FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why are the programmed calculators cheaper on the Newcalc website than when purchased through EBAY?

EBAY charges fees for listing items for sale and also charges a percentage of the sale price of each item sold. These charges do not apply when items are purchased directly from the Newcalc website.

2. Which calculator should be used if taking a non-general afternoon module with the FE/EIT exam?

Although the FE/EIT calculator is primarily designed for candidates who are taking general modules for both the morning and afternoon parts of the exam, it is also suitable for candidates who are taking a non-general module in the afternoon.

3. Is it possible to send a calculator to Newcalc and have it programmed for an exam?

The cost of this option is $40 less than the cost of the full programmed calculator package for the chosen exam. This includes entering all of the program data and providing a copy of the program guide. The calculator should be sent to Newcalc with a note indicating which exam it is to be programmed for. If paying by Paypal, please make payment directly to sales@newcalc.com, and include a comment that you are sending your own calculator in for programming.

4. If buying a program guide only, how long does it take to enter all of the data into the calculator?

It takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to enter all of the program data into the calculator, and it must then be checked for accuracy.

5. Is there a way to enter the data automatically?

All of the data has to be typed into the HP 33s/35s manually. The exam board does not permit the use of any calculator that has automatic data entry capabilities, which is why a more advanced programmable calculator such as the HP 49G+ is not offered by Newcalc. The calculator's memory chip is an integral component of the main circuit board inside the calculator, and so it cannot be removed and linked to a PC for auto programming.

6. Are any programming skills needed in order to enter program data into the calculator or execute any of the programs?

No special programming skills are needed to enter or execute any of the programs. The instructions provided in each version of the program guide are very simple.

7. Are there any references or independent reviews available from candidates who have used these calculators in the exams?

The EBAY website has independent feedback comments listed by people who have purchased these calculators and used them in the exams. In order to view these comments, go to www.ebay.com and search for the User ID "Newcalc", then review the feedback comments and ratings left by Buyers. The individual buyers can be contacted through EBAY via e-mail.

8. Is this calculator permitted in the exam with all of the programs entered, and can the proctors clear the memory when entering the exam room?

The calculator is permitted in the exam, there is no restriction on any data that is entered into it, and the proctors do not clear calculator memory. The reason for this policy is that it would be too time-consuming for proctors to check every calculator and find out how to clear the memory. The calculator policy is simply a list of approved calculators and the HP 35s is on that list.

9. Is it possible to enter programs for two exams onto the same calculator, and what is the price for this?

This can be done. The only disadvantage is that the program list will be twice as long, and so it will take slightly longer to locate each program when scrolling down the list. If this option is required, then there is a $40 discount since only calculator is required, and a $30 discount since multiple items are being purchased (see item 24 below). For example, if the FE programs and a any set of PE programs are required on one calculator, the total cost is $155 + $175 - $40 - $30 = $260. Both program guides will be provided. Please make a note of which sets of programs are needed when making payment for this type of order.

10. How is payment made and special instructions provided when placing a special order?

When placing a special order (such as having multiple sets of programs on one calculator, or sending in a calculator for programming), all comments/instructions should be sent with the payment if possible. If using Paypal, then the payment can be sent directly to sales@newcalc.com, and comments/instructions can be provided on the Paypal payment page. If paying by check, please include any comments or special instructions with the payment check. If the price of a special order is unknown, an e-mail inquiry can be sent to sales@newcalc.com. Generally, special orders cannot be processed via EBAY, since only the standard products are listed on EBAY.

11. Will the programs work in other calculators, besides the HP 35s?

The HP 35s uses very basic program and equation language, and the programs are presented in the guide in a format that can be easily be converted for use with different programmable calculators, including the Texas Instruments, which are also quite popular. The instructions related to keystrokes might be slightly different, so the user would have to be familiar with how to enter programs on their calculator. All of the application notes, variables and other information would still apply. It is important to make sure that your calculator is on the approved list, in accordance with the NCEES exam calculator policy.

12. If purchasing a program guide without the actual calculator, how is the product sent?

Program guides are sent via US Postal Service Priority Mail.

13. How long does the program data remain in the calculator, and could it be lost?

The program data will remain as long as batteries are installed. The data will also remain for a short time if the batteries are removed. This allows batteries to be replaced without data loss. Data can also be lost if a pin is used to activate the recessed "reset" button on the back of the calculator, or if the user deletes the programs using the delete key. It is unlikely that data will be lost unintentionally.

14. Can programs and equations be added to the calculator, after it is programmed for the exam?

The memory chip in the calculator is large enough to store many more equations that the user can input as needed. However, there is a limit on the number of labels that can be used for the larger programs. The programs installed use approximately 70% of the available labels, so additional programming capacity is limited.

15. How does the user know which programs apply to which questions?

The program guides give clear instructions and application guidelines so that the correct program is used for each question. It is recommended that the user become familiar with the programs and the user guide before the exam.

16. Is the program guide that comes with the calculator the same as the one that is sold separately?

The guide that comes with the programmed calculator is the same as the guide that is sold separately, and contains all of the information needed to enter and use the programs.

17. Do the program guides contain all of the instructions and program data needed to enter the programs into the calculator?

The program guides give clear instructions for entering programs, and all program data is provided.

18. What percentage of exam questions will relate to the programs in the calculator?

This depends upon which exam is being taken, as well as the actual exam content, which can vary from one exam season to the next. Some questions do not require programs or any type of calculations. the calculator programs are designed primarily to help with the questions that require longer calculations, or a combination of short calculation steps. Many candidates have reported using more than half of the programs during the exam, and some of the programs may be applicable to multiple questions. Because of these variables, it is difficult to say how many questions can be answered using the programs.

19. Are these programs relevant to the new multiple choice format of the FE/EIT and PE exams?

The calculator programs were designed for use with the new format exams, and were not originally designed for the old format exams.

20. Are similar products or programs available elsewhere?

At the present time, there are no other companies offering an equal or alternative product that is designed specifically for the engineering licensing exams. There are some companies that offer basic lists of equations to be programmed into a calculator, but do not provide programs that are specifically designed for the exam questions, and do not provide detailed application notes or instructions for their equations. There are other companies that offer complex programs and software which are for use with more advanced calculators, but these calculators are not permitted to be used in the exams, under the current calculator policy.

21. How much time is saved by using the programmed calculators?

The time savings offered by these products comes in two forms. The first saving is the time which it would take a candidate to design, enter and debug the programs. The second saving is the time that is actually saved during the exam. Most candidates run out of time before being able to fully attempt every question, and with the aid of the programmed calculator, there will be more time left to attempt a greater number of questions during the exam. another advantage is that these programs have been used many times and are fully checked for accuracy.

22. Were all of the programs designed and written by licensed engineers?

All of the programs for each exam (including the FE/EIT) were written by PE licensed engineers who are familiar with the FE/EIT and PE exams.

23. Will there be any e-mail confirmation sent after an order is placed and payment is made via Paypal?

Currently we do not automatically send out e-mail confirmations when orders are placed. but standard orders are processed within three days, and the UPS tracking number is sent automatically by UPS when the item is shipped out. Items shipped to Puerto Rico will not receive an e-mail confirmation of shipping, but a tracking number will be sent upon request.

24. Is there any price discount available for purchasing multiple items?

A discount of $15 per calculator may be applied to any order of two or more programmed calculators. Shipping charge is not increased for multiple items.

25. If paying by check, who should the check be made payable to?

All checks should be payable to Newcalc, and the product code or item number should be written on the check or an accompanying note.

26. Can Newcalc ship to an unconfirmed Paypal address?

Newcalc will ship to any address that is specified by the person making payment, at the time the payment is made.

27. Will the Newcalc programs run on more advanced calculators, such as the HP 48 or 49G+?

The programs will run on any of the more advanced HP calculators, but these calculators are not be permitted in the exam. please refer to the NCEES calculator policy for a list of approved calculators.

28. What accounts for the price difference between the fully programmed calculators and the program guides.

The fully programmed calculators include an HP 33s calculator, a program guide and includes the service of manually entering all of the programs into the calculator.

29. What is the return policy for items purchased from Newcalc?

All calculators may be returned in their original condition with stated reason for return wthin 30 days. The program guides may not be returned because it is the information contained within the guides that represent their value. the price of the program guide shall be subtracted from any refund issued for a calculator purchased with a program guide, unless there is a valid exception and an explanation of the reason for return.

30. Are we still in business?

Yes, we are still in business. Today's date is Feb 16, 2009. We have no intention of closing this business anytime soon.