Object Details
- Soundesign
- 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
- Credit Line
- Gift of John B. Priser
- ca 1973
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.009
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.009
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Object Name
- electronic calculator
- Other Terms
- electronic calculator; Desktop
- Physical Description
- plastic (case; keys; carrying case material)
- metal (keyboard; circuitry material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1 3/4 in x 7 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in; 4.445 cm x 19.05 cm x 11.43 cm
- place made
- Japan
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Desktop Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- Subject
- Business
- Record ID
- nmah_334423
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-35c2-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
