One pretty interesting item I picked up on Ebay recently. This is very unusual SHARP EL-8110 calculator with bizarre LCD display from the early 70’s. Actually I don't need a
calculator, but this one I purchased just because of amazing display with white
LCD segments! So after a bit of searching I found what before the appearance of traditional
LCDs with black segments, COS or DSM displays with white segments were
widely used, mostly in watches and calculators.
Contrast of the
display is very low because of the white segments and reflective mirror coating. This display requires protective bezel or flap
to increase the contrast. Also in this EL-8110 model protective
flap directly connected with ON/OFF switch and it opens and closes
each time you powering up the calculator.
Calculator is very simple inside, only one DIP-40 Toshiba T3289 processor with switched power supply, few transistors and capacitor.
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| SHARP EL-8110 calculator |
Calculator is very simple inside, only one DIP-40 Toshiba T3289 processor with switched power supply, few transistors and capacitor.
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| Reflective metal coating |
Calculator powered by two 357 batteries
Very unusual design of spring elements for rubber buttons.
