HP33s & 35s Calculators
These are a few sources of free Surveying programs for the HP33s and HP35s calculators. Their only drawback is that you have to key in the programs yourself since neither calculator has an alternate input option.
HP33s |
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| https://melbard.com | These are a collection of programs written by Al Melbard, a former Surveying Instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College. They're a bit older, but still useful if you have a HP33s. | ||
HP33s & HP35s |
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| MN DOT |
The Minnesota Dept of Transportation has developed a number of software tools including packages for the HP33s and the HP35s. Both packages are pretty extensive. User Manual: The MN DOT HP35s documentation is light on program use. I wrote a User Manual that covers basic calculator operation (for HP-neophytes), setup, and has step-by-step worked examples for the program units. I would appreciatre feedback on the manual - typos, errors, etc. Send it to me at |
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I've not tried Wollindina's programs but have heard they are petty good. |
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MN DOT Software on as HP35s Windows Emulator
A few years ago, I downloaded an HP35s emulator for Windows and manually keyed in the MN DOT HP35s surveying package (that took a looong time). That allows me to run a fully functional HP35s on my computer and use it as a calculator or run the MN DOT software.
If you would like to run an HP35s emulation on your Windows computer with the MN DOT software follow these instructions
1. Download the emulator at https://www.educalc.net/page/2336231/
Unzip the installation file and run it.
2. You can key in the MN DOT software manually or save yourself the hassle by downloading my program file: MNDOT.ep
You must load the MNDOT.ep file the first time you run the emulator; it should load automatically on subsequent runs.
Calculator | Load
Navigate to and select the MNDOT.ep file
3. The emulator comes with a few skins to change its size and appearance.
Tool | Select Skin (I like Medium 35s.)
4. At this point you're ready to go .... well that's if you know how to run the individual programs.
You can go to MN DOT, open the menu for the HP35s software, and download either the HP35s Guide or the HP35s Programs pdf file. The first shows basic instructions for running the programs, the second also includes program listings.
Or
You can download the User Manual described above.
HP-48SX & -48GX Calculators |
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Those of you old enough will remember the popularity of HP-48SX and -48GX calculators as data collectors. Because of their programmability and two expansion slots a few companies (eg, TDS, SMI) developed surveying software for the calculators. With a pre-programmed expansion card inserted and a cable connected to an instrument, the calculator became a data collector also capable of performing COGO calculations. To facilitate training on their system, SMI loaded their software on a Windows HP 48 Desktop emulator. While not practical as a data collector, the emulator could be used to learn the software and perform many other surveying calculations. The emulator even included the keyboard overlay. Eagle Point acquired SMI and released the SMI Desktop emulator for free distribution under the GNU General Public License. Tough to find now, you can download the emulator installer here along with the SMI v7 manual. For some of you it will be a trip down memory lane. |
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updated 10 May 2025