Modding a TI-83 graphic calculator?

[delorean700]

I had an idea of modding a TI 83 graphing calculator, like making it solar powered. Somehow attaching a solar panel to the top with some sort of hinge that can be moved and locked in place so that it faces the sun.

It would require a 6 volt solar panel I think, do they make those? And if they do how big are they and how efficient would it be?

[Cyrix_2k]

two of these in series might work... http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Criteria?Ref=275653&Site=US&Cat=32113687

Digi-Key Part Number P249-ND

[pik4chu]

voltage is one of the bits of info you need, you need to know current draw as well in order to pick out the appropriate solar panel to power it.

As for efficiency. Meh dont honestly see why you would want to do this. Would make an already bulky object even more bulky

*edit* might be able to rig up some of these http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=565&item=SPL-06&type=store

[Cyrix_2k]

Current draw is probably minimal... Even my silver edition runs forever on AAA's.

[pik4chu]

Current draw is probably minimal... Even my silver edition runs forever on AAA's.
unless he rigs rechargable batteries into the setup it could be an issue. Talking srtaight from solar panel->calculator it may be flakey on cloudy days, but I've little experience with solar power so I could be wrong but I'd recommend a system that can charge the batteries using solar.

[Cyrix_2k]

unless he rigs rechargable batteries into the setup it could be an issue. Talking srtaight from solar panel->calculator it may be flakey on cloudy days, but I've little experience with solar power so I could be wrong but I'd recommend a system that can charge the batteries using solar.
Good point :) Do you think a large cap would work in place of batteries by any chance?

[Goshawk]

If i remember right, the TI-83 uses 4 AAA batteries right? at 1.5v/battery and 300maH each, thats going to be a pretty big solar cell o.O

The reason why solar cells haven't really caught on more than they have is because the cost vs. savings isn't economical as of yet.


~ Gos

[Cyrix_2k]

If i remember right, the TI-83 uses 4 AAA batteries right? at 1.5v/battery and 300maH each, thats going to be a pretty big solar cell o.O

The reason why solar cells haven't really caught on more than they have is because the cost vs. savings isn't economical as of yet.


~ Gos
4 AAA batteries in series means that only 300mais able to run that calculater FOREVER, so it shouldn't need a large cell. I bet it draws like 5-10ma. Infact, if I can get some good AAA's, I'll test my SE with my multi.

edit: My batteries are dead. I currently have 4 750mah AAA's charging though

[Dell_Axim]

I just measured the current draw of my TI83 Plus. It is about 5mA. I think it would be safe to assume 10mA for high load.
BTW, I modded my calculator to integrate the USB link interface. I also included a charger circuit. (Using a DC/DC converter to charge 4 NiMH AAAs from USB.)

[Cyrix_2k]

I just measured the current draw of my TI83 Plus. It is about 5mA. I think it would be safe to assume 10mA for high load.
BTW, I modded my calculator to integrate the USB link interface. I also included a charger circuit. (Using a DC/DC converter to charge 4 NiMH AAAs from USB.)
Dang! I was right. :D Cool circuit, he should be able to do the same with the solar cells :)

[Quailane]

Whatever you do, don't overclock it. Biggest waste of time ever.

Well do it if you want, but you have been warned. I did 3. All topped out at like 13Mhz on the core. The main stopper is a good supply of power. TI actually undervolts it quite a bit.

[Dell_Axim]

Whatever you do, don't overclock it. Biggest waste of time ever.

Well do it if you want, but you have been warned. I did 3. All topped out at like 13Mhz on the core. The main stopper is a good supply of power. TI actually undervolts it quite a bit.
Time for a voltmod?

[Quailane]

What I thought was run the power that will lead to the proc instead to a transistor. Have that allow the 6 volt source to come through to the pin on the chip straight from batteries or whatever. Extra heat will be minimal.

[threeme2189]

sounds like a good idea. good luck!
i have a standard casio calc so i dont think i can do anything with it (except the paintjob that i have already done.)

[Vertical_Zer0]

Check out this page for some TI modding stuff:

http://richfiles.solarbotics.net/TITopics.html