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TI-86
TI-86
TI-86
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TI-86
TypeGraphing calculator
ManufacturerTexas Instruments
Introduced1996
Discontinued2006
Latest firmware1.6
PredecessorTI-85
Calculator
Entry modeD.A.L.
Display size128×64 pixels, 21×8 characters
CPU
ProcessorZilog Z80
Frequency6 MHz
Programming
User memory96 kB of RAM
Other
Power supply4 AAA's,
1 CR1616 or CR1620

The TI-86 is a programmable graphing calculator introduced in 1996 which was produced by Texas Instruments. The TI-86 uses the Zilog Z80 microprocessor. It is partially backwards-compatible with its predecessor, the TI-85.

In addition to having a larger screen than the TI-83, the TI-86 also allows the user to type in lower case and Greek letters and features five softkeys, which improve menu navigation and can be programmed by the user for quick access to common operations such as decimal-to-fraction conversion. The calculator also handles vectors, matrices and complex numbers better than the TI-83. One drawback, however, is that the statistics package on the TI-83 range doesn't come preloaded on the TI-86. However, it can be downloaded from the Texas Instruments program archive and installed on the calculator using the link cable.[1]

The TI-86 has been discontinued.[2]

Specifications

[edit]
  • CPU: Zilog Z80[3] 6 MHz
  • RAM: 128 KB, 96 KB user-accessible
  • ROM: 256 KB non-upgradable
  • Display: 128×64 pixels high-contrast monochrome LCD
  • Data Communication: Serial link port; allows two TI-86 calculators to be connected to each other, or one TI-86 to be connected to a PC, for data transfer via a special link cable
  • Programming Languages: TI-BASIC, Z80 Assembly language (ASM)
  • Power: 4×AAA, 1×CR1616 or CR1620 (for backup power)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

TI-86

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The TI-86 is a programmable developed and manufactured by , introduced on January 6, 1997, and discontinued on June 8, 2008. It utilizes a Z80-compatible (Toshiba T6A43) and features 128 KB of RAM, with approximately 96 KB available for user programs and data. The device includes a LCD with 128 × 64 resolution, supporting up to 8 lines of 21 characters, and is powered by four AAA batteries supplemented by a CR1620 lithium battery for memory backup. Measuring 7.3 × 3.5 × 1.0 inches and weighing 0.8 pounds, it was designed for high school and college-level , offering capabilities in graphing up to 99 functions simultaneously, parametric and polar graphing, matrix operations (up to 80 × 80), and advanced statistical analysis. Notable for its enhanced memory and functionality over the predecessor , the TI-86 supports programming as well as for custom applications, and includes a serial for connectivity with computers and peripherals like the Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) system. It was approved for major standardized tests including , ACT, , AP exams, and as of September 27, 2007. The calculator's 96 KB programming capacity enabled users to create complex programs for , , and data visualization, making it a staple in pre-algebra through college-level courses such as , , , statistics, physics, and /. Despite its discontinuation, the TI-86 remains valued for its robust build and expandability through third-party software.

Development and Release

Background and Development

The , released by in March 1992, marked the company's entry into advanced graphing calculators with support for programming, enabling users to create more sophisticated programs beyond basic keystroke operations. This model targeted and applications but was constrained by 28 KB of RAM and an uppercase-only character set, limiting its handling of complex data and text-based inputs. Development of the TI-86 began in the mid-1990s within ' education products division, building directly on the to address these shortcomings while expanding capabilities for advanced high school and college mathematics. Key goals included boosting programmability with native execution—unlike the TI-85's reliance on programming loopholes—increasing to 96 KB for more demanding operations, and introducing lowercase and Greek letters to improve the for technical notation in and contexts. These enhancements positioned the TI-86 as a mid-range tool without a (CAS), helping maintain affordability relative to higher-end models like the forthcoming TI-89, which incorporated CAS for symbolic manipulation. Innovations during development emphasized core mathematical features, such as expanded matrix handling up to 80x80 dimensions (compared to the TI-85's 30x30 limit), integrated vector operations, and built-in support represented as ordered pairs for easier computation in polar and rectangular forms. The calculator retained the Z80-compatible processor architecture of its predecessor but incorporated a T6A43 variant with additional ASIC integration for refined performance in graphing up to 99 functions and managing larger datasets. Announced on January 6, 1997, and available in May of that year, the TI-86 reflected TI's focus on practical upgrades to meet evolving educational needs in a competitive market dominated by graphing calculators from rivals like HP and .

Launch and Revisions

The TI-86 graphing calculator was introduced on January 6, 1997, and became commercially available starting in May 1997. It was initially priced at $150 USD and targeted primarily at educational users in North American and European markets. Production continued through 2008, when officially discontinued the model on June 8. Hardware revisions were limited to minor changes aimed at and manufacturing efficiency. Unlike the , which saw multiple major variants, the TI-86 had no significant hardware variants beyond a specialized edition known as the TI-86 ViewScreen (VSC), which included a dedicated for connecting to overhead projection panels. The calculator shipped with operating system (OS) version 1.2 and received firmware updates up to version 1.6, which included bug fixes and enhancements such as improved matrix operations. These updates were delivered via a serial connection to a using TI Graph Link software. The TI-86 maintained full backwards compatibility with TI-85 programs and data, enabling programs to be transferred and executed after conversion via computer if needed.

Design and Hardware

Physical Design

The TI-86 graphing calculator features a compact and portable form factor, measuring 1.0 × 3.5 × 7.3 inches (2.5 × 8.9 × 18.5 cm) and weighing 0.8 pounds (363 g), constructed from durable in a that resists everyday wear in educational settings. This design prioritizes portability while maintaining robustness, with a contoured optimized for comfortable one-handed use during extended sessions of calculation or graphing. A slide-on protective cover is included to shield the device from scratches and impacts during transport. The display is a LCD with a resolution of 128 × 64 , offering a viewing area equivalent to 8 lines by 21 characters, which supports clear rendering of text, mathematical expressions, graphs, and multi-level menus. Contrast is user-adjustable across 40 levels (0–9 via key combinations) to optimize visibility in various lighting conditions, though the screen lacks backlighting for power efficiency. This setup provides a larger viewing area than the contemporaneous TI-83's 96 × 64 pixel display, facilitating more detailed on-screen information without compromising readability. The keyboard layout includes 47 keys arranged for intuitive access, encompassing alphanumeric characters, mathematical operations, four directional for navigation, and dedicated keys for graphing (GRAPH) and mode selection (MODE). Positioned directly below the display are five programmable softkeys (F1–F5), which dynamically change labels to offer context-sensitive menu options, streamlining user interaction with functions like variable access or editing tools. The keys feature multi-layered labeling—primary white, secondary yellow via 2nd function, and tertiary blue via ALPHA—for efficient input of complex expressions. Power is supplied by four AAA alkaline batteries, which provide reliable operation for typical student use, supplemented by a CR1616 backup battery that preserves memory contents even when main batteries are depleted. The device includes an automatic power-down feature after approximately 4 minutes of inactivity to conserve energy, and a low-battery indicator prompts replacement to avoid . Connectivity is handled via a 3-pin serial link port located on the bottom edge, enabling data transfer between TI-86 units, compatibility with calculators, or linkage to computers using the optional TI-GRAPH LINK cable; USB support is absent, reflecting the era's technology standards.

Internal Components

The TI-86 utilizes a custom T6A43 (ASIC) as its central processor, incorporating an 8-bit Z80-compatible microprocessor core clocked at 6 MHz. This design enables efficient real-time calculations and supports assembly-language programming, with the core featuring technology for low power operation and additional logic for handling interrupts and bus arbitration. The ASIC also integrates peripheral functions, such as keypad scanning and LCD timing control, reducing the overall component count on the board. Memory in the TI-86 comprises 128 KB of static RAM (SRAM), of which 96 KB is accessible to users for storing programs, variables, and , while the remaining portion is reserved for operations. The (ROM) totals 256 KB, housing the operating and built-in applications in a non-upgradable format, though early production units allowed limited updates via one-time programmable (OTP) ROM chips like the AT27C020 before transitioning to mask ROM variants such as the Sharp LH532. All storage relies on volatile RAM backed by battery power, with no provisions for or slots, limiting persistence to battery life and available user for up to several hundred programs depending on size. Supporting electronics include dedicated display drivers within the T6A43 ASIC for the 128×64 pixel LCD, supplemented by separate T6A23 column driver and T6A40 row driver ICs to manage the high-contrast screen. A built-in controller facilitates inter-device communication and connectivity to peripherals like the Calculator-Based (CBL) system at 9600 . The overall architecture prioritizes battery efficiency through low-power components and minimal external circuitry. The TI-86's (PCB) integrates these elements across two layers—one for main and one for the display—with just five primary ICs: the T6A43 processor/ASIC, ROM chip, SRAM module ( SRM20100), and the two display drivers. Production occurred in ' facilities in Asia, such as , during the late 1990s peak, with manufacturing dates like November 1997 noted on early units.

Features and Capabilities

Mathematical and Graphing Functions

The TI-86 supports a comprehensive set of basic mathematical operations, including real and complex arithmetic, (such as sin, cos, and tan with their inverses), logarithmic functions (ln and log), and (sinh, cosh, and tanh with inverses). These operations handle complex numbers in both rectangular and polar forms, with built-in functions like abs, , real, and imag for manipulation. All computations use up to 14 digits of internal precision, though the display shows up to 12 digits plus a 3-digit exponent, with adjustable fixed or floating places. Graphing capabilities on the TI-86 allow plotting up to 99 functions simultaneously across various modes, including function (y(x)), parametric (xt(t), yt(t)), polar (r(θ)), and graphing. It supports simultaneous display of rectangular and polar graphs, enabling comparison of coordinate systems in a single view. Users can generate function value tables with automatic or manual stepping via independent or ask-table settings, facilitating evaluation at specific points. Graph analysis tools include trace mode for cursor along plots to read coordinates, and zoom features such as box, standard, trigonometric, and fit-to-screen options for detailed inspection. Conic sections can be graphed by entering their equations in the appropriate mode, such as parametric forms for ellipses or hyperbolas. Advanced mathematical functions include numerical root finding up to 30th degree using the polyRoots or commands, which support real and complex solutions. Numerical derivatives are computed via nDeriv for first-order and der2 for second-order approximations at specified points, without differentiation. Integration is performed numerically with the fnInt command over definite intervals, employing an adaptive iteration method that refines estimates by doubling sample points. Built-in statistical functions cover regressions such as linear, quadratic, exponential, and power models, but advanced statistical tools require separate download and installation. The equation solver handles single or systems of up to 30 equations interactively, iterating to find roots within user-defined bounds and tolerances. Unlike higher-end models, the TI-86 lacks manipulation capabilities for algebraic simplification or exact integration.

Data Handling and Analysis

The TI-86 graphing calculator provides built-in tools for managing structured data sets, enabling users to handle lists, matrices, vectors, and perform statistical computations efficiently. These features support educational applications in and by allowing , manipulation, and analysis directly on the device. List management on the TI-86 allows for up to 99 lists, each containing a maximum of 999 elements, facilitating the organization of numerical data. Users can create lists using curly brace syntax, such as {1,2,3}, or through the dedicated Editor for interactive entry and modification. Editing capabilities include inserting, deleting, or replacing elements, while sorting functions like sortA( for ascending order and sortD( for descending order help organize data quickly. Statistical summaries are accessible via functions such as mean( for the , median( for the , and stdDev( for standard deviation, providing essential without external software. Matrix operations extend data handling to multidimensional arrays, supporting matrices from 1×1 up to 99×99 in size, limited by available memory. Basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, , and , are performed using standard operators, while advanced functions enable inversion of square matrices via the ^-1 operator and computation of determinants with det(. Row reduction is handled by ref( for row-echelon form and rref( for reduced row-echelon form, useful for solving systems of equations. The also accommodates complex numbers within matrices, broadening applicability to contexts. Vector handling focuses on 2D and 3D vectors, treated as special cases of lists or matrices with 2 or 3 elements. Operations include the dot product via dot( and the cross product via cross( for 3D vectors, along with magnitude calculation using norm(, which computes the Euclidean norm. These tools support vector algebra in physics and geometry without requiring custom programming. Statistical analysis capabilities emphasize one- and two-variable statistics, accessed through the 1-Var Stats and 2-Var Stats commands in the STAT menu, which compute measures like mean, median, standard deviation, and regression coefficients from list data. Advanced hypothesis testing, including t-tests for means and chi-square tests for goodness-of-fit (via TTEST or X2TEST options, with results stored in variables such as xStat and yStat), is available through the downloadable "Inferential Statistics and Distribution Functions" application. While analysis of variance (ANOVA) is not built-in, it can be implemented through user programs. These functions prioritize core inferential statistics for classroom use. Data import and export occur primarily via the unit-to-unit link port, allowing transfer of and matrices between TI-86 or compatible devices like the CBL system using the Send( and Get( functions in the LINK menu. For PC integration, TI Connect software enables bidirectional transfer of data variables, including importing numeric data from text files (.txt) into or matrices and exporting calculator data to editable formats on the computer. This facilitates between handheld analysis and desktop processing.

Programming Support

The TI-86 provides robust programming support through its built-in language, a environment designed for creating custom programs to automate calculations, manipulate data, and develop utilities. includes commands for control structures such as loops (e.g., For, While, and Repeat), conditionals (e.g., ), and subroutines (e.g., Lbl, , and Return), enabling modular code organization. operations are handled via commands like Input for user prompts, Disp for displaying values, and Outpt for precise screen positioning, while string manipulation is supported through functions such as sub() for substrings and lngth() for length calculations. User-defined functions can be created directly in the program editor or as equations (e.g., y1=), allowing integration with graphing features. Programs are limited by available user RAM (approximately 96 KB total), with practical individual sizes up to around 10 KB, stored in user-accessible RAM. Assembly programming on the TI-86 leverages the native Z80 processor, allowing direct hardware access for high-performance applications like games and emulators without requiring an external shell, unlike many programs on the that depend on such loaders. Programs are executed using the Asm(programName) command from , with AsmComp() for compiling ASCII source to format and AsmPrgm for marking files as assembly. This native integration enables developers to write efficient code that interacts with the calculator's 128 KB RAM (96 KB user-accessible) and 128x64 pixel display for custom graphics and I/O. Development tools on the TI-86 include a built-in Program Editor accessed via the PRGM menu, which offers syntax checking during entry to catch errors like invalid commands before execution. is facilitated by trace mode, activated via the TRACE option, which steps through code line-by-line and allows interruption with BREAK for inspection. Programs can be archived in protected memory to safeguard against accidental deletion or reset, managed through the MEM menu for deletion or the LINK menu for transmission to other devices. The TI-86 programming community has produced thousands of programs, including games (e.g., adventure titles like Calcmon Red), emulators, and utilities, hosted on repositories such as ticalc.org. Advanced capabilities are extended through downloadable assembly-based parsers that hook into the calculator's input system, enabling custom commands and enhanced syntax not native to . There is no official app center; instead, users rely on community sites for downloads via cable connections like the TI-GRAPH LINK. Limitations include the absence of native support for languages like C or flash-based applications, as the TI-86's 256 KB ROM is non-upgradable and programs reside solely in volatile RAM. Without archiving or external backups, programs are lost upon battery failure, emphasizing the need for regular data transmission to a computer.

Reception and Legacy

Market Reception

Upon its release in 1997, the TI-86 received positive feedback in educational and technical circles for its advancements over the TI-85, including 128 KB of total memory with 96 KB user-available and support for assembly language programming, which appealed to engineering students and programmers. Reviews highlighted its suitability for advanced mathematics and data analysis in college-level courses, positioning it as a robust tool for graphing up to 99 functions and handling matrices up to 80x80. However, the TI-86 faced criticisms for its performance limitations compared to contemporaries like the TI-89, which featured a faster processor, (CAS) for symbolic manipulation, and 3D graphing capabilities absent in the TI-86. Its 128x64 display was standard for graphing calculators of the era, and the serial input/output port proved cumbersome for data transfers to computers or other devices. Positioned between the basic TI-83 and the more advanced TI-89, the TI-86 was favored by users needing programmable features without CAS complexity but less adopted in statistics-focused curricula that benefited from the TI-89's symbolic tools. Sales were initially robust following the launch at $150, with the model remaining in production until its discontinuation in , reflecting sustained demand in educational markets. In modern contexts, the TI-86 retains nostalgic appeal among communities for its longevity and modding potential, with projects like upgrades and documented in technical publications as late as 2016.

Educational Impact and Discontinuation

The TI-86 saw widespread adoption in educational environments during the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in (AP) Calculus, pre-engineering, and physics courses, where its advanced graphing and programming capabilities enhanced conceptual understanding and problem-solving. Research from this period indicated positive effects on student achievement when integrated into curricula designed around s, supporting exploratory learning in secondary mathematics. Approved by the for use on AP exams and by the ACT for standardized testing, it facilitated compliance with testing policies while enabling efficient numerical approximations of complex functions such as derivatives and integrals. Additionally, the TI-86's support and compatibility with educational software influenced ' broader ecosystem, fostering the development of shared resources for instruction. As of 2025, the TI-86 remains approved for major standardized tests including AP exams and the ACT. The TI-86 was discontinued by in 2008, following a production run that extended into the mid-2000s, as the market shifted toward more versatile flash-upgradable models like the TI-84 Plus and , which introduced USB connectivity, expanded memory, and eventual color displays for improved user experience. This transition reflected broader industry trends prioritizing upgradability and integration with digital tools over the TI-86's fixed ROM architecture, leading to its phase-out in favor of calculators better suited for evolving educational standards. In its legacy, the TI-86 continues to hold relevance in niche areas of and retro , where enthusiasts value its Z80-based architecture for experimentation and custom applications. Active communities maintain digital archives of programs and tools, such as those hosted on ticalc.org, preserving thousands of and assembly files originally developed for the platform. Emulators like Virtual TI replicate its functionality on modern devices, enabling ongoing access for educational demonstrations and hobbyist projects. As of 2025, used TI-86 units are readily available on secondary markets for $20 to $50, with no official support from but third-party options including standard AAA replacement batteries and serial linking cables ensuring basic operability. The calculator's design bridged earlier models like the TI-85 to advanced successors such as the TI-Nspire, shaping the trajectory of TI's innovations in STEM education.

References

  1. http://www.datamath.org/Graphing/TI-86.htm
  2. https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/11897
  3. https://education.ti.com/en/product-resources/graphing-course-comparison
  4. http://www.datamath.org/Graphing/TI-85.htm
  5. http://tistory.wikidot.com/calculators
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  8. https://courses.wccnet.edu/~palay/math169/cn86.htm
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  13. https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-86-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B00000JF53
  14. https://www.ebay.com/p/54842635
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  16. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/texas-instruments-ti-86-graphing-calculator/3178867.p?skuId=3178867
  17. https://manuals.plus/asin/B00000JF53
  18. https://wikiti.brandonw.net/index.php?title=86:ASIC
  19. http://mycalcdb.free.fr/main.php?l=0&id=5790
  20. https://www.ticalc.org/programming/emulators/romdump.html
  21. https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/other-graphing/product-usage/16830
  22. https://education.ti.com/html/eguides/discontinued/applications/EN/Inferential-Statistics-Distribution-Functions-TI86_EN.pdf
  23. https://education.ti.com/html/eguides/connectivity/TI-Connect/PDFs/TIConnectHelp_EN.pdf
  24. https://wikiti.brandonw.net/index.php?title=Programming_cross_z80_calculators
  25. https://tigcc.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/49/4964.html
  26. https://ti89.com/ti-calculator-review.php
  27. https://hackaday.com/2016/01/13/finally-an-upgrade-for-the-ti-86/
  28. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED525547.pdf
  29. https://citejournal.org/volume-5/issue-1-05/mathematics/research-on-graphing-calculators-at-the-secondary-level-implications-for-mathematics-teacher-education
  30. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/administering-exams/exam-policies/calculator-policy
  31. https://www.ticalc.org/basics/calculators/ti-86.html
  32. https://education.ti.com/en/resources/test-preparation/acceptance-act
  33. https://www.ticalc.org/pub/86/
  34. https://www.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/84/8442.html
  35. https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B00000JF53
  36. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203590197236
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