Special Function Calculators based on theTexas Instruments TI 58
The Texas Instruments TI 58 calculator introduced new possibilities in functionality by using a plug-in module with pre-programmed functions. The standard TI 58 model was supplied with the "Master Library Module" plugged into the module socket in the rear, as shown in the photographs below, but it was also possible to buy modules with libraries of functions for other types of calculation.
This is analagous to the modern personal computer which is a general-purpose machine in which it is possible to install specialist software to do precisely what you want. So you could buy the general purpose TI 58 calculator and install the program module to give you the specialist functions required.
In this way Texas Instruments could provide a range of specialist calculators more cheaply, since the majority of each calculator was the same, only program libraries differed. Several companies took advantage of this flexibilty and had calculators produced with custom library modules their own special functions and special keyboard, some of which are featured here:
- Standard TI 58 calculator.
- USMC Harrier VSTOL/REST Calculator for the McDonnell-Douglas AV-8A "Harrier" aircraft.
- Allianz insurance calculator.
- TI Navigatronic navigation calculator.
The Texas Instruments TI 59 calculator used the same program modules, and also had a magnetic card writer/reader for storing the users own programs, but does not appear to have been used by other companies as a basis for these specilised models..
The TI Navigatronic is a TI 58 fitted with a
Navigation programs module but retains the standard calculator keyboard. For each navigation program a separate legend panel can be slid in at the top of the keyboard to label the special action of each of the function keys.
