Digitrex MCK-8 Handheld Electronic Calculator

Digitrex MCK-8 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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Description
This small, chunky four-function calculator has fifteen square plastic keys, zero and decimal point bars, and rectangular on and constant (K) keys. In addition to digit and arithmetic function keys, there are clear and clear entry keys. The subtraction key serves as a difference key and the plus key as a total key. At the back is an eight-digit LED display. A tag next to the display reads: Digi (/) trex.
A sticker on the back of the case reads: MCK8 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. A sticker atop this reads: MADE IN U. S. A. – FO[...] (/) CIMATRON Co. (/) by R B. M. [sic] Corp. (/) Serial #MCK-8 403565. A socket at the top allows for recharging the batteries.
The leather-covered, velvet-lined case for the calculator is like a jewelry box.
Compare Hapco Porta Mark II.
Digitrex sold a desktop printing electronic calculator in 1974. R.B.M. Corporation, a firm in Arlington, Texas, sold the Scientific calculator around 1973.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 68.
The Vintage Calculators website describes the Hapco Porta Mark II, RBM Scientific.
Los Angeles Times, January 22, 1974, p. B4.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
electronic calculator
date made
1972
distributor
Digitrex
place made
United States: Texas, Arlington
Physical Description
metal (keyboard; tag; circuitry; case trim material)
plastic (case; keys; display cover material)
paper (sticker material)
leather (case cover material)
cloth (case lining material)
Measurements
overall: 1 1/8 in x 3 in x 4 in; 2.8575 cm x 7.62 cm x 10.16 cm
ID Number
1986.0988.268
catalog number
1986.0988.268
accession number
1986.0988
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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