How can I find out my TI83 Plus serial number and what version of the software I have?

Press 2^ND MEM, 1: About. The software version is in the form x.yy. Both a Product ID number and an ID number are also displayed..

How do I change the contrast on my calculator?

Press 2^ND, press and hold the down arrow key to lighten.

Press 2^ND, press and hold the up arrow key to darken

How is the TI83 different from the TI83 Plus?

The TI83 Plus has Flash Electronic Upgradability which allow you to upgrade to future versions of software. It has considerably more memory, 184K bytes ( 24K RAM, 160K User Archive). Applications are archived. Some programs for running CBL/CBR are already installed.

What does a * beside a program mean?

The * means that the program is archived. It is protected and cannot be modified or used until it is unarchived. Archived programs can be transmitted to another calculator. They will be archived on the receiving calculator as well.

Can I leave a menu without making a selection?

Using the CLEAR key returns you to where you were previously. Using 2^ND QUIT returns you to the home screen. Pressing another menu key takes you to that menu.

How can I exit of a non-menu screen?

Try ENTER first. If that doesn't help, try CLEAR or 2^ND QUIT. If none of these works, you can always turn the calculator off. If you do that, you may find the calculator displays the same screen when you turn it back on. There should be a black square below and to the left. Simply press CLEAR and it will revert to the Home screen.

Will the programs and information be lost if I remove the batteries from my graphing calculator?

The graphing calculator has a lithium battery, which serves to maintain memory when the AAA batteries are removed. Memory will be conserved as long as both the lithium battery and the AAA batteries are not removed at the same time. TI recommends that the Lithium battery be replaced every 3-4 years.

What does a "Garbage Collection" message mean?

Garbage Collection occurs if you try to archive a variable but sufficient archive memory is not available. The GC is asking if you want it to try to rearrange information to make room. Choosing Yes starts the defragmentation/garbage collection process. This may take up to 20 minutes!

What are Flash Files?

Flash Flies are TI83 Plus files that can be updated. Some of them (CBR/CBL, CHEMBIO, PHYSICS, and CBLEXPT) can be downloaded free from the TI web site. After connecting your calculator to your computer using the grey TI GRAPHLINK cable, locate the Flash File icon (a yellow diamond) and double click on the icon to copy it to your calculator. You do not need to use the Graphlink program to transfer Flash Files.

How can I archive and unarchive programs?

There are two ways to do this. You can use 2^ND MEM, 5: Archive (or 6: Unarchive), PRGM key to get the program menu. Choose the number of the program you want to archive/unarchive, then ENTER. Another way is to choose 2^ND MEM, 2:MemMgmt/Del, arrow down to 7: Program, arrow down to the program you want to archive/unarchive. If there is a * it is already archived and pressing ENTER will unarchive it. If there is no *, pressing ENTER will archive the program.

Once I have collected data, can I see it in a table?

After collecting data. The calculator tell you what dat is stored in each list. You should make a note of this information. Choose STAT, Edit, 1:edit, and the lists are displayed. You can navigate through the lists using the arrow keys.

Why do I sometimes but not always get a LIVE GRAPH option when setting up to collect data?

It is possible the time between samples is too small for the system to be able to produce live data. If you need to see a live graph, try increasing the time between samples. The maximum number of samples for the TI83 Plus is 512.



Can I use Curve Fit or Add Model after I Select Region?

You can use Curve Fit either before or after you Select Region.



After I have used Select Region, nothing happens.

Be patient. Some of the analysis options take some time. You can tell the calculator is working by a small moving vertical line in the upper right corner of the screen.



Is there a way to project the calculator screen for classroom demonstrations?

The TI ViewScreen allows you to project the calculator window onto a screen using an overhead projector. You will need a calculator with a special port which connects to the ViewScreen. This calculator is supplied with the ViewScreen. TI Presenter can be used to display the calculator screen on a TV.



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