Pulsar Calculator LED

[charger105]

Hi All.
I've just scored a very nice 901 module Pulsar calculator. It's in beautiful condition, and works perfectly. Alas it has no box or stylus. I got it for a good price because the seller didn't want to ship outside Australia.

He bought it new in New Zealand in 1975 (I think his memory is faulty here, the clasp is stamped 12-76). He owned some big company in NZ, and had all the toys in the 70s apparently. He was interesting to talk to. Apart from my watches, I've never even seen a Pulsar LED in Australia, letalone in NZ, letalone a calculator. I wonder how many were sold down here ?

Anyway, a few questions. One side of the band is gold-filled (no fill/plating on the ends of each link). The other side has gold link ends. Was this common ? Does this mean half the band is solid ?

Also, I've read you shouldn't leave it in calculator mode.......it'll drain the batteries. But mine de-powers the display after 6s when in calculator mode. Is this common ? Or even if it's in calculator mode, with the display out, will it drain batteries ?

Rgds,
Andrew.

[AV8R]

I too just "scored" a Pulsar calculator LED, if you can call $350 a score.

Being a noob to Pulsars, I feel free to ask noob questions like:

1. how do I know if this is the 901 or 902 model from the exterior?
(edit) I see that the memory function buttons top-down are in
different order:
901: A,R,S and =,E,%,C
902: A,S,R and C,E,%,=

So I have a SSteel 901 in very good condition

2. how do you operate the calculator?
(edit) Saw this picture


So the "0" button makes the watch toggle between calc and time.

3. what can I use if I dont have the original pen pointer?
(edit) used a pen point, but I think ill find something hard plastic like
one I use on my PDA or kids Gameboy

I guess my remaining questions are:

4. What batteries does it use, and how does one change the batteries, watchman's screwdriver?

5. how do I set the time and date?
(edit) found it
http://www.ledwatches.net/articles/setting-pdfs/pulsarcalc_instruct.pdf


Finally, to address this post's originating question, regarding the time out
feature when in Calc mode...
- my 901 also times out the display in Calc mode for about 5 or so seconds.

- The calc mode display was very dim, and the clock mode brighter.
If I had to guess, its to distribute the power amongst more LED segments.
Is this how it should behave?
Or is it an indication of dying or wrong batteries?

Regardless, this is a watch Ive been wanting for a long long time.
Its so nerdy. And I happen to be an engineer. ;)

AV8R

[Greg Ratcliff]

Andrew, I just sent you a pm on a new pen and manual.
Tom, I do have the original pens with the stylus to set the watch, They are $25 each either SS or GF. The calculator watch takes 4 357 batteries. And yes you can change them yourself with a good watchmans screwdriver. Make sure the rubber oring is in the channel before you put the back on or water can get inside. I also have new orings for the calcs. They are $5 each Greg R.

[AV8R]

Greg you said to me:

Tom, I do have the original pens with the stylus to set the watch, They are $25 each either SS or GF. The calculator watch takes 4 357 batteries. And yes you can change them yourself with a good watchmans screwdriver. Make sure the rubber oring is in the channel before you put the back on or water can get inside. I also have new orings for the calcs. They are $5 each Greg R.

Ill take you up on one SS pen and an O-ring. Email me on my hotmail account and then ill PayPal you the total plus your SH costs.

Also, I did find out that 357s are the right battery. I have the right screw drivers that work for this watch. Upon opening, 2 were missing!!!! So I put in 4 new batteries and this watch is brighter than my P2, Im stoked!

So, I have no idea if I "scored" or not from a price wise, did I ($350)?
From a personal value perspective, Im very happy to have this calc Pulsar.

Now my focus is on my sick GF P3...
It has a Pulsar module, but not the big and dot matrix OEM module. Its some smaller LED version - again it is a Pulsar as it is stamped such on the module. Unfortunately, with new batteries, it still is flakey in operation. Was the 357 the wrong battery for the P3? Thats what was in it. Hopefully its thickness didnt contribute to the module's flakey behavior.

[retroleds]

..... my focus is on my sick GF P3...
It has a Pulsar module, but not the big and dot matrix OEM module. Its some smaller LED version - again it is a Pulsar as it is stamped such on the module.

AV8R - looking inside and seeing "Pulsar" on the module means little, as the common practice when making a hybrid Pulsar is to use the plastic chassis of the Pulsar module, as it has all the notches for lining up the reed switches correctly to the case. And of course, this makes the mixed ancestry of the piece slightly less obvious amd keeps the piece using the same batteries. Also makes it infinately easier to secure the module using the original screw holes. Much to the chagrin of those wishing to make a "hybrid", using the Pulsar chassis greatly reduces your work space inside the case, making good hybrids a challenge. They have,IMO, the potential to be as good or better than the original modules.