PiraComp PR-40

Datasheet legend
Ab/c: Fractions calculation
AC: Alternating current
BaseN: Number base calculations
Card: Magnetic card storage
Cmem: Continuous memory
Cond: Conditional execution
Const: Scientific constants
Cplx: Complex number arithmetic
DC: Direct current
Eqlib: Equation library
Exp: Exponential/logarithmic functions
Fin: Financial functions
Grph: Graphing capability
Hyp: Hyperbolic functions
Ind: Indirect addressing
Intg: Numerical integration
Jump: Unconditional jump (GOTO)
Lbl: Program labels
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
LED: Light-Emitting Diode
Li-ion: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Lreg: Linear regression (2-variable statistics)
mA: Milliamperes of current
Mtrx: Matrix support
NiCd: Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable battery
NiMH: Nickel-metal-hydrite rechargeable battery
Prnt: Printer
RTC: Real-time clock
Sdev: Standard deviation (1-variable statistics)
Solv: Equation solver
Subr: Subroutine call capability
Symb: Symbolic computing
Tape: Magnetic tape storage
Trig: Trigonometric functions
Units: Unit conversions
VAC: Volts AC
VDC: Volts DC
Years of production:   Display type: Numeric display  
New price:   Display color: Black  
    Display technology: Liquid crystal display 
Size: 5"×3"×¼" Display size: 10(8+2) digits
Weight: 2 oz    
    Entry method: Algebraic with precedence 
Batteries: 2×"V389" button cell Advanced functions: Trig Exp Hyp Sdev Cmem 
External power:   Memory functions: + 
I/O:      
    Programming model: Partially merged keystroke 
Precision: 11 digits Program functions:  
Memories: 3 numbers Program display:  
Program memory: 40 program steps Program editing:  
Chipset: Sharp LI3301A   Forensic result: 9.0000156204  

PiraComp PR-40

pr40.jpg (28857 bytes)With the PR-40, PiraComp (as I was recently enlightened by a German calculator enthusiast, the name on the front of this machine, DAG Technikum, is that of a German trade union, not the manufacturer) joins the rank of companies producing OEM calculators using the Sharp LI3301A integrated circuit.

Or perhaps more than just the integrated circuit. Unlike other calculators I have with the same chipset, the PR-40 actually looks and feels like a genuine Sharp machine. But is it? The circuit board doesn't reveal the identity of the manufacturer, it only bears an identifier, LC-862C.

The limited programming model of this machine makes it impossible to implement complex algorithms. A sophisticated Gamma function implementation is therefore beyond the machine's capabilities, but Stirling's formula fits easily into the calculator's memory: 

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