I had a K&E but have totally forgotten how to use it, after all that was over 50 years ago. I still use a round version for flight operations, the E6B flight computer but it not really a slide rule.

Knew how to use one many years ago but have forgotten the techniques.

PC

Used it my senior year to get an "A" in chemistry. A couple of years later I saw one of the first electric calculators. It was the size of a transistor radio and required a power cord. However n 1970 it cost $700.

In my 70's used one throughout high school. It's still around the house somewhere, haven't seen it a lot of years

Still have mine somewhere in the garage...
Also with my circular slide rule from my mechanical engineering classes in college.

Last time I used one was while taking analytical chemistry in college back in 1973. It would take a little while to get back in the groove with it.

quote:

Originally posted by slyguy:
Oh Hell No

I can use reverse polish notation like a bat outta hell though. Does that count?

I have an HP-11 calculator app on my iPhone. I still have and use my HP-41CV from 30 years ago.
Love RPN.

I had a slide rule in high school but never used it. I worked summers for a company that sold drafting tables and accessories, slide rules, and other high tech stuff back in the day. They had several display cases of every slide rule made in all sizes. I think I had a Dietzgen the owner gave to me. He also gave me a drafting table and a drafting machine. I used the heck out of that thing - don't remember what for though.

quote:

Originally posted by sdy:
In middle school (a bit ago) a teacher had a huge slide rule mounted over the black board. About 10 feet long and a foot or two wide. The parts moved and he would set up the "big" slide rule to show various calculations.

I was taught with this same setup. When I tell my younger coworkers about the slide rule, they cannot fathom the idea. I looked for my old one a while back to take to work. Never did find it. I think I can still do some basic math on one.

I had to learn to use one in 9th grade gen-science but that was 20 odd years ago, and the teacher was a dinosaur. A great teacher and very well liked guy though.

Bought my K&E in 1961 at NCSU. Still got it in my tin carrying case with all my drawing paraphernalia. Haven't looked at it in a couple of years. I'd have to "brush up" a bit to do logs on it now.

Never used one, nor needed it for anything.

I was terrible at basic math, and never went further than an introduction to Algebra.

A rather more substantial reaction to this thread than I expected.

I still have several. I have one on the wall of my office. Love it when someone new enters my office, stops, stares at it and says "what is that for".

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
A rather more substantial reaction to this thread than I expected.

Lol..... Para, you forget there are a bunch of old farts here. Myself included. I still have one, but have forgotten how to use it.

I always got a kick out of the movie Apollo 13 when the Tech's were using slide rules to double check astronauts math!

Theres a cheap wooden slide rule around here somewhere and a round plastic one also. Guess I'll try to find one of them and play a little bit.

Hell yes!

In the beginning of my occupation working for a state engineering dept, the slide rule was alowed on computations during cerification exams.

Such tests as Asphalt, Concrete, Aggregate, etc. There were some tough calculations required in order to be passed and certified which was a requirement in the inspection field I was in.

On our exams we had to write "Slide Rule Accuracy" on the front. Also, the in the exam rooms back then smoking was allowed. Many times I would look up at the cloud formation , you could not see the ceiling. And filled up ashtrays.
Frayed nerves and broken pencils.

Then Texas instruments calculators were invented with 4 basic functions, those were grabbed up quickly. With their red LED displays.

So, yes , I do know how.

quote:

Then Texas instruments calculators were invented with 4 basic functions, those were grabbed up quickly. With their red LED displays.

Yup. I picked one up at a Radio Shack on Little Creek Rd. in Norfolk when I got transferred back east after living and sleeping with a slide rule the for the previous 15 months on Treasure Island. Damned calculator was a TI with little red LED matrix digit display, tactile feedback keys, 4 functions only, no memory, no roots, no nothing except the basic 4. Inch and a half thick and gobbled batteries. Worst $69.00 I ever spent, especially while on 1974 Navy E-5 pay scale...should have waited a couple of years for more features at a much lower price from many more manufacturers but they were cool...and very handy.

Used one through HS & College, had a fine collection of them, still know where 4 of them are. Still enjoyable times for me.

Yes, in high school and especially in college for the first 2-3 years. Freshman year of college, we had slide rule exams in our engineering fundamentals class the first 15 min of class.