Text and Images Copyright (C) 2006 Mike Sebastian

Sub-Five Dollar Scientific Calculators - Kenko KK-82LB

I am honestly astounded that a scientific calculator can be purchased for three dollars (I have seen this calculator for sale at flea markets for two dollars). The manufacturer obviously had to cut a few corners to hit such a low price point. The keyboard uses rubber keys, and the quality of assembly leaves a little bit to be desired (lots of stripped out screw holes). But, the calculator has a nice cover that folds over from the top to protect the display and keyboard.

This calculator is one of numerous 56-function models on the market, so the function suite is well know. The calculator has the normal arithmatic functions, common and natural logarithms, trigonometric functions in three angular modes, hyperbolic functions, sexigesimal conversions, complex math, polar-rectangular coordinate conversions, binary/octal/hexadecimal support, single variable statistics, and one independent memory. The calculator uses the standard algebraic logic system.

The manufacturer, which I believe is Sunway, should hire someone to review their packaging materials. The packaging makes many claims about various features of the calculator that aren't true (see below).

Kenko KK-82LB in its packaging.

On the nameplate above the display, it plainly says "FRACTION." This calculator does not do fraction calculations as the term is commonly used to describe the functionality of a calculator.

The packaging makes several claims that really aren't true - it looks like someone was confusing this 56-function calculator with a clone of a more modern Casio scientific calculator:

  • "229 Functions" - I don't think so. This is a 56-function scientific calculator.
  • "2-Line Big Display" - No, I don't think the row of mode indicators across the top of the display counts as second line.
  • "S-V.P.A.M." - Nope. It has regular old algebraic entry. Besides, "S-V.P.A.M." is a trademark belonging to Casio. And, "V.P.A.M." is a registered trademark of Casio.
  • "Plastic Keys" - No again. In this context, "plastic keys" describes keys made of a hard plastic material, not a soft rubbery material.

Kenko KK-82LB with its user's guide. The user's guide is a genuine little booklet with a staple to hold all the pages together.

The fold-over cover (left), case front and electronics (center), and case back (right).

The PCB is held in place with four screws to hold a zebra strip against the display. The PCB has been warped by the pressure of the screws. Five of the six screw holes for the screws that are supposed to hold the case together were stripped.

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Last updated July 8, 2006