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DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Sharp EL-8130 super thinman

Date of introduction:	June 1977	Display technology:	LCD
New price:	¥8.500	Display size:	8
Size:	4.9" x 2.7" x 0.2"
Weight:	2.3 ounces	Serial No:	77022959
Batteries:	2*SR1130	Date of manufacture:	mth 09 year 1977
AC-Adapter:		Origin of manufacture:	Japan
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Gerhard Wenzel

Sharp Corporation introduced in the 1977 with the EL-8036 and this EL-8130 the World’s first touch key calculator using a membrane keypad.

Another Sharp breakthrough was the development of the membrane's flat keypad, which allowed the calculator to shrink even further to only 0.2" in thickness (the EL-8130 was called the "super thinman"). Since the keys lack any tactile response when pushed, these units had a special key which activated a beep that sounded upon each key press. This "sensor touch" keys used in many later Sharp calculators, had a musical note symbol on the key.

Learn how to decipher the 77022959 Date code hidden in the serial number of the pictured calculator.

Another two year later thickness was reduced to unbelievable 1.6mm (0.35"). Don't miss the EL-8152.

Read more about Sharp Corporation’s Calculator Innovations.

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