Desktop Calculators with Chips

The bulky electronic calculators built in the 1960s included the circuits required to carry out the arithmetic they performed and the programs they ran. With the invention and rapidly decreasing price of integrated circuits, particularly chips, smaller, lighter, cheaper calculators were possible. Some of these, like the MITS 816, clearly were designed to sit on a desktop. Others might be carried about easily. Those listed here were too broad, too deep, or otherwise so designed so that they would not fit easily in the pocket. Most of them did not print results, although Unisonic, Texas Instruments, and Canon offered printing calculators.

The desktop electronic calculators described in the previous section were generally designed and built within a single country, be it Great Britain, the United States, or Japan. Calculators built with integrated circuits were quite different. Chips might be designed in one country, fabricated in another, and incorporated into calculators in a third. For example, a Radio Shack EC-2001 electronic calculator from the collections has a chip designed by the American firm of Texas Instruments and manufactured in the Philipines. The calculator was assembled in Taiwan and sold by the American company Radio Shack.

At times, the product of one manufacturer was sold by several firms, each placing their own brand name on it. The Unisonic Xl-101 and Lloyd's E680-3 are virtually identical to the Radio Shack EC-2001 just mentioned. The chips in the two former products apparently were made in the United States, with assembly of the calculators in Taiwan.

By the 1980s, Friden, Marchant, and NCR were out of the business of selling calculators. Monroe, one of few American calculating machine companies to make the transition to the electronic era successfully, sold imported devices. Hence the beginning of a new form of computing device signaled the end of an era.

This Japanese-made non-printing electronic calculator is a relatively small and light desktop machine. It has an array of nine digit keys with a 0 and a decimal key below these.
Description
This Japanese-made non-printing electronic calculator is a relatively small and light desktop machine. It has an array of nine digit keys with a 0 and a decimal key below these. On the right are a clearance key, a key for indicating that multiplication (rather than addition) should be carried out, a key for indication that division (rather than subtraction) should be carried out, and a key for multiplication or division. The machine has an eight-digit capacity for all operations. In back of the keyboard is an eight-digit display. The on-off switch is on the side.
A mark on the front left reads: SHARP. A mark on the front right reads: microCompet. A mark behind the display reads: CORDLESS. A tag attached to the back reads in part: SHARP QT-8B (/) CORDLESS MICRO COMPET/. It also says in part: NO. 0067148 (/) SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (/) 10 KEYSTONE PLACE, PARAMUS (/) NEW JERSEY 07652 MADE IN JAPAN. The black carrying case has a handle.
The calculator fits into a plastic battery unit. The unit is plugged into the wall to operate the machine on alternating current or to charge the adapter. To operate the machine on direct current, the plug is not used and the switch is turned off. A mark on the back of the adapter reads: MICRO COMPET ADAPTOR. The adaptor has a gray cloth cover.
The instruction manual that comes with the calculator indicates that the machine incorporates four ELSIs (Extra Large Scale Integrations) with one 4-phase clock generator. The calculator was advertised in American newspapers from mid-1970 into 1971. The QT-8B (with the battery pack) cost $495.
References:
Sharp Electronics Corporation, SHARP Electronic Calculator with ELSI Micro COMPET QT-8B Instruction Manual, no date.
[advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 29, 1970, p. G5.
[advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 2, 1970, p. G5.
[advertisement], The New York Times, January 9, 1971, p. 41.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1970
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
2006.0132.22
catalog number
2006.0132.22
accession number
2006.0132
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B.
Description
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B. It does not require a cradle to recharge batteries.
The calculator has an array of nine digit keys, with larger 0 and decimal point keys below. Right of these are a clear key, a key for indicating that multiplication (rather than addition) should be carried out, a key for indication that division (rather than subtraction) should be carried out, and a key for multiplication or division. The machine has an eight-digit capacity for all operations. In back of the keyboard is an eight-digit display. Above these are alarm and error indicators. A switch is on the side shifts between AC operation, off, and DC operation.
A mark on the front reads: SHARP. A tag on the back reads in part: SHARP MODEL EL-8. It also reads: NO. 1021694 (/) SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (/) 10 KEYSTONE PLACE, PARAMUS (/) NEW JERSEY 07652 MADE IN JAPAN. An AC adaptor comes with the device and is assigned number 1981.0922.05.1. The dimensions given do not include the adaptor, the case for the adapter, or the case for the calculator.
Inside the instrument are six nickel-cadmium batteries in a case, a calculator circuit board, a display circuit board, and eight tubes for the display. The four integrated circuits on the calculator board were made by North American Rockwell. A stamp below the calculator circuit board reads: 1021694.
The battery cover is marked in part: SHARP MODEL EL-84 (/) NICKEL-CADMIUM (/) RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. It also is marked: SHARP CORPORATION OSAKA, JAPAN. Hayakawa Electric adopted the name Sharp Corporation in January of 1970.
The SHARP EL-8 was widely advertised in the United States from early 1971 and sold for $345. This example was used by NMAH curator John White. An invoice received with the device (part of 1981.0922.05.2) indicates that he purchased it October 30, 1971.
Compare a slightly earlier Sharp machine, the model QT-8B (2006.0132.22). Also compare three versions of the EL-8 (1982.0656.01, 1981.0922.05, and 1991.0154.01).
References:
Examples of the Sharp EL-8 are discussed online at the Vintage Calculators Web Museum, The Old Calculators Web Museum, John Wolff’s Web Museum and the Datamath Calculator Museum.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 136–137.
J. R. Free, “Microelectronics Shrinks the Calculator,” Popular Science, 198 #6, June 1971, pp. 74–76.
“How to Cut a Pocket Calculator in Half,” Electronics, 44. February 1, 1971, no page. An ad for the EL-8 (called the ELSI-8) appeared on pp. 12–13 of this issue.
Sharp Electronic Calculator with ELSI Compet ELSI-8 Model EL-8 Instruction Manual, no date. This is 1981.0933.05.2.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1981.0922.05
accession number
1981.0922
catalog number
1981.0922.05
This black box for charging the battery on a Sharp EL-8 electronic calculator has two cords. One plugs into the wall, the other into the calculator. A tag on the bottom reads in part: SHARP MODEL EL-81. It also reads: 1016024. A tag on the top reads: SHARP (/) AC ADATOR.
Description
This black box for charging the battery on a Sharp EL-8 electronic calculator has two cords. One plugs into the wall, the other into the calculator. A tag on the bottom reads in part: SHARP MODEL EL-81. It also reads: 1016024. A tag on the top reads: SHARP (/) AC ADATOR. The device has a black plastic carrying case. Dimensions do not include case.
See 1981.0992.05.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
ca 1971
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1981.0922.05.1
accession number
1981.0922
catalog number
1981.0922.05.1
This thirty-page instruction manual was received with electronic calculator 1981.0922.05. It presents the “space-age miniaturization” of the SHARP as the result of years of pioneering research in electronic engineering.
Description
This thirty-page instruction manual was received with electronic calculator 1981.0922.05. It presents the “space-age miniaturization” of the SHARP as the result of years of pioneering research in electronic engineering. Documents in the back of the calculator indicate that the calculator was purchased October 30, 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1981.0922.05.2
catalog number
1981.0922.05.02
accession number
1981.0922
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B.
Description
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B. It does not require a cradle to recharge batteries.
The calculator has an array of nine digit keys, with larger 0 and decimal point keys below. Right of these are a clear key, a key for indicating that multiplication (rather than addition) should be carried out, a key for indication that division (rather than subtraction) should be carried out, and a key for multiplication or division. The machine has an eight digit capacity for all operations. In back of the keyboard is an eight digit display. Above these are alarm and error indicators. A switch is on the side shifts between AC operation, off, and DC operation.
A mark on the front reads: SHARP. A tag on the back reads in part: SHARP MODEL EL-8. It also reads: NO. 006927Y (/) SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (/) 10 KEYSTONE PLACE, PARAMUS (/) NEW JERSEY 07652 MADE IN JAPAN. An AC adapter comes with the device and is included in the dimensions.
Inside the case are six nickel-cadmium batteries in a case, a calculator circuit board, a display circuit board, and eight tubes for the display. The four integrated circuits on the calculator board were made by North American Rockwell.
The battery case is marked in part: SHARP MODEL EL-84 (/) NICKEL-CADMIUM (/) RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. It also is marked: SHARP CORPORATION OSAKA, JAPAN. Hayakawa Electric adopted the name Sharp Corporation in January of 1970.
The SHARP EL-8 was widely advertised in the United States from early 1971 and sold for $345. This example came to the Museum in 1982.
Compare a slightly earlier Sharp machine, the model QT-8B (2006.0132.22). Also compare three versions of the EL-8 (1982.0656.01, 1981.0922.05, and 1991.0154.01).
References:
Examples of the Sharp EL-8 are discussed online at the Vintage Calculators Web Museum, The Old Calculators Web Museum, John Wolff’s Web Museum and the Datamath Calculator Museum.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 136–137.
J. R. Free, "Microelectronics Shrinks the Calculator," Popular Science, 198 #6, June 1971, pp. 74–76.
“How to Cut a Pocket Calculator in Half,” Electronics, 44. February 1, 1971, no page. An ad for the EL-8 (called the ELSI-8) appeared on pp. 12–13 of this issue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1971
maker
Sharp
ID Number
1982.0656.01
catalog number
1982.0656.01
accession number
1982.0656
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B.
Description
This compact Japanese electronic calculator straddles the border between desktop and pocket calculators. It is too large to fit in the pocket but considerably more compact than Sharp’s QT-8B. It also does not require a cradle to recharge batteries.
The calculator has an array of nine digit keys, with larger 0 and decimal point keys below. Right of these are a clear key, a key for indicating that multiplication (rather than addition) should be carried out, a key for indication that division (rather than subtraction) should be carried out, and a key for multiplication or division. The machine has an eight-digit capacity for all operations. In back of the keyboard is an eight-digit display. Above these are alarm and error indicators. A switch on the side shifts between AC operation, off, and DC operation.
A mark on the front reads: SHARP. A tag on the back reads in part: SHARP MODEL EL-8. It also reads: NO. 1098161 (/) SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (/) 10 KEYSTONE PLACE, PARAMUS, N. J. 07652 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. This example lacks its AC adapter.
Inside the instrument are six nickel-cadmium batteries in a case, a calculator circuit board, a display circuit board, and eight tubes for the display. The four integrated circuits on the calculator board were made by North American Rockwell. A stamp below the calculator circuit board reads: 1098161.
The battery cover is marked in part: SHARP MODEL EL-84 (/) NICKEL-CADMIUM (/) RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. It also is marked: SHARP CORPORATION OSAKA, JAPAN. Hayakawa Electric adopted the name Sharp Corporation in January of 1970.
The SHARP EL-8 was widely advertised in the United States from early 1971 and sold for $345. This example was given to the Smithsonian by calculator collector Guy D. Ball.
Compare a slightly earlier Sharp machine, the model QT-8B (2006.0132.22). Also compare three versions of the EL-8 (1982.0656.01, 1981.0922.05, and 1991.0154.01).
References:
Examples of the Sharp EL-8 are discussed online at the Vintage Calculators Web Museum, The Old Calculators Web Museum, John Wolff’s Web Museum and the Datamath Calculator Museum.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif..: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 136–137.
J. R. Free, "Microelectronics Shrinks the Calculator," Popular Science, 198 #6, June 1971, pp. 74–76.
“How to Cut a Pocket Calculator in Half,” Electronics, 44. February 1, 1971, no page. An ad for the EL-8 (called the ELSI-8) appeared on pp. 12–13 of this issue.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1971
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1991.0154.01
catalog number
1991.0154.01
accession number
1991.0154
This lightweight desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise and gray plastic case, an array of nine digit keys, and a zero bar and decimal point key below the digit keys. Keys for the arithmetic operations, a percent key, an equals key, and a cancel key are right of these.
Description
This lightweight desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise and gray plastic case, an array of nine digit keys, and a zero bar and decimal point key below the digit keys. Keys for the arithmetic operations, a percent key, an equals key, and a cancel key are right of these. The liquid crystal display is behind the keys, and the power switch is on the side. The calculator has prongs for a cord but no cord. It has a clear plastic cover.
A stamp on the bottom of the inside of the case reads: 111772.
A mark above and behind the display reads: Sears C1. A sticker on the bottom reads in part: MODEL (/) NUMBER 801.58000 (/) CALCULATOR (/) # 142329. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
Sears reportedly first sold an electronic calculator in 1972. An advertisement for the C1 appeared in the Boston Globe in January of 1973, listing the machine as on sale for $89.88, $10.07 off the usual price of $99.95. The ad indicates that the calculator had an eight-digit capacity.
References:
“Sears Catalog Geared to Special Customers,” Chicago Daily Defender, January 15, 1972, p. 16.
[display ad], Boston Globe, January 21, 1973, p. A6.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
ID Number
1986.0988.008
catalog number
1986.0988.008
accession number
1986.0988
In the late 1960s and 1970s, desktop electronic calculators replaced mechanical adding and calculating machines. The Nippon Calculating Machine Corporation of Japan sold such machines under the brand name Busicom.
Description
In the late 1960s and 1970s, desktop electronic calculators replaced mechanical adding and calculating machines. The Nippon Calculating Machine Corporation of Japan sold such machines under the brand name Busicom. It also supplied other firms with electronic calculators sold under other names. This is a Busicom electronic calculator sold by the Dayton, Ohio, firm of NCR.
The machine has nine digit keys and a 0 bar. Clear and clear entry keys are left of the digit keys. Keys to the right of the digit keys are for the four arithmetic operations and memory access. Apparently nine or ten digit numbers may be entered, with results of up to twelve digits.
A tag attached at the top reads: NCR. A tag attached to the back reads; NCR (/) Class 18-22. It also reads: THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY. (/) MADE IN JAPAN. It also reads: NO. 1-9940221. This serial number indicates a date of 1972.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Nippon Electric Co.
ID Number
1987.0339.01
accession number
1987.0339
catalog number
1987.0339.01
This Japanese-made non-printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. Immediately right of these is a column of four function keys.
Description
This Japanese-made non-printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. Immediately right of these is a column of four function keys. Right of these are a clear/clear entry key, a sign change key, a percentage key, and an equals key. Left of the digit keys are a power switch, a memory switch, a memory recall key, and a memory clear key.
Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit display. The power adapter fits into the base of the machine, and has a plug extending from the back. A paper sticker on the base of the machine gives operating instructions. A mark just above the keyboard reads: Unisonic 767-1224. A paper sticker on the bottom gives instructions for operating the calculator. It is marked in part: MADE IN JAPAN. A mark on a sticker below this reads: NO. 04956. The number is written in pen.
The North American Foreign Trading Corporation of New York City, N.Y., first used the trademark Unisonic in 1968 for vacuum tubes, resistors and other electronic devices. In 1972 it extended the trademark to include calculators, receiving the registration in 1975.
Compare other Unisonic electronic calculators, 1986.0988.004 and 1986.0988.005.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic Products Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.003
catalog number
1986.0988.003
accession number
1986.0988
This small desktop scientific electronic calculator has nine digit keys, a zero bar, and a decimal point key at the center. Above these keys are two rows of keys for 16 scientific functions.
Description
This small desktop scientific electronic calculator has nine digit keys, a zero bar, and a decimal point key at the center. Above these keys are two rows of keys for 16 scientific functions. On the left are a change sign key, a decimal selector (ranging from 0 to 8), and keys for memory recall, positive accumulation, memory clear, and negative accumulation. A switch allows one to choose between floating, round-off, or cut-off of decimals. On the right front are keys for positive result, negative result, multiplication, division and storage. The power switch is on the right side at the back. The Nixie tube readout shows up to 12 digits. The donor typed up a table giving the accuracy of 11 of the function keys, and taped the paper to the machine at the back. The cord is missing. The machine is marked at the front: REMINGTON 1259S. A tag on the bottom has the serial number: 305491. That tag also reads in part: MADE IN JAPAN. The black plastic cover is marked: REMINGTON (/) SPERRY RAND.
A yellow sheet received with the machine reads: Remington (/) 1259S (/) The scientific (/) calculator with 16 specific mathematical functions. A pamphlet entitled "Remington 1259S Operators Instruction Manual," and an advertisement announcing a special on the machine, complete the accession. The ad indicates that the machines sold to dealers for $346 and had a suggested retail price of $495.
According to the donor, Steven Lett, his father, office machines dealer Joseph E. Lett III, brought this machine home for his son to explore.
Like other American firms, Sperry Rand imported desktop electronic calculators from Japan. Compare this machine to the Casio fx-1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Casio
ID Number
2011.0108.01
accession number
2011.0108
catalog number
2011.0108.01
This small, desktop electronic calculator has ten digit buttons and a decimal point button on the left front.
Description
This small, desktop electronic calculator has ten digit buttons and a decimal point button on the left front. Five function buttons (for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, total and canceling) are on the right front, along with an on/off button that causes the window over the display to rise. The calculator has a leather, cloth-lined case, which fits in a cardboard box. The paper instruction leaflet is dated 8/72. The instructions are given in English, French, German, and Spanish. The case has a space for a power adapter, but there is no adapter.
This is one of the first electronic calculators sold to have a liquid crystal display. The chips in it were made by Rockwell and, according to a mark on the object, the calculator was: assembled in Mexico primarily of Unted States parts. The serial number of this example is 134939 and it was sold by Lloyd's Electronics, Inc. of Compton, Calif. (near Los Angeles). According to an advertisement of the period, it sold for $99.95.
Compare 1990.0462.01, an Accumatic 70.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 88–92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
maker
Lloyd's Electronics
ID Number
2011.0186.01
accession number
2011.0186
catalog number
2011.0186.01
This small, printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with zero and decimal point keys below. On the right are four keys for arithmetic functions. Right of these are print, percentage, memory recall/memory clear, and clear entry/total keys.
Description
This small, printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with zero and decimal point keys below. On the right are four keys for arithmetic functions. Right of these are print, percentage, memory recall/memory clear, and clear entry/total keys. Above the keys are a print switch, a summation switch, and a constant switch. The power switch is on the right side.
Behind the keyboard is a nine-digit display. Behind this is a paper tape and printing mechanism.
A mark behind the display reads: Unisonic XL 111. A mark on the back reads in part: Unisonic Model No. XL-111. There is no indication that Unisonic is a registered trademark. It also reads in part: Serial No. 70713560 (/) Unisonic Products Corporation (/) Made in Hong Kong. A case on the right side of the bottom is designed to hold five rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. A jack for attaching to an AC adapter is at the back.
The North American Foreign Trading Corporation of New York City, N.Y., first used the trademark Unisonic in 1968 for vacuum tubes, resistors and other electronic devices. In 1972 it extended the trademark to include calculators, receiving the registration in 1975.
Compare other Unisonic electronic calculators, 1986.0988.003, 1986.0988.004, and 1986.0988.005.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972-1975
maker
Unisonic Products Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.120
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.120
The Japanese firm of Sanyo Electric Works, established near Osaka in 1947, had a variety of early consumer electric products, ranging from bicycle generator lamps to transistor radios to color televisions to air conditioners to tape recorders.
Description
The Japanese firm of Sanyo Electric Works, established near Osaka in 1947, had a variety of early consumer electric products, ranging from bicycle generator lamps to transistor radios to color televisions to air conditioners to tape recorders. It sold portable electronic calculators from about 1970 into the 1980s. This early Sanyo “mini calculator” is in the general shape of a transistor radio. It has a plastic case, a metal and plastic handle, a metal keyboard, and seventeen round plastic keys. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear constant key, and a clear all key. To the left of the keys are a constant switch and an on/off switch. Above these is an eight-digit gas discharge display with an extra space for an overflow/negative number indicator.
A cord that plugs into a wall outlet is attached to the top of the calculator. A hinged handle attaches to the sides and can turn down to serve as a stand when the calculator is placed on a table.The back of the calculator has four rubber feet. A tag at the center of the back reads: SANYO MODEL ICC-811 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) AC 120V, 50/60Hz. 4W (/) SERIAL NO. 77007050 T (/) SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
References:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 26, 1972, p. C6. A calculator very similar to this object, sold as the Sanyo 811D, was offered for $99.88. The advertisement indicates that the previous price was $159.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 22, 1973, p. E7. The ad announces that the Sanyo 811 eight-digit calculator sold for $98.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-1973
maker
Sanyo Electric Company
ID Number
1986.0988.010
catalog number
1986.0988.010
accession number
1986.0988
This small, desktop electronic calculator has ten digit buttons and a decimal point button on the left front, five function buttons (for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, total and canceling) on the right front, and an on/off switch.
Description
This small, desktop electronic calculator has ten digit buttons and a decimal point button on the left front, five function buttons (for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, total and canceling) on the right front, and an on/off switch. Instructions for doing basic operations are on the back of the calculator.
The instrument fits in a cardboard box and has a paper instruction leaflet dated November 72. The instructions are given in English and French.
The calculator has an eight-digit liquid crystal display. The chips in it were made by Rockwell . According to a mark on the object, the calculator was: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO PRIMARILY OF (/) UNITED STATES PARTS. The serial number of this example is 129495 and it was sold by Lloyd's Electronics, Inc. of Compton, California (near Los Angeles).
The electronic calculator was owned by the late David H. Shayt, a curator at NMAH.
Compare object 2011.0186.01, an Accumatic 100. The 100 has a case and, a cover for the LCD screen, and, according to the illustration on the box, was supposed to have a power adapter.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 88–92 describes the related Accumatic 100.
[Advertisement], , July 2, 1972, p. 25. Introduces an eight-digit protable electronic calculator sold by Lloyd's, costing $99.95. This resembles this object, though no model number is given.
[Advertisement], New York Times, December 17, 1972, p. F3. Describes a Lloyd's desktop calculator very similar to this one, manufactured by North American Rockwell. Sale price $69.88.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, August 31, 1973, p. B6. Lloyd's Accumatic 70 on sale for $69.97.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
ca 1973
maker
Lloyd's Electronics
ID Number
1990.0462.01
catalog number
1990.0462.01
accession number
1990.0462
This four-function desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise plastic case with plastic keys in two shades of the same color. The keyboard has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below these.
Description
This four-function desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise plastic case with plastic keys in two shades of the same color. The keyboard has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below these. Above the digit keys are clear entry, clear all, and subtraction keys. On the right is a division key and bars for multiplication and addition. Switches behind the keyboard turn the device on or off and determine the position of the decimal point in result. Behind the switches is an eight-digit display. Behind these is a battery indicator as well as two warning lights, one labeled OFL (for overflow) and the other NEG (for negative numbers).
A case for six AA batteries is on the bottom of the machine. No batteries are present. A jack for a power adapter or cord is at the back, but the adapter is not present.
A mark on the front reads: VICTOR (/) tallymate. A tag in the bottom gives instructions for using the calculator. It reads in part: MODEL – 85 (/) SERIAL NO. 059311 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) FOR VICTOR COMPTOMETER BUSINESS MACHINES DIVISION (/) CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60618.
According to the website of Victor Technology, the successor firm to Victor Comptometer, the calculator has a MOS-LSI calculator chip (the TMS0105) from Texas Instruments, and a vacuum fluorescent display module from ISE (DP88F). It was introduced in 1972. A newspaper advertisement from late 1973 gives a price of $79.95. Another ad, from early 1974, lists a sale price of $99.95, down from a regular price of $159.50.
References:
Website of Victor Technology, http://www.victortech.com/.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1973, p. D4.
[Advertisement], New York Times, January 2, 1974, p. 12.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1973
maker
Victor Comptometer Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.062
catalog number
1986.0988.062
accession number
1986.0988
This compact desktop electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with seventeen indented keys, most of them square. The 0, addition/total, and subtraction/difference keys are twice the size of the other keys.
Description
This compact desktop electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with seventeen indented keys, most of them square. The 0, addition/total, and subtraction/difference keys are twice the size of the other keys. In addition to the rectangular keys, there are nine other digit keys, a decimal point key, a multiplication key, a division key, a clear entry key, and a clear key. Above the keys is a constant switch, a switch to set the location of the decimal point, an on button, and an off button. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit blue vacuum fluorescent display with another place for setting the sign. Text behind the display reads: SOUNDESIGN 8300.
The back of the calculator has a compartment at the top for four C (1.5 V) batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 19053-K0202. The “3” is largely effaced and the K is in red.
Below the compartment is a sticker with instructions. It reads at the top: SOUNDESIGN 8300 MACH II. It reads at the bottom: Made in Japan.
A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge, but this example has no adapter.
The calculator has a zippered plastic carrying case with a handle. A mark on the front reads: SOUNDESIGN.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 145. They indicate that the calculator was on sale for $99 in 1973.
John R. Free, “PS Buyer’s Guide to Under-$100 Electronic Calculators,” Popular Science, March, 1973, pp. 86–88, 156. Page 156 indicates that the price of the calculator was $99. It was sold by Soundesign Realtone of Jersey City, New Jersey, a company that also sold radios.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1973
maker
Soundesign
ID Number
1986.0988.009
catalog number
1986.0988.009
accession number
1986.0988
This compact, nonprinting desktop electronic calculator has a black plastic case and gray keyboard. At the center of the keyboard is an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. On the right are keys for arithmetic functions and memory.
Description
This compact, nonprinting desktop electronic calculator has a black plastic case and gray keyboard. At the center of the keyboard is an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. On the right are keys for arithmetic functions and memory. On the left are clearance, total and percentage keys. Behind the keyboard are tubes for the twelve-digit display. On the right side is an on/off switch. This example lacks a power cord.
A tag on the bottom reads in part: Casio 121-E. It also reads: SERIAL NO. B 706848 (/) CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. MADE IN JAPAN. Another tag reads: QCNo. Q 7470. A piece of tape on the bottom reads: 5/13/74. A tag on the back reads: FOR SERVICE CALL (/) FOREMOST BUSINESS MACHINE CO. (/) 871-0053 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.
The approximate date of 1974 is taken from the tape on the bottom of the machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Casio Computer Company, Ltd.
ID Number
1986.0988.002
catalog number
1986.0988.002
accession number
1986.0988
This small, printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with zero, decimal and equal keys below. On the right are for keys for arithmetic functions. Right of these are reverse sign, percentage, subtotal (diamond), and total (*) keys.
Description
This small, printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with zero, decimal and equal keys below. On the right are for keys for arithmetic functions. Right of these are reverse sign, percentage, subtotal (diamond), and total (*) keys. Immediately to the left of the digit keys are memory total, memory subtotal, memory minus, and memory plus keys. Left of these are a paper feed (up arrow) key, a non-add printing and date printing key, a clear key, and a CE (clear entry?) key. Above the keys are a decimal point selector switch, a round-off selector switch, an item count print switch, a non-print switch, and a mark up, mark down key. The power switch is on the left side.
Behind the keyboard is a ten-digit display. Behind this is a paper tape and printing mechanism. The paper tape folds forward for carrying, and back to display the results. With the paper tape open, the dimensions are 9 cm. h. x 12 cm. w. x 27.3 cm. d.
A mark in back of the display reads: Unisonic XL-110. A mark on the back reads in part: Unisonic XL-110. In both of these marks, there is an indication that Unisonic is a registered trademark. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. 90502020 MADE IN JAPAN. A case on the right side of the bottom holds four batteries. A jack for attaching to an “AC adaptor” is at the back.
The North American Foreign Trading Corporation of New York City, N.Y., first used the trademark Unisonic in 1968 for vacuum tubes, resistors and other electronic devices. In 1972 it extended the trademark to include calculators, receiving the registration in 1975.
Compare other Unisonic electronic calculators, 1986.0988.003 and 1986.0988.004.
Reference:
Unisonic Products Corporation, "Unisonic XL-15 Operating Instructions," Japan, no date.
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic Products Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.005
catalog number
1986.0988.005
accession number
1986.0988
This small desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. A total key is on the left, and keys for the arithmetic functions and for cancellation are on the right.
Description
This small desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. A total key is on the left, and keys for the arithmetic functions and for cancellation are on the right. Behind the keyboard is a 10-digit vacuum fluorescent display.
The bottom has a cavity that holds five batteries and a red ribbon (the calculator presently has no batteries). A jack for a cord is at the back, but the cord is lacking.
A mark on the front of the machine reads: SPERRY REMINGTON 1005B. A mark on the bottom reads: SPERRY REMINGTON (/) TM (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx5 (/) or use AC ADAPTOR AD-4160 (/) 1W (/) MODEL 1005-B Made in Japan. A tag inside the lid for the battery case reads: 2101730.
Compare Casio-101U. An advertisement for the Casio 101U appeared in New York State in 1975.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 147–148.
For images of the Casio-101U, see the casio-calculator.com museum.
[Advertisement], The Courier, Clinton, New York, April 16, 1975, p. 8.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Sperry Rand Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.069
catalog number
1986.0988.069
accession number
1986.0988
This desktop electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case, plastic keys, a glass display window and display tubes, a rubber-covered cord, and metal circuitry.
Description
This desktop electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case, plastic keys, a glass display window and display tubes, a rubber-covered cord, and metal circuitry. The keyboard has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a sign change key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, two memory keys, and a key for moving to the right or left in the display. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display that may be manipulated to show answers with as many as sixteen digits. The cord extends from the back of the machine.
A mark above the display reads: CALMAX M16. A tag on the back of the machine reads: CALMAX (/) AC 115 V 50/60HZ 5W(/) SERIAL No. 02320 MADE IN JAPAN.
Unscrewing four screws opens the case. One board, attached to the top part of the calculator, has a mark that reads: EL-8M. A second board, wired to the bottom, reads: EL-8M-2. One chip is marked: 10580SA (/) 2J 001 (/) SHARP. A second has a mark that reads: 10621SA (/) [. . .] (/) SHARP.
An April 1975 advertisement in the Washington Post indicates that the Calmax M16 desktop calculator with memory then had a sale price of $39.95. The original price is not given.
According to correspondence in the accession file, this calculator was used in the early to mid-1970s at the Washington office of the Institute of Public Administration of New York.
Reference:
Washington Post, April 10, 1975.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
ID Number
2006.0132.02
catalog number
2006.0132.02
accession number
2006.0132
This lightweight, non-printing electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a slightly larger 0 key and a decimal point key below these. On the right are keys for arithmetic operations. On the left are K, clear, and clear entry keys.
Description
This lightweight, non-printing electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a slightly larger 0 key and a decimal point key below these. On the right are keys for arithmetic operations. On the left are K, clear, and clear entry keys. The tubes above the keyboard show results up to ten digits in length.
A mark above the display on the right reads: ELETAC10. A sticker attached above the display on the left reads: Ultima. Letters attached to the front left read: MUDEN. A tag attached to the bottom reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) ELETAC 10. It also reads: SERIAL NO. 320636 (/) Ultima Electronics, Ltd. (/) Made in Japan.
Removing four screws from the bottom of the machine releases the cover. One circuit board is at the base, one holds the tubes that make up the display, and one lies under the keyboard. The calculator chip on the base has a Texas Instruments logo and reads: TMS0118NC (/) C7339. The "7339" is date code that refers to the 39th week of 1973, which is when the chip was manufactured.
A February 13, 1973, article in the New York Times lists Muden as one of several companies that sold electronic calculators. On August 17, 1976, Ultima Electronics, Ltd., in Melville, N.Y., filed trademarks for MUDEN (first used in commerce in the United States in June of 1976) and ULTIMA (first used in commerce in the United States in October of 1975). These trademarks were registered in 1978. By 1989 Ultima Electronics was in Taiwan. As the Eletac 10 never gained wide sales, it seems likely that this example was sold about 1976.
References:
R.Metz, “Market Place,” New York Times, February 9, 1973, p. 46.
Images of another example of this machine, with detailed photographs, are at http://www.devidts.com/be-calc/, accessed April 2, 2013.
Yet another example of this machine, with a related Japanese advertisement, is in the Japanese virtual calculator museum at http://www.dentaku-museum.com/, accessed April 2, 2013.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Ultima Electronics, Ltd.
ID Number
1986.0988.001
catalog number
1986.0988.001
accession number
1986.0988
This compact, light desktop printing electronic calculator has an array of nine light gray digit keys at the center, with a zero bar and decimal point key below this. On the left are clear, percentage, division, multiplication, and equals keys.
Description
This compact, light desktop printing electronic calculator has an array of nine light gray digit keys at the center, with a zero bar and decimal point key below this. On the left are clear, percentage, division, multiplication, and equals keys. On the right are total, #/S, subtraction, and addition keys. Above the digit keys are memory, F/A, and arrow keys. Behind the keys is a paper tape to print entries and results on special thermosensitive paper. This is the only display of entries and results.
A mark behind the printer reads: TI-5050M. A mark at the front reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. A mark on the bottom reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) MODEL TI-5050M (/) SERIAL NO. (/) 9418428 MTA5078 (/) ASSEMBLED IN USA. Below this is a list of patent numbers that range from 3,819,921 to 4,014,013. The dates of these patents range from 1974 to 1977.
Ball and Flamm indicate that the TI-5050M was available in 1976. In 1977 the calculator reportedly sold for $149.95. In 1980, it was advertised as costing $79.95. The second part of the serial number suggests a 1978 date.
Compare 1987.0487.026.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, p. 158.
Hyla Clark and Larry Barandes, “Desktop Calculators That Print Their Results,” Popular Mechanics, vol. 147 #4, April, 1977, pp. 187–189.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, January 12, 1980, p. D4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.075
catalog number
1986.0988.075
accession number
1986.0988
This compact desktop electronic calculator has an ivory-colored plastic case, a brown plastic keyboard, twenty-two square plastic keys, and three rectangular plastic bars.
Description
This compact desktop electronic calculator has an ivory-colored plastic case, a brown plastic keyboard, twenty-two square plastic keys, and three rectangular plastic bars. In addition to nine digit keys, a zero bar and a decimal point key, there are bars for addition/sum and subtraction/total, keys for multiplication and division, and keys for exchange and clear/clear entry. To the left of the digit keys are six memory keys, a percentage key, and a Δ% key. Behind the keyboard are three switches and a ten-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark in front of the keyboard reads: ENTERPREX 100M.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two large batteries. Below this is an indentation for a sticker, but the sticker has come loose. It reads in part: 10-DIGIT DESK-TOP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) POWER SOURCE: TWO "D" CELL (/) BATTERIES. DC 3VOLT. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. 64597 (/) PN 943014 MADE IN TAIWAN.
References:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, November 5, 1978, p. M7. Enterprex 100M advertised as on sale for $20.00.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 24, 1979, p. C2. Enterprex 100M advertised as on sale for $29.95, with a list price of $40.00
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 70.
BE CALC Vintage Electronic Calculators website (now www.calcuseum.com). This shows an example of the calculator, with a sticker indicating that it was made in Hong Kong.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
distributor
Enterprex
ID Number
1986.0988.201
catalog number
1986.0988.201
accession number
1986.0988
This lightweight, non-printing electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys at the center with a zero bar and a decimal point key below these. On the right are arithmetic and clear keys.
Description
This lightweight, non-printing electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys at the center with a zero bar and a decimal point key below these. On the right are arithmetic and clear keys. On the left are percentage, percent change, gross profit margin, item count, clear memory, recall memory, memory subtraction, and memory addition keys. A switch between a floating and a fixed decimal point, a constant switch, and a power switch are above the keyboard. Behind is a ten-digit vacuum fluorescent diode display. A cabinet has space for two D batteries. A hole for a cord is at the back, but there is no cord.
A mark on the front of the machine reads: Unisonic XL-101. A label on the back reads in part: Unisonic XL-101 (/) 10-DIGIT DESK-TOP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. 055588 (/)MADE IN TAIWAN. The bottom of the keyboard is stamped: 53 3 24. The interior of the calculator has a single circuit board with a mark on the bottom that reads: 5212232. A mark on the top of the base of the keyboard reads: CA-24 A-1. The chip by Texas Instruments has a mark that reads: TMC1073NL (/) KSLP 814. The “7814” indicates that the chip was made in the 14th week of 1978.
The device has a black plastic cover marked: Unisonic.
Compare the Radio Shack EC-2001 (1986.0998.007) and Lloyd’s Accumatic 680 (1986.0988.006). Radio Shack advertised the EC-2001 in American newspapers as early as 1978 and as late as 1985. Ads for the Unisonic XL-101 appeared in 1979 and 1980. Prices for the Unisonic XL-101 ranged from $19.70 to $29.95
References:
[advertisement], Boston Globe,February 25, 1979, p. 23.
[advertisement], Washington Post, March 13, 1980, p. A16.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
maker
Unisonic Products Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.004
catalog number
1986.0988.004
accession number
1986.0988

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