F. Martinelli contributed: >They were used in the past, before the "calculators age" when calculations >were carried out by paper and pencil (and mind too).
Very true, but a scientific calculator can be a very confusing device for the 'hesitantly numerate'. Quote: "But I can't see a key marked 'logtan' and I don't seem to get the same result with a combination of keys as my six figure tables gives me!" * For myself I heaved a sigh of relief when I'd beasted all the various formulae into working spreadsheets so now I can punch in the latitude etc. for any type of dial and know that the resulting table of angles etc. - separately listed in 15/10/5/2/ and 1 minute intervals - is 100% reliable. A Psion palmtop completes the 'on-site' process with spreadsheets for local altitude and azimuth calculations etc. without tears. Tony Moss * For new members I'd say that the solution to such problems is simple. Just explain your difficulty to our wonderful List and people will rush immediately to help you press the right buttons. We can't all be math(s) wizards - or craftspersons!
