" packages, e.g., ROM
inserts, which might contain Health Physics related material.
         (4) Are not a computer, i.e., do not have a resident programming language other
than the "calculator keystroke language."
         Class II calculators shall consist only of the calculators on the attached list.
Persons using these must present them to the proctor for initial erasing at the
         beginning of the examination.


CALCULATORS SPECIFICALLY NOT ALLOWED:

        TI-58C (has provision for external ROM packages)
        TI-59 (integral card reader)
        HP-22S (Integral ROM package)
        HP-48SX (Integral ROM reader)
        HP-48G (internal ROM with 300 non-erasable equations)
        HP-41 series (ROM applications package)
        HP-65 (integral card reader)
        HP-67 (integral card reader)
        HP-75C (integral card reader)
        HP-97 (integral card reader)
        CASIO PB-300, FX-700
        P, FX-802P (all contain BASIC)
        Radio Shack PC-2,3,4 (contain BASIC)
        Sharp EL-546D
        Sharp EL-5500 (contains BASIC)
        Sharp PC-1211 (contains BASIC)



                        PERMITTED CALCULATORS AND ERASURE INSTRUCTIONS

                                    Information for Candidates and Instructions to Proctors

CLASS I: (These are listed as examples only. Many others meeting the criteria are also
permitted. Specific approval is not required.)

Hewlett Packard: 21, 27, 31E
TI: 30 and 30II, 34, 35, 36X, 40, 45, 50, 51, 51A, 51II, 54, 36 Solar
Casio: FX-7, 68, 82A and 82B, 90, 98, 250C, 310, 350, 450, 910, 2500, 2600, 7100, 8100
Casio FX-991N Turn calculator on. Press AC key to clear all except independent memory and
constant memory. Enter "0". Press Min key to store a "0" in
independent memory. Pres Kin followed by 1 thru 6 in succession to store a "0" in each
constant memory. Nine physical constants including speed of light, etc.
remain in memory.
Sharp: EL-503, 506, 509, 510, 515, 530, 5806 (with no suffix and with S, H, T, HT, AT
suffix)
Radio Shack: EC-499, 4004, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4009, 4013, 4014, KMC 7000
Commodore: 9190R, 561, SR419OR, SR4148R
Rockwell: 44RD, 63R, 64RD, 74K
Novus: 4510, 4520

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