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Radio Shack EC-4002

Date of introduction:  1978 Display technology:  LCD (yellow)
New price:   Display size:  8 
Size:  5.4" x 2.7" x 0.35"    
Weight:  2.8 ounces Serial No:  02111
Batteries:  3*LR44 Date of manufacture:  year 1978
AC-Adapter:   Origin of manufacture:  Japan
Precision:  8 Integrated circuits:  Toshiba T3690, T3691
Memories:  30    
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Joerg Woerner

The Radio Shack EC-4002 is an OEM-version of the Toshiba LC-836MN could be called the first portable electronic Databank. It was introduced already in the year 1978 and was 9 years ahead the first Mini Data Bank sold by Texas Instruments.   

The alphanumeric display uses an odd 8-segment layout with one additional segment to the standard calculator layout. The display on the right reads "MEMORY".

Radio Shack gave in their manual a lot of ideas what you can store in the 30 memory places:

• Person's name and telephone number
•
Bank name and balance
• Person's name and date of birth
• Passport number, Cash card number, License number
• Caloric value of foods
• Various rate of money exchange
• Golf scores
• Key and Locker number
• Constants such as C = 2.997925, me = 9.1091, K = 1.38054

Don't miss later Personal products like the Avigo, introduced 20 years later.


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If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, December 5, 2001. No reprints without written permission.