DATAMATH

DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Sharp EL-8

Date of introduction:	November 1970	Display technology:	Fluorescent
New price:	$345	Display size:	8
Size:	6.4" x 4.0" x 2.6"
Weight:	1 pound 4 ounces	Serial No:	11170Y
Batteries:	EL-84 (6*AA NiCd)	Date of manufacture:	year 1970
AC-Adapter:	EL-81	Origin of manufacture:	Japan
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:	Rockwell AC2261, AU2271, DC2266, NRD2256
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner

Sharp Electronics Corporation introduced end of the year 1970 the first portable, battery operated calculator. It uses the same technology as the desktop calculator QT-8D. A version without the rechargable batteries was sold later as EL-8A. The next calculator in Sharp's line was the EL-811.

Do get an impression about the valuable internal construction just take your time and watch the next four pictures carefully.

The whole calculator is built upon a robust metal chassis that holds the keyboard, display and electronics.
If we remove the keyboard we get a view of the display driver integrated circuits. They are manufactured by Hitachi. The display is made from single tubes with odd segmentation.
The display is made from single tubes with odd segmentation.
The printed circuit board of the calculator brain shows the famous chip-set developed by US company Rockwell.

Read more about Sharp Corporation’s Calculator Innovations.

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