A tech wizard brings ChatGPT’s AI brilliance and internet access to the classic TI-84 graphing calculator — “I made the ultimate cheating device”

What you need to know

  • A tech YouTuber managed to get ChatGPT and the internet to run on the classic TI-84 graphing calculator.
  • The project featured several neat additions to the classic calculator, including a chat function, a monochrome image viewer, and a ChatGPT input window.
  • The modder encountered serious drawbacks while tinkering with the device, including voltage incompatibility of the components and signal integrity issues.
  • The ChatGPT functionality is also significantly slow, and some users might find it difficult to type long alphanumeric equations on the device. 

As a seasoned researcher with a penchant for unraveling the intricacies of technology, I find myself both astounded and amused by ChromaLock’s ingenious project to transform the venerable TI-84 graphing calculator into an Ultimate Cheating Device. While the thought of connecting ChatGPT and the internet to such a humble device seems like a stretch, it is indeed a testament to human creativity and resourcefulness.


Unexpectedly, tech enthusiast ChromaLock – recognized for his YouTube channel – shared a video detailing how he managed to link an old Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator to the internet and use it with OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI model (as reported by Tom’s Hardware).

ChromaLock calls the altered tool the Peak Cheat Machine. This enhanced gadget lets users input intricate math problems that are sent to me, and it displays the immediate solution right on a TI-84 scientific calculator’s screen.

It’s important to note that the YouTuber needed to carry out significant upgrades to both the hardware and software in order to complete the idea completely. The software code for this modification can be found on GitHub, under the TI-32 repository.

“A mod for the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition and TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition calculators to give them Internet access and add other features, like test mode breakout and camera support.”

To enhance the functionality of the TI-84 graphing calculator, a compact microcontroller like the Seed Studio ESP32-C3 was integrated within its system. This addition served to bolster the existing components. Additionally, adjusting voltages and inserting the modder’s 1K resistors between the microcontroller and connection port were key steps in the process.

Admittedly, the blatant attempt to get ChatGPT and the internet to work on the TI-84 graphing calculator is no easy feat. As highlighted by the modder, he encountered several drawbacks while working on the project, including voltage incompatibility of the components and signal integrity issues. 

Instead, the modifier programmed the microcontroller to act like a different TI-84 model through custom programming. Consequently, sending data and information to the genuine TI-84 calculator was made simpler.

It also allows users to easily download a launcher program that provides access to various “applets” designed for cheating, including ChatGPT. It’s worth noting that it’s significantly slow, and typing long alphanumeric equations on the interface might be daunting.  

This project offers various notable elements, such as a chat system, a simple black-and-white image viewer, and an interface for interacting with ChatGPT. Furthermore, it’s plausible that additional sophisticated features may be developed in the future, which could enhance GPT capabilities, enable web browsing, provide email functionality, support video playback, and offer access to Discord.

Read More

2024-09-24 17:40