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Litronix Checkmate

Litronix Checkmate

Distinctive features: One of the first models of calculator made by Litronix, like Bowmar, a manufacturer of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) displays which moved into making the complete calculator.

Technical details:
Display is 8 digits, red LED, with fixed decimal point, switchable between 2 and 4 places of decimals.

4-functions.

Rechargeable batteries.

Main integrated circuit is a LIT-019 (manufacturer unknown), here date coded 1973.

Checkmate version 1 has the high-quality Texas Instruments "Klixon" keypad, whereas version 2 has a somewhat cheaper keypad from Wild Rover Corp..

78 x 137 x 37 mm (3.1" x 5.4" x 1.5").

c1973.

Litronix Inc., Cupertino, California, U.S.A.

The electronics of the version 1 and the version 2 models is identical. Since the version 2 model does not have the Litronix name on it and has a cheaper keypad, Ball & Flamme^[1] suggest that  it may have been made by Litronix for another company to market.

Note that on the version 1 calculator displayed someone has engraved a security number "H58359" below the display and near the decimal position selector switch - calculators were expensive items at the time!

With the casing removed, showing the identical circuit boards of a type 1 version (on the left) and a type 2 version (on the right). The white and gold calculator integrated circuit, marked with the code LIT-019, is prominent.
The LED display is at the top, with a row of individual transistors below.

Litronix was a manufacturer of LED displays which diversified into the manufacture of electronic hand-held calculators in the early 1970s.

It was a major supplier in the calculator market and produced a range of well specified and stylish models, with later ones being assembled in Malaysia. Like Bowmar it was badly hit by the plunging price of calculators in the mid-1970s and left the calculator market. It was bought by Siemens A.G. of Germany.

References:

1. Ball, G., and Flamme, B., 1997, "The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators", Wilson/Barnett Publishing, Tustin.

Vintage Calculators

© Text & photographs copyright Nigel Tout   2000-2012 except where noted otherwise.