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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
   
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 Both manufacturing costs and operating time outdated this technology and we got the new LD-series.  

LD-80_PCB.jpg (46708 Byte)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.



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

© Joerg Woerner, January 19, 2003. No reprints without written permission.