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Omron 1200 Desktop Calculator
Image Courtesy Takaharu Yoshida
Omron's second electronic calculator, introduced in Japan in January, 1970.
The 1200 is the little brother of the earlier Omron 1210, taking away the 1210's memory functionality.
The 1200 utilizes two large-scale integration (LSI) devices that make up the vast
majority of the logic of the calculator. The LSI ICs are
packaged in an unusual fasion, with large OMRON labeling either printed or
embossed into the packaging. At this time, it is unclear who manufactured
the LSI chips for Omron. When the calculator was developed (1967-1969),
Japanese semiconductor manufacturers did not yet have volume production LSI
fabrication technology perfected, so these IC's had to be made either
in the US or Europe, under contract to Omron. If anyone out
there has any information on the the integrated circuits used in the Omron 1200
and Omron 1210
calculators, please contact us by clicking the EMail button
at the top of this page.
The Omron 1200 is a four function calculator with twelve digit capacity
using unique segmented Vacuum Flourescent display tubes that create a
hand-written appearing digit rendition, similar to the Itron tubes used
on some Sharp calculators from the early 1970's, but without the odd
half-sized zeroes. Fixed decimal setting via slide switch at left side
of keyboard. Flip-up display cover becomes a shroud to allow easier
reading of display in high ambient light conditions.
The Omron 1200 may be branded by other companies, as Omron was keen on
selling their calculators to other distributors who would put their name
on the machines and market/sell/support the calculators through their own
distribution and service networks. The Old Calculator Museum is interested
in acquiring any brand variant of this calculator.