Commodore Minuteman Models

Hand-held Calculators

Commodore Minuteman Models

Towards the end of 1973 Commodore Business Machines (CBM) launched the first of a series of small but chunky calculators in the 'Minuteman' series. A number of models and variations were put on the market in the following years, with some branded 'Commodore, some 'CBM' and some branded for other companies. They were manufactured in various countries.
Here is a selection of them -

Commodore Minuteman 3

Distinctive features: A small but chunky calculator. One of the first models of the 'Minuteman' series.

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function.

6v (4x N cells).

77 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1973.

Made in Japan.

Significance: One of the first models of a range of very small calculators for the time.

CBM Minuteman 3M

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, %, memory.

Main integrated circuit: MOS Technology MCS2521, here date coded week 20 of 1973.

6v (4x rechargeable cells).

75 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1973.

Made in U.S.A.

Commodore Minuteman MM3S

CBM Minuteman MM3S

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, square, square root.

Main integrated circuit: Texas Instruments TMS-0126, here date coded week 15 of 1974.

6v (4x rechargeable cells).

75 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1974.

Made in UK. CBM Business Machines Ltd.

Commodore Minuteman MM3 Metric

Commodore Minuteman 3 Metric

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, %, metric conversion.

Main integrated circuit: MOS Technology MCS2521, here date coded week 03 of 1974.

6v (4x rechargeable cells).

75 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1973/1974.

Made in England.

Commodore Minuteman MM3MT

CBM Minuteman MM3MT

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, memory.

Main integrated circuit: Texas Instruments TMS-0132NT, here date coded week 9 of 1974.

6v (4x rechargeable cells).

75 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1974.

CBM Business Machines Ltd.
Made in UK.

cbm 385R

cbm MM385R

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, %.

Main integrated circuit: Commodore GRBP-89, here date coded week 31 of 1975.

3v (2x rechargeable cells).

75 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in about 1975.

cbm
Made in England.

Note: Commodore had taken over chip manufacturer MOS Technology after being closely associated for some years.

JCPenney MM3R

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED.

4-function, %.

Main integrated circuit: Texas Instruments TMS0128NC, here date coded week 13 of 1974.

6v (4x rechargeable cells).

77 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm (3" x 4.1" x 1.1").

First sold in 1974.

Made in U.S.A.

Significance: Manufactured by Commodore for JCPenney, the U.S. department store.

For more information about Commodore and its calculators see the Calculator Companies section.

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