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Old Calculator Museum Advertising & Documentation Archive


Advertisement for Mathatronics Mathatron Version I Expansion Unit, May, 1966

This advertisement shows an original Mathatronics Mathatron 8-48 Version I calculator, (the Version I calculator used rotary switches to select operating mode and pre-programmed advanced mathematical functions, while the Version II Mathatron calculators had individual keyboard keys for these functions) with the "Add Under" expansion unit (housed in wheeled "table" that the calculator is sitting on) which provides ten times the number of learn-mode program steps; eighteen read-only pre-programmed sequences; and six times the number of numeric memory registers, along with enhanced peripheral connectivity features. The expanded memory of the desk expansion unit was implemented using magnetostrictive delay line technology, because the quantity of memory involved was too expensive to implement with magnetic core memory. The Mathatron calculator itself used core memory, but the amount of memory involved was such that it was cost-effective for the calculator (and was also a lot faster than delay line memory).

This expansion unit made the Mathatron calculator, which was already quite advanced for its time, into what one could practically call a small personal computer. With the addition of the expansion unit, the expanded 8-48 calculator was capable of fairly advanced calculating capabilities, available only on much more expensive computer systems at the time. While the Mathatron wasn't nearly as fast as computers of the time, it was very simple to use and program, and allowed operators to perform complex mathematical operations with little training.

The expansion unit connects to the Mathatron calculator via a large connector on the bottom panel of the calculator. The calculator is bolted to the table, and the electronics providing the additional functions are housed in the spine of the table. Locking casters on the expansion unit make it much easier to move around the 80+ pound Mathatron calculator. As the text of the advertisement indicates, various controls and status indicators for the expansion unit are located on the right side of the calculator.

This advertisement is an original Mathatronics ad, produced prior to Barry Wright Corp. acquiring Mathatronics.