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Toshiba BC-0602L 

Date of introduction:  1974 Display technology:  Fluorescent
New price:   Display size:  6
Size:  5.9" x 3.1" x 1.1"
 149 x 80 x 28 mm3
   
Weight:  5.7 ounces, 162 grams Serial No:  769079
Batteries:  4*AA Date of manufacture:  year 1974
AC-Adapter:  BH-106 (110V) or
 BH-107 (220V)
Origin of manufacture:  Japan
Precision:  10 Integrated circuits:  NEC uPD980C
Memories:      
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Peter Muckermann († April 21, 2021)

Toshiba started already in 1972 the production of portable calculators with the BC-0801. Later products like the BC-0808B reduced the size and the weights dramatically but today we would still call it huge. This BC-602L was introduced in 1974 and marked another important step in shrinking the electronics of a calculator.

BC-602L_PCB.jpg (82765 Byte)A deeper look into the BC-602L reveals easily the secret how engineers created such a narrow calculator. The display was reduced to only 6 digits instead the usual 8 digits. Nevertheless the BC-602L is capable of calculations with results of 10 digits. The small [<>]-key swaps the upper and lower halves of the result. 

Don't miss the BC-602L sporting a grey housing and the BC-603L with a [SQR]-key.



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© Joerg Woerner, February 21, 2004. No reprints without written permission.