Details:
Friden introduced this machine while they already had non-printing electronic machines in the market. It is the last 4-function mechanical machine that was developed by Friden. The calculation flexibility was high for this type of printing calculator. It was even sold as machine that was equipped with memory. However, there are some limitations. It’s not an independent memory; the multiplication control register is made accessible and can serve as a memory under some circumstances. Other manufacturers use some similar concepts.
In there adverts Friden also claims that this is “the first printing calculator you don’t have to learn”. That is probably the reason for a very extended user manual with many many calculation examples .......:)
That being said, it’s an impressive machine!
Usage:
Addition/subtraction:
As usual using the “+” and “-” keys.
Multiplication:
Enter 1st number, push the ‘X’-button, enter the 2nd number, then push one of the following keys:
- “=”
- “ACCUM=” (adds result to accumulator)
- “NEG=” (subtracts from accumulator and clears accumulator)
- Both “ACCUM=” and “NEG=” (prevents accumulator from being cleared)
- “TRANSFER=” key (stores the result in memory)
Square:
Enter the number, then push the ‘X²’-key, and next the “=”-key
Division
Enter the 1st number, then push the “ENTER DIVIDEND”-key, next enter the 2nd number and then the “:“-key . The result is stored in Memory.
Function of some other keys, switches etc:
- “TOTAL” prints and clears the Accumulator (not the Memory)
- “SUB-TOTAL” just prints the contents of the Accumulator
- “REPEAT ADD” or ‘REPEAT ADD’ + ‘-‘ -key add/subtract without clearing the Input Register.
- “NON ADD” prints without adding.
- “DIV-STOP” stops a division (e.g. after accidentally dividing by zero)
- “TO MEMORY” pressed before pressing “+”or “-” stores the number in Memory; the Accumulator is updated as well
- “FROM MEMORY” pressed before pressing “+”or “-” or “:” retrieves the number to be processed from Memory.
- If you need to see what is in Memory, press the “FROM MEMORY” key followed by the “NON ADD” key.
If this isn’t easy, then what is ? ............ (I hope I didn’t make any mistakes)
Nevertheless I highly respect the skills of the engineers who were able to develop this extremely complex machine!!
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Serial number:
Built in:
Functions:
Rotation speed:
Market-introduction:
Production until:
Price:
4254A
Ca. 1968
Addition, Subtraction, Full automatic Multiplication, Division and Square
1967
1969
DM 2975,- (Source: Büromaschinen Lexikon)
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