Sharp EL-160
The Sharp EL-160 was an early desktop calculator produced by Sharp.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Sharp |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1971 |
| Calculator | |
| Display type | VFD |
| Display size | 8 digits |
| Programming | |
| Other | |
| Serial Numbers | 1001606, 1028363, 1069373, 1087623, 1500650, 1504877, 1518440, 1520437, 1808213, 1809354, 1810924 |
Special features
Since the calculator uses the Itron font tubes it does not feature leading-zero supression, to help with readability (e.g. it would display '00000001' to display '1').
The calculator uses separate 'minus equals' and 'plus equals' keys, as well as a single key for multiplication and division, this was common for the time period.
The calculator also has an 'm/d' key, this allows the user to switch between having an 8 digit memory and having an extended 16 digit multiplication/division results register.
Internal design
The calculator uses 3 PCBs internally, one for the power supply, mounted inside a metal cage, and display and logic boards, both seated into a card-edge connector.
The calculator uses a reed-switch keypad, Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (8x Itron DG12B and 1x Itron SP-12A), and 5 Integrated Circuits, the Rockwell ACM1156, AU2271, DC1152, NRD2256, and the Hitachi HD3113, presumably for keyboard decoding purposes.
Gallery
Powered-off top down view
Powered on
Chassis badge (#1809354)
Powered on without the top case, case is noticeably discolored in spots
Back of the keypad
Powered off with the top case and keypad assembly removed, case is noticeably discolored in spots
Display board/assembly
The back of the display board/assembly
Logic board (top)
Logic board (bottom)
Top case, keypad assembly, logic board, and display board removed, case is noticeably discolored in spots
Rear of the chassis with the top case removed
