Sharp EL-500 Handheld Electronic Calculator

Description:

This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. The four lower rows of keys are similar to those found on many calculators, with ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, and a total key. The next row up on the scientific calculator contains keys for various forms of exponents and logarithms, as well as a pi key. The next row up (just below the top row of keys) contains a key for converting from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees, as well as keys for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions. The top row of keys includes keys for powers, reciprocals, square roots, clear entry, and clear. A mark above the keyboard reads: SHARP.

Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display that shows the result, up to a six-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent (as a power of ten). Text above the display reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-500. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. The on/off switch is on the left side.

The back of the calculator has a compartment for two slim batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 72406257.Text below this reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-500. It also reads in part: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM.

References:

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1977, p. X1. On sale for $14.95

[Advertisement], Washington Post, January 20, 1978, p. A23. Calculator selling for $14.77.

A copy for the manual for this calculator, without the cover, is online at wass.net/manuals, accessed October 27, 2014.

Date Made: 1977-1978

Maker: Sharp Corporation

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Japan

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Computers & Business Machines, Handheld Electronic Calculators

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of John B. Priser

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1986.0988.138Catalog Number: 1986.0988.138Accession Number: 1986.0988

Object Name: electronic calculatorOther Terms: electronic calculator; Handheld

Physical Description: plastic (case; keys; display cover material)metal (circuitry metalmaterial)Measurements: overall: 1 in x 3 1/8 in x 5 3/8 in; 2.54 cm x 7.9375 cm x 13.6525 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746af-1810-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334552

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