Object Details
- Wang Laboratories
- Description
- In March of 1968, An Wang saw a prototype of Hewlett-Packard’s HP9100 programmable desktop calculator. This machine reduced the task of finding many scientific functions from programming to pushing a key. In response, Wang Laboratories announced plans for a new set of calculators for the scientific and engineering communities, the series 700 advanced programming calculator. The instrument came on the market in mid-1969.
- A large keyboard at the front of the machine includes keys for entering digits, carrying out arithmetic operations, and finding squares, square roots, and reciprocals. A separate key enters the number pi. Another set of keys performs operations for both logarithms and exponents in base e and base 10. Special function keys above the digit keys are set for trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. A tape cassette on the right above the keyboard allows for entering programs via magnetic tape. Left of the tape drive is a Nixie tube display that shows up to twelve digits in two registers, followed by the sign of the exponent and the exponent.
- A mark on the front left of the calculator reads: WANG. A metal tag at the back reads: Wang Laboratories, Inc. (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) MODEL NO. 700C (/) SERIAL No. 811055-C (/) TEWKSBURY, MASS. U.S.A. Marks on the rightmost column of keys confirm that is a model Wang 700C, having debugging features characteristic of that machine. It was released in 1972. A paper sticker on the right back reads: JUL 8 1970 [sic]. The July date is scribbled over one reading JUN 3. Hence the object dates from at least 1970, most probably about 1972.
- Documentation received with the calculator dates from 1969, 1970, and 1972.
- Reference:
- An extensive discussion of the Wang 720C advanced programming calculator is at The Old Calculator Web Museum.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Marie K. Wolf
- ca 1972
- ID Number
- 1983.0171.01
- catalog number
- 1983.0171.01
- accession number
- 1983.0171
- Object Name
- electronic calculator
- Physical Description
- glass (display material)
- plastic (keys material)
- metal (case material)
- Measurements
- overall: 18.5 cm x 48.2 cm x 53.3 cm; 7 9/32 in x 18 31/32 in x 20 31/32 in
- place made
- United States: Massachusetts, Tewksbury
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Trigonometry
- Desktop Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- subject
- Business
- Record ID
- nmah_334351
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-3f06-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
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