DATAMATH

DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Rapid Data Rapidman 800

Date of introduction:	February, 1972	Display technology:	LED-modules
New price:	$99.95	Display size:	8
Size:	5.5" x 3.2" x 0.95"
Weight:	5.1 ounces	Serial No:	405517
Batteries:		Date of manufacture:	mth 12 year 1972
AC-Adapter:	9V	Origin of manufacture:	Canada
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:	Mostek MK5010P
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner

Canadian based Rapid Data Systems & Equipment Ltd. introduced with the Rapidman 800 the first portable electronic calculator selling below US$ 100.

How was this possible - a similar Bowmar 901B was about US$ 240 ? We disassembled a Rapidman 800 for you and found the answer. Just take your time and watch the next four pictures carefully.

The internal construction is based on a rigid plastic frame holding all mechanical and electronic components. Instead using a lot of screws the parts are simply folded together.
The electronic circuit uses a "Basic 1KS" Klixon™ keyboard without the usual keycaps. The display is a Litronix type with discrete instead integrated drivers. And the calculator chip is a Mostek MK5010 type instead the usual TMS0100.
Instead expensive housing parts we notice a cheap looking and cheap feeling mold made of a single piece. Even the On/Off-switch is avoided and a simple slider pushes on of the keyboard contacts down.
The Mostek MK5010 looks expensive with its 40-pin ceramic housing. But expect that they offered a really good price to be compete with the market leader Texas Instruments and the famous TMS0100.

The next calculator in the Rapidman line was introduced one year later with the Rapidman 801. It uses a much more conventional approach than this unique Rapidman 800. Sandwiched between these two calculators was a small series of Rapdman 800 in a white housing.

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

© Joerg Woerner, May 7, 2003. No reprints without written permission.