Sinclair Sovereign
| Manufacturer | Sinclair Research |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1976 |
| Calculator | |
| Display Type | Light-emitting diode |
| Display Size | 8 digits |
| CPU | |
| Processor | Mostek MK50321N |
| Programming | |
| Other | |
| Power supply | 2 button cells |
| Dimensions | 36 by 141 by 12 millimetres (1.42 × 5.55 × 0.47 in) |
The Silver Sovereign was a high-end calculator introduced by Sinclair Radionics of the United Kingdom in 1976.
History
It was one of the last Sinclair calculators, produced in an attempt to move upmarket.[1] Cheaper calculators with liquid-crystal displays were becoming more popular, and had much longer battery lives of months or years.[1] Such calculators were available for well under GB£10, with all the functionality of the more expensive models.[2] Sinclair would shortly stop producing calculators and instead focus on computers.[1]
Design
The Sovereign came in silver and gold plated models, with leather pouches and fitted wooden cases.[1] The display can view 8 digits using red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and includes four functions for percentage, memory, square root and square.[1] It uses two 2.5 volt button cells and uses a Mostek MK50321N main integrated circuit (IC). Similar to other Sinclair products and calculators, the Sovereign was small and slim measuring 36 by 141 by 12 millimetres (1.42 × 5.55 × 0.47 in).[1]
As well as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, it had reciprocal and square-root functions.[3]
The Sovereign was unusual because the casing was made from pressed steel. This allowed a variety of paint and plating options, including black painted, bright chrome plated, silver plated, and gold plated. Sinclair also made two solid gold ones.[4] In 1976, the chrome plated version cost GB£30 and the gold plated version GB£60.[1][2] A limited edition silver plated version, inscribed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 was produced.[4]
The design, by John Pemberton, won the Design Centre Award in 1977.[5][1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Sinclair Sovereign". vintagecalculators.com. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Ryman Presents Gift Ideas". New Scientist. 1976.
- ↑ "Sinclair Sovereign operating instructions". Sinclair Radionics. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Sinclair Sovereign 1977". Planet Sinclair. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ↑ "Sinclair Sovereign electronic calculator". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
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