Object Details
maker
Friden, Inc.
Description
This is one of the first fully transistorized electronic calculators. The hefty instrument has an array of nine square plastic digit keys, with a zero bar and a decimal point bar below these. In addition to keys for the four arithmetic operations, it has change sign, enter, repeat, clear entry, clear all, store, recall, and overflow lock keys. A decimal point selector dial is on the right.
In entering arithmetic operations into the calculator, one first keys in a number, then pushes the enter key, then keys in the second number, and then pushes the key for the operator (e.g. the + key for addition). This way of representing arithmetic operations is known as reverse Polish notation, and would be used on several electronic calculators.
Behind the keyboard is a cathode ray tube display that shows four rows of numbers. Each line shows 13 digits. If the numbers are smaller, the digits to the left are zeroes. The bottom line of the display shows the answers, and numeric entries as they are entered.
Tags on the front and on the back of the machine read: Friden. A mark on the front next to the display reads: 130 ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. A mark on the bottom at the front reads: MODEL 130 SER 9479.
The Friden Calculating Machine Company began manufacturing mechanical calculating machines in California in the 1930s. In 1963 Friden was acquired by Singer Company. In August of 1964, the Friden 130 electronic calculator went on the market, selling for $2,150. Within a year, the price was down to $1,695. Friden soon introduced the 132 electronic calculator, which took square roots.
References:
W. D. Smith, “Electronic Calculators Gaining,” New York Times, August 7, 1965, p. 25, 27.
[advertisement], Science, n.s. vol. 151, no. 3708 (21 January 1966), p. 367.
Mathematics for the Space Age: The Totally New Friden 130 Electronic Calculator, undated advertising booklet.
An extensive discussion of the development of the Friden 130 is at the Old Calculators Web Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of The Singer Company, Friden Division
date made
1964
ID Number
CI.334377
catalog number
334377
accession number
313935
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 26 cm x 46.6 cm x 58 cm; 10 1/4 in x 18 11/32 in x 22 27/32 in
place made
United States: California, San Leandro
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Desktop Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Business
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1321784