Calculator Info

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Introduction | Error Messages | Beginner Info | The Memory | Linking | Power Problems

Introduction
This is the section for those of you that might have run into a little trouble programming, or maybe you need to know how to type on the calculator, or maybe you've got this question that's been bothering you for days.

MOST OF THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO THE TI-83 AND TI-83+ ONLY.

 

Error Messages

Unfortunately, TI's error messages are a bit cryptic. If you're wondering, What the hell does "INVALID DIM" mean?, this is the place to look.

 

This is only a partial listing. The other error messages have little relevance in programming. Consult the manual for details.

Error Message

Explanation

ARGUMENT

An argument is a value that is passed to a command. Each number or whatever you enter along with a command is an argument (ex. the coordinates you specify for Line( are arguments.)

This error message means that you don't have the correct number of arguments.

Example: Output(1,5 is invalid because you forgot the value to display.

BREAK

You pressed [ON] to halt any process the calculator is involved in, including execution of a program.

DATA TYPE

A variable or value you entered is of the wrong data type or there is a mismatch of data types.

Examples: Trying to add a list and a matrix together, specifying text in place of a number, etc.

DIM MISMATCH

There is a mismatch of dimensions in a command involving lists or matrices.

Examples: Trying to add lists with different dimensions, trying to multiply two matrices where the number of columns in one does not equal the number of rows in the other, etc.

DIVIDE BY 0

You tried to divide something by 0. If a variable is involved with this error, make sure the variable does not equal zero.

DOMAIN

You specified values for a command that are outside of the appropriate range.

Example: Output(9,20,"BAD") returns this error because 9 and 20 are outside the range of coordinates.

Duplicate Name

You tried to transmit a variable to another calculator, and a variable of the same name exists on the receiving calculator.

Error in Xmit

An error occurred during link transmission.

Make sure the link cable is firmly plugged in. This is almost always the case.

This error is also returned if :

  • You press [ON] during link transmission to stop the transmission.
  • You tried to perform a backup from a TI-82 to a TI-83.
  • You tried to transfer data (other than L1-L6) from a TI-83 to a TI-82.
  • Yuo tried to transfer L1-L6 to a TI-82 without using the Lists to TI82 option in the LINK \ SEND menu.

INCREMENT

You set the increment for a For( loop to 0.

INVALID

You attempted to reference a variable or use a function where it is not valid . Example: You can't use Disp on the home screen.

You might be able to type lowercase letters or special characters in the Graphlink software, but when the calculator is running that program and it encounters something it doesn't know what to do with, it returns this error. Or you transferred a variable from a TI-82 to a TI-83, and that variable might ber represented differently on the TI-83, so when you try to use it, the TI-83 doesn't know what to do with it, like Un-1.

You tried to use a graph style that is not available in the current graphing mode.

INVALID DIM

The dimensions you specified for something are not appropriate.
Example: If the dimension of L1 is 5 and you tried to do L1(7), you would get this error message because the number you specified is not within the range.

The maximum dimension for a list is 999 and the minimum is 1, and the dimension must be an integer. (you can't specify a mixed decimal number as a dimension).
Matrix dimensions are between 1 and 99, and the dimension must be an integer

LABEL

The label that a Goto command is trying to jump to does not exist.

MEMORY

There is not enough memory to execute an instruction.

If you are trying to run a program and there isn't enough free memory available they you have to delete things.

Try to make a matrix with the dimensions 99x99. The calculator doesn't have enough memory to do that.

Try to perform something recursive, like trying to graph Y1=Y1.

(from the TI-83 manual)
"Branching out of an If/Then, For(, While, or Repeat loop with a Goto also can return this error because the End statement that terminates the loop is never reached."

MemoryFull

There is not enough memory on the receiving calculator to store an item being sent to it during a link transmission. You can skip it or stop transmission altogether. Free up memory by deleting stuff.

NONREAL ANS

When you are in Real mode, a calculation returned a non-real result.

Example: Taking the square root of a negative number returns this error.

OVERFLOW

A number you have entered or the result of a calculation is either too big or too small for the calculator to process.

The calculator can handle numbers that are less than 1 x 10100 (1 followed by 100 zeros).

SYNTAX

The command contains a syntax error, meaning that it has been used wrong. Check for little abnormalities like missing commas, misplaced parentheses, and other things that are just not right.

UNDEFINED

You are trying to use a variable that does not exist.

Examples: trying to run a program that does not exist, trying to use a matrix when there is nothing in it, etc.

WINDOW RANGE

There is a problem with the window variables.

Example: Xmax is less than Xmin, etc.

ZOOM

You defined a point or line instead of a box while using ZBox.

A ZOOM operation returned a math error.

If none of these explanations work, consult the manual or contact me. E-mail me your code if necessary and I'll try and solve your problem.

 

Beginner Info

THE LAYOUT OF THE KEYBOARD
Take a look at the calculator. You'll see that each button has something written on it. This tells you the character that is typed, or the function that is performed, or the menu that is brought up when it is pressed. Now look closer, and you'll see some things written in yellow and green above those buttons. The yellow writing shows what is done when [2nd] is pressed before it, and the green writing shows what is done when you press [ALPHA] before it. [2nd] and [ALPHA] are kind of like the shift keys on a computer keyboard.

Example:

 

When this is pressed...

This happens

[PRGM]

The PRGM menu is brought up

[2nd] [PRGM]

The DRAW menu is brought up

[ALPHA] [PRGM]

A 'C' is typed on the screen

So to type the square-root symbol, you would press [2nd] then [x2], to type an 'N', you'd press [ALPHA] then [LOG], etc.

 

HOW TO TYPE ON THE CALCULATOR
Here's how to type. Letters are typed by pressing [ALPHA] then the corresponding key. Take a look at your calculator to see what keys type which letters. But it would be a real pain to have to press [ALPHA] before each letter, so we use alpha-lock. Press [2nd] [ALPHA], and now the calculator is locked in alpha mode, so every button you push will type its alpha equivalent, so you don't have to press [ALPHA] before each letter. You can press [2nd] [something] from alpha-lock mode, but as soon as you press the second key, it goes back to alpha-lock mode. Press [ALPHA] to put the calculator back in normal mode.

Spaces can be typed by pressing [0] (that's a zero) from within alpha mode.

So, if you want to type "HELLO, I AM A TI-83.", you would press the following:

[2nd] [ALPHA] [^] [SIN] [)] [)] [7] [ALPHA] [,] [2nd] [ALPHA] [0] [x2] [0] [MATH] [÷] [0] [MATH] [0] [4] [x2] [ALPHA] [-] [8] [3] [.]

Get it? Got it? Good.

 

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAZE OF MENUS
You will meet many menus while using your calculator. Here are some tips on how to move through them.

  • To select an item, either:
    • Move the cursor by pressing the up/down arrows until the item is highlighted and press [ENTER].
    • Press the corresponding number (or letters for really long menus) of the item you want. It is indicated to the left of the item.
  • Some menus have sub-menus. These sub menus are indicated on the top line of the screen. To change between sub-menus use the left/right arrows.
  • An arrow pointing down replaced the colon on the last line of the menu if you can scroll down more, and you can scroll up if there's an up arrow replacing the colon on the first menu item.
  • To exit a menu and return to where you were, press [CLEAR].
  • To exit a menu and return to the home screen, press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT).

 

ADJUSTING THE CONTRAST
If the screen is too light or dark for you, you can adjust the contrast to make it lighter or darker.

Press and release [2nd], then hold [up arrow] to make the screen darker, or hold [down arrow] to make the screen lighter.

 

The Memory

DELETING PROGRAMS AND MANAGING YOUR MEMORY
OK. You just got this game that sounds totally awesome and takes up an immense amount of space on the calculator, only to run it and find out it totally sucks! You know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about Decsent (unforgivably misspelled) by Shining Light Productions! It's a pretty good game, if you like waiting 5 minutes before every turn! I love the Descent series of computer games, but this is blasphemy! Maybe he should've used assembly instead of BASIC...

Anyway, you've gotta get rid of this thing (actually it's about 15 separate programs)! Here's how to ditch that terrible "game":

TI-83
Press [2nd] [+] (MEM) to get into the Memory menu. Then select item number 2 (Delete...). This brings up a menu of all the different file types you have, and in this case it's a program, so go down to 7:Prgm.... Now you'll see a list of all the programs on your calculator. Move the cursor to the one you want and press [ENTER]. The program is permanently deleted, without asking if you're sure. It's not put in any "recycle bin" of any sort, it's gone forever, unless it's backed up on your computer or someone else's calculator. Repeat the process with any other annoying programs. Press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT) to exit the menu.

TI-83 Plus
The 83 Plus's memory management is a heck of a lot better than the 83's. Press [2nd] [+] (MEM) to get into the Memory menu. Then select item number 2 (Mem Mgmt/Del...). Select the data type of the item you want to delete, in this case a program, so go down to Prgm.... Now move the cursor to the program you want to delete and press [DEL]. Then, if you're sure, select Yes. Boom! No more program. Lost and gone forever (unless you've got a backup on your computer or someone else's calculator). Press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT) to exit the menu.

Sorry, Shining Light Productions. I didn't mean to pick on you. Sorry if you took it the wrong way. Anyway, you guys should try assembly language. It's Better!

 

Here's how to check how much memory you have left:

TI-83
Once again, get into the Memory menu by pressing [2nd] [+] (MEM). Then select item number 1 (Check RAM...). At the top it tells you how many bytes of free memory you have on your calculator. Then it says the total size of all the files of a certain type (like lists, programs, etc.) To check the size of a specific item, go back into the Delete... menu (see above), pick your file type, and you'll see the size of each item. Just don't press [ENTER] or you'll wind up with more free memory, if ya know what I mean...

TI-83 Plus
Get into the Memory menu by pressing [2nd] [+]. Then select item number 2 (Mem Mgmt/Del...). In the top 2 lines it shows the amount of free memory (in bytes) in the RAM (the main memory) and the Archive (special storage space). More about the archive later. If you want to see the specific size of an item, select your file type, and you'll see the size next to the name of each item.

The total size of the TI-83's memory is 27K (27,648 bytes), and the total size of the TI-83 Plus's memory is 24K (24,576 bytes), as well as a user data archive of 160K (163,840 bytes).

 

THE USER DATA ARCHIVE (TI-83 Plus only)
The TI-83 Plus, as well as the other new TI graphing calculators have a section of the memory called the Archive, also known as Flash ROM. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, so things stored in the archive cannot be edited or run.

The archive is simply some extra storage space. If you've got these games that you don't play often, but still want to keep them, you can stick them in the archive so they won't waste precious RAM. You'll need to un-archive them in order to run or edit them.

Here's a practical use for the archive, told through the following anecdote:

A couple days ago we started doing stuff with the CBL in science class. My teacher gave us these programs for our calculators for using the CBL, and it just so happens that all together they total about 20,000 bytes! That's almost the whole memory! Now we all had these awesome games on our calculators (and by the way, everyone has a TI-83 Plus, except me, I have an 83), so there was no room for them. Of course I was screwed. But for the 83 Plus people, I simply copied all their games into the archive, so they'd still stay on the calculator. That's how I earned the nickname Matt "Archive This" <last name withheld>. Everyone tells me to "archive" things, and mostly the things have nothing to do with a calculator, like the water faucet or the cool little ramps we play with in science. You would've had to be there.

Anyway, here's how to archive stuff (remember, TI-83 Plus Only!!!)

Press [2nd] [+] (MEM) to get into the Memory menu. Then select item number 2 (Mem Mgmt/Del...). Select the data type of the item you want to archive, then move the cursor to the item you want and press [ENTER]. An asterisk * should appear next to the item name. Archived programs have a star next to them in the Program menu. To unarchive an archived item. press [ENTER] when an archived item is selected.

About Garbage Collection:
If you use the archive a lot, you might get a Garbage Collect? message. What garbage collection does is it frees up space in the archive by taking out excess empty space that sometimes is left there after something is unarchived. When a lot of "garbage" builds up, you will be asked if you want to perform garbage collection. It's always good to do so.

RESETTING THE MEMORY (he he he...)
Ever wanted to give your calculator a full cranial lobotomy? Yeah! (OK, maybe not).

Anyway, resetting the memory deletes everything, programs, lists, matrices, pictures, and what-not, and restores all settings to their defaults. Resetting the memory is permanent and everything is GONE FOREVER unless it has been backed up onto another calculator or a computer.

Anyway, here's what to do:

TI-83
Press [2nd] [+] (MEM) to get into the memory menu. Select number 5 (Reset...), then select number 1 (All Memory...), then, if that's your final answer, kiss your memory's ass goodbye and select Reset (number 2). Now you're calculator is restored to the state it was in when it was first made, nothing on it and all options set to their defaults.

TI-83 Plus
Press [2nd] [+] (MEM) to get into the memory menu. Select number 7 (Reset...), then select number 1 (All Memory...), then, if that's your final answer, kiss your memory's ass goodbye and select Reset (number 2). Now you're calculator is restored to the state it was in when it was first made, nothing on it and all options set to their defaults.

 

An evil trick to try on your unsuspecting friends:

Cover the screen of their calculator.
Tell them to press the following keys: [2nd] [+] [5] [1] [2] (or [7] [1] [2] if your sucker friend has an 83 Plus.)
Run.

NOTE: After a reset the display contrast is at its lowest. You may want to increase it by pressing [2nd] and holding [up arrow] until the desired contrast level is reached.

 

Linking

TRANSMITTING FILES FROM ONE CALC TO ANOTHER
This is how to transmit files to another calculator through the link cable.

TI-83's and TI-83+'s are both compatible and can be linked together. This section applies to both the 83 and 83+.

Plug the cable into both calculators firmly.
On each calculator, press [2nd] [X,T,0,n] (LINK).

The receiver presses [right arrow] so that the RECEIVE menu is selected.

The sender selects the files he/she wants to send. Select the data type of the file(s) you want to send. Move the cursor to the file(s) you want to send and press [ENTER] to select them. A little box appears next to selected files.

All+ lists all files on the calculator and they are all selected. All- lists all files on the calculator and they are all deselected.

When you are ready to transmit, the receiver presses [ENTER]. Then the sender presses [right arrow] so that the TRANSMIT menu is selected, and presses [ENTER] Transmission begins. The status of the files are shown on both calculators.

If a file of the same name exists on the receiving calculator, you can either rename the file being sent, overwrite the file on the receiving calculator, skip it, or end transmission altogether.

When the transmission is done press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT) to exit.

You can press [ON] at any time to halt the transmission.

It is very important that the receiver selects Receive before the sender selects Transmit! If not, you will get an Error in Xmit.

Check the Error Messages section for transmission errors.

 

Power Problems

ABOUT THE BATTERIES
The calculators use five batteries: four AAA's, and one CR1616 or CR1620 (or equivalent) lithium battery.

The AAA's provide the main power for the calculator, and the lithium battery is used to retain the memory when the AAA's are not installed.

REPLACING THE BATTERIES
If you get a low battery warning that goes something like this:

Your batteries
are low.

Recommend
change of
batteries.

then it's time to replace the batteries. The calculator will probably function for about a week until the batteries completely die.

You can also tell when you need new batteries if the display starts to fade and you have to continually turn up the contrast.

Any idiot can install batteries.

To replace the AAA batteries:
Turn the calculator off and remove the battery door and take out the old batteries. Insert new ones, observing the positive and negative marks. Then close the door. Then turn the calculator on.You'll probably have to turn the contrast down. (especially with Duracell Ultra batteries!)

To replace the back up (lithium) battery:
Turn the calculator off and remove the battery door and unscrew the backup battery door. Pop the battery out, and insert a new CR1616/CR1620 (or equivalent) lithium battery, making sure the flat side (positive side) is facing up. Screw the little plastic thing back on and close the battery door. Then turn the calculator back on.

***IMPORTANT BATTERY NOTES***
You can also reset your memory without screwing around in the memory menu. To make sure you keep your memory, don't do the following:

  • Remove all five batteries at once
  • Remove a battery while the calculator is on
  • Let the batteries run all the way down

A buggy assembly language program could crash your calculator. In case your calculator doesn't respond to any keys or acts really screwed up while running an assembly language program, you may have to reset the memory. Take out one of the batteries and put it back in (while the calculator is on). If that doesn't work, remove all the batteries, including the backup battery, wait a couple seconds, and put them all back in.

HOW TO MAKE A REALLY COOL FIREWORKS DISPLAY
If you wanna see some cool fireworks, throw all those batteries into the fire.

<sarcasm mode OFF>