Omnimaga
Calculator Community => TI Calculators => General Calculator Help => Topic started by: kitten on September 08, 2016, 07:16:43 pm
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Hello, everyone. School time recently began in my district, and everyone has the new fancy TI-83/84 and all the variations! I've been asked more than once how to play games on the calculator, and to shorten their long journey to their computer to download a file and transfer it to their calculator (very difficult!) I was going to transfer files directly from my calculator to their calculator. Unfortunately(?) I have a TI-nSpire CX, and my testing seems to show that I can't send files to their calculators via my calculator (unless I'm wrong, which is likely). So, I was going to buy a calculator that could transfer to all their calculators, except I'm not sure which calculator can trasnfer to all other calculators! Can the TI-84+ transfer to the TI-84+ CE (and vice versa)? Can the TI-83 transfer to the TI-84+ (and vice versa)? My research (which is basically the one Texas Instruments page detailing how to transfer files between calculators) is quite unclear! As a solution, I decided to ask here, at Omnimaga. So, could someone please tell me which calculator I should buy to be able to transfer files to my classmate's calculators? Thank you!
(Sorry if something didn't make sense.)
Also, as a completely unrelated question that I doubt I should be asking here: does anyone know of a USB Network Adaptor that is compatible with the nSpire's Debian 8 from Ivoah's guide?
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From what I understand you can transfer between all of the following (Barring any programs specific to that device for one reason or another):
83+, 83+SE, 84+, 84+SE
You may also be able to transfer between them and a 84+CSE. Unlikely that most programs will be compatible.
CE can only transfer to CE.
I believe the 83 can only transfer to another 83 (Not to the 83+).
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Well, why don't you just try to use an emulator (eg, Wabbitemu). OFC, you'll still need to make sure the file format is compatible. The emulator (when it works) has the advantage to spare you some bucks. ;)
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Well, why don't you just try to use an emulator (eg, Wabbitemu). OFC, you'll still need to make sure the file format is compatible. The emulator (when it works) has the advantage to spare you some bucks. ;)
I don't think that would help him with transferring files to other people. It would mean he'd already have a computer available, and in that case he'd just want to use TI-Connect to transfer the files.
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@Eeems: What I meant to say is that some emulators do support several file formats (TBH, I'm not that acquainted with Wabbitemu anymore). If that's the case then you can load a game in one format and save it in another format compatible with another target machine. In a way, use the emulator as a sort of file format converter.
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@Eeems: What I meant to say is that some emulators do support several file formats (TBH, I'm not that acquainted with Wabbitemu anymore). If that's the case then you can load a game in one format and save it in another format compatible with another target machine. In a way, use the emulator as a sort of file format converter.
That wouldn't really resolve the issue though. the 83/84 family use the same file formats, but some programs aren't compatible. An emulator would not be able to convert a program between families unfortunately :(
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Yeah agreed, hardware incompatibility will always be rather complicated to tackle and often impossible to overcome. File conversion only makes sense if the hardware is compatible for that type of application.
For some games though, it's also sometimes possible to find the source code (eg, in BASIC/C/asm) and then compile/assemble them for the target calculator (hardware) would be a solution (probably after some editing). There's even an editor/emulator/converter at cemetech that can come in handy: https://www.cemetech.net/sc/ (SourceCoder). (I'm not associated with them, BTW).
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From what I understand you can transfer between all of the following (Barring any programs specific to that device for one reason or another):
83+, 83+SE, 84+, 84+SE
You may also be able to transfer between them and a 84+CSE. Unlikely that most programs will be compatible.
CE can only transfer to CE.
I believe the 83 can only transfer to another 83 (Not to the 83+).
Well, at least some calculators can transfer to the other ones. I think most of my classmates have the TI-83+/84+, fortunately. One person I know does have a CE though, but I doubt most games are compatible with that calculator anyway :(
Yeah agreed, hardware incompatibility will always be rather complicated to tackle and often impossible to overcome. File conversion only makes sense if the hardware is compatible for that type of application.
For some games though, it's also sometimes possible to find the source code (eg, in BASIC/C/asm) and then compile/assemble them for the target calculator (hardware) would be a solution (probably after some editing). There's even an editor/emulator/converter at cemetech that can come in handy: https://www.cemetech.net/sc/ (SourceCoder). (I'm not associated with them, BTW).
Leave it up to TI to make everything incompatible with everything else :-\ I don't have much experience with compiling things (except a few 3DS programs, which I'm pretty sure are barely related), but I guess it would be nice to learn :) No idea where I would begin, though...
Would it be possible to create a program for the nSpire that emulates the TI-8X linking system? I've seen some TI-83/84 family emulators for the nSpire, but I'm not sure if they support the link cable (I doubt it).
And another question: seeing as the 83/84(+)[SE] can all link to one another, can they all use the same programs (that aren't tied to one specific version)? For example, can a TI 84+ SE run a program for the TI-83+ and TI-84+? As far as I know, the SE versions are the same as the non-SE versions, excluding storage size, correct?
Thanks for all the help so far!
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I'm surprised nobody has made a tool for the nspire to transfer files to older models. I know there is a program for the TI-89 that lets you send and receive files from all of the older models.
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And another question: seeing as the 83/84(+)[SE] can all link to one another, can they all use the same programs (that aren't tied to one specific version)? For example, can a TI 84+ SE run a program for the TI-83+ and TI-84+? As far as I know, the SE versions are the same as the non-SE versions, excluding storage size, correct?
Thanks for all the help so far!
For the most part, yes. BASIC programs can be transferred between any of these calculators: TI-83, TI-83+, TI83+SE, TI-84+, TI-84+SE. There are a few minor cases where newer commands are used that exist in one and not the other (I've listed the models from oldest to newest). I'm not sure if it just won't send to an older calculator or if it will error upon reaching an unknown command. I think it errors IIRC. The author should make it clear if a program is only for a specific calculator, and will sometimes include different versions. For ASM, The normal TI-83 can only run it's own programs IIRC. Otherwise ASM programs can be transferred freely between the TI-83+, TI83+SE, TI-84+, TI-84+SE. Again, there are some minor instances where newer commands used on the 84+ or 84+SE will not allow compatibility. It is also worth noting that Basic programs from these models can be transferred to the TI-84 CSE, but not the other way around IIRC, and they may run a bit differently due to different screen sizes. Hope that helps. :) Oh, and welcome to Omnimaga by the way.
*Edit* There is an old version of the nspire that has a grayscale screen. It has switchable keypads. One of them is a TI-84+ keypad that allows you to use it as such. You should be able to transfer programs from that nspire model to the TI-83/84 series IIRC. If you pop in the nspire keypad you should be able to transfer between nspire models (I'd assume, not to familiar with the nspire series though). It should be noted that these old models have a slower processor than the newer nspires, and I'm not sure if they are compatible with all current nspire software. Someone else might know though.
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For the most part, yes. BASIC programs can be transferred between any of these calculators: TI-83, TI-83+, TI83+SE, TI-84+, TI-84+SE. There are a few minor cases where newer commands are used that exist in one and not the other (I've listed the models from oldest to newest). I'm not sure if it just won't send to an older calculator or if it will error upon reaching an unknown command. I think it errors IIRC. The author should make it clear if a program is only for a specific calculator, and will sometimes include different versions. For ASM, The normal TI-83 can only run it's own programs IIRC. Otherwise ASM programs can be transferred freely between the TI-83+, TI83+SE, TI-84+, TI-84+SE. Again, there are some minor instances where newer commands used on the 84+ or 84+SE will not allow compatibility. It is also worth noting that Basic programs from these models can be transferred to the TI-84 CSE, but not the other way around IIRC, and they may run a bit differently due to different screen sizes. Hope that helps. :) Oh, and welcome to Omnimaga by the way.
*Edit* There is an old version of the nspire that has a grayscale screen. It has switchable keypads. One of them is a TI-84+ keypad that allows you to use it as such. You should be able to transfer programs from that nspire model to the TI-83/84 series IIRC. If you pop in the nspire keypad you should be able to transfer between nspire models (I'd assume, not to familiar with the nspire series though). It should be noted that these old models have a slower processor than the newer nspires, and I'm not sure if they are compatible with all current nspire software. Someone else might know though.
Yes, this does help! I'm pretty sure most of my classmates have the TI-84+ and above, so I suppose I shouldn't worry with many compatibility issues.
I already knew that there was the old TI-nSpire with the greyscale screen and the TI-84+ keypad, but that would probably cost more than just a regular TI-84+, correct? And does it have any improvements from the normal TI-84+?
Thanks for welcoming me to Omnimaga... I can't remember whether or not someone else did :P
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The nspire with the 84+ keypad actually has some deficiencies. It is emulation, and it does not emulate some (all?) undocumented instructions. There are probably also a few normal instructions that behave slightly differently. This causes a few compatibility issues. I don't think the screen is that good either. I also seem to remember some sort of issues with it getting worn out due to keypads being swapped often. As far as price goes, it might be cheaper. It isn't produced anymore, and demand isn't' too high. I also am not sure if it is receiving updates anymore. Again, I'm not super familiar with nspire, so maybe check TI's website to see what the most up to date OS is for the old models.
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The nspire with the 84+ keypad actually has some deficiencies. It is emulation, and it does not emulate some (all?) undocumented instructions. There are probably also a few normal instructions that behave slightly differently. This causes a few compatibility issues. I don't think the screen is that good either. I also seem to remember some sort of issues with it getting worn out due to keypads being swapped often. As far as price goes, it might be cheaper. It isn't produced anymore, and demand isn't' too high. I also am not sure if it is receiving updates anymore. Again, I'm not super familiar with nspire, so maybe check TI's website to see what the most up to date OS is for the old models.
I believe the latest OS is 3.9.X, while for the CX versions it's 4.3.0. So with poor emulation and quality of some hardware, and with no more updates... I think I'm better off getting a TI-84+.
EDIT: Okay, now, I've decided upon the TI-84+ SE. I've been doing some reading, and apparently the older revisions of the TI-84+ family (exceptionally the colour ones) had 128k of RAM instead of 48k. I presume that would be the one to buy, but I'm not sure exactly what hardware revision would be the one to get. I found one online with a hardware revision G, would that work? Thanks!
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Um... Bump, I guess? My last question kind of needs to be answered soon, as the calculator I want to buy won't last forever (Ebay)... Maybe I should just make a new topic? I don't want to spam the forum, though...
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I've been looking around to see what hardware revisions have what, and as far as I can find is the following page about how to check: http://wikiti.brandonw.net/index.php?title=83Plus:Ports:15
From what it says, the G is a 50-50 chance.
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The nspire with the 84+ keypad actually has some deficiencies. It is emulation, and it does not emulate some (all?) undocumented instructions. There are probably also a few normal instructions that behave slightly differently. This causes a few compatibility issues. I don't think the screen is that good either. I also seem to remember some sort of issues with it getting worn out due to keypads being swapped often. As far as price goes, it might be cheaper. It isn't produced anymore, and demand isn't' too high. I also am not sure if it is receiving updates anymore. Again, I'm not super familiar with nspire, so maybe check TI's website to see what the most up to date OS is for the old models.
I believe the latest OS is 3.9.X, while for the CX versions it's 4.3.0. So with poor emulation and quality of some hardware, and with no more updates... I think I'm better off getting a TI-84+.
EDIT: Okay, now, I've decided upon the TI-84+ SE. I've been doing some reading, and apparently the older revisions of the TI-84+ family (exceptionally the colour ones) had 128k of RAM instead of 48k. I presume that would be the one to buy, but I'm not sure exactly what hardware revision would be the one to get. I found one online with a hardware revision G, would that work? Thanks!
It honestly doesn't matter that much. The 128K is extra RAM that is only used by ASM programs. It isn't used as user storage. Only a tiny handful of programs even utilize the extra RAM, and I don't think any of them are games.
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I've been looking around to see what hardware revisions have what, and as far as I can find is the following page about how to check: http://wikiti.brandonw.net/index.php?title=83Plus:Ports:15
From what it says, the G is a 50-50 chance.
Oh, thank you! Would a TI-84+ SE made in March of 2007 have the extra RAM?
And the USB drivers? Do those matter? And since I presume newer would be better in the case of USB drivers, would the above date be okay for newer drivers?
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I'm not sure, I'd suggest looking at the link I gave and seeing if it has any more information. Otherwise you could ask in IRC to see if anybody else there knows.
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It honestly doesn't matter that much. The 128K is extra RAM that is only used by ASM programs. It isn't used as user storage. Only a tiny handful of programs even utilize the extra RAM, and I don't think any of them are games.
I thought TI-Boy utilized the extra RAM? The more compatibility, the better, probably. And getting a calculator with the extra RAM would be cheaper than one without it, from what my options are.
I'm not sure, I'd suggest looking at the link I gave and seeing if it has any more information. Otherwise you could ask in IRC to see if anybody else there knows.
I found a thread (https://www.omnimaga.org/other-calculator-discussion-and-news/the-missing-84-extra-ram-pages-(hardware-change)/) that seems to give a lot of information about the different calculators, and it looks like the one I found checks out!
But now I have another question (and I hope it's the last): what's the difference between "BE" calculators and "SE" calculators? The one I found online is a S-0307G, supposedly a "BE" calculator. The link you sent doesn't seem to have any information on it.
Thanks!
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BE is the normal 84+, nothing special about it
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BE is the normal 84+, nothing special about it
Strange... The calculator is definitely a S-0307G, but the table says it's not a Silver Edition. Maybe someone made a typo? Thanks for clarifying.
EDIT: I did a bit more research and found another table on Cemetech, and it seems that there is both a TI-84+ and TI-84+SE with the same serial number? Oh, Texas Instruments...
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It honestly doesn't matter that much. The 128K is extra RAM that is only used by ASM programs. It isn't used as user storage. Only a tiny handful of programs even utilize the extra RAM, and I don't think any of them are games.
I thought TI-Boy utilized the extra RAM? The more compatibility, the better, probably. And getting a calculator with the extra RAM would be cheaper than one without it, from what my options are.
I'm not sure, I'd suggest looking at the link I gave and seeing if it has any more information. Otherwise you could ask in IRC to see if anybody else there knows.
I found a thread (https://www.omnimaga.org/other-calculator-discussion-and-news/the-missing-84-extra-ram-pages-(hardware-change)/) that seems to give a lot of information about the different calculators, and it looks like the one I found checks out!
But now I have another question (and I hope it's the last): what's the difference between "BE" calculators and "SE" calculators? The one I found online is a S-0307G, supposedly a "BE" calculator. The link you sent doesn't seem to have any information on it.
Thanks!
A calculator with or without the extra RAM should be the same price. Also, BE is just your normal 84+. It has less storage than the SE model.
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A calculator with or without the extra RAM should be the same price. Also, BE is just your normal 84+. It has less storage than the SE model.
Oh, it looks like you're right, there are cheaper ones! Guess my "research" wasn't quite as extensive as I hoped.
Thanks for the explanation on BE/SE, but since SE stands for Silver Edition, what does BE stand for?
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A calculator with or without the extra RAM should be the same price. Also, BE is just your normal 84+. It has less storage than the SE model.
Oh, it looks like you're right, there are cheaper ones! Guess my "research" wasn't quite as extensive as I hoped.
Thanks for the explanation on BE/SE, but since SE stands for Silver Edition, what does BE stand for?
Probably Basic Edition
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Probably Basic Edition
That would probably make the most sense, yeah.
Anyway, now that all my questions are answered, I can finally buy another expensive calculator, and begin my journey into the land of the Zilog processor! I wonder what will go wrong this time :P