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
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Radio Shack EC-281 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- Radio Shack introduced this handheld electronic calculator in its 1978 catalog as an “amazing low-cost scientific” device, costing only $29.95. The calculator has a tan and brown plastic case with forty-one rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, five memory keys, a key for powers, a pi key, and a change sign key. Further keys include EE, CN, %, inverse, and two bracket keys. Above this are natural log, log to base ten, exponent, powers of ten, square root, and squaring keys. The top row of keys has a clear/clear entry key, an arc key, a sine key, a cosine key, and a tangent key. Switches above this are for entering angles as degrees or radians and for on/off.
- Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. Text above it reads: Radio Shack.
- A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge.
- At the base of the back is a compartment for four AA batteries. A sticker above this reads: CAT. NO. 65-641 (/) MODEL EC-281 (/) Radio Shack (/) A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 6V (“AA” CELL X 4) (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE AC ADAPTER 14-854 (/) SERIAL NO. 023939 5A8 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
- The calculator has an imitation leather carrying case. Text on the front reads: Radio Shack.
- Compare to an earlier and simpler Radio Shack scientific calculator, the EC-490 (see 1986.0988.036).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 6, 1977, p. R2.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, June 10, 1979, p. R7. EC-281 on sale for $19.95.
- Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, p. 147, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $29.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1977-1979
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.222
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.222
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Fitness 3 Micro Computer Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator fits in the top of a black leather case the size and shape of a checkbook. A space for checks is below. The calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and display window. It has twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key. In addition there is an on key, an off key, and a "DS" key. The orange percentage key is marked: CALORIC (/) RATIO. On the far right are three additional orange keys, marked 1, 2, and 3. Marks surrounding these keys read: FITNESS 3 TM. A mark above the keyboard reads: FITNESS 3TM NOW, INC. Also above the keyboard is an eight-digit liquid crystal display.
- A mark on the back right corner of the keyboard reads: FITNESS 3 MICRO COMPUTER (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. A mark on the lower portion of the case reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
- On July 13, 1981, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. of Nutley, New Jersey applied for a trademark for the phrase FITNESS 3. The trademark record states that the term was first used in commerce in March 1981. The application was abandoned January 31, 1984.
- Reference:
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Trademark Electronic Search System, Serial Number 73318674.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1981
- maker
- Fitness Now, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.31
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.31
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic LC 270 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a percentage key, a square root key, an off key, an on/clear key, and a clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic LC 270.
- A mark printed on the back reads: Unisonic LC 270 (/) 1.5V BATTERY x 2 PCS. (/) EVERREADY BATTERY NO. 189 (/) SERIAL NO. 5673107 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN R. O. C.
- For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Fort Hood Sentinel, December 17, 1981, p. 3A. Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators advertised as on sale for $7.88, regularly $12.95.
- [Advertisement], Tonawanda NY Evening News, April 14, 1982, p. 5. Both Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators on sale for $6.96, regularly $8.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1981
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.160
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.160
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Zykkor LC-224 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator is on a key chain. It has a gold-colored metal case with an array of twenty-five metal keys and a metal chain. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys, it has a square root key, a percentage key, a clear entry key, an on/clear key, and an off key. A mark above the keys reads: ZYKKOR LC-244. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display.
- Zykkor was a Japanese manufacturer of optical lenses and other photographic products. In the 1980s it distributed a wide variety of electronic products.
- A mark on the back reads: MADE IN TAIWAN R.O.C. (/) FABRIQUE A TAIWAN R.D.C.
- The calculator.org website gives a date of introduction of 1985 for this calculator.
- References:
- Calculator.org website, accessed July 8, 2015.
- [Advertisement], New York Times, January 29, 1985, p. A7. Zykkor LC-220 (a different model calculator) advertised as on sale for $3.95.
- MyCalcDB.free.fr website, accessed July 8, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1985
- maker
- Zykkor
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.339
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.339
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
National Semiconductor 836 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan and black plastic case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The top row of keys has an off key, an on key, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, and a % key. Behind the keyboard is a gray LCD display. A label at the back reads: NSC National Semiconductor (/) 836.
- A mark molded into the back of the case reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) RATING: DC 3V (/) USE PENLIGHT BATTERY 1.5V x2. Another mark there reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
- Pushing down a lever on the back edge of the calculator allows one to open the case to change the batteries (the object presently has no batteries). A sticker on the circuit board reads: PASSED 46. There is no provision for a recharger or power adapter.
- No advertisements found.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- maker
- National Semiconductor Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.233
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.233
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bohn Omnitrex SR1 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This somewhat hefty handheld electronic calculator is an improvement on the Bohn Instant and the Bohn Omnitrex. It has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals or total key, and a clear key. In addition, it has a memory key, a square root/reciprocal key, a square/percentage key, and a position of the clear key that clears only the entry. The on/off switch is to the left of the digit keys and the key for shifting the function of the function keys is next to the top row of function keys. Behind the keyboard is an unusually large eight-digit fluorescent display. A mark between the keyboard and the display reads: Bohn omnitrex SR1. A connection for an adapter is on the right side at the top.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment to hold five batteries. At present it has no batteries and no cover. It has four plastic feet. A sticker attached to the back reads: BOHN REX ROTARY (/) MODEL BOHN OMNITREX SR1 (/) VOLTAGE-7.5 VOLTS D. C. POWER: 1.5 V. A. (/) SERIAL NO. 3708649-I (SERVICE CENTERS (/) 475 S. DEAN ST. (/) ENGLEWOOD N. J. 07631 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. The address of the second service center, also indicated on the sticker, is: 121 S. PALM ST. (/) ALHAMBRA CAL. 91801.
- The Bohn Duplicator Company had distributed Danish adding machines and Rex-Rotary duplicating machines. For an example of one of the adding machines, see 1995.0018.01.
- The date of about for the Bohn SR1 is given by Ball and Flamm, who indicate that it sold for $99.95. A January 1974 advertisement in the Chicago Tribune indicates that the calculator had a list price of $129.95 and was on sale for $79.88.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 34.
- Chicago Tribune, January 31, 1974, p. 18.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.154
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.154
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
National Semiconductor 103A Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator comes in a checkbook and is designed to assist in balancing checking accounts. It has a total of thirty-one plastic keys. On the left side are ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, and four arithmetic function keys. At the center are a % key, a total key, an off key, an on key, and a DB key. On the right is a row of keys for a checking account for entering checks and deposits, and finding balances. A second row of three keys is for indicating charges, payments, and balances in a charge account. A third row of keys for a second charge account. At the bottom right corner is a grand total key.
- Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. To the right of it are three brightly colored dots. Text to the left reads: NSC National Semiconductor 103A.
- The back of the calculator is riveted to the calculator, so marks there were not recorded. A mark on the circuit board reads: NS-103B-1 (/) A=5 (/) B=10.
- Text on the inside of the checkbook reads: MADE IN TAIWAN. The checkbook also includes space for a pen.
- Compare 1986.0988.227 and 1986.0988.336.
- References:
- Frank Macias, “Calculating Friends: Delegate That Everyday Balancing Act to These Little Guys with Big Brains,” Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1978, p. O64.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, February 13, 1981, p. A41. On sale for $29.95, regularly $34.95.
- date made
- 1978-1981
- maker
- National Semiconductor Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.148
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.148
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Mickey Mouse's School Book Handheld Electronic Calculator and Electronic Game
- Description
- Walt Disney’s cartoon character Mickey Mouse has appeared on American consumer goods ranging from yo-yos to lunch boxes to watches to handheld electronic calculators. This device can be used either to do calculations or, in quiz mode, as an educational game.
- It has a bright yellow plastic case with a black and white plastic cutout of Mickey Mouse on the cover. Mickey Mouse holds a sheet that reads: MICKEY (/) MOUSE’S (/) SCHOOL (/) BOOK. Opening the latch reveals a calculator with eighteen rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a longer bar marked “?”, and a total key. Below these keys is a switch that may be set either at “Calc” or “Quiz.” Next to this switch is the on/off switch.
- Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display. Above this is a green light marked “Right” and a red one marked “Wrong;” above this is a plastic cutout of the face of Mickey Mouse. A space at the top of the calculator would hold two batteries. It presently has no batteries and the cover is missing. A jack for a power adapter is on the top edge.
- Next to the calculator is a space that could hold a ruler. This example has no ruler. The inside of the lid of the case – right of the calculator when it is open – hold a pad of paper with odd numbers jotted on it. A sticker below the paper on the inside of the lid reads: IN ORDER TO REFILL PAD, PLEASE NOTE, (/) PAD SIZE TO FIT INTO YOUR MICKEY MOUSE (/) NOTE BOOK WOULD BE (89x149x6m/m SIZE) (/) 007577.
- The back of the case has another image of Mickey Mouse. A mark in the molded plastic near the bottom reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
- The calculator dates from between 1974, when inexpensive electronic calculators became common, and 1986, when it was given to the Smithsonian. Hence a rough date of 1980. No specific printed references to this calculator found. It resembles some Unisonic calculators.
- References:
- Ted Hake, Hake’s Price Guide to Character Toys, New York: Avon Books,1998, pp. 444–455.
- Michael Stern, Stern’s Guide to Disney Collectibles, Paducah, N.Y.: Collector Books, 1989, pp. 10–55. This includes only materials from 1928-1938.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.340
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.340
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 711.58260 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Sears LC82)
- Description
- This very compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a square root key, a % key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above the keys and to the left is an on/off switch. Text above this reads: Sears LC 82. Above this is an eight-digit LCD display.
- Text printed on the back of the calculator reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING (/) THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 711.58260. Further text reads: SERIAL NUMBER (/) #2504337 MADE IN TAIWAN.
- The calculator fits in a brown plastic wallet.
- Compare 1986.0988.363.
- References:
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 575. Model LC 82 calculator on sale for $16.49.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall Winter 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 1273. Model LC 82 calculator on sale for $16.49. Not in 1978 or 1980 catalog.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1979
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.364
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.364
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments TI-81 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of the first graphing calculator sold by Texas Instruments. The TI-81 was introduced in 1990. The handheld electronic calculator has a blue plastic case with a sliding cover that can also serve as a stand. It has an array of forty-one rectangular plastic keys, many of which can take on three meanings. These include a wide number of arithmetic, trigonometric, statistical, and algebraic functions. Letters of the alphabet also can be represented. The calculator also has four arrow keys, plus a row of five keys immediately under the display that relate to graphing. In addition to performing a wide range of calculations, the calculator could display eight lines of text sixteen characters long or graph up to four functions simultaneously. A mark above the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-81.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment at the bottom that holds four AAA batteries as well as a small CR1616 or CR1620 battery. A mark scratched next to the battery compartment reads: R. The device has no serial number, but has a sticker at the top of the back that reads: Reconditioned. A sticker on the battery compartment cover reads: #30. Text on the back of the calculator indicates that the design was copyrighted in 1991. Text below this reads: MADE IN TAIWAN R.O.C.
- According to the online Datamath Museum, the first examples of the TI-81 did not include the small battery.
- This TI-81 was used in teaching mathematics at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 15, 1990, p. C16. New TI-81 calculator selling for $99.99. List price $129.95.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 24, 1993, p. C10. TI-81 calculator, regularly $110.00, on sale for $69.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 7, 1994, p. AE19. TI-81 calculator, list price of $115.00, on sale for $69.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, September 4, 1994, p. F8. TI-81 calculator, regularly $115.00, on sale for $69.98.
- Kidwell, P.A., A. Ackerberg-Hastings, and D. L. Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, p. 309.
- Online Datamath Museum, accessed June 12, 2015.
- Texas Instruments, TI-81 Guidebook. A 1992 edition is online. Accessed June 12, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1991
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1999.0285.01
- accession number
- 1999.0285
- catalog number
- 1999.0285.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic Solar 185 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four metal keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, a percentage key, and an on/off key.
- Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Behind this are five small solar panels.
- A mark above the display reads: SOLAR POWER. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185.
- A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185A MADE IN TAIWAN. The instrument is in a black plastic wallet. A mark on the wallet reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
- No advertisements found.
- For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1983
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.15
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.15
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 711.58270 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Sears 5827)
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a recall key, a change sign key, a % key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above the keys and to the left is an on/off switch. Text above this reads: Sears LC 84. Above this is an eight-digit LCD display.
- Text printed on the back of the calculator reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING (/) THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 711.5870. Further text reads: SERIAL NUMBER (/) #2264953 MADE IN TAIWAN.
- The calculator fits in a brown plastic wallet.
- Compare 1986.0988.364.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 24, 1978, p. D6. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $15.99.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 9, 1979, p. A21. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $16.99.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 24, 1980, p. C8. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $14.99.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 575. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $19.49.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall Winter 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 1273. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $19.49.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer [Catalog], 1980, p. 1185. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $17.49.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1978-1980
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.363
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.363
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 24K Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, and four memory keys. The on/off switch is left of the top row of keys. At the bottom of the keyboard a mark reads: the 24K. A mark below this reads: Rockwell. Above the keyboard is an eight-digit blue fluorescent display. The jack for a power adapter is along the front edge.
- A metal sticker that should be attached to the back reads: Rockwell (/) International (/) Model 24K (/) Made in Taiwan (/) Republic of China. It also reads: Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803 Ser. No. (/) 101127.105.
- The calculator fits in a black wallet about the size of a checkbook. The wallet also contains a leaflet entitled: Rockwell Electronic Calculators Owner’s Manual for the 24K. It appears to date from 1975.
- Compare the Rockwell 24K II (1986.0988.164).
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 24K advertised as selling for $40.00.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1976, p. A12. Rockwell 24K advertised as selling for $40.00.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975-1976
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.238
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.238
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Radio Shack EC-21 Handheld Electronic Calculator, Blackjack
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
KMC 4000 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator has a tan and brown plastic case and twenty-five square brown plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, it has four memory keys on the far right. Keys in the top row are labeled: OFF, ON, %, square root, and CE/C. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. A tag at the back reads: KMC (/) 4000 (/) AUTO SHUT OFF.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. A tag below this reads: BATTERIES DC 3.0V 0.2mW (/) UM-3 or (/) AA SIZE (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
- This calculator has some similarity to the SHARP EL-230 although the arrangement of the keys on the keyboard is different.
- According to records of Canadian trademarks, in 1982 Kmart Canada began using the trademark KMC for calculators and other devices sold in its stores. The trademark was registered in 1984 and discontinued in 1999. The KMC mark on the calculator indicates that the trademark is registered. No such trademark, as applied to calculators, is included in the U.S. registry of trademarks. The calculator came to the museum in 1986, hence it appears that this calculator was distributed by Kmart Canada and made in around 1985.
- Reference:
- Web site of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1985
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.333
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.333
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Lloyd's EH-9036 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Lloyd's Accumatic 30)
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and tan plastic case with nineteen square plastic keys and a brown metal keyboard. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a percentage key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. Behind the keyboard a mark reads: LLOYD’S. Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark on the display cover reads: ACCUMATIC 30. The on/off switch and a jack for a power cord are on the back edge.
- A battery compartment is at the base of the back. A sticker above it reads in part: LLOYD’S 6 V D.C. 250mW (/) MODEL EH-9036 SERIES 260D. It then gives several examples of operations on the calculator. Text below this reads: SERIAL NO. 5F-100891 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN (/) REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
- Compare to 1986.0988.219. For further information about Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., see 1986.0988.218.
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, April 13, 1975, p. L20. A calculator very similar to this one, marked Lloyd’s, is advertised as selling for $17.78, with regular price of $19.78. It is supposed to have an automatic constant, which the object doesn’t.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Lloyd's Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.122
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.122
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bohn Instant Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This hefty turquoise handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case, keyboard, keys, and screen.It fits in a black plastic, cloth-lined, zippered sleeve. It has an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key, four keys for arithmetic operations, a total key right of these, a clear key, and a percentage key. A red button above the 7 key apparently allows one to switch between floating point arithmetic and dollars and cents. Above the keys are an on/off switch and a switch between the AC adapter and the battery. (The example presently has no adapter and no battery.) Behind this is an eight-digit green-tube display. A mark behind the display reads: Bohn Instant. On the back is a two-prong plug for an adapter. The back has two plastic feet and, at the base, a compartment that would hold five batteries.
- A silver-colored sticker on the back reads: BOHN REX-ROTARY (/) MODEL-BOHN INSTANT (/) VOLTAGE-7.5 VOLTS, D, C, POWER-1.5 V. A. (/) SERIAL NO. 3715751-A (/) SERVICE CENTERS (/)475 S. DEAN ST. (/) ENGLEWOOD N. J. 07631. A second service center has address: 121 PALM ST. (/) ALHAMBRA CAL 91801. A mark on the back reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
- The Bohn Duplicator Company had distributed Danish adding machines and Rex-Rotary duplicating machines. For an example of one of the adding machines, see 1995.0018.01.
- The date of about 1972 for the Bohn Instant is given by Ball and Flamm.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 34.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1972
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.367
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.367
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Radio Shack EC-241 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic LC 223 CK Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The bottom row of keys also has a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, and a percentage key. An on button and an off button are above the keyboard. Left of these, a mark reads: Unisonic (/) LC 223 CK. Left of this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC223 CKB (/) 1.5V BATTERY x 2 PCS (/) EVEREADY BATTERY NO189 (/) SERIAL NO. 7294327 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws in the back makes it possible to change the two tiny Toshiba batteries. A mark on the circuit board reads: 102P. A mark on the chip reads: W5.
- Compare 1987.0988.322.
- For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
- No advertisements found.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1982
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.14
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.14
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments TI-82 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of an early graphing calculator sold by Texas Instruments. The TI-82 was introduced in 1993, as an improvement on the TI-81. The handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case with a sliding cover that can also serve as a stand. It has an array of forty-one rectangular plastic keys, many of which can take on three meanings. These include a wide number of arithmetic, trigonometric, statistical, algebraic, and analytic functions. Letters of the alphabet also can be represented. The calculator also has four arrow keys, plus a row of five keys immediately under the display that relate to graphing. Four of these also can take on two meanings. In addition to performing a wide range of calculations, the calculator could display eight lines of text sixteen characters long or graph ten rectangular or six parametric or polar functions simultaneously. It also could list tables and calculate derivatives and integrals of functions.
- A mark above the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-82. A cable (not present in this example) allowed sharing data with another TI-82.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment at the bottom that holds four AAA batteries as well as a small CR1616 or CR1620 battery (the compartment cover is missing on this example). A mark above the battery compartment reads in part: TEXAS (/) INSTRUMENTS (/) 30009182 I-0495Q (/) MADE IN TAIWAN R.O.C. Further text on the back of the calculator indicates that the design was copyrighted in 1991.
- This TI-82 was used by mathematician Florence Fasanelli in workshops for teachers and in classes.
- References:
- Accession file.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 7, 1994, p. AE19. TI-82 calculator, list price of $125.00, on sale for $99.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, September 6, 1995, p. A26. TI-82 calculator, list price of $125.00, on sale for $79.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 17, 1997, p. N6. TI-82 calculator, list price of $125.00, on sale for $79.99.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, August 23, 1998, p. AE11. TI-82 calculator $79.99 after $10 price break.
- Online Datamath Museum, accessed June 15, 2015.
- Texas Instruments, TI-82 Graphing Calculator Guidebook, 1993, 2000, 2001. Accessed online June 15, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1995
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 2014.0101.01
- accession number
- 2014.0101
- catalog number
- 2014.0101.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
