The Coconut series is the first series of calculators from Hewlett Packard
that uses a LCD display. This type of display consumes
less power compared to the LED display and makes it
possible to design dedicated displays that can also display characters and
annunciators. This series was also the first series that uses CMOS chips
i.s.o. the PMOS chips.
These improvements resulted in a much lower current consumption.
The calculators from the Coconut series have four expansion slots. A whole range of modules are available to extend the memory of the calculator or to control an HPIL link or a printer. This calculator was a big success. The HP-41CX model has been build for more than 11 years.
There are two versions of this calculator models. The early models have all control logic (except the LCD drivers) on a separated printed circuit board. This board is connected by a connector to the main circuit board, that contains the keyboard switches. This version with the second circuit board is known as the fullnut version. From 1985 on, the logic circuitry was further integrated and placed on the main circuit board. This version is known as the halfnut version.
A difference on the housing is the bezel around the LCD display. For the fullnut version the corners are squared and for the halfnut version the corners are rounded. See also the pictures below.
Model | Code | Type | Short description |
---|---|---|---|
HP-41C | Coconut | Scientific | Basic calculator |
HP-41CV | Silverbird | Scientific | A HP-41C with V (5) times the amount of memory of the HP-41C. |
HP-41CX | Honeynut | Scientific | A HP-41CV with timer and additional functionality. |
The calculators have a twelve digit seventeen segment alphanumeric LCD display. Above and below these 12 digits are additional symbols (annunciators).
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Readout in normal mode |
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Readout in ALPHA mode, used for entering of label names. |
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Display of a fullnut version. The bezel around the LCD display is squared. |
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Display of a halfnut version. The bezel around the LCD display has rounded corners. |
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The keyboard counts 35 keys. Just below the display are four additional keys. Each key can be reprogrammed by the user. This opens the possibility to use each key as a dedicated function key. Additional keyboard overlays are available to relabel the keyboard. For of the shelf programs these keyboard overlays were included with the software package. For homemade programs blank keyboard overlays are available with stickers. |
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An HP-41CV fullnut opened.
An HP-41CV halfnut opened.
An HP-41CX fullnut opened.
An HP-41CX halfnut opened.