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Calculators: Handheld: Hanimex BC900 (type II)

Size (approx):

83mm x 135mm x25mm (w x h x d)
Weight 148g excluding batteries.

Power: 6.0v DC using 4 x AA size batteries.  Can accept an adapter/charger (6V DC, 100mA) through a socket on the top side to the far left. 
Case: It is a very sturdy two-piece white and black matt plastic case with a middle metallic plastic strip originally possible painted black.  A brushed aluminium keyboard surround has some printed black text labelling on the on/off switch and reminding you it’s a calculator!  A slightly proud but flat oversized, wrap-over green display filter gives a clear, deep image.  It has white printed boarder and model text.  The keys are short travel, loud click type and nearly flush with the calculator.  The colour scheme is somewhat bold!  A large instruction panel on the back is Ref 6A.
Display: 8 digit green VFD with a ninth digit for negative and error indication.
Features: Standard four functions with percentages.
Age: 1975/6
Manufacturer: It just states made in Hong Kong.  The serial number is inside the battery compartment E-6 160385.  There is also a QA inspection sticker 603.
Comments: Very solid calculator with nice deep-seated green display.  Keys are rather weird but still work well.  Logic whilst basic is very sound with good recovery characteristics.  The original case is soft black plastic with Hanimex embossed on the front.  It has a flip over top and popper front closing. Compare with the earlier BC900 type I.

Components: 1 x cpu: [Square spiral design logo] CF593 7609 9a (week 9 of 1976), 28 pin DIL  0.6" width
1 x 9 digit VFD unit, single glass tube flat faced
2 x transistors
7 x diodes
10 x resistors
1 x resistor array
5 x capacitors
1 x transformer
Boards: The keyboard assembly is a PCB (KA 1900 593 118CRA) with metal click-pads and is soldered to the battery terminals.  The keys remain in place on the front section of the calculator.  This PCB is attached to the main cpu board with 18 wires.
Construction: It is quite difficult to pop the lugs from the front section, there are two either side.  Not recommended as damage is likely.

Logic comments: The (CE/C) key is used to once to clear the last entry and a second time clears the whole calculator.
Input overflow is suppressed, typing in a ninth digit is ignored
There is automatic constant on all four functions
Negative numbers are indicated by a “-“ in the immediate left digit travelling into the far left (ninth) digit thereby allowing full eight digit negative numbers.
Overflow shows the result and “C” (“E” if negative) in the far left (ninth) digit and is recoverable using (CE/C)
Divide by zero results in “C” in the far left (ninth) digit and is recoverable using (CE/C)

manual

The manual measures 135mm x 63mm with 16 black only printed pages.  It has plenty of specs and examples.  Printed in Hong Kong, Ref593S.

 

Quote: “To simplify operation, your calculator is programmed for “THINK AND TOUCH” – “THINK” the mathematical sequence and “TOUCH” the appropriate keys as you think – the correct answer instantly appears on the bright, clear green eight-digit display.”