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Data Devices

A report in 1974 mentions that Data Devices launched calculators in about 1972 but failed to get them off the ground[1].

Just the Data Devices Brock 880/1 calculator, illustrated here, is known from this company.

If you have further information we would be very pleased if you would please get in touch.

 

Data Devices Brock 880/1

Data Devices Brock 880/1

Data Devices Brock 880/1

Power supply: 230V AC.

Display: 8 digits Mullard (Philips) ZM1206 'Pandicon'.  The first version of the Pandicon which is used here is effectively 8 'Nixie' type assemblies in a single tube.  This was a short-lived technology.
The calculator accepts and calculates with 16 digits and displays either the 8 most-significant digits or 8 least-significant digits using the '<->' key as needed.

Capability: 4 function, square root, square, memory.

Main semiconductors: Electronic Arrays S-100 chip-set (distributed by Philips in Europe) consisting of (date codes in brackets)  FDY 110-5001 (7047), FDY 120-5013 (7101), FDY 150-5005 (7101), FDY 3108-7014 (7135), FDY 3208-7002 (7135), FDY 3608-7006 (7144).

Size: 197 mm x 295 mm x 90 mm (7.75" x 11.6" x 3.5").

Made in Great Britain.

The latest date code on a chip is week 44 of 1971, so the calculator must have been manufactured at some time after this.

Data Devices Brock 880/1 inside

The bottom cover is removed first and reveals the AC power supply with transformer at the top and the underside of the 'Pandicon' display tube mounted next to it.

Data Devices Brock 880/1 inside

The circuit board can then be extracted from the top cover to show the 6 chips of the Electronic Arrays S-100 chip-set in line across the middle.

Electronic Arrays S-100 chip set

Close up of the 6 chips of the Electronic Arrays S-100 chip-set used in this machine.  These are all 24-pin devices except the FDY 3208-7002 (third from right) which is a 28-pin device.

Mullard ZM1206 Pandicon

Close up of the Mullard (a British subsidiary of Philips) ZM1206 'Pandicon' tube.  This tube contains 8 'Nixie' type assemblies in a single tube.

Mullard ZM1206 Pandicon rear

The rear of the ZM1206 'Pandicon' showing the connections to sockets attached to both ends of the tube.

Reference:

  1. Milton, R., Beaumont, A.J. (1974), Electronic Calculator Markets and Suppliers, 2nd. ed., Finresearch Series, London: Ovum, 39.

Vintage British Calculators

Text & photographs copyright, except where stated otherwise, © Nigel Tout 2000-2024.