Object Details
maker
Texas Instruments
Description
This scientific calculator is a modification of the Texas Instruments SR-50A and a less expensive device than the contemporary SR-52. A handheld electronic calculator, it has a black plastic case with an array of forty small rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a change sign key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry key, and clear key, the calculator has twenty-one further keys. Many keys (including some of the number keys) take on a second function if the "2nd" key is pushed. This second function is indicated on the keyboard above the key. Texas Instruments advertised this as a programmable calculator.
Text above the keys reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SR-56. Behind the keyboard is a switch that may be set at R (radians) or D (degrees). Next to it is an on/off switch. Behind the keyboard is an LED display that shows ten-digit positive and negative numbers and two-digit positive and negative exponents.
The calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter along the back edge. A sticker on the back gives instructions. It reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) SR-56. It also gives the serial number SR-56 2400279. It also reads: Assembled in USA. Above the sticker is a battery compartment. A mark below the sticker reads: LTA1677.
Unscrewing three screws on the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has six chips, three relatively large. One of the large ones is marked: TMC0538NL (/) P 7650. This is a TMC0538 chip, manufactured in 1976. Another is marked: TMC0501NL (/) EP 7706. This is a TMC0501 chip, manufactured in 1977. The third is marked: TMC0537NL (/) AP 7644.
The calculator comes in a black plastic, cloth-lined, zippered case with loop.
References:
[Advertisement], Boston Globe, February 4, 1976, p. 31. New, programmable SR-56 advertised as selling for $179.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1976, p. OC_A5. New programmable SR-56 selling for $179.95. Compatible with PC-100 printer.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, April 23, 1976, p. B4. Calculator has list price of $179.95, sale price of $159.95. Also lists SR-52, with program strips, selling for $359.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 10, 1976, p. C5. Lists SR-56 as having list price of $179.95, sale price of $89.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 9, 1976, p. C7. Lists SR-56 as selling for $89.95, regular price $109.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 22, 1976, p. D8. Price for SR-56 $85.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 28, 1977, p. C4. Price for SR-56 $79.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1977
ID Number
1986.0988.355
catalog number
1986.0988.325
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; carrying case material)
metal (circuitry; zipper material)
Measurements
overall: 1 1/4 in x 3 in x 5 3/4 in; 3.175 cm x 7.62 cm x 14.605 cm
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_1364052