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DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM |
Texas Instruments TI-66 Calcu-Talk
Date of introduction: | 1991 | Display technology: | 14-segment LCD |
New price: | $595 | Display size: | 10 (8 + 2) |
Size: | 4.2" x 7.5" x 1.7" | ||
Weight: | 1 pound 2 ounces | Serial No: | 001821 |
Batteries: | 2*3.6V 600mAh NiCd | Date of manufacture: | mth 05 year 1991 |
AC-Adapter: | Custom | Origin of manufacture: | USA |
Precision: | 13 | Integrated circuits: | COP402, NS Digitalker,
2*NS2716 TI-66:Toshiba T6875, TC5514 |
Memories: | 0-64 | ||
Program steps: | 512-0 | Courtesy of: | Joerg Woerner |
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 rechargeable 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.