Spotlight: TI-32 Solar from 1988

Spotlight: TI-32 Solar from 1988

Today’s spotlight is on a standard scientific calculator from Texas Instruments… with a twist. First, let’s start with the quick facts.

Quick Facts

Model: TI-32 Solar

Company: Texas Instruments

Timeline: 1988 (possibly 1989?), this model was very short lived

Type: Scientific

Memory: 1 memory register

Power: Solar

Screen: 10 digits

The TI-32 Solar was a scientific calculator that was sold briefly by Texas Instruments in the last 1980s. The function set is a combination of the TI-30 Solar and the original one line TI-34:

* trigonometry, decimal/dms conversion, rectangular/polar conversions

* logarithms, anti-logarithms (10^x, e^x), powers

* one variable statistics (mean, deviation, sums)

* binary/decimal/hexadecimal conversion (and just conversions, strangely no octal)

* 3-decimal random number generator (RND)

* percent function

The Polar/Rectangular conversions use the [ a ] and [ b ] keys. [ a ] is for x and r, while [ b ] is for y and Θ.

The statistics mode is one-variable only. Though I am not a fan of the STAT mode being the alternative function of the [ C ] key, thankfully, the stat mode works.

What truly sets the TI-32 Solar apart are two things:

(1) The orange trim and keys on a dark gray keyboard. This is a very rare color scheme, especially orange until Texas Instruments started to release the TI-30XIIS and the TI-84 Plus CE in various colors.

(2) The screen tilts. The screen is a set on a hinge that allows the user to tilt the screen to different angles, which allows for more ergonomic operation. To put the calculator away, tilt the screen to be aligned with the keyboard and use the slide case. I think this is a really neat idea. The tilt mechanism seems to hold out well for a nearly 40 year old calculator.

Source

Woerner, Joerg. “Texas Instruments TI-32 SOLAR” Datamath Calculator Museum. September 20, 2002. Accessed July 7, 2025. http://www.datamath.org/Sci/Modern/TI-32Solar.htm

Eddie

 All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

All posts are 100% generated by human effort.  The author does not use AI engines and never will.

Spotlight: Casio fx-570SP X II Iberia

Spotlight: Casio fx-570SP X II Iberia

Quick Facts

Model: fx-570SP X II Iberia

Company: Casio

Timeline: about 2014 – 2022, predecessor to the fx-570SP CW

Type: Scientific

Power: 1 AAA battery

Memory Registers: 9 (A, B, C, D, E, F, x, y, M).

Language: Castellano, Català, Euskara, Portugués

Number of Functions: 576 (see source)

This calculator is designed for Spain and Portugal market. I recently was able to obtain one from an auction site.

Introduction

Iberia is in reference to the Iberian Peninsula, which contains Spain and Continental Portugal. The fx-570SP X II Iberia is a calculator with all the keys, menus, functions, and prompts in Spanish.

Examples:

The trigonometric functions sin and sin ⁻¹ are labeled sen and Arcsen, respectively.

MCM is Minimo Comune Multiplo, also known as Least Common Multiple (LCM) in a lot of the world.

Likewise, MCD is Maximo Comune Divisor, also known as Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).

The calculator uses a decimal point as a separator between a number’s integer and fractional part.

The fx-570SP X II Iberia is based off the fx-570EX and the solar counterpart, the very popular fx-991EX Classwiz.

My review of the fx-991EX Classwiz from 2015: https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2015/11/casio-fx-991ex-classwiz-review.html

There are several functions that are present of the fx-570SP X II Iberia that are not present in the fx-991EX Classwiz:

|_ ([ALPHA] [fraction bar template]): Euclidean Division. Returns the quotient, labeled C, and remainder, labeled R, from dividing two integers.

Example:

148 |_ 15 returns C=9, R=13

Π ([ALPHA] [ x ]): Product of a function f(x). In E Mat (Math IO), the product function is shown in a template form.

Example:

1^2/2 * 2^2/2 * 3^2/2 * 4^2/2 = Π(x^2/2, 1, 4) returns 36

MCM ([ALPHA] [ ÷ ]): Least Common Multiple

Example:

LCM(14, 21) → MCM(14, 21) returns 42

MCD ([ALPHA] [ × ]): Greatest Common Divisor

Example:

GCD(14, 21) → MCD(14, 21) returns 7

Simp ([ALPHA] [ ( ]): Manual simplification of fractions (when Simplificar - Manual is selected).

Repeating Bar ([ALPHA] [ √ ]): Allows to easily type repeating decimal patters.

Example:

1/3 can be written as 0.3 with a bar over the 3 (0.3333333333…).

Menu (Menú)

The modes of the available in the fx-570SP X II are same of the fx-991 EX Classwiz:

1: Calcular (Calculate)

2: Complejos (Complex Numbers)

3: Base-N (Base Conversions and Boolean Objects)

4: Matriz (Matrices)

5: Vector (Vector)

6: Estadística (Statistics)

7: Distribución (Distribution)

8: Hoja de cálculo (Spreadsheet – 1,700 byte capacity, 45 rows, 5 columns (A-E))

9: Tabla (Table – up two function f(x), g(x), can be graphed using a QR code)

A: Ecuación/Func (Equation Solver: Linear Systems and Polynomials)

B: Inecuación (Inequalities)

C: Verificar (Verify)

The fx-570SP X II can solve up to 4 x 4 linear systems and 4-degree polynomials.

Regressions included are:

y = a + b x

y = a + b x + c x²

y = a + b ln x

y = a e^(b x)

y = a b^x

y = a x^b

y = a + b/x

The fx-570SP X II is succeed by the fx-570SP CW (https://www.calculados.com/calculadoras/fx-570-sp-cw/#1683017979230-21cc574f-5c0e).

Final Thoughts

I am fluent in English (my first language) and speak some Spanish, so the fx-570SP X II is going to help practice mathematical terms in Spanish. I look forward to using this calculator.

Calculated Industries has a Spanish version of the Construction Master 5 named the Construction Master 5 En Espanol (https://www.calculated.com/prd201/Construction-Master-5-In-Spanish.html), I may want this for my collection.

Source

Casio. “Classwiz fx-570SP X II Iberia” 2024. https://www.edu-casio.es/portfolio-item/fx-570spx-iberia-ii-classwiz/ Retrieved June 3, 2025.

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

Casio fx-CG 100 in Pictures and First Impressions

Casio fx-CG 100 in Pictures and First Impressions

Quick Facts:

Model: fx-CG 100

Company: Casio

Battery: 4 x AAA (included with the calculator)

Memory: 61,440 bytes for regular memory. However, Python scripts are stored in Storage Memory, which is 4,793,072 bytes (almost 4.8 MB).

Price (US): $119.99

Site: https://www.casio.com/us/scientific-calculators/product.FX-CG100/

Display: 216 x 384 pixels

Programming Language: Python

Connection: USB Port, USB-C (a cord was not provided in the box, but this cord is easily obtainable because the USB-C fits works with most smart phones, tablets, and current Numworks N120)

Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

Country Settings: International, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States (this seems to arrange the order the apps, but I'm not sure what else is effected)

Python Modules available at the beginning: Math, Random, PyPlot, Turtle, CasioPlot including getkey()

The fx-CG 100 is a graphing calculator that is modeled after the ClassWiz series, like it’s non-graphing flagship fx-991 CW. Instead of function keys (F1 – F6), navigation is done using tab keys ( [ |< ] and [ >| ]), and the [CATALOG] and [ TOOLS ] keys. The options available in the CATALOG and TOOLS change depending on the current app operated.

At default the [ FORMAT ] key toggles between exact answers and approximates. We can set the format key to act like the fx-991 CW, which it brings up menu which gives formatting options exact, approximate, sexagesimal, and engineering. For me personally, I will leave it as toggle. We can always bring up the format menu by pressing [ SHIFT ] [ FORMAT ].

The menus include short cut option numbers. We can disable them, but I don’t think there is a reason to.

The Calculate app is now only in Math Input/Output (textbook). No more linear (one-line) entry, despite the current manual mentioning Linear Input. I have not found that setting (yet).

The list brackets are no longer on the keyboard, but instead only in the CATALOG-Statistics menu.

Pressing the [ HOME ] key will bring up the following apps:

Calculate (includes Unit Conversions)

Graph & Table (used to be two separate apps – function, parametric, polar, x=, inequality)

Statistics

Equation (solve linear systems, polynomials, general solver)

Recursion (sequences)

Dynamic Graph

Distribution (Binomial, Normal, Poisson, Geometric, Hypergeometric, Student-t, Chi Square, F)

Numeric Inequality Solver

Base-N (base conversions and logic returns to its own app instead of being integrated in Calculate)

Conic Graphs

Spreadsheet (better access to the cell functions)

Geometry

Financial

3D Graph (including z(x,y), parametric (x(s,t), y(s,t), z(s,t), conic sections)

Probability Simulations

Python

Database – Periodic Table, Scientific Constants (which can be stored in variables A-Z). Scientific constants are in SI units (meters, kilograms, seconds, Joules, Kelvins, etc.)

Memory Management

Exam Mode (which personally I’ll never use)

Given a quick glance, except for the loss of Casio basic, all of the functionality of the fx-CG 50 make it over to the fx-CG 100. Python scrips are stored in Storage Memory (about 4.8 MB).

The keyboard feels nice. And the contrast of the green, orange, and white against the black background makes the keyboard easy to read.

[SHIFT] [ 0 ]: Select. Press [ OK ] or [EXE] to cut or past

[SHIFT] [ 1 ]: Paste

[SHIFT] [ 2 ]: Screen Capture

Pictures:

Overall, the fx-CG 100 is impressive and I will have to get used to the catalog/tools keys.

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

Spotlight: Casio fx-92 Collège

Spotlight: Casio fx-92 Collège

Quick Facts

Model: fx-92 Collège

Company: Casio

Timeline: 2023-present

Type: Scientific with Algorithm programming, 10 digits, Algebraic with Text Writing

Memory: 9 variables (A-F, x, y, z), 900 bytes for a script space

Power: 1 AAA battery

The fx-92 Collège is a scientific calculator designed for French school students. The calculator keys, functions, instructions, and commands are all in French. I purchased this calculator from a Swiss vendor online. The fx-92 Collège is sold in France, and I wish it was sold worldwide.

Modes

The fx-92 Collège has these following modes:

Calcul	Calculate Mode: This is the regular calculator mode. The input and output can be set to 2D input/output or linear. The 2D input/output shows mathematical calculations as they are written naturally. Also, fractions, terms of pi (π), and exact square roots (collectively known as QIRAC) are shown in 2D mode.
Stats	Statistics Mode: 1 and 2 statistics mode. The regression offered is linear regression.
Tableur	Spreadsheet: 45 rows x 5 columns. The spreadsheet has a capacity of 2,380 bytes.
Tabl fonct	Function Table: up to 2 functions, f(x) and g(x)
Équation	Equation Mode: Linear systems of orders 2, 3, or 4
Prod. croix	Ratio mode: Solve for X A / B = X / D A / B = C / X
Algo	Algorithmique: Algorithm Mode. This is the programming mode.
Math Box	Math Box: This features four applications: Lancer de dés: Dice Roll (up to 3 dice, up to 250 rolls of the dice) Pile ou face: Coin Toss (up to 3 coins, up to 250 coin tosses) Droite grad.: Graph line intervals, up to 3 (x<a, x≤a, x=a, x>a, x≥a, a<x<b, a≤x<b, a<x≤b, a≤x≤b) Cercle: Circle app (trigonometric circle, semi-circle, hourly clock (Horloge))

The fx-92 Collège is part of the Casio’s Classwiz series (think fx-991CW and the international fx-82CW). The calculator has a back button, four direction keys, an [ OK ] button, a button acts like a scroll button. The home button (ACCUEIL) calls up the modes while the configuration (CONFIG) shows the set up options.

The calculator uses a comma as a fraction indicator instead of a decimal point to align with how numbers are written in France.

In France, the approximation of √92 is written as 9,591663047.

In the United States, the approximation of √92 is written as 9.591663047.

Mathematical Functions

Some of the featured functions are:

Euclidean division: |-. [ SECONDE ] [ ÷ ]. This function returns the quotient and remainder.

Example: 2025 |- 47 returns Q = 43; R = 4

Last Answer: [ Rép ]. This is the returns the last answer processed by the previous calculation. This is often labeled elsewhere as Ans.

Fraction Simplification: Simp. [ SECONDE ] [ Rèp ]. Simplifies fractions and rational expressions or attempts to give a fraction representation of a decimal.

Example: .5757575757575757 >Simp returns 19/33.

Logarithm and Natural Logarithm: These are not on the keyboard, but instead found in the CATALOG – Analyse fonction menu.

Exponential Function (e^x): The Euler constant (e ≈ 2,718281…) is found by pressing [ CATALOG ], [ ↑ ], selecting Autre (Other) and selecting e.

Catalog-Probabilitè:

%

Factorielle (Factorial: n!)

Permutation (nPr)

Combinasion (Combinatio: nCr)

Nombre alèatoire (Random Number, Ran#)

Entier alèatoire (Random whole number, RandInt#(low; high))

Note arguments are separated by a colon. (;)

Catalog-Calcul numérique:

PGCD: Greatest common divisor (GCD)

PPCM: Least common multiple (LCM)

Valeur absolue: Absolute value (abs, |x|)

Tronc. À l’unité: Shown as Ent when called, this is the integer part function.

Arrondi: Rounds the number to the fix mode settings

Partie entière: The greatest integer less than x.

Arrondi(;): Rounds the number to any number of decimals.

Example: Arond(π; 4) returns 3927 / 1250 = 3,1416

Catalog-Angl/Coord/Sexag…:

This sub menu has angle designations (x°, x^r (radians), x^g (gradients), polar/rectangular conversions, markers for degrees/hours-minute-seconds calculations).

Catalog-Trigonométrique:

All the trigonometric (sin, cos, tan) functions and their inverses. These six functions are already on the keyboard.

Algorithmique Mode: Algorithm

This is the fx-92 Collège’s programming function. There is one program space, which allows up to 900 bytes of memory. Each command takes at least 4 bytes of memory. The language is similar to Scratch.

The output screen is a split screen. On the top, a graph and drawing screen. The dimensions of 191 pixel wide, 48 pixel height. The graph dimensions are x = [-95,96] and y=[-24,24]. Draws can leave the screen, up to ±999. At the bottom is one line where numerical results and per-programmed messages are shown. Below is a table of the commands that are available:

(Créer un algorithme: Create an algorithm)

French	English	Function
Avancer de n	Move forward n	Move the point n points/pixels
Tourner de ⟲ Θ	Turn from ⟲ Θ	Rotate the arrow Θ degrees
S’ orienter à Θ	Orient yourself to Θ	Turn the pointer to angle Θ
Aller à x; y	Go to x; y	Move pointer to point (x,y)
Stylo écrit	Pen writes	Put the pen down to write
Stylo relevè	Pen raised	Raises the pen to stop writing
Metire var á (Shown as expression → var)	Set var to (Shown as expression → var)	Makes a calculation and sets it to a variable A – F, or z.
Demander valeur (Shown as ? → var)	Ask for a value (Shown as ? → var)	Prompts for a value to be stored in A – F, or z
Commenataire (shown as one of four comments)	Comment out of four per-programmed strings	“Oui” Yes “Non” No “Nombre?” Number? “Résultat :” Result : Pauses execution
Afficher résult var	Show result var	Shows the contents of a variable and pauses execution
Style	Style (Style of Cursor)	Fléche: Arrow Croix: Cross
Attendre	Pause	Pause execution of script
Répéter n ( ↑ )	Repeat n ( ↑ )	Repeat loop, n time (up to 10,000 times). Loop ends at ↑.
Répéter jusqúa cond	Repeat until cond	Repeat a loop until condition cond is met. =, ≠, >, <, ≥, ≤ are present in the CATALOG-ALGO menu
Si Alors (Fin)	If Then (End)	If-Then structure. =, ≠, >, <, ≥, ≤ are present in the CATALOG-ALGO menu
Si Alors Sinon (Fin)	If Then Else (End)	If-Then-Else structure. =, ≠, >, <, ≥, ≤ are present in the CATALOG-ALGO menu

Algorithms start with the pointer at (0, 0) and the pen up. The pointer first starts at angle Θ = 0° (right along the x-axis).

The angle Θ is only accessed in this mode, [CATALOG], Algo, Θ (and only in certain prompts).

The variables x and y refer to the pixel coordinates. They cannot be stored or asked for in this mode.

With each command, you get a prompt screen to fill in the inputs.

When the script pauses, press [ OK ] to continue.  

Also with OUTILS (options):

French	English
Copier & Insérer	Copy & Insert (at Paste)	Press [ OK ] to insert the line.
Insérer linger	Insert Row	Press [ OK ] to insert the line.
Tout supprimer	Delete the Script	To delete a line, press [ ←x ] instead.

The fx-92 Collège is the second Casio calculator to have this type of algorithm mode. It succeeds the fx-92+ Spèicale Collège.

Next Sunday, February 16, we will explore the differences between the fx-92 Collège’s algorithm program and the Turtle module in Python.

Final Thoughts

The algorithm is erased when the calculator is turned off. I wish this wasn’t the case but I can see why the calculator does not retain programs. The fx-92 Collège is designed for teaching basic coding. This is the reason I would like to see this model available readily worldwide, as I think it would sell well. Even though the target audience are middle school students, I think this calculator can be enjoyed by everyone, at any age.

My only gripe: why aren’t the logarithm (log, ln) and exponential (e^x) functions on the keyboard? I get that middle school students probably don’t work with these functions, but the fx-92 Collège is a scientific calculation, and it is customary to have these functions on the keyboard. Not a deal breaker in any stretch of the imagination, just a minor thing for me. I’m glad they are there.

If you get a chance to get this calculator at a reasonable price, buy it. Now I can hope that the AAA battery is used is a universal AAA battery, I probably will have to invest in metric small screwdrivers when it comes time to replace the battery.

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.