DATAMATH

DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Rapid Data Rapidman 801

Date of introduction:	1973	Display technology:	LED-modules
New price:		Display size:	8 + Sign
Size:	5.5" x 3.2" x 0.95"
Weight:	6.2 ounces	Serial No:	15-128873
Batteries:		Date of manufacture:	mth 01 year 1974
AC-Adapter:	9V Alkaline	Origin of manufacture:	Canada
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:	Rockwell A1030PE
Logic:	Chain Logic	Displays:	3*Litronix DL-33
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner

If you compare this Rapidman 801 manufactured by Canadian based Rapid Data Systems & Equipment Ltd. with its predecessor Rapidman 800, you'll notice many changes to lower manufacturing costs and yet improving durability:

• The innovative one-piece housing gave way to a more traditional design featuring two separate housing parts and a sliding battery compartment cover
• The unreliable On/Off-switch using one contact of the keyboard array was replaced with a conventional true sliding switch
• Double-shot molded key legends were replaced by simple printed legends
• The plastic frame that held the keyboard and electronics together was eliminated

Dismantling the featured Rapidman 801 calculator manufactured in January 1974 in Canada reveals a compact electronic assembly using a Klixon™ "Basic 1KS" keyboard array connected to its Main-PCB and powered by a 9-Volt Alkaline battery.

The Main-PCB is centered around a Rockwell A1030PE single-chip calculator circuit and supported by discrete transistors to drive the anodes and cathodes of the 9-digit LED assembly. The remaining electronics is mainly used to generate the supply voltages of the calculator chip.

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