Refurbishing Classic Portable Sony Calculators
Modern Twist on Old-School Calculating: Sony SOBAX Nixie Tube Calculators
Why shell out a buck for a new calculator when you could repair an old Sony SOBAX model instead? [Vintage Tech Treasures] has some mind-blowing Sony calculators adorning Nixie tubes, including a 1960s beauty. Intrigued? Check out the video below to see what all the fuss is about.
These devices aren't packing any modern ICs—instead, they boast modular assemblies of discrete parts in epoxy. And, you won't find any built-in RAM. But, they do sport a delay line memory, although it's marked as "unrepairable." That's right, we said delay line memory!
There's a captivating history to this line of calculators, some of which is outlined in the video below. You won't believe how the entire range was born from an engineer's sideline project using scrapped transistors that didn't meet their intended application's specs.
The handle on these calculators isn't mere flair. If you fancy an external battery pack, you can turn your calculator into a bulky but portable behemoth—weighing approximately 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms). And no, you probably wouldn’t find a battery included in the initial $1,000 price tag.
The allure of these machines lies not just in their vintage aesthetics, but also in their construction. In fact, our nostalgic favorite calculator might still be the HP-41C, even in emulation.
**Note: Old Sony SOBAX calculators, especially those from the late 1960s, hold a unique and intriguing place in the annals of computing device history. They were early "luggable" calculators that predated modern electronic microchips and displays, relying on Nixie tubes, discrete transistors, and modules of discrete components for their operation._
Enabled by historical transistors, these calculators utilized Nixie tubes for digital readouts, transitioning from mechanical and electromechanical devices to solid-state electronics. Despite their portability, they often weighed up to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms), and had to be paired with external battery packs for true portability. Filled with unique charm and historical significance, these calculators are sought-after by collectors who appreciate the evolution of computation technology.
Intrigued by the history of these early calculators, we discover that some vintage Sony SOBAX models, particularly those from the late 1960s, showcase precious pieces of technology evolution, such as the use of Nixie tubes and discrete transistors. Besides their historical significance, these gadgets also display an element of technology, combining vintage aesthetics with solid-state electronics.
