Texas Instruments TI-66 Calcu-Talk    

Only few talking programming calculators are known. This Calcu-Talk was developed by CAPTEK Berwyn, PA and uses a TI-66 with a talking base. CAPTEK Custom Applied Technology is a Division of Science Products, a leader in design and production of adaptive aids for the vision impaired for more than 25 years. 

The Calcu-Talk uses a clever approach to fetch data from the TI-66. It is connected instead the PC-200 Thermal Printer direct to the TI-66. The "Print" command moves the display content to the Calcu-Talk base station which contains a microcomputer system with talking capabilities centered around the National Semiconductor Digitalker.

The base station itself uses a black housing with the TI-66 fastened on top. It includes not only the electronics but rechargable NiCd-batteries and a speaker. Additional jacks are available for both the charger and a ear-jack. The blue knob switches the Calcu-Talk on or off and adjusts the volume. The TI-66 got only few modifications, 5 of the keys carry a small point of glue to get a better tactile feedback, the batteries were removed and the printer port wired to the base station.


A lot of electronics combined with one of the best programmable calculators - if you add it together you get a whooping $595 selling price in the year 1991.

Don't miss other talking products for vision impaired - the Orbit TI-34 and the Vocaid. 

Another approach could be found in the Schoenherr Braillotron using refreshable Braille cells instead the talking voice.

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, February 23, 2002. No reprints without written permission.