Object Details
- Unisonic
- Description
- This colorful handheld electronic calculator also could be used to play the game of blackjack, with the calculator serving as the dealer and the user as a player.
- The object has a metal case with plastic trim and keys. It has an array of twenty-five oval plastic keys. Four arithmetic function keys are on the left, in a column labeled: Calc. Ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key are arranged in three columns in a section labeled: Bet. Eight gaming keys are arranged in two columns labeled: Play. Above this on the right is a shuffle/clear/clear entry key. Left of it are an on/off switch and a calculator/game switch. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic 21. Another mark there reads: Blackjack. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit display that is labeled on the left: Player. On the right it is labeled: Dealer. Text behind this reads: Dealer draws on 16.
- A sticker on the back describes the "A/C" adapter that may be used with the calculator. A jack for it is on the bottom edge. Text printed on the back gives calculation examples. One mark reads: Unisonic 21-P1. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 078380 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
- Below these marks is a compartment for three UM-4 batteries.
- This calculator was actively discussed in early literature on electronic games.
- Compare 1986.0988.295 (the Unisonic 21-P1) and 1986.0988.048 (the Radio Shack EC-21).
- References:
- A copy of the instructions for the game is at the wass.net website, accessed July 2, 2015.
- “Card Counter,” Texas Monthly, 7 #7, July, 1979, p. 16. Price of Unisonic 21 varies from $20 to $30, depending on model. Image shown appears to be the desktop version of the device.
- Anne Douglas, “Game Shows Have Serious Aspects Too,” Chicago Tribune, June 18, 1977, p. 1B 11. Unisonic 21 available in both desktop and portable forms for $50 and up.
- Kris Jensen, “New 1978 Electronic Games,” Modern Mechanix, January 1978, pp. 33–43. Mentions that the Unisonic 21 is available in both desktop and portable versions.
- John Free, “Pocket Calculators for More than Math,” Popular Science, 214 #4, April 1979, p. 22, 24, 26, 29.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of John B. Priser
- ca 1977
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.295
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.295
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Object Name
- electronic calculator
- Physical Description
- metal (case; circuitry material)
- glass (display material)
- paper (stickers material)
- plastic (trim; keys material)
- Measurements
- overall: 5/8 in x 3 in x 5 1/4 in; 1.5875 cm x 7.62 cm x 13.335 cm
- place made
- Taiwan
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Handheld Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1363087
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-cc4d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
