DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM
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DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM |
Canon Canola L-3
| Date of introduction: | 1979 | Display technology: | Fluorescent |
| New price: | Display size: | 12 | |
| Size: | 7.3" x 5.0" x 1.65" 185 x 126 x 42 mm3 |
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| Weight: | 11.2 ounces, 320 grams | Serial No: | 348019 |
| Batteries: | 4*AA or NiCd Pack-5 | Date of manufacture: | year 1980 |
| AC-Adapter: | AD-1 | Origin of manufacture: | Japan |
| Precision: | 12 | Integrated circuits: | Hitachi HD38401A |
| Memories: | 1 | ||
| Program steps: | Courtesy of: | Joerg Woerner |
Canon
introduced in 1979 with the stylish Canola L-3 a very capable battery operated
desktop calculator with a large 12-digit Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) based
on Hitachi's HD38401A single-chip calculator circuit.
Dismantling
the featured Canon Canola L-3 small desktop calculator manufactured in 1980 in
Japan reveals a very cost-effective design using a rather small single-side
printed circuit board (PCB) dominated by a large 12-digit VF-Display hiding the
Hitachi HD38401A chip and connected to a large keyboard assembly and powered by 4
AA-sized alkaline batteries or an optional rechargeable battery pack.
About 10 years later the Canola L-20 II
continued the design approach of this Canola L-3 and reused its Hitachi chip.
If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.
© Joerg Woerner, September 20, 2003. No reprints without written permission.