Sinclair Cambridge (Type 3)

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The Sinclair Cambridge series of calculators was introduced in Summer 1973, and was the second calculator from Sinclair Radionics after the Executive was released in 1972. On release the Executive was the world's slimmest calculator, measuring a third of the size of other calculators available at the time. The Sinclair Cambridge was another small-sized range of calculators, and truly pocket-sized.

This example in our collection is the first model of the Cambridge series, which there are four known variations of. This is the third variation and is identified by its 'C/CE' and 'K' keys. It is a four-function calculator. It has an eight-digit LED screen, and is powered by four AAA batteries. It features the General Instruments GIMT-CZ550 integrated circuit.

The calculator cost £29.95 plus VAT. It was also available as a kit, which cost £24.95 plus VAT.

Due to the cheap materials used in the calculator it suffered from a design flaw in that after a certain amount of use, it became impossible to turn off the calculator due to the oxidation of the tin-coated nickel connectors which were used rather than the gold-flashed nickel connectors generally used. This meant the user had to remove the battery to cut the power to the calculator.

Internal photographs courtesy of  http://www.vintagecalculators.com/

Our calculator was very kindly donated by Francis Hookham.

Manufacturer: Sinclair Radionics
Date: 1975

Other Systems Related To Sinclair Cambridge (Type 3):

Item Manufacturer Date
Sinclair Executive Type 2 Sinclair Radionics 1972
Sinclair Executive Type 1 Circuit Board Sinclair Radionics 1972
Sinclair Executive Type 1 Sinclair Radionics 1972
Sinclair Executive Memory (Possible Development Model) Sinclair Radionics 1973
Sinclair Executive Memory (Development Model) Sinclair Radionics 1973
Sinclair Cambridge (Type 1) Sinclair Radionics July 1973
Sinclair Oxford 100 (Type 1) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Scientific Programmable Calculator Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Oxford 200 (Type 1) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Oxford 200 (Type 2) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Oxford 200 (Type 1 - Early Style) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Oxford Universal Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Oxford 300 (Type 2) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Cambridge (Type 4) Sinclair Radionics 1975
Sinclair Sovereign (Gold) Sinclair Radionics 1976
Sinclair Enterprise (Early Prototype Model) Sinclair Radionics 1976
Sinclair Sovereign (Black) Sinclair Radionics 1976
Sinclair Cambridge Scientific Calculator Sinclair Radionics 1976
Sinclair Enterprise (Possible Prototype Model) Sinclair Radionics 1977
Sinclair Sovereign (Silver Jubilee) Sinclair Radionics 1977
Sinclair Enterprise Programmable Sinclair Radionics 1978

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH2885. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

Sinclair Cambridge (Type 3)


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