Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This portable computer, one of the first to be compatible with an IBM-PC, has a tan plastic case, and opens to reveal a screen about the size of the keyboard (and about half the total size of the case).Two disc drives are behind the keyboard.
Description
This portable computer, one of the first to be compatible with an IBM-PC, has a tan plastic case, and opens to reveal a screen about the size of the keyboard (and about half the total size of the case).Two disc drives are behind the keyboard. A heavy AC adapter fits into a jack in the back of the case. The donors reported that this was their daughter's first computer, on which she practiced lessons as a preteen. His son also may have used it to create spreadsheets for the donor's business in the summer of 1989. For software received with the computer, see 2014.0090.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1987
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2014.0090.01
accession number
2014.0090
catalog number
2014.0090.01
Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599.
Description
Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599. You could purchase the computer without a display for $399.95, but the most common configuration was buying the computer, monitor, and datacassette recorder for $599. For the accompanying keyboard and computer, see 1983.0169.01.
date made
1977-1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1983.0169.02
catalog number
1983.0169.02
accession number
1983.0169
In the early 1970s, most personal computers came as hobbyist kits requiring a high level of technical expertise to assemble.
Description
In the early 1970s, most personal computers came as hobbyist kits requiring a high level of technical expertise to assemble. Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599. This offering included a BASIC language interpreter, four kilobytes of RAM, a Zilog Z80 processor at 1.77 megahertz, a twelve-inch video monitor, a cassette recorder, a power supply, and a cassette tape containing the games Blackjack and Backgammon. While some Tandy executives were skeptical about the success of the PC market, the availability of the TRS-80 on five thousand Radio Shack store shelves helped the Model 1 sell over one hundred thousand units during its first year, half of total PCs sales in 1978.
The TRS-80 had its microprocessor inside its keyboard. While you could purchase just the TRS-80 for $400, most opted for the package that included the twelve-inch monitor and cassette recorder for $600. This example of the object includes the TRS-80 Expansion Interface for $299 (the monitor sits on it) that gave the machine an extra thirty-two kilobytes of memory. Also part of the system are two Mini-Disk drives that sold for $499 and a suitcase for carrying all this around.
One also could purchase such accessories as a TRS-80 Telephone Interface II for $199 that allowed for network communication and printer for $399. Examples of these are in the Smithsonian collections, although they were not received with this specific microcomputer.
This TRS-80 was used by donor Kenneth S. Wiedlitz of Los Angeles, along with the remaining materials in the accession.
References:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, page 166, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1978
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1979 Catalog No. 302, pages 79–82, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1979
“BYTE News,” BYTE, May 1979, 117.
Peggy A. Kidwell and Paul E. Ceruzzi, Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1994), 96–99.
date made
1977-1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1983.0169.01
catalog number
1983.0169.01
accession number
1983.0169
The Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 was one of the precursors to the modern laptop.
Description
The Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 was one of the precursors to the modern laptop. The functions were fairly limited but the size and battery power were well recieved.
This computer was actually made by Kyocera, now a brand name recognized worldwide as a manufacturer of popular cell phone and PDA hybrids.
This example of the computer was used by Paul E. Ceruzzi when he was a curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
In addition to the computer itself, this index number covers a plastic carrying case for it.
date made
ca 1983
user
Ceruzzi, Paul
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1995.0176.01
accession number
1995.0176
catalog number
1995.0176.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.091
catalog number
2012.3098.091
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys. The leftmost column of keys includes %, square root, clear, and clear entry keys. The on/off switch is at the top of the keyboard. Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark above this reads: Radio Shack. A power jack is on the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part:
CAT. NO 65-610 (/) MODEL EC-231 (/) Radio Shack A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 3V(“AA” CELL X 2) (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE ADAPTER 14-854 (/) 11467. It also reads: 8A6 (/) JAPAN.
Compare 1986.0988.040 (Radio Shack EC-231) and 1986.0988.46 (Radio Shack EC-380).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276 , p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $10.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.040
catalog number
1986.0988.040
accession number
1986.0988
This relatively inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has an array of eighteen rounded rectangular keys, labeled on the keyboard. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, and a total key.
Description
This relatively inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has an array of eighteen rounded rectangular keys, labeled on the keyboard. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, and a total key. A mark next to the top two keys reads: RS. The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A mark behind it reads: Radio Shack. A jack for a power supply is on the back edge. The on/off switch is on the left side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine-volt battery. A sticker on the inside of this compartment reads: 20313D30-02. The calculator has four rubber discs that serve as feet. A sticker on the back reads in part: EC-220 Calculator (/) Catalog No. 65-604. Further text reads: RADIO SHACK A TANDY CORPORATION COMPANY (/) FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107. Further text reads: Assembled in Mexico. Another mark reads: Ser. No. (/) 267484.
Compare Rockwell 8R (1986.0988.012).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1976 Electronics Catalog , p. 116, accessed September 22, 2014, at .radioshackcatalogs.com. Calculator has a list price of $16.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.038
catalog number
1986.0988.038
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case in two shades of gray, a silver-colored keyboard, and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is written above them on the keyboard.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case in two shades of gray, a silver-colored keyboard, and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is written above them on the keyboard. Keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The top row has an on/off switch, a square root key, a % key, and a clear/clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. Text behind this reads: Radio Shack (/) MEMORY EC-243.
A compartment for two AA batteries is at the top of the back. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. A sticker below the compartment reads: Radio Shack (/) Cat. No. : 65-618 (/) Model : EC-243 (/) DC : 3V (“AA” Cell x 2) (/) For 120V AC Operation (/) Use AC Adaptor 65-735 (/) Custom Mfd. in Hong Kong for (/) RADIO SHACK. A Division of Tandy Corp. (/) 7J-208.
The calculator has a power adapter that plugs into the back edge. It is marked: Radio Shack (/) 273-1435 (/) 3V AC Adapter.
Compare 1986.0988.043 (Radio Shack EC-242).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, p. 146, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $14.95.
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1979 Catalog No. 302, p. 129, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $14.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978-1979
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.044
catalog number
1986.0988.044
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys. The leftmost column of keys includes %, square root, clear, and clear entry keys. The on/off switch is at the top of the keyboard, next to three memory keys. Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark above this reads: Radio Shack. A power jack is on the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part:
CAT. NO 65-616 (/) MODEL EC-380 (/) Radio Shack A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 3V(“AA” CELL X 2). (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE ADAPTER 14-854. It also reads: 8A6 (/) JAPAN.
Compare 1986.0988.040 (Radio Shack EC-231) and 1986.0988.46 (Radio Shack EC-380).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276 , p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $24.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.046
catalog number
1986.0988.046
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a black and charcoal case and an array of eighteen black, white, and red "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black and charcoal case and an array of eighteen black, white, and red "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key and the eight-digit red LED display behind this. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top (this example has no cord).
The back has four plastic feet (one is missing on this example). A paper sticker there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of it reads: RADIO SHACK MODEL EC-200 (/) SER. NO. A2 6411 (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
Compare 1987.0435.25 (a Craig 4501), 1986.0988.84 (a Montgomery Ward P800) and 1986.0988.129 (a Bowmar 901B). This calculator is somewhat different, having two large screws in the back and a different style for the on/off switch. Unscrewing the screws allows one to change the four AA batteries.
The Radio Shack EC-200 was introduced in 1973 at a price of $99.50. By April of 1974, it was on sale for $59.50.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 6, 1973, p. U6. New Radio Shack EC-200 calculator introduced at price of $99.50.
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1974 Electronics Catalog , p. 67, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. Calculator has a list price of $89.50.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, April 21, 1974, p. A10. Radio Shack EC-200 calculator on sale at reduced price of $59.50, regular price $89.50.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973-1974
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.035
catalog number
1986.0988.035
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case, a black keyboard, and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is written above them on the keyboard.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case, a black keyboard, and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is written above them on the keyboard. Keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear/clear entry key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, two memory keys, an on key, and an off key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. Text behind this reads: Radio Shack (/) MEMORY EC-242.
A compartment for a nine volt battery is at the top of the back. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. A sticker below the compartment reads: Radio Shack (/) Cat. No. : 65-617 (/) Model : EC-242 (/) DC : 9V (006P x 1) (/) For 120V AC Operation (/) Use AC Adaptor 65-731 (/) Custom Mfd. in Hong Kong for (/) RADIO SHACK. A Division of Tandy Corp. (/) 7J-207.
Radio Shack advertised this “low-priced memory calculator” as “a real budget-master.”
Compare 1986.0988.044 (Radio Shack EC-243).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, p. 146, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $8.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.043
catalog number
1986.0988.043
accession number
1986.0988
This thin, relatively flat handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white.
Description
This thin, relatively flat handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. The total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, change sign key, % key, and square root key are black. The clear/clear entry key is red. The on/off switch is to the left on the top row of keys.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Text behind it reads: Radio Shack (/) statesman thin LCD. The calculator has no jack for a power adapter.
At the top of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. Stickers inside it read: 61885 and: 6AO. A sticker below the battery compartment on the back reads: Radio Shack (/) Cat. No. : 65-674 (/) Model : EC-267 (/) DC 3V (‘AA’ Cell x 2) (/) Custom Mfd. in Hong Kong for Radio Shack, (/) A Division of Tandy Corporation.
According to a 1981 Catalog, this was a new model for Radio Shack in 1981.
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1981 Catalog No. 328, p. 164, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com.. The price listed for the calculator is $14.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.045
catalog number
1986.0988.045
accession number
1986.0988
The 1976 Radio Shack catalog advertised this handheld electronic calculator as “our finest scientific slide-rule calculator.” At a list price of $99.95, it was described as “a superb buy.” The calculator has a tan, black, and brown plastic case with an array of twenty-five slopin
Description
The 1976 Radio Shack catalog advertised this handheld electronic calculator as “our finest scientific slide-rule calculator.” At a list price of $99.95, it was described as “a superb buy.” The calculator has a tan, black, and brown plastic case with an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a pi key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, an exchange key, and two parentheses keys. The top row of keys includes a clear entry/clear key, an EE (enter exponent) key, a change sign key, a function key, and an ARC key.
Many of these keys had a different effect if the F or ARC key was pushed. Functions found in this way include inverses, exponents, powers, logarithms, square roots, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, conversion from radians to degrees, conversion from degrees to radians, and factorials. The calculator also has memory keys. Behind the keys are a degree/radian switch and an on/off switch. Behind the switches is a twelve-character vacuum fluorescent display that shows results in scientific notation, including eight digits of the result, two digits of the exponent in base ten, and the sign of both the number and the exponent. The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a power supply.
A sticker on the back describes operating procedures. Text near the bottom reads: RADIO SHACK A TANDY CORPORATION COMPANY (/) FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107. Further text reads: Calculator Model EC-490 (/) Catalog Number 65-635 (/) Assembled in Mexico. A further mark reads: Ser. No. (/) 108809.
The calculator has an imitation leather carrying case. Text on the front reads: Radio Shack.
Compare this device to calculator 1986.0988.163, a Rockwell 63R.
References:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1976 Electronics Catalog , p. 117, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 121.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.036
catalog number
1986.0988.036
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series of such calculators introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s and sold by that company and distributors such as Radio Shack. The calculator has a black plastic case with eighteen plastic keys, sixteen of them square.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series of such calculators introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s and sold by that company and distributors such as Radio Shack. The calculator has a black plastic case with eighteen plastic keys, sixteen of them square. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark above the display reads: Radio Shack.
A sticker on the back of the calculator gives operating instructions. It reads in part: Radio Shack EC-250 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: RADIO SHACK A TANDY CORPORATION COMPANY (/) FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107 (/) ASSEMBLED IN U.S.A. SERIAL NO. 111396. Above the sticker is a compartment for two AA batteries. A mark on the inside of the compartment reads: C905-051.
Compare 1986.0988.059, a Bowmar MX-55.
No advertisements found in Radio Shack catalogs.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 120.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.034
catalog number
1986.0988.034
accession number
1986.0988
This device operates both as a four-function handheld electronic calculator and as an electronic game of blackjack. It has a metal case with plastic trim, fifteen rectangular plastic keys, and a ten-digit green fluorescent display.
Description
This device operates both as a four-function handheld electronic calculator and as an electronic game of blackjack. It has a metal case with plastic trim, fifteen rectangular plastic keys, and a ten-digit green fluorescent display. Cards “dealt” to the player are indicated on the right of the display, those to the “dealer” on the left. Only one player other than the dealer is allowed. Text at the base of the keyboard reads: Radio Shack EC-21. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge.
A compartment at the base of the back holds three AAA batteries. A paper sticker inside this compartment reads: NO: 58018 (/) 7A8 Text on the back of the calculator reads in part: BLACKJACK 21 (/) Cat. No. 60-3011/ It also reads in part: MADE IN TAIWAN.
Compare 1986.0988.295 (the Unisonic 21-P1) and 1986.0988.048 (the Radio Shack EC-21).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 17, 1978, p. A3. Model EC-21 on sale for $21.95. Advertised as “Las Vegas Style Blackjack Game Calculator Fun.”
Radio Shack, Blackjack 21 Owner’s Manual,” Fort Worth, Texas: Tandy Corporation. An online version of this is at wass.net.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.048
catalog number
1986.0988.048
accession number
1986.0988
This basic handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case in two shades of gray and nineteen oval indented plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, a total key, a decimal point key, a clear key, and a clear entry key.
Description
This basic handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case in two shades of gray and nineteen oval indented plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, a total key, a decimal point key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. At the left in the top row of keys is an on/off switch. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. Text at the top reads: Radio Shack. A jack for a power adapter is on the left side.
The back of the calculator has a battery compartment for a nine-volt battery. A sticker below this reads: CAT. NO 65-609 (/) MODEL EC-221 (/) Radio Shack (/) A Division of Tandy Corporation (/) DC 9V (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE AC ADAPTER 65-731 (/) Serial No. 136626 (/) Made in Hong Kong.
The calculator is in its original white cardboard box. The box describes the "Radio Shack basic five function calculator" as "ideal for all ages."
Compare to the Radofin 1610 (1986.0988.256).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276, p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $10.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.221
catalog number
1986.0988.221
accession number
1986.0988
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.062
catalog number
2012.3098.062
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This small, thin, flat handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white.
Description
This small, thin, flat handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. The total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, change sign key, % key, and square root key are brown. The clear/clear entry key is red. The on/off switch is to the left on the top row of keys.
Text behind the keyboard reads: Radio Shack. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display. Text below the keyboard reads: statesman thin LCD.
A sticker on the back of the case reads: Radio Shack (/) CAT. NO. 65-671 MODEL EC-264 (/) USE 2 TYPE-76 SILVER OXIDE (/) BATTERIES. (RS-CAT. NO. 23-009) (/) JAPAN.
The calculator fits in a folding wallet. A mark on the back of the wallet reads: Radio Shack.
Compare 1986.0988.047 and 1986.0988.223.
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1980 Catalog No. 315, p. 166, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com/. The price listed for the calculator is $24.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1987.0435.27
accession number
1987.0435
catalog number
1987.0435.27
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. This includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, two memory keys, and a clear entry/clear key.
Description
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. This includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, two memory keys, and a clear entry/clear key. Above is an on/off switch and behind this an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind it reads: Radio Shack. A jack for a power adapter is on the right side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this reads:
CAT. NO 65-611 (/) MODEL EC-241 (/) Radio Shack (/) A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 9V (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE AC ADAPTER 65-731 (/) SERIAL No. 124917. It also reads: 8A6 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276 , p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $4.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.042
catalog number
1986.0988.042
accession number
1986.0988
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.064
catalog number
2012.3098.064
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This small, thin, flat handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white.
Description
This small, thin, flat handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. The total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, the change sign key, the % key, and the square root key are brown. The clear and clear entry keys are red. The on/off switch is to the left on the top row of keys.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Text behind it reads: Radio Shack. Text below the keyboard reads: statesman thin LCD.
The calculator has a brown plastic backing; the cover is missing.
Compare Radio Shack EC-267 (1986.0988.045).
References:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1980 Catalog No. 315, p. 166, accessed September 26, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed for the EC-257 calculator is $19.95.
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1981 Catalog No. 328, p. 164, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed for the EC-258 calculator is $17.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980-1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.047
catalog number
1986.0988.047
accession number
1986.0988
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.110
catalog number
2012.3098.110
nonaccession number
2012.3098
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.103
catalog number
2012.3098.103
nonaccession number
2012.3098
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.092
catalog number
2012.3098.092
nonaccession number
2012.3098

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