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Bowmar MX-55
&
Hiradastechnika version

Bowmar MX-55

Bowmar MX-55
Circuit board

Bowmar MX-55

Distinctive features: One of the common models from Bowmar when it was at peak production of calculators in the U.S.A.

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-functions, %.

3.6v (3x AA rechargeable cells).

Main integrated circuit Western Digital LC1552B, here date-coded to early 1974.

75 x 146 x 34 mm (3.0" x 5.75" x 1.3").

Made in Mexico.

In the early 1970s Bowmar of the U.S.A. was the largest manufacturer of calculators in the world and produced many general purpose models, like the MX-55 here, and some scientific models.  However, within a few years it was hit by the plummetting price of calculators and closed down.  In an effort to reduce costs some U.S. companies had calculators manufactured in Mexico, as here.  For more information about Bowmar visit the Calculator Companies section of this site.

Hiradastechnika version

Hiradastechnika version
Circuit board

Hiradastechnika version

Distinctive features: Bowmar model manufactured under license in communist Hungary.

Technical details:
Similar to the Bowmar MX-55, shown above.

The main integrated circuit is also a Western Digital LC1552B, here date-coded to early 1974, though two of the small integrated circuits are replaced by transistors and resistors.

Made in Hungary by Hiradastechnika Szovetkezet, under licence from Bowmar Canada.

Several U.S. calculator manufacturers licenced their calculators for manufacture in, then communist, eastern Eurpean countries and the U.S.S.R.  Hiradastechnika Szovetkezet manufactured at least one model under licence from National Semiconductor.

Label

The manufacturer's label on the rear.

Hand-held Calculators

Vintage Calculators

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