Ultimate Calculator 1
Category: EE & Hardware (back to list)
Project Page: Ultimate Calculator 1 project page
Summary: This calculator looks like a car, not a calculator. It has a PS/2 port for full-sized mice and keyboards, a color screen, a hot paint job and even illuminated case windows.
Complete:
100%
Begin: January 3, 2007
Completed: January 8, 2007


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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