Bowmar MX-55
&
Hiradastechnika version
Bowmar MX-55
Bowmar MX-55
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. For more information about Bowmar visit the Calculator Companies section of this site.
Hiradastechnika version
Hiradastechnika version
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.
