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Hunor 131 Desktop Calculator


The Hunor 131 is the first electronic calculator manufactured in socialist Hungary, introduced in 1965. Hunor was the brand name adopted by the manufacturer to market its electronic calculators. The calculator was developed by a team led by Klatsmányi Árpád (12/20/1923-7/1/2007), famed Budapest-born engineer, working for the Hungarian engineering and manufacturing company Orion Elektronikus Mérőkészülékek Gyára(Orion EMG), (Electronics Measurement Equipment Works). Development was begun in October of 1964, and the machine was in full production by fall of 1965 - an incredibly short development timeframe for any electronic calculator.

The calculator's logic is fully transistorized, using Germanium transistors and diodes, along with passive electronic components developed and manufactured within Hungary. The register storage (three working registers [accumulator, entry and memory]) of the calculator is based on a small magnetic core memory array.

The Hunor 131 (also known as the Type BC-101, or EMG-71131) provides the four basic math functions, and supports chained multiplication and division. The calculator has a capacity of 13 digits, using top-view Nixie tubes for the display. The machine has fully-floating or manually-set decimal point positioning, with the decimal point indicated by discrete neon lamps situated between the Nixie tubes. Numeric overflow lights an indicator and sounds a tone, with the keyboard electronically disabled until the machine is cleared.

The calculator supports remote operation by connection of remote keyboards (up to six) to the calculator through a daisy-chained cable connection, however, the remote keyboards do not have display capability. Only one remote keyboard may operate the calculator at a time.

The museum is looking for anything relating to this calculator, including the calculator itself in working or non-working condition, parts, remote keyboard units, and documentation/literature. Please contact the museum by clicking the EMail button in the toolbar at the top of this page.

Hunor 131 Specifications

Manufacturer: Orion EMG
Model Number: Hunor 131, Type BC-101, EMG-71131
Introduction: Fall, 1965
Manufactured In: Budapest, Hungary
Original Price: Currently Unknown
Weight: Approx. 51 Pounds (23 Kilograms)
Size: Approx. 19" Wide, 20" Deep, 9" High
Power Requirement: 85 Watts, 220V AC, 50/60Hz
Display Technology: Nixie Tubes, 13 round top-view tubes with digits zero through nine
Logic Technology: Diode/Transistor (Germanium) logic circuitry
Digits of Capacity: 13
Decimal Modes: Settable Fixed, or Automatic floating decimal
Arithmetic Logic: Arithmetic for Add/Subtract, Algebraic for Multiply/Divide
Math Functions: Four Function
Memories: One, accumulator type with +, - and multiply/accumulate function
Performance: Currently Unknown
Accessories: Faux Leather Dust Cover (included)
Dusting Brush (included)
Optional Automobile Power Pack for In-Vehicle Operation
Features: Remotely operable (not simultaneously) with Remote Keyboard (no display) option, EMG-71131-8