Convert British and SI Units Easily

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on various tools and methods for converting British and SI units efficiently. Key recommendations include the HP28c calculator, known for its extensive built-in unit list and compatibility with unit strings, and the online resource OnlineConversion.com, which allows users to input conversions directly. Additionally, Unix/Linux users can utilize the command line utility 'units' for quick conversions. The TI-89 calculator is also highlighted for its user-friendly unit-aware calculations and extensive built-in units.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with unit conversion concepts
  • Basic understanding of calculator functionalities
  • Knowledge of command line operations in Unix/Linux
  • Experience with mathematical software like MathCAD
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the capabilities of the HP28c calculator for unit conversions
  • Research the features of the TI-89 calculator and its emulator
  • Learn how to use the 'units' command line utility in Unix/Linux
  • Investigate online resources for unit conversion, specifically OnlineConversion.com
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, scientists, and students who frequently perform unit conversions, as well as anyone interested in utilizing calculators and online tools for efficient measurement conversions.

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hey can anyone give a calculator(like any html link) or something of that sort which can convert units, like from british system to SI units and vice versa. looking at the tables everytime is sooooo boring and i am fed up of it.for eg. changing lengths, pressure, weight etc. etc.:-p:-p
 
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If you can find one, the ultimate conversion machine is a HP28c. You can create unit strings then as long as they are compatible hit the convert key and it gives you the conversion with the final units. The built in list of fundamental units is huge, it covered everything I have ever heard of, plus more.
 
Try this one

Just type, e.g. "70 degrees F to degrees C"
or "3*Pi to degrees"
of "feet to m"
It's perfect.
 
CompuChip said:
Try this one

Just type, e.g. "70 degrees F to degrees C"
or "3*Pi to degrees"
of "feet to m"
It's perfect.

:smile::smile:hey its perfect:-p:-p
 
Integral said:
If you can find one, the ultimate conversion machine is a HP28c.

guess i ll hit the store today for this machine:-p:-p
 
You may have better luck on Ebay, this is a pretty old model. I got mine in 1987.
 
For Unix/Linux users, there is an unobtrusive command line utility, units[/color]:
Code:
$ units 7lb kg
        * 3.1751466
        / 0.31494609
i.e. outputs converted amount and the multiplier of inverse conversion; or in interactive mode:
Code:
$ units
2438 units, 71 prefixes, 32 nonlinear units

You have: 15 knots
You want: mph
        * 17.261692
        / 0.057931749
You have: lbf
You want:
        Definition: lb force = 4.4482216 kg m / s^2
...

The definitions of known units are in /usr/share/misc/units.dat, and if said ~2500 were not enough, one could add ones own :)

--
Chusslove Illich (Часлав Илић)
 
  • #10
I use Omnicon. It kicks butt.
 
  • #11
FredGarvin said:
It kicks butt.
i didnt get it:confused::confused:
 
  • #12
For most unit conversions I have to do, I will use either MathCAD or my TI-89. Both are capable of unit-aware calculations as well as user-defined units.

While the HP28c might be pretty good, I wouldn't say it's the "ultimate." It's important to note that the TI-89 is easy to find, and relatively inexpensive for its vast capabilities (units and unit conversions being one small part of it). The built-in units list of a TI-89 is quite large, and defining new units is as simple as defining a variable. Unit-aware calculations means it is also able to combine units in calculations for "unit simplification" (such as 0.5 kg * (1 m/s)^2 = 0.5 J).

You can also find a TI-89 emulator on the internet, which would be a simple way to give you these calculation capabilities on your computer. Do a search on Google or over at ticalc.org for more details.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
thanks mech engineer for that emulator, it ll surely help me understand that calcy
 

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