DATAMATH

DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Sharp EL-8024

Date of introduction:	1976	Display technology:	LCD (yellow)
New price:		Display size:	8
Size:	5.0" x 3.0" x 0.5"
Weight:	4.7 ounces	Serial No:	61265585
Batteries:	2*AAA	Date of manufacture:	mth 05 year 1976
AC-Adapter:	EA-17	Origin of manufacture:	Japan
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:	Hitachi HD37001
Memories:	1
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner

At first glance this Sharp EL-8024 calculator looks like one of the typical early calculators using the yellow screen LCD introduced with the EL-8020. Nevertheless it is an odd calculator using an external AC adapter together with replaceable batteries. We know the uncomfortable AC adapters from the power hungry calculators using LED (light-emitting-diode) displays or VF (vacuum-fluorescent) displays. But the main advantage of the modern LCD calculators together with calculator chips manufactured in CMOS technology was the impressive reduction in power consumption. No need for an external power supply in conjunction with the 2 AAS-sized batteries.

The following comparison table gives you an idea of the continues approach in reducing power consumption of simple 4-banger calculators:

Year	Calculator	Display	IC	Batteries	Energy	Working time	Power consumption
1972	Datamath	LED	PMOS	6*AA NiCd	3200 mWh	6h	550mW
1973	EL-805	sLCD	CMOS	1*AA	1500 mWh	100h	15mW
1975	TI-1200	LED	PMOS	9V PP3	2800 mWh	20h	140mW
1976	EL-8024	yLCD	CMOS	2*AAA	1100 mWh	30h	35mW
1978	TI-1030	LCD	CMOS	2*LR43	400 mWh	1000h	0.4mW
1998	€-2000	LCD	CMOS	1*LR189	250 mWh	10000h	0.025mW

Learn how to decipher the 61265585 Date code hidden in the serial number of the pictured calculator.

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