Object Details
maker
Coleco
Description
This electronic game is the general size and shape of a handheld electronic calculator. The purpose of the game is to figure out a four-digit code generated (but not displayed) by pressing the "CODE" button in the top row of keys. If the "SKILL" switch in the bottom row is set at 1, the secret code will have no digits larger than a five, if the skill position is 2, any digit may be used. Players guess the code by entering a number in the "CODE" section of the LED display. Pressing the "TRY" key reveals the number of correct digits in the correct position and the number of correct digits in an incorrect position. Clearing the display by pushing the C button, one can enter further guesses. If and when the correct secret code is numbered, a 4 and a 0 appear in status boxes and that display flashes.
An outlet for an adapter is on the fight side of the plastic case. The battery compartment on the back holds a nine volt battery. A sticker on the inside of this compartment reads: 44 01 8. A sticker below the compartment on the back gives instructions for playing the game. A mark below this sticker reads: HONG KONG.
References:
Chicago Tribune, November 25, 1978, p. S6.
Carla Kallan, "Electronic Games People Play: Toy Outlets Reflect the Arrival of the Computer Age," Los Angeles Times, December 11, 1979, p. H1, H5.
“DIGITS Instructions and Game Rules,” Amsterdam, N.Y.: Coleco Industries, Inc., 1978. This is online at: https://archive.org/details/manuals-handheld-games-Coleco-Digits. Accessed June 3, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
ca 1978
ID Number
1986.0988.130
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.130
Object Name
electronic calculator
electronic game
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; cover material)
paper (stickers material)
metal (circuitry; label material)
Measurements
overall: 2 in x 3 1/4 in x 6 1/2 in; 5.08 cm x 8.255 cm x 16.51 cm
place made
China: Hong Kong
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_334544