Keyboard Commands versus Program Instructions


Not all functions operate the same in a program as they do when executed from the keyboard. Several examples are listed in this section. Other differences between the keyboard and program operation of a function are discussed in the chapters in which the functions are defined.


The HELP Function

From the keyboard, [ HELP ] displays the prompt SET NORMAL MODE? and a menu from which you can choose { YES }, { NO }, or { ESC }. If you press { YES }, the calculator resets the system parameters to their default settings. If you press { NO }, the calculator displays all parameters that are not set to their default condition and lets you choose between resetting the parameter or leaving it unchanged. Pressing { ESC } clears the menu.

[ HELP ] as a program instruction resets the system parameters to their default settings and resets the partitions (excluding file space) to one-half data registers and one-half program memory. This is identical to pressing [ HELP ] { YES } from the keyboard.

The Status Function

From the keyboard, the [ LIST ] { ST } (status) function lists all parameters that are not already set to their default condition and displays the error number of the most recent error. { ST } as a program instruction places the number of the most recent error in the numeric display register. It does not list any status information.

The QAD and CUB Functions

From the keyboard, the { QAD } and { CUB } selections of the [ FUNC ] menu prompt you to enter coefficients and display a message to identify the roots as real or complex.

In a program, no prompts or messages appear. Instead, the { QAD } and { CUB } functions get coefficients from data registers 0, 1, 2, and 3. The results are stored in the same registers. For details, refer to this section of the RPD-95 User's Guide.


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