I remember when I was in high school we all had those TI calculators to cheat enhance our chances of passing exams, but Texas Instruments has now launched what it calls TI-Innovator Hub based on a MSP432 LaunchPad board that connects to some of their graphing calculators and allows student to program and control external hardware through their calculators.
Innovator Hub hardware specifications:
- MSP-EXP432P401-ET TI LaunchPad Board
- 3x input ports, 3x output ports, I²C port
- Breadboard connector with 20 labeled pins
- USB
- Mini USB Port (DATA port for connection to a TI graphing calculator, or a computer running TI-Nspire CX software)
- Micro-USB port (POWER port to connect to external power source)
- Misc – Red LED, RGB LED, Light Brightness Sensor, and speaker
- Enclosure
The hub can then be programmed using TI-84 Plus CE (TI Basic language) or TI-Nspire CX (Lua language) graphing calculators. It’s a bit like playing with Arduino board, but instead of using a computer for programming, you can use a calculator. TI also provides resources to make it easier for teachers. Some extra accessories are also available include I/O Module Pack with sensors and motors, an ultrasonic ranger module, a breadboard pack, and an external battery.
You can watch the “cool box” & “mind blown” video to see what students think about it.
I could not find pricing information. You’ll find a few more details on TI Innovator Hub product page.
Via Electronics Weekly.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Why should I use a calculator when I have a much more powerful and programmable smartphone?
Because teachers does not allow the use of smartphones in exams, but they let you use calculators?
I think it’s a logic answer, at least inside the schools I studied. I’ve finished computing and theoric exams were like in any other major exam, pen and calculator if needed, even programming ones. Stuff like tablets or smartphones were utterly forbidden.
@Someone
Some parents also don’t like to buy smartphones for their kids. I know some kids who had to wait until being 15 years old before their parents would get them a phone.