Published by KermMartian on February 8, 2007 at 9:44:10 PM CST | Discuss this article (80)


The Ultimate Calculator is an extreme-modded TI-83+ graphing calculator, a device with an MSRP of around $90. Almost everyone who has recently taken a high school or college math or science course should have at least a passing familiarity with it. It's a project I had dreamed of attempting for a very long time, but never quite had the resources and equipment to complete. At long last, it has been created, and all within the short span of a bit over a month. Firstly, to avoid a TL;DR situation, the headline features:

• Modified LCD with RGB LED backlight controlled by a GAL16V PLD slaved to two CPU I/O lines allowing full-spectrum color control that also illuminate the case windows
• Sanded, painted, and varnished case with sports car-style racing stripes
• Removed LCD bevel and slanted LCD for more unique, non-branded look and easier LCD viewing
• Internal powered PS/2 port with working drivers for use with external keyboards and mice
• Case cutouts and case windows for added "wow" factor

Check out the links below for more detailed pictures and additional construction pictures and information.
Informational Links
The Photo Album
The Construction Blog
The Construction Discussion

The Main Pictures (Click to enlarge)

The Original

The PS/2 Port In Action

The Lights In Action


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