Sinclair Cambridge Scientific Calculator

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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.

There was a number of different models in the Cambridge range. This example in our collection is the Scientific model, which was launched in Spring 1976. It was the first time a Sinclair scientific calculator offered algebraic logic, a choice between scientific or normal notation, a choice between degrees or radians operation, and a full five-function memory. It featured the General Instrument CF596 as its main integrated circuit, which Sinclair had previously used in the Sinclair Oxford 300 scientific calculator. It had an eight-digit LED screen in scientific format with a 5-digit mantissa and a 2-digit exponent. It was powered by two AA batteries.

A major factor in the Cambridge's success was its low price; the Cambridge Scientific cost £16.95 +VAT at its launch.

The use of cheap components was an important contributor to the unit's cost. 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.

Our Sinclair Cambridge Scientific, together with the original hard case, was very kindly donated by Julian Bryant.

Manufacturer: Sinclair Radionics
Date: 1976

Other Systems Related To Sinclair Cambridge Scientific Calculator:

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 Cambridge (Type 3) 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 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 CH21989. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

Sinclair Cambridge Scientific Calculator


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