COMPU-NAV Pilot Computer - Circa 1988 - HELP!
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COMPU-NAV Pilot Computer - Circa 1988 - HELP!
I have an old COMPU-NAV pilot "computer" from the late 1980's. Those that are familiar with it will know that it was based on a Casio scientific calculator with a "hard wired" program running on it.
The problem, surprise surprise I have left it in a draw for over ten years and the all the batteries have gone flat which means it has lost its programming. So I am left with a perfectly good scientific calculator, which I can use but...I would really like to be able to restore the original program.
Can anyone help with suggestions? Code? A back up tape of the code?
Cheers.
The problem, surprise surprise I have left it in a draw for over ten years and the all the batteries have gone flat which means it has lost its programming. So I am left with a perfectly good scientific calculator, which I can use but...I would really like to be able to restore the original program.
Can anyone help with suggestions? Code? A back up tape of the code?
Cheers.
20 years ago! Pushing the friendship now!
Is the person involved in it's design still around?
I had one around the same time (FP780), which I programmed myself in Basic.
When the Casio finally wore out, I bought a second hand one (sans programmes) from the CompuNav people.
The Uni at Armidale seems to ring a bell, or some kind of education facility up that way. (Lismore?)
They advertised heavily in aviation mags. Someone will no doubt have an Ozzie Flying Mag from that era which may help!
Like mine, most have probably succumbed to the battery dying.
PS .. It gets a mention (and a photo) on this website, about half way down the page.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/archerw/aviation.htm
Is the person involved in it's design still around?
I had one around the same time (FP780), which I programmed myself in Basic.
When the Casio finally wore out, I bought a second hand one (sans programmes) from the CompuNav people.
The Uni at Armidale seems to ring a bell, or some kind of education facility up that way. (Lismore?)
They advertised heavily in aviation mags. Someone will no doubt have an Ozzie Flying Mag from that era which may help!
Like mine, most have probably succumbed to the battery dying.
PS .. It gets a mention (and a photo) on this website, about half way down the page.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/archerw/aviation.htm
Last edited by Capt Fathom; 18th Jul 2007 at 11:48.
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Don't know why you are wasting your time with a Casio -- if it were a HP-41, -42 or -67 well then they still sell good, now that is a programmable calculator!
I've brought back a few 1980's era devices to life, often you just need to be persistent
Start here...
http://www.rskey.org/casio.asp
Things to try...
Identify which Casio programmable calculator you have. You want the model number eg FX-780P. Maybe you have to peel off the COMPUNAV badge. Maybe turn the calculator over and look at its data plate or look in the battery compartment.
Do that and come back here, see what we can get for you.
Before you get too excited, check that the batteries did not leak after they went flat.
Any green corrosion on the battery terminals (easy to spot) or elsewhere (not so easy) and you may have a dead duck.
I've brought back a few 1980's era devices to life, often you just need to be persistent
Start here...
http://www.rskey.org/casio.asp
Things to try...
Identify which Casio programmable calculator you have. You want the model number eg FX-780P. Maybe you have to peel off the COMPUNAV badge. Maybe turn the calculator over and look at its data plate or look in the battery compartment.
Do that and come back here, see what we can get for you.
Before you get too excited, check that the batteries did not leak after they went flat.
Any green corrosion on the battery terminals (easy to spot) or elsewhere (not so easy) and you may have a dead duck.
ITCZ
He's not trying to sell it he wants to restore the Compunav programming on it.
If anyone has an answer I'd also like to know.
He's not trying to sell it he wants to restore the Compunav programming on it.
If anyone has an answer I'd also like to know.
Last edited by Peter Fanelli; 19th Jul 2007 at 01:01.
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If I recall correctly the guy that did that software was a pilot with Eastern in SYD - remember meeting him at a MNG Airshow. Don't recall his name or even if he is still there. Might be worth a call to their CP or someone that has been there for a while - might help?? I have one in the draw with the same problem! It was a very useful tool in the navbag.
Some folk just can't help themselves.
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Thanks for reminding me just how old we are getting. 
Mine went in to the bin along with the Commodore 64 so long ago I'd almost forgotten about them. They were beaut in their day and we issued our pilots with em.
Mine went in to the bin along with the Commodore 64 so long ago I'd almost forgotten about them. They were beaut in their day and we issued our pilots with em.
I got mine back in 87 from my records I see. Damn 20 yrs ago.
I have dug it out as I will no doubt need it back in Aust IF I find a suitable flying job.
Aero Associates does indeed still support them. I was in touch a few yrs ago.
I cx and replace my batts every 3-4 yrs or so but they will last approx 8-10 if unit is stored and not used. Easy to cx batt level with contrast wheel.
I have dug it out as I will no doubt need it back in Aust IF I find a suitable flying job.
Aero Associates does indeed still support them. I was in touch a few yrs ago.
I cx and replace my batts every 3-4 yrs or so but they will last approx 8-10 if unit is stored and not used. Easy to cx batt level with contrast wheel.
One of the best bits of tech I have ever had.
I think I threw it away when the screen power failed not that long ago.
Time for a spring clean. Maybe its still there.
I think I threw it away when the screen power failed not that long ago.
Time for a spring clean. Maybe its still there.
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Compu-nav
The Guys name was Ian Boyd, for what its worth the company details were:
Southdell Pty. Ltd. PO. Box 91., Mascot (02) 5259898. I think its now defunct. I have a copy on tape but when I tried to re-load it for the grand kids I encountered a problem with it that I was unable to resolve. I also have the interface for it.
Southdell Pty. Ltd. PO. Box 91., Mascot (02) 5259898. I think its now defunct. I have a copy on tape but when I tried to re-load it for the grand kids I encountered a problem with it that I was unable to resolve. I also have the interface for it.
I gots me those. 