Rapidman 812

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Calculators: Handheld: Rapid Data 812 Rapidman

		Size (actual):	88.5mm (max) x 146mm x 26.5mm (w x h x d) Weight 168g not including batteries.
		Power:	9.0V DC using 1 x PP3 size battery It accepts an adaptor (undefined) through a socket on the top side to the far left. The on/off switch on the left hand side is a press-and-slide type which is not very common.
		Case:	The two-piece case is in stippled dark brown and beige plastic. A raised recess at the top accommodates a two colour plastic sticker printed white with the brand and model number (missing on the example shown left). The tilted and slightly recessed red plastic display filter gives a bright image but with a narrow field of view. The keyboard area is recessed, the sides acting as a shield. The keyboard surround is dark brown smooth plastic with white printed text for the labels. The keys are short travel with a loud click but appear to work well.
		Display:	12 digit red LED with bubble lens with a ninth digit for the negative indicator.
		Features:	Standard four functions percentages, 4 function memory, register exchange, change sign and percentages. RPN logic.
		Age:	1973
		Manufacturer:	Rapid Data Systems and Equipment Ltd., made in Canada
		Comments:	Well built calculator that covers the basic functions. The follow up to the Rapidman 800. The logic is sound (although RPN is a pain) except for the pseudo fixed decimal bug. The two extra ICs have diodes soldered to their legs - so I suspect they were not the original design intention. The original case is smooth black plastic with a zip covering 3.2 sides, a carry strap and lime-green lining.

Components:	1 x cpu: Rockwell 15350 A1150PB 7331 (date code week 31 of 1973), 42 pin staggered DIL, 0.6" width dark grey plastic with metal cap 2 x IC: (logo IIIIL may be intronics) ML4102P 7326 (date code week 26 of 1973), 18 pin 0.3" width DIL dark grey plastic 8 digit display drivers 2 x 4 digit red LED unit with individual bubble lens 1 x 5 digit red LED unit with individual bubble lens 5 x transistors 15 x diodes 5 x capacitors 19 x resistors 1 x transformer
Boards:	The keyboard assembly (1KS139 45287-1 Texas Instruments, Pat Pending 1st Issue) sits lose on top of the main cpu board (727-561) and is connected via 13 strong wires. The main board is fixed to the back with plastic lugs and posts.
Construction:	Remove the three screws from the back and the two piece case separates easily. However, it is best to lift the back off as the keys will remain in place in the front section.

Logic comments:	The (C) key is used to cancel the last number for multiplication and divide) entered whilst a second press will clear the whole calculator.
	Input overflow is suppressed inputting a ninth digit is ignored
	Negative numbers are shown with a "-" in the far left (thirteenth) digit thereby allowing full twelve digit negative numbers
	There is automatic constant on all four functions
	Divide by zero shows zero and "C" in the thirteenth digit, and is recoverable using (C)
	Overflow shows the answer and "C" (or "E" if negative) in the far left (thirteenth) digit and is recoverable using (C)
	The logic is reverse polish notation so takes a bit of getting used to; to work out 9-5 key in (9)(+)(5)(-) which shows "4".
	Storing a number in the memory results in the decimal point of the far left (thirteenth) digit lighting
	This calculator suffers the pseudo fixed decimal bug; key in (1)(+)(0)(.)(0)(0)(0)(+) and the display will show “1.000” which will remain until a calculation causes it to be exceeded or you use multiply or divide.

	The manual measures 152mm x 101mm and is printed red and black throughout. It is a reversible manual, turn it around from the English side and it becomes the manual in French. 32 printed pages gives in-depth examples. Printed in Canada, ref: 707-456-002.	Quotes: "Congratulations! You have purchased one of the smallest, lightest, most economical and advanced battery-operated pocket-sized calculators."