Wang Laboratories Model 370 Programming Calculator

WANG FrontalView.jpg
WANG370 Back.jpg
WANG370 Front Keyboard.jpg
WANG370 SideProfile.jpg
WANG370 OtherSideProfile.jpg
WANG370 Manual.jpg
WANG 370 Top.jpg
WANG 370 BottomPlate.jpg
WANG370 BackwithVents.jpg
WANG370 Bottom.jpg
WANG370) BottomwithCords.jpg
WANG FrontalView.jpg

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.

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

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

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/

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.