TI-59 / TI-58
Turing-complete ) | |
Memory register | 100 |
---|---|
Program steps | 960 |
Other | |
Weight | 240 grams |
Dimensions | 16.3x7.3x3.6 cm |
Type | Programmable |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
Introduced | May 1977 |
Discontinued | 1983 |
Cost | US$125 |
Calculator | |
Entry mode | Infix |
Precision | 13 |
Display type | Light-emitting diode |
Display size | 10 digits |
Programming | |
Memory register | 60 |
Program steps | 480 |
Other | |
Weight | 240 grams |
Dimensions | 16.3x7.3x3.6 cm |
The TI-59 is an early programmable calculator, that was manufactured by Texas Instruments from 1977. It is the successor to the TI SR-52, quadrupling the number of "program steps" of storage, and adding "ROM Program Modules" (an insertable ROM chip, capable of holding 5000 program steps). Just like the SR-52, it has a magnetic card reader for external storage. One quarter of the memory is stored on each side of one card.
The TI-58 (May 1977), and later TI-58C (1979), are cut-down versions of the TI-59, lacking the magnetic card reader and having half the memory, but otherwise identical. Although the TI-58C uses a different chip than the TI-58, the technical data remain identical. The "C" in a TI (or Hewlett-Packard) model name indicates that the calculator has a constant memory (or
These calculators use a parenthesized infix calculation system called "
The calculator can be powered from an external
Display
The red LED display shows 10 decimal digits of precision.
Programming
Programming simple problems with the TI-59 or TI-58 is a very straightforward process. In programming mode, the TI-59 simply records key presses. Alphabetical keys provide easy access to up to ten entry points. It is also possible to activate any of the programs in the pre-programmed memory module, and run one like any user-written program. Programs written by the user can also use programs in the module as subroutines. The module's programs run directly from ROM, so they leave the calculator's memory free for the user.
However, exploiting the computer-like capabilities of the TI-59 is a different matter. Although the TI-59 is
A large degree of sharing occurred in the TI-59 and TI-58 community. At least one
Programming example
Here is a sample program that computes the factorial of an integer number from 2 to 69. For 5!, if "5 A" is pressed, it gives the result, 120. Unlike the SR-52, the TI-58 and TI-59 do not have the factorial function built-in, but do support it through the software module which was delivered with the calculator.
Op-code Comment LBL A You'll call the program with the A key STO 01 stores the value in register 1 1 starts with 1 LBL B label for the loop * multiply RCL 01 by n DSZ 1 B decrements n and back to B until n=0 = end of loop, the machine has calculated 1*n*(n-1)*...2*1=n! INV SBR end of procedure
Here is the same program written for TI Compiler:[3]
#reg 01 counter #label A factorial LBL factorial STO counter 1 FOR counter * @counter LOOP = RTN #end
Memory
In comparison to its contemporary main competitor,
The TI-58 has half the memory of the TI-59 and supports up to 480 program steps or 60 memories. It competed with the HP-34C.
The TI-58 and TI-59 calculators have variable-length instructions. Some keypresses are merged into one programming step, so that instructions from one to eleven keypresses are stored in one to six programming steps. The
Magnetic card reader
The TI-59 can store programs and data on small magnetic cards when the calculator is turned off and quickly reloaded when needed. Click below for a video of the card reader in action.
The video also shows the dual use of the magnetic card as a program documentation menu. Notes can be printed or handwritten by the programmer on the top side of the magnetic card. Once read by the cardreader, the card can then be stored, as shown, in a slot between the top of the keyboard and the display, thus providing a notation indicating both the name of the program currently loaded and the purpose of each of the five label buttons A-E and their secondary functions A'-E' within the loaded program.
The TI-58 does not have a magnetic card reader.
Solid State Software Library
The TI-59 and TI-58 were the first hand-held calculators to utilize removable
Printer
Also available for the TI-59 and TI-58 was a
The calculator can be programmed to request input from the user, and output results of calculations to the printer. Alphanumeric text (64 characters total, including space, 0-9, A-Z and 25 punctuation and mathematical symbols) can be output as well as numbers. A limited ability to plot graphs is provided. The printer is also valuable for program development because it can produce a hard copy of the calculator's program including the alphanumeric mnemonics instead of just the numeric codes normally visible on the display, as well as a dump of the data registers, a trace of the program's execution and other information about the program.
In the early model PC-100A, a switch inside the battery charger compartment allows use with the earlier SR-52 and SR-56 calculators as well as the TI-58/59 series. In addition, it also works with non-programmable TI machines of the era such as the SR-50A. (Remove the battery pack of a TI calculator and look for the row of printer interface pads on the circuit board below the battery terminals.)
References
- ^ TI-58 Leaflet (PDF), p. 2
- ^ Jackson, Clete (October 1980). "Darth Vader's Force Battle". BYTE. pp. 50–54. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- ^ (in English) TI User, programs on line, TI Compiler page., (in French) Utilisateur TI, programmes en ligne, page de TI Compiler
External links
- TI-59 homepage maintained by Dejan Ristanovic
- TI-59 library maintained by Viktor Toth
- TI-59, TI-58, TI-58C on DataMath.org
- TI-59, TI-58, TI-58C on MyCalcDB (database about 1970s and 1980s pocket calculators)
- TI-59 birthday Short article published on the TI-59's 30th birthday
- (in French) Utilisateur TI, programmes en ligne
- (in English) TI User, programs on line.
- (in German) TI-59, TI-58C, TI-58 German documentation
- (in French, English, and Italian) ti58c.phweb.me, TI-58/TI-58C/TI-59 Emulator on Windows