HP Calculator

Installation of HPtalx to connect the calculator to the computer via USB:

1. Download and install Ckermit (available at AUR)

   julio@julio-acer ~> yaourt ckermit
   

2. Download and install Hptalx (available at AUR)

   julio@julio-acer ~> yaourt hptalx
   

3. Hptalx gives a segmentation fault if /usr/bin/kermit does not exist, so create a symbolic link:

   julio@julio-acer ~> sudo ln -s /usr/bin/ckermit /usr/bin/kermit
   

4. Start the hp4x module

   julio@julio-acer ~> modprobe hp4x
   ```
   

5. Find out which ttyUSB is being used (ttyUSB0 here):

   julio@julio-acer ~> dmesg | tail
   [51169.091990] hp4X 5-1:1.0: device disconnected
   [51563.975003] usb 5-1: new full speed USB device number 4 using uhci_hcd
   [51564.139674] hp4X 5-1:1.0: hp4X converter detected
   [51564.139816] usb 5-1: hp4X converter now attached to ttyUSB0
   

6. To avoid using as root, add your user to the group that has access to /dev/ttyUSB0

   julio@julio-acer ~> ls -al /dev/ttyUSB0
   crw-rw---- 1 root uucp 188, 0 Nov 14 03:48 /dev/ttyUSB0
   
   julio@julio-acer ~> sudo gpasswd -a julio uucp
   Adding user julio to group uucp
   

   Remember to log in again for the settings to take effect.

7. In Apps -> I/O-Functions -> Transfer, set the calculator’s transfer type to Kermit.

8. Start the Kermit server on the calculator (Right_Shift + Right_Arrow)

   "Awaiting Server Cmd."
   

9. Start Hptalx. In File -> Setup… (Ctrl+N) leave it as:

   Connection settings: USB (ttyUSB)
   Set ttyUSB port: 0
   

10. Connect -> Connect (Ctrl+B)

Links

• http://bleedux.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/connect-hp-50g-to-a-linux-box-with-hptalx/
• http://hptalx.sourceforge.net/hp49gplus.shtml
• http://hptalx.sourceforge.net/manual.shtml