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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Texas Instruments One-Chip Calculator (Microprocessor)
- Description
- The “calculator-on-a-chip” is a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit announced by Texas Instruments in September of 1971. A variation was sold in the early handheld electronic calculators of companies like Bowmar, as well as in TI's first portable calculator, the Datamath, introduced in September, 1972.
- According to a press release issued at the time of the donation in 1975, the device provided the equivalent of some six thousand transistors.
- Compare 1987.0487.233.
- References:
- Accession file.
- Online Datamath Museum, accessed June 19, 2015
- Online NMAH Chip site, accessed June 19, 2015.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1971
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- CI.336019
- accession number
- 319050
- catalog number
- 336019
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments SR-10 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of the first model of a scientific calculator marketed by Texas Instruments. The handheld electronic calculator has a black- and ivory-colored plastic case with an array of twenty-three plastic keys. Twenty-one of these are square while the 0 and total keys are rectangular. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, the calculator has a reciprocal key, a square key, a square root key, a change sign key, an enter exponent key, a clear key, and a clear display key. Text on the keyboard, above the keys and to the left, reads: SR-10. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit LED display. Numbers larger than eight digits are displayed in scientific notation. A mark behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. An on/off switch is right and slightly above this.
- The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter. A sticker on the back gives extensive instructions. It also gives the serial number SR10 456098. A small round sticker above the large sticker reads: INSPECTED (/) BY J-04.
- Unscrewing screws near the top and bottom of the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of five chips. The largest of these is marked TMS0120NC (/) C7352. This is a TMS0120 chip, manufactured toward the end of 1973. Also in the case is space for three AA nickel-cadmium batteries.
- The leather zippered case has both a loop and a hook for attaching the calculator to a belt.
- Texas Instruments described the SR-10 as an “electronic slide rule calculator,” hence the “SR” in the name. The first version of the device, introduced in 1972, did not have the mark SR-10 on the keyboard. The second version (introduced in 1973) and the third (introduced in 1975) did. This is an example of the second version.
- Compare 1986.0988.351, 1986.0988.354, and 1986.0988.356.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153.
- The online Datamath Museum includes versions of the SR-10 from 1972, 1973, and 1975.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1973
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.356
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.356
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Corvus 312 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an early example of a handheld electronic calculator manufactured by a subsidiary of Mostek Corporation, Corvus Corporation of Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1969 as a spinoff of Texas Instruments, Mostek became a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Some of its first products were chips used by the Japanese firm of Busicom in desktop electronic calculators. In 1970 Busicom introduced such a calculator that used only a single Mostek chip. For a brief time in the 1970s Mostek sold electronic calculators through a subsidiary named Corvus Corporation. According to trademark registration for Corvus, the term was first used in commerce referring to an electronic digital calculator in 1973. Advertisements for the Corvus 312 appeared in 1973 and 1974.
- The calculator has a tan plastic case, a black keyboard, and twenty rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key, there are four keys for arithmetic functions, as well as percentage, square root key, clear entry and clear keys. A tag above the keyboard reads: CORVUS. Behind this is the eight-digit red LED display.
- A battery pack at the base of the back of the calculator would hold four batteries. This example has no batteries and no cover for the compartment. A tag above the battery compartment reads in part: CORVUS 312 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 312-149334. It also reads: POWER 8VDC 100 mA 115 (/) 4 “AA” batteries 115VAC (/) with adaptor. (/) CAUTION: Attempted repair (/) by unauthorized persons will (/) void warranty. (/) CORVUS (/) CORPORATION (/) Dallas, Texas.
- Four screws hold the back of the calculator to the front. Taking off the back reveals two circuits, one of green plastic and the other (directly under the keys) apparently of glass. A mark on the smaller board reads: LEI-1. Chip not visible.
- The calculator has a black plastic sleeve.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 11, 1973, p. OC_A2. Corvus 312 selling for $89.95.
- [Advertisement]. Washington Post, December 22, 1973, p. D8. Corvis 312 selling for $89.95. Also selling the Covus 322 (with memory) for $99.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, November 12, 1974, p. 8. Corvus 312, regularly $59.88, on sale for $39.88.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1973-1974
- maker
- Corvus Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.102
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.102
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Corvus 400 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator was manufactured by a subsidiary of Mostek Corporation, Corvus Corporation of Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1969 as a spinoff of Texas Instruments, Mostek became a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Some of its first products were chips used by the Japanese firm of Busicom in desktop electronic calculators. In 1970, Busicom introduced such a calculator that used only a single Mostek chip. For a brief time in the 1970s, Mostek sold electronic calculators under the name Corvus. According to trademark registration for Corvus, the term was first used in commerce referring to an electronic digital calculator in 1973. Advertisements for the Corvus 400 appeared in 1974.
- The calculator has a cream-colored plastic case and nineteen rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. Right of these is a column of four function keys. The top row of the keyboard includes an on/off switch, a percentage key, an N (average) key, and a clear key. Behind they keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. A tag behind the display reads: CORVUS.
- On the back at the top is a compartment for four N batteries. A sticker below the battery compartment reads in part: CORVUS 400 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 400-0133577. It also reads: POWER 6VDC 75 mA 115 (/) 4 “N” Cell batteries (/) CAUTION: Attempted repair (/) by unauthorized persons will (/) void warranty. (/) CORVUS (/) CORPORATION (/) Dallas, Texas.
- The calculator fits into a cardboard box, which shows the device on the front cover. A mark on the top and sides of the box reads: 400 (/) CORVUS (/) PERSONAL (/) POCKET (/) CALCULATOR. A paper sticker on one end reads: Walgreens (/) UBBA (/) 38.95.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, October 1, 1974, p. 6. Here several Corvus calculators are advertised. The Corvus 400, regularly $44.95, is advertised as on sale for $34.88.
- On the founding of Mostek, see an interview with Mostek executive Richard Petritz at www.ieeeghn.org/wiki.
- For an interview with Mostek executive Robert Palmer, see www.semi.org.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Corvus Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.103
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.103
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Digitrex MCK-8 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- 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
- date made
- 1972
- distributor
- Digitrex
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.268
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.268
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments SR-10 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of the first model of a scientific calculator marketed by Texas Instruments. The handheld electronic calculator has a black and ivory-colored plastic case with an array of twenty-three plastic keys. Twenty-one of these are square, the 0 and the total keys are rectangular. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, the calculator has a reciprocal key, a square key, a square root key, a change sign key, an enter exponent key, a clear key, and a clear display key. Text above the keyboard, just below the display and to the left, reads: SR10. Behind the keyboard is a 12-digit LED display. Numbers larger than eight digits are displayed in scientific notation. A mark behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. An on/off switch is right and slightly above this.
- The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter. A sticker on the back gives extensive instructions. It also gives the serial number SR10 275812.
- Unscrewing screws near the top and bottom of the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of five chips. The largest of these is marked TMS 0120 NC (/) C7333. This is a TMS0120 chip, manufactured in mid-1973. Also in the case is space for three AA nickel-cadmium batteries.
- The leather zippered case has both a loop and a hook for attaching the calculator to a belt. It also holds an instruction pamphlet entitled Texas Instruments electronic slide rule calculator SR-10, copyrighted 1973. A warranty registration on the inside of the back page indicates these instructions were originally sold with an SR-10 calculator with serial number 170334, purchased on September 27, 1973.
- Texas Instruments described the SR-10 as an “electronic slide rule calculator,” hence the “SR” in the name. The first version of the device, introduced in 1972, did not have the mark SR-10 on the keyboard. The second version (introduced 1973) and the third (introduced 1975) did. This is an example of the first version. According to Ball & Flamm, it initially sold for $149.95.
- Compare 1986.0988.351, 1986.0988.354, and 1986.0988.356.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153.
- The online Datamath Museum includes versions of the SR-10 from 1972, 1973, and 1975.
- date made
- 1972
- Date made
- 1973
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.354
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.354
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments SR-16 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of an early scientific calculator marketed by Texas Instruments. Extending the capabilities of its SR-10 and SR-11 “slide rule” calculators, TI introduced it in 1974. The handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case with an array of thirty-five small rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a change sign key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry key and a clear key, the calculator has twelve additional function keys. These are for reciprocals, squares, square roots, natural logs, exponents, logs to base ten, powers of 10, powers, storage, recall, summation, and entering exponents. Text on the keyboard, below the keys and two the left, reads: SR-16. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit LED display. A mark behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. The on/off switch is right and slightly above this mark.
- The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter. A small sticker next to it reads: INSPECTED (/) BY (/) AA-06. A sticker on the back gives extensive instructions. It also gives the serial number SR-16 105736.
- Unscrewing screws near the top and bottom of the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of three chips. The largest of these is marked TMS1001NL (/) AΔ7519. This is a TMS1001 chip, manufactured in mid-1975. Also in the case is space for three fast-charge nickel-cadmium batteries.
- The calculator comes in a black plastic zippered case with belt hook and clip.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1975, p. E4. Give price of $89.95.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, March 11, 1975, p. A4. Give price of $84.95.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153. They give a 1974 price of $99.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.349
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.349
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments SR-11 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of an early scientific calculator marketed by Texas Instruments. Building on the success of the SR-10, TI introduced it in 1973. The handheld electronic calculator has a black- and ivory-colored plastic case with an array of twenty-four small rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a change sign key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, the calculator has a reciprocal key, a square key, a square root key, a pi key, an enter exponent key, a clear key, and a clear display key. Text on the keyboard, just above the keys and two the left, reads: SR-11. A constant switch is to the right of this. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit LED display. A mark behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. The on/off switch is right and slightly above this mark.
- The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter. A sticker on the back gives extensive instructions. It also gives the serial number SR-11 277378. A small sticker above this reads: INSPECTED (/) BY (/) J-01.
- Unscrewing screws near the top and bottom of the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of five chips. The largest of these is marked TMS0602NC (/) 7427. This is a TMS0602 chip, manufactured in mid-1974. Also in the case is space for three AA nickel-cadmium batteries.
- The calculator comes in a black plastic zippered case.
- Texas Instruments described the SR-11 as an “electronic slide rule calculator,” hence the “SR” in the name. Ball & Flamm indicate that the calculator sold for $66.50 in 1974.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1973-1974
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.345
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.345
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments SR-10 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is an example of the first model of a scientific calculator marketed by Texas Instruments. The handheld electronic calculator has a black- and ivory-colored plastic case with an array of twenty-three plastic keys. Twenty-one of these are square; the 0 and the total keys are rectangular. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, the calculator has a reciprocal key, a square key, a square root key, a change sign key, an enter exponent key, a clear key, and a clear display key. Text on the keyboard, above the keys and to the left, reads: SR-10. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit LED display. Numbers larger than eight digits are displayed in scientific notation. A mark behind the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. An on/off switch is right and slightly above this.
- The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter. A sticker on the back gives extensive instructions. It also gives the serial number SR10 794630. A small round sticker above the large sticker reads: INSPECTED (/) BY L-01.
- Unscrewing screws near the top and bottom of the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of five chips. The largest of these is marked TMS0120NC (/) C7421. This is a TMS0120 chip, manufactured in mid-1974. Also in the case is space for three AA nickel-cadmium batteries.
- The leather zippered case has both a loop and a hook for attaching the calculator to a belt.
- Texas Instruments described the SR-10 as an “electronic slide rule calculator,” hence the “SR” in the name. The first version of the device, introduced in 1972, did not have the mark SR-10 on the keyboard. The second version (introduced in 1973) and the third (introduced in 1975) did. This is an example of the second version.
- Compare 1986.0988.351, 1986.0988.354, and 1986.0988.356.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153.
- The online Datamath Museum includes versions of the SR-10 from 1972, 1973, and 1975.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.351
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.351
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Corvus 411 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator was manufactured by a subsidiary of Mostek Corporation, Corvus Corporation of Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1969 as a spinoff of Texas Instruments, Mostek became a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Some of its first products were chips used by the Japanese firm of Busicom in desktop electronic calculators— in 1970, Busicom introduced such a calculator that used only a single Mostek chip. For a brief time in the 1970s, Mostek sold electronic calculators under the name Corvus. According to trademark registration for Corvus, the term was first used in commerce referring to an electronic digital calculator in 1973. Advertisements for the Corvus 411 appeared in 1974.
- The calculator has a cream-colored plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys with a brown keyboard behind them. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key and a total key. Right of these is a column of four function keys. Directly above the digit keys is a row with EE (enter exponent), pi, inverse, and square root keys. Behind this are two memory keys, an exchange key, and an orange clear key. A sticker directly behind the keyboard reads: CORVUS. Behind this is is a red LED display. It shows the sign of the mantissa, six digits of the mantissa, the sign of the exponent, and two digits of the exponent.
- On the back at the bottom is a compartment for four nickel cadmium batteries. A sticker above the battery compartment reads in part: CORVUS 411 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 411-0135447. It also reads: POWER 6VDC 100 mA 115 (/) V with adaptor (/) CAUTION: Attempted repair (/) by unauthorized persons will (/) void warranty. (/) CORVUS (/) CORPORATION (/) Dallas, Texas. Included are an AC power adapter and an owner’s manual.
- All these materials fit into a cardboard box. A mark on the lid of the box reads: CORVUS (/) SLIDE RULE (/) CALCULATOR (/) WITH MEMORY (/) 411. A tag on the bottom of the box reads: $69.95.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, October 1, 1974, p. 6. Several Corvus calculators advertised (not the Corvus 312). The Corvus 411 regularly $99.95, on sale for $69.88.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, November 12, 1974, p. 8. The Corvus 411, regularly $99.95, is advertised as on sale for $69.88.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Corvus Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.057
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.057
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Corvus 415 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and the decimal point key are brown. The total key, four arithmetic function keys, inverse key, exchange key, percentage key, and four memory keys are lighter brown. The clear key is orange. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. The on/off switch and the socket for a power adapter are along the top edge.
- A battery pack at the base of the back of the calculator would hold four batteries. A tag above the battery compartment reads in part: CORVUS 415 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 415-100759. It also reads: POWER 8VDC 100 mA 115 (/) VAC with adaptor. (/) CAUTION Attempted repair (/) by unauthorized persons will (/) void warranty. (/) corvus (/) [. . .] EXAS
- Four screws hold the back of the calculator to the front. Taking off the back reveals two circuits, one of green plastic and the other (directly under the keys) apparently of glass. A mark on the smaller board reads: corvus. Another mark reads: 1700135B. The chip is not visible. Founded in 1969 as a spinoff of Texas Instruments, Mostek Corporation became a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Some of its first products were chips used by the Japanese firm of Busicom in desktop electronic calculators. In 1970 Busicom introduced such a calculator that used only a single Mostek chip. Mostek became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of metal oxide semiconductor read-only memories, before being acquired by United Technologies in 1979.
- For a brief time in the 1970s Mostek also sold electronic calculators through a subsidiary, Corvus Corporation of Dallas, Texas. According to trademark registration for Corvus, the term was first used in commerce referring to an electronic digital calculator in 1973. The latest Corvus calculator in the collections dates from about 1976.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, October 1, 1974, p. 6. Several Corvus calculators advertised. The Corvus 415, regularly $89.95, is advertised as on sale for $59.88.
- Manual at http://www.wass.net/manuals/Corvus%20415.pdf, accessed June 13, 2014.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Corvus Corporation
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.23
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.23
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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