DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM |
Canon Palmtronic LD-80
Date of introduction: | 1974 | Display technology: | Fluorescent |
New price: | Display size: | 8 | |
Size: | 5.8" x 3.5" x 1.25" 147 x 89 x 32 mm3 |
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Weight: | 6.9 ounces, 196 grams | Serial No: | 500476 |
Batteries: | 4*AA Alkaline | Date of manufacture: | mth 08 year 1974 |
AC-Adapter: | AD-1 | Origin of manufacture: | Japan |
Precision: | 8 | Integrated circuits: | TMS0855 |
Memories: | |||
Program steps: | Courtesy of: | Joerg Woerner |
In
1974 Canon introduced with the Palmtronic LD-80 their first pocket calculator with the
green VF-Display (Vacuum Fluorescent) and stopped the wonderful LE-series
started with the famous LE-10. We remember all the
calculators using the red LED-Displays: LE-80,
LE-80M, LE-80R, LE-81, LE-82
and LE-100 before the LE-83,
LE-84 and LE-85 settled the
design line. Both manufacturing costs and operating time outdated this
technology and we got the new LD-series.
The
LD-80 used with the TMS0855 a calculator brain similar to the one found in the
rare TI-150. With the basic four
functions, a [%] key and the optional [√x] function it found its way into
most other calculators of the Palmtronic LD series.
The LD-80 used an unique design and looks more or less like
some Sharp calculators. The later LD-81 defined with its
blue, yellow and black keys the appearance of the „Palmtronic“ calculators
and this style was kept even with some calculators using the LC-Display (Liquid
Crystal) like the LC-8M.
Shortly after the introduction of the LD-80 a more or less identical calculator called Panther D appeared on the market.
Don't miss the Palmtronic 8 mini introduced about 1975.
If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.
© Joerg Woerner, January 19, 2003. No reprints without written permission.