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navtronic 16

Date of introduction:  1977 Display technology:  LED-stick
New price:  $197.50 Display size:  12
Size:  5.9" x 3.2" x 1.5"
 150 x 81 x 39 mm3		    
Weight:  8.0 ounces, 227 grams Serial No:  SC64639
Batteries:  3*AA NiCd  Date of manufacture:  year 1979
AC-Adapter:   Origin of manufacture:  USA
Precision:  8 Integrated circuits:  MM5782, MM57129, 
ITC1200, ITC1210, ITC4800, 2*ITC5028
Memories:      
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Joerg Woerner

The navtronic 16 flight computer was developed by Specialized Electronics Corporation (SEC) and introduced 14 LED-indicators to prompt the individual entry values. The navtronic 16 was soon replaced with the navtronic 1701 series adding a protection to the indicators on the keyboard panel.

Dismantling this navtronic 16 manufactured early in 1979 reveals a design based on a National Semiconductor Chip-Set MM5782 and MM57129 surrounded by some unknown chips with ITCxxx designation.

If we trace back in the history of electronic flight computers we discover: The Commodore N 60, the Heathkit OCW-1401 and this navtronic 16. All were introduced between 1976 and 1978, more than two years before the Jeppesen Sanderson avstar based on a Texas Instruments TI-35 appeared.

In 1983 Specialized Electronics Corporation (SEC) developed with the two Navigator and Explorer enhanced flight computers.


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

© Joerg Woerner, May 23, 2002. No reprints without written permission.