Retro Review: Lloyd's Accumatic 321
Quick Facts
Model: 321
Company: Lloyd's (Japan)
Years: 1975
Memory Register: 1 independent memory
Battery: Either 4 AAA batteries or the use of a 6V DC 300mW, Series 255A AC adapter
Screen: LCD, blue-green digits, 8 digits
Features
The Accumatic 321 is a four function calculator with additional features:
* Parenthesis
* Square (x^2)
* Reciprocal (1/X)
The square (x^2), square root (√), and reciprocal (1/X) act immediately on the number on the display.
The 321 operates in chain mode: which means that the operations are done in the way the keys are pressed. Thankfully the parenthesis keys are there to assist us in following the order of operations, which we will have to deal with manually. Case in point with two examples:
Example 1:
6 [ + ] 3 [ × ] 7 [ = ] returns 63
Parenthesis are needed to invoke the proper order of operations:
[ ( ] 6 [ + ] 3 [ ) ] [ × ] 7 [ = ] returns 63
6 [ + ] [ ( ] 3 [ × ] 7 [ ) ] [ = ] returns 27
Example 2:
5 [ × ] 8 [ - ] 4 [ × ] 3 [ = ] returns 108
Parenthesis are needed to invoke the proper order of operations:
[ ( ] 5 [ × ] 8 [ ) ] [ - ] [ ( ] 4 [ × ] 3 [ ) ] [ = ] returns 32
Additional Calculations
There may be more than one keystroke sequence to tackle each problem.
1/(1/5 - 1/8) = 13.333333...
5 [ 1/X ] [ - ] 8 [ 1/X ] [ = ] [ 1/X ]
5.99 * 11 - 2.95 * 2 plus 10% sales tax. Total: 46.519
[ MC ] 5.99 [ × ] 11 [ = ] [ M+ ]
2.95 [ × ] 2 [ = ] [ M- ]
[ MR ] [ + ] 10 [ % ] [ = ]
√(4^2 + 7^2 + 10^2) ≈ 12.845232
4 [ X^2 ] [ + ] 7 [ X^2 ] [ + ] 10 [ X^2 ] [ = ] [ √ ]
Verdict
As suggested by the seller, the keyboard is fragile; extra care is needed. The keys are legible and have good color contrast. The keys need a solid press. However, holding down the key too long will cause a double entry. The additional reciprocal, square, and parenthesis are welcome to basic calculators. I wish modern basic calculators would add these keys plus the pi (π) key.
I purchased the 321 for $13.00 which has the AC adapter. I like the fact that batteries not required (in fact, the battery case must be empty) to operate the calculator with the AC adapter. Worth the buy.
Source
Dudek, Emil J. "Calculators: Handheld: Lloyd's Accumatic 321 (aka E321)" 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021. https://vintage-technology.club/pages/calculators/l/lloyds321.htm
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