Hanimex BC08L

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Calculators: Handheld: Hanimex BC08L


	Size (approx):	100mm x 145mm x 29mm (w,h,d) Weight 220g excluding batteries
	Power:	6.0V, 4 x AA size batteries. It accepts an adapter/charger (6V DC, 1.2W, centre negative) through a socket on the top side to the mid-left. There is a long green ribbon to aid battery removal. Battery life is quoted as six hours.
	Case:	Wide and flat shaped calculator made from a two-piece black and white matt plastic case. A small metallic sticker printed black sits in its own recess below the display with the brand name. The flat green plastic display filter sits slightly recessed and gives a bright image. The two switches have moulded labels in their own recesses. The keys are short travel with a positive soft click and still work very well.
	Display:	8 digit green VFD, with a ninth digit for minus and error indication.
	Features:	4 function calculator with switched constant
	Age:	1973
	Manufacturer:	Teal, made in Japan, serial number 827220
	Comments:	Fabulous early calculator with lovely case and clear bright display that knocks you out! The manual describes two models, one for disposable batteries, one for rechargeable. I believe there is no difference other than the fact that the latter was supplied with an adapter/charger and Ni-Cd batteries. However, the diagram in my manual shows the adapter to be a three pin mini-plug rather than the standard 5mm jack that actually fits. Any info would be gladly received if you have the same model. The case is so good it deserves its own section below. Stuffed full of ICs and components this is about as small as you could make it with a single main board.

Components:	1 x cpu; Texas TMS0105NC C7331 (week 31 of 1973), 28 pin DIL, 0.6" width 2 x IC: NEC µPD128C P12526, 16 pin DIUL, 0.3" width 1 x IC: Toshiba T3144, 16 pin DIL, 0.3" width 2 x IC: Toshiba TM4352P 3-F (June 1973), 16 pin DIL, 0.3" width 1 x 8 digit plus "E" VFD; single round faced tube: 3 x transistor 6 x diodes 8 x capacitors 7 x resistors 6 x resistor arrays 1 x transformer 1 x transformer circuit board (with at least two transistors and other components).
Boards:	The main cpu board (08-LA LOGIC) sits above the keyboard assembly supported by three brass posts. They are connected via a 15-way block connector and three flying wires. There is a small piggy-back board for the voltage doubler circuitry.
Construction:	Remove the two screws at the rear and the back section will lift off easily if hinged from the bottom.

Logic comments:	The (CE) button is used to clear last entry of a number and the (C) clear the whole calculator.
	Overflow on number input is not suppressed inputting a ninth digit results in an overflow but you can still carry on calculating
	An overflow shows the result with a “E” in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable
	Divide by zero results in zero and a "E” in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable
	There is switched constant on multiply and divide only
	Negative numbers are shown by a "-" in the far left (ninth) digit thereby allowing full eight digit negative numbers.
	It operates Reverse Polish Notation which takes a little getting used to: to perform 3-4 key in (3)(+=)(4)(-=) to give"-1"

	The Hanimex calculator case is worth noting. In classy white padded plastic with gold lettering on the front. Heat-sealed cut-outs not only for the keyboard and display but the on/off switch and the brand plate. The front flap has a clear PVC pocket for the manual and closes over the calculator to be sealed with Velcro. A small plastic carry strap with metal fixings finishes it off nicely.		The box on the left measures 130mm by 170mm and is 45mm deep - just about big enough for the calculator - so I guess my example did not come with a charger, or the charger was in a separate box. Made in Japan stated on box along with a code number 28-1054(7).
	The manual on the left is approximately 93mm by 132mm and is printed black and red throughout its 24 pages. In English language only it has loads of examples and information about this early calculator. Printed in Hong Kong. Notable quote from the manual: "The Hanimex 08L solid state calculator is a most sophisticated instrument designed to make life easier for the accountant, business man, engineer, shopkeeper, bookkeeper, housewife, student....."		This scan shows the main cpu board sitting in the rear section of the calculator, the battery compartment being at the bottom left. Notice the high IC count and large number of resistor arrays. You can also see the green plastic connector that joins to the keyboard assembly mid-left. Bottom right you can see the transformer and upside-down board with the voltage converter unit.