Object Details
maker
Rockwell International
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a tan, black, and brown plastic case with an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a pi key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, an exchange key, and two parenthesis keys. The top row of keys includes a clear entry/ clear key, an EE (enter exponent) key, a change sign key, a function key, and an ARC key.
Many of these keys have a different effect if the F or ARC key is pushed. Functions found in this way include inverses, exponents, powers, logarithms, square roots, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, conversion from radians to degrees, conversion from degrees to radians, and factorials. The calculator also has memory keys. Behind the keys are a degree/radian switch and an on/off switch. Behind the switches is a twelve-character display that shows results in scientific notation, including eight digits of the result, two digits of the exponent in base ten, and the sign of both the number and the exponent.
A mark along the front edge reads: SCIENTIFIC SLIDE RULE 63R. A mark behind the eight-digit fluorescent display reads: Rockwell. A jack for a power cord is on the back edge. A sticker on the back gives operating procedures and reads in part: Rockwell (/) International Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803. Further text reads: Calculator Model 63R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser [sic] (/) No. 174452.
Compare the Radio Shack EC-490 (1986.0988.036). Also compare the Rockwell 61R (1986.0988.241).
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 8, 1975, p. D6. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $99.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 4, 1975, p. A15. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $89.95, compared to $99.95 for the TI SR50A and $125.00 for the Hewlett-Packard HP21. Detailed comparison.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $89.95.
[Advertisement], Statesville (N.C.) Record and Landmark,May 12, 1975, p. 3. Rockwell 63R on sale for $99.95.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, July 1, 1976, p. B10. Rockwell 63R, regularly $69.95, on sale for $39.93.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1975-1976
ID Number
1986.0988.163
catalog number
1986.0988.163
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys material)
metal (circuitry material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 1 in x 3 3/8 in x 6 in; 2.54 cm x 8.5725 cm x 15.24 cm
place made
Mexico
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_334577