The Elektronika MK-52 (Russian: Электро́ника МК-52) was a programmable calculator manufactured in the Soviet Union during the years 1983 to 1992. Its original selling price was 115 rubles.

The MK-52 was the first Soviet calculator to feature non-volatile EEPROM memory module, with 512 bytes of memory, for permanent data storage. The program memory had 15 addressable memory registers, and accepted up to 105 program steps. It also featured an expansion slot for ROM modules, and a diagnostic slot. There are four known ROM modules that were available which provided memory expansion, programs for mathematical equations, one that featured offered games, professional sports, and household purpose programmes, and a fourth that added further mathematical functions.

The MK-52 uses reverse Polish notation (RPN) entry. The calculator featured a ten-digit vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) and was powered by four AA batteries, or a power adaptor. 

The MK-52 was used as a backup to onboard computers of the Soyuz spacecraft during the Soyuz TM-7 mission to the Mir space station.

In what would be considered an unusual practice today (but was common for Soviet electronics), technical schematics were provided for the MK-52 when it was purchased, prompting user modification and repair of the machine.

Manufacturer: Elektronica
Date: 1983

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH43167. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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