DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM |
Texas Instruments TI-58C (1980)
Date of introduction: | 1980 | Display technology: | LED-stick |
New price: | $90 (October 1981) |
Display size: | 10 (8 + 2) |
Size: | 6.4" x 3.2" x
1.5" 162 x 81 x 37 mm3 |
||
Weight: | 8.5 ounces, 240 grams | Serial No: | 7899113 |
Batteries: | BP1A | Date of manufacture: | wk 35 year 1982 |
AC-Adapter: | AC9131 | Origin of manufacture: | USA (ATA) |
Precision: | 13 | Integrated circuits: | TMC0501E, TMC0580 (CD2400), TMC0580 (CD2401), TMC0573, TMC0591, Toshiba TC5047AP or NEC uPD445L |
Memories: | 0-60 | ||
Program steps: | 480-0 | Courtesy of: | Joerg Woerner |
Download leaflet: | (US: 2.0M Bytes) | Download manual: |
The
main disadvantage of the TI-58, the non-permanent
program storage, was corrected with the TI-58C. Using a low-power CMOS memory (a
Toshiba TC5047A in this machine), battery drainage caused by the NiCd batteries itself was
quicker than drop caused by powering the memory.
The
featured calculator manufactured in August 1982 carries a different chip set compared to
the TI-58 but the technical data were identical. Read more about your first
steps of programming this calculator here.
If you are interested in the calculating accuracy of scientific calculators
don't miss the Calculator
forensics.
The TI-58C continued the usage of the Solid
State Software Modules™ with up to 5000 program steps introduced with the
TI-58 and TI-59 already in 1977. On the backside of the
TI-58/59 you'll note a small lid with a place for a module. The Master Library
with 25 different programs was included, a lot of other modules were available.
We know four different approaches of the module expansion:
• Standard modules like the Master Library use only the small
sticker above the A,B,C,D, and E keys. • Other modules like the Pool Water Analysis developed by Olin Corporation make use of a colorful keyboard mask. • Customized calculators like the USMC AV-8C calculator or insurance calculators sold by Allianz and others use special keyboard arrangements. | • The CAL-Q-TAX and incotax calculators use an extender instead the usual drop-in modules. |
The TI-58C carries the connector to the printing cradle. It seems to work on the PC-100C revision.
American Micro Products introduced with the Module Selector a very interesting product fitting into the charging bay of the printing cradles.
The calculator was available till 1983 before it was discontinued and replaced with the TI-66 Programmable. Don't miss the rare and innovative Franken-Calculator Data Dimensioner.
Andreas Gerlich scanned recently the German documentation of the TI-59, please
visit his website. Thanks!
Fellow calculator collector Marek Czeszek prepared wonderful Step-by Step Instructions how to clean a TI-58C.
TI Programmable 58C
Advanced programmable calculator with plug in Solid State Software* and Constant Memory*. Features TI’s exclusive Solid State Software*, tiny, pre-programmed modules you slide into the calculator to extend power, flexibility, and range. It is also keyboard-programmable. Constant Memory* feature retains data and program information even when off. © Texas Instruments, 1981 |
If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.
© Joerg Woerner, December 5, 2001. No reprints without written permission.