Wang Laboratories Model 370 Programming Calculator
Title
Wang Laboratories Model 370 Programming Calculator
Subject
Mathematics; Science; Engineering; Financial Services.
Description
A rectangular shaped (304.4 Length X 165.1Width X 355.6 Height mm) device. This frame is made of metal that is painted everywhere except the stainless steel bottom. The front of the calculator contains a panel and display board. The panel holds 56 plastic keys of different shapes (Key Shape 1: 17.5 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm & Key Shape 2: 38.1 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm) and colors (black, gray, white, and blue) and 12 small white switches. The display board is a clear plastic sheet with a 14-digit display of nixie tubes behind it. On top there are multiple openings, likely for ventilation. On the back near the bottom is a black plastic knob, a switch for power, 2 slots for inputting cords, and 2 cords that go out.
Functional Description:
The Wang Model 370 Programmer is a primitive calculator that was capable of being programmed for adding loops, logical tests, jumps, and subroutine calls. This turned the calculator into a small computer.
On the keyboard are many different commands for programming and many basic calculator operations (such as add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc.). The 370 Programmer calculates operations and displays them on through the clear plastic screen via lighting up different nixie tubes shaped into numbers.
The 370 was capable of programming and reading code. It could use the programming keys on the keyboard to create a code. It could attach to a card reader that would read punch out sheets and translate the card into code for the 370 to use. Both methods could then store the code on the 370 to be used later.
Functional Description:
The Wang Model 370 Programmer is a primitive calculator that was capable of being programmed for adding loops, logical tests, jumps, and subroutine calls. This turned the calculator into a small computer.
On the keyboard are many different commands for programming and many basic calculator operations (such as add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc.). The 370 Programmer calculates operations and displays them on through the clear plastic screen via lighting up different nixie tubes shaped into numbers.
The 370 was capable of programming and reading code. It could use the programming keys on the keyboard to create a code. It could attach to a card reader that would read punch out sheets and translate the card into code for the 370 to use. Both methods could then store the code on the 370 to be used later.
Creator
Gideon Hoekstra, Donovan Doran, Erik Madson, Nick Renke
Date
1967-1968
Language
English
Physical Dimensions
Length 304.4 X Width 165.1 X Height 355.6 mm
Key Shape 1: 17.5 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm Key Shape 2: 38.1 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm
Key Shape 1: 17.5 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm Key Shape 2: 38.1 X 9.5 X 17.5 mm
Materials
Metal, plastic, paint, glass, and rubber.
Maker
WANG Laboratories, Inc.
Inscriptions
FRONT: PROGRAMMING KEYBOARD | MODEL 370 ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR WANG LABORATORIES, INC. MASS. U.S.A. WANG PROPERTY OF | 41904 MICHIGAN | TECHNOLOGICAL | UNIVERSITY BACK
FUSE TURN OFF | ON POWER 115 AC | 60 CPS I/O E.P. READER
BOTTOM: Wang Laboratories Inc. | ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR | 370 SYSTEMS | MODEL NO. 370/370-2 | SERIAL NO. 700185 | TEWKSBURY, MASS, U.S.A. AUG 14 1968
FUSE TURN OFF | ON POWER 115 AC | 60 CPS I/O E.P. READER
BOTTOM: Wang Laboratories Inc. | ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR | 370 SYSTEMS | MODEL NO. 370/370-2 | SERIAL NO. 700185 | TEWKSBURY, MASS, U.S.A. AUG 14 1968
History of the Object
Likely used as an early programming device and calculator at the school before being replaced by better computers.
Location
MEEM 3rd Floor, Hallway Display Case
Bibliography
Bensene, Rick. “Wang Laboratories: From
Custom Systems to Computers.” The Old Calculator Web Museum. September 8, 2019. Accessed November 18, 2019. https://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/d- wangcustom.html
Wang Calculators – History.” DoPECC.
Accessed November 18, 2019. https://dopecc.net/calculators/wang/
Custom Systems to Computers.” The Old Calculator Web Museum. September 8, 2019. Accessed November 18, 2019. https://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/d- wangcustom.html
Wang Calculators – History.” DoPECC.
Accessed November 18, 2019. https://dopecc.net/calculators/wang/
Collection
Citation
Gideon Hoekstra, Donovan Doran, Erik Madson, Nick Renke, “Wang Laboratories Model 370 Programming Calculator,” Michigan Tech Inventory of Historic Scientific Instruments, accessed March 29, 2024, https://ihsi.omeka.net/items/show/184.