Prinztronic SR88M (type I)

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Calculators: Handheld: Prinztronic SR88M (type I)

		Size (approx):	89mm (max) x 139mm x 25mm (max) (w,h,d) Weight 160g excluding batteries
		Power:	6V DC, 4 x AA size batteries, 0.5W. Also accepts adaptor (DC 6V, 100mA, centre negative) through a top side socket on the right. The battery compartment has a black ribbon to help remove the batteries. Batteries are automatically disconnected when the adapter is in use, you do not need to remove them. Battery life is quoted as 8 hours (manganese) and 13 hours (alkaline).
		Case:	Solid thick plastic case which is made from a matt/gloss black plastic base and light grey gloss plastic front section. The slightly recessed and flat green display filter is printed with white text for the bran and model number. Below this is a black matt plastic keyboard surround. The upper area of this surround has a brushed aluminium sticker, printed black with switch labels, which sits in its own recess. The small keys are bouncy with a hollow metallic click.
		Display:	8 digit green VFD with a ninth negative, overflow and memory indication
		Features:	Basic four function with percentages, sign change, square root, and two function memory
		Age:	1974
		Manufacturer:	Made in Japan, serial number 108706
		Comments:	Just about fits in the hand but this sturdy calculator is at home on the desk. The logic is quite good and only really let down by lack of recovery and the poorly labelled memory key. The original case is soft black plastic with a flip over top and front flap tuck-in. Branded for the UK Dixons store group.

Components:	1 x cpu: NEC uPD277C E4X116, 28 pin DIL, 0.6" width black plastic 1 x nine digit VFD unit, single glass tube round face 2 x transistors (4F, June 1974 date code) 5 x diodes 9 x capacitors 6 x resistor 2 x resistor arrays 1 x transformer
Boards:	The keyboard assembly sits lose on top of the battery compartment and connects to the main cpu board via a 15-way plastic sheaved wire block. The main board (41-2A TEI-33 sits in the base guided by plastic pillars and fixed to the battery compartment by two springy metal clips. This is a poor idea as any leaking batteries will also damage this connection. There is a small piggy back board with the power supply components on. A piece of black cloth fits behind the display to shield stray light.
Construction:	Very very difficult to open as the stiff case sides are held together by sturdy lugs. Even though there is a lever slot at the top you are sure to mark this calculator trying to open it - I would advise strongly against it.

Logic comments:	The (C) button is used once to clear entry of a number, a second time to clear the calculator
	Input overflow is suppressed as keying in a ninth digit is ignored
	There is automatic constant on multiply and divide only
	Negative numbers are shown with a "-" in the far left (ninth) digit thereby allowing full eight digit negative numbers
	The change sign key (+/-) can be used in mid number entry but not before
	Overflow shows the result and
	Divide by zero shows zero and "C" in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable
	The simple memory uses (M=) to store a number and (RM) to recall it, however the (M=) key actually acts as a (M+) key
	To clear the memory press (RM) twice
	Memory store is indicated by the decimal point in the far left (ninth) digit
	Overflow in memory retains the original number
	Negative square roots are not allowed and result in zero with "C" in the far left (ninth) digit and is not recoverable
	The (%) key just divides by 100, repeatedly and will even divide zero to "0.00"
	No other bugs found

The manual measures by 90mm by 128mm and is an eight page fan-fold format. In English only, this example has numerous walk-through calculations and basic operational specifications. All pages except the front are in black only.

Printed in Japan.

Notice the image of the calculator appears to be a generic one, with the brand label on the bottom left edge.

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