DATAMATH  CALCULATOR  MUSEUM

Radio Shack EC-4002

Date of introduction:  1978 Display technology:  LCD (yellow)
New price:   Display size:  8 
Size:  5.4" x 2.7" x 0.35"    
Weight:  2.8 ounces Serial No:  02111
Batteries:  3*LR44 Date of manufacture:  year 1978
AC-Adapter:   Origin of manufacture:  Japan
Precision:  8 Integrated circuits:  Toshiba T3690, T3691
Memories:  30    
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Joerg Woerner

The Radio Shack EC-4002 is an OEM-version of the Toshiba LC-836MN could be called the first portable electronic Databank. It was introduced already in the year 1978 and was 9 years ahead the first Mini Data Bank sold by Texas Instruments.   

The alphanumeric display uses an odd 8-segment layout with one additional segment to the standard calculator layout. The display on the right reads "MEMORY".

Radio Shack gave in their manual a lot of ideas what you can store in the 30 memory places:

Person's name and telephone number
Bank name and balance
Person's name and date of birth
Passport number, Cash card number, License number
Caloric value of foods
Various rate of money exchange
Golf scores
Key and Locker number
Constants such as C = 2.997925, me = 9.1091, K = 1.38054

Don't miss later Personal products like the Avigo, introduced 20 years later.


horizontal rule

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, December 5, 2001. No reprints without written permission.