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Sharp CS-10A "COMPET" Desktop Calculator
Image Courtesy Nigel Tout
Photo Taken at London Science Museum
Sharp's (then known as Hayakawa Electric) first all-electronic
calculator. Sharp's earlier calculators were desk-sized machines that utlized
relays to perform calculations. The COMPET (which became the trade name
for Sharp's future calculators) utilizes all Germanium transistor logic.
Sharp's next calculator, the Compet 20
abandoned Germanium transistors in favor of more reliable Silicon-based
transistors. The COMPET had an amazing twenty digit capacity,
with ten digit entry via "full keyboard" like used in earlier electromechanical
calculators. Rotary switch constant panel at front of machine, used for "dialing in" a constant value which can be recalled through a keyboard key.
Nixie tube display, with discrete neon bulbs for decimal point indication.
Modular design, with plug-in circuit cards for each
digit, with additional plug-in cards for sequencing and control logic.