DATAMATH

DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Texas Instruments TI-32 Explorer Plus (China)

Date of introduction:	April 6, 1995	Display technology:	LCD
New price:	$24.95	Display size:	10 (6+2)
Size:	5.7" x 2.8" x 0.45" 145 x 72 x 11 mm³
Weight:	3.0 ounces, 84 grams	Serial No:
Batteries:		Date of manufacture:	mth 05 year 1997
AC-Adapter:		Origin of manufacture:	China (N)
Precision:	12	Integrated circuits:
Memories:	1
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner
		Download manual:	(US: 4.8 MByte)

The Explorer Plus (aka TI-32) is very similar to the Galaxy 40x but uses the housing of the Math Explorer. Within Europe an identical calculator was sold as TI-40 Solar.

There is no relationship to the previous TI-32.

Dismantling this calculator manufactured by Nam Tai Electronics, Inc. in May 1997 reveals a typical "far-east" design with a single-chip calculator circuit in COB-technology. Please notice that this TI-32 Explorer Plus uses smaller solar cells than an earlier model manufactured in Italy. Compare the two calculators here.

Later the same keyboard layout was used with a more stylish housing. Compare it here.

Texas Instruments was always listening for the demands of the classroom. Read some guidelines how to select the right calculator to ensure long-term satisfaction:

• Solar Power: Eliminates the need for batteries. The TI ANYLITE™ technology
    allows operation even in low light.
• Durability: Plastic keys are tougher and more tamper-proof than rubber keys.
    An extra window protects the LCD display and the solar cells.
• Keyboard: Color coding helps children quickly identify functional key groupings.
    Large, well spaced keys are easier to find and press.
• Packaging: With a convenient storage caddy 10 or even 30 calculators are
    grouped together.
• Functions: Choose a model with only the specific functions you need.
    Unnecessary functions clutter the keyboard and may impede a student's
    understanding of the concepts.

In the year 1995 Texas Instruments provided a total of 6 different calculators (not counting the Graphing Calculators TI-80, TI-81, TI-82 and TI-85) to meet the above demands. View a comparison table here.

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