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Calculators: Handheld: Decimo Vatman Executive
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Size (approx): |
83mm
(max) x 132mm x 30mm (max) (w,h,d) |
| Power: | 6.0V DC, 4 x AA size batteries, 0.3W. Also accepts adaptor/charger (undefined) through a top side socket on the right. Power switch at the top is On / Off / Charge. There is a warning panel saying do not switch to charge with standard batteries in place. | ||
| Case: | Chunky two piece plastic case. Bottom is beige, top is matt black. Green display filter has painted logo. Decimo logo is metal inset panel. Keyboard surround is brushed aluminium. Top is slightly tilted upwards, including the back which causes the calculator to rock, especially with no batteries to weigh it down. Keys are squishy but positive to use. | ||
| Display: | 8 digit green VFD display - ninth used for minus and error signs. | ||
| Features: | Basic four function with percentages, square root, pi and change sign | ||
| Age: | 1976 | ||
| Manufacturer: | Decimo Electronic Handy Calculator. Made in Japan. Serial No. E110644 (Also seen E109208). | ||
| Comments: | Classic calculator which has a quality feel in the hand. Logic is let down by lack of recovery and negative zero bugs. Imbalance on the desk also lets it down. Original black plastic case has top cover which fastens with a popper on the front. For those non-UK viewers, VAT stands for Value Added Tax - the purchase tax system in the UK. |
| Components: | 1 x cpu; Hitachi HD37330 6C 31
(date code 31 March 1976) 1 x single tube 9 digit VFD display 1 x transformer 2 x transistors 6 x capacitors 4 x resistors 5 x diodes |
| Boards: | The keyboard panel rests on top of the battery compartment and is joined to the keyboard by an amazing 13 screws. A flexible 12-way connector joins this to the main board. |
| Construction: | Front can be gently prized off after using the coin guide at the top. Squeeze the cream plastic sides so the lugs separate without breaking. |
| Logic comments: | The Clear Entry key (CE) is used to clear an input number, the clear (C) key is used to completely reset the calculator |
| Overflow on the input of a number is suppressed | |
| The constant function is automatic on multiply and divide operators only | |
| The negative sign is shown in the far left ninth digit | |
| Negative square roots result in "E" in the ninth digit and is not recoverable but the number is shown | |
| Overflow shows the result and "C" (or "E" if negative) in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable | |
| Divide by zero shows zero and "C" in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable | |
| It suffers the negative zero bug: (1)(+/-)(+)(1)(=) gives "-0." | |
| It suffers the divide to negative zero bug: (1)(+/-)(/1)(1)(0)(=)(=)(=) etc eventually gives "-0." |
