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1979 - My first calculator...
  Ma TI58C ! 
 
A programmable calculator Texas Instrument TI58C.
  • Endowed with a specific language (LMS: Specialized Machine Language),
  • 480 program steps or 60 memories (1 step = 2 nibbles*, 1 memory = 8 bytes),
  • Memory RAM = 480 bytes, less of an half K byte (almost 4K bits!),
  • A ROM module, called "Basic library", of 5000 steps is normally supplied.
  • display red LED 10 digits in 7 segments

    A PC100 printer completes this aquisition.

    		•
      PC100 Printer  Clever trap!  Programs! 

      To connect the TI58C to the printer, it is necessary to remove batteries for plug in the pocket calculator on the connector of the printer. Small sensible craftiness: batteries can be put in a trapdoor which assures the load.
    No ink, the printer "burns" a thermal paper which has the inconvenience to erasing in time... I keep nevertheless my "listings" of programs under forms of paper rolls.

    ROM modules of 5000 steps containing about twenty programs or utilities are also marketed.
      Math Module  Math Module 
     
    I also buy the "Math" module almost inevitable.


    I find a small advertising for a TV interface which I order immediately. This interface possesses a receptacle identical to the base of connection of the printer and connects to the television (Black & White) with a coaxial cable of antenna.

    The display corresponds exactly to what usually goes out on the printer and a "trace mode" allows to follow step by step the execution of the program for debugging.
      TV interface  Video 59  Connecting 

     
    I also use a small telephone amplifier with a micro suction cup that I put on the display.
    The sizzling of the diodes generates a screeching sound that I use to warn me of the end of a long program by flashing a line of 8. ( CLR 1/X 8888888888 R/S)

      Telephone Amplifier  Telephone Amplifier


      The final investment for this first "calculator" will have been consequent...

  • A TI58C : 800 Francs
  • A printer PC100 : 1200 Francs
  • One "Math" module : 400 Francs
  • A TV interface "Vidéo59" : 1800 Francs

    For a total of 4200 Francs , approximately 2 month of Gross salary in 1980 (Guaranteed minimum wage) !
    What would make 3109.16 Euros today (env. 2 month of today gross salary 2021 (Guaranteed minimum wage)
    ... And this without counting the cost of the screen (a B&W TV !)

    But when we love...


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    (*) A nibble contains 4 bits (that is to say a half-byte), it can take sixteen (16) different values and thus corresponds to only one hexadecimal figure, from where its other name of “hex digit” (or hexit).

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