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Sharp Compet 30 (CS-30A or CS-30B) Desktop Calculator

Sharp Compet 30 (CS-30A)
Image Courtesy Takaharu Yoshida

It appears that there were two versions of the Compet 30 developed and marketed, the CS-30A, and the CS-30B. The CS-30A did not have the ability to represent negative numbers. For example, if one carried out a calculation that would normally result in an answer of -2, the calculator would display 99999999999998. This was corrected in the CS-30B, by inclusion of two indicator lamps at the left-most end of the display that lit up either a "+" or a "-" to indicate the sign of the number in the display. On the CS-30B, performing the same calculation would result in "-00000000000002". Both the CS-30A and CS-30B used static Nixie drive circuitry (not multiplexed), identical keyboard and Nixie display assemblies, and appear to be visually identical other than the added sign indicators at the left end of the display in the CS-30B. The museum is interested in acquiring either version of the Compet 30.

Sharp Compet 30 (CS-30A) Specifications

Manufacturer: Hayakawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Sharp)
Model Number: CS-30A/CS-30B (Compet 30)
Manufactured In: Japan
Date of Introduction: 1966
Display Technology: Nixie Tube, 14 Digits
Logic Technology: Discrete Diode-Transistor Logic
650 Transistors, 1600 Diodes
Digits of Capacity: 14 (CS-30A unsigned, CS-30B with +/- indicator)
Decimal Modes: Fixed via keyboard pushbuttons
Math Functions: Four Function
Memories: One memory register
Performance: Addition/Subtraction: 15ms; Multiplication/Division: 150ms
Size: 17 1/4" wide, 18 3/4" deep, 8 1/2" high
Weight: 29 pounds
Power Consumption: 25 Watts
Copyright ©1997-2009, Rick Bensene.