DG308 Digicorder

IME Digicorder DG380 (opens in new tab)

IME Digicorder DG380 This add-on to the IME 86 demonstrates how Massimo Rinaldi saw his machines as parts of larger networks and systems. The Digicorder is connected to an IME 86S and provides:

• Programmability
  • up to 512 steps
  • logical decisions
• expanded numeric storage
• program input from punched cards
• printer output port

The Digicorder converts the host IME calculator from competent electronic calculator to competent small stored-program computer. The program memory store is divided into eight regions that can be individually accessed, allowing up to eight separate programs to be available. The red button is a write-protect setting that allows programs in core store to be preserved on power-down, to be available at next power-up.

The IME86 calculator was released in 1966 and the Digicorder first appears in 1967, indicating that it was developed in parallel with the IME86, rather than as a later enhancement. This again is consistent with Massimo Rinaldi’s philosophy. A 1967 purchase order shows that the DG308 was listed at $1250, equivalent to $12,500 in 2026.

The machine itself is elegant and quite small for the amount of functionality that it delivers.