TI-58C Scientific Calculator from 1978

This video is about the TI-58C scientific calculator from 1978, which was part of the 58/59 series.
Sections of this video:
0:00 - Intro
2:57 - Physical Design
4:41 - Internals
5:56 - Basic Usage
8:13 - Master Library Module
10:09 - Programming
12:45 - Undocumented HIR Instructions
15:38 - Summary
For more calculator videos check out my channel / calculatorculture

[@sepgorut2492]

I had one of those back in the day. I never had any problems with the hardware but never learnt of the HIR functions.

[@kn6hxj]

This brings back some memories. I had a TI58C when I was in high school may many years ago. My first exposure to anything programmable.

[@NeoNorse]

This was my first programmable calculator. I used it for the clerical job I was doing then and learning more about programming on the fly. Thank you for reminding me of this!

[@ClausB252]

My first personal computer was the TI SR-56 in 1977. Great fun! My favorite calculator app for Android is RCL-58, a fine emulator of the 58C.

[@CalculatorCulture]

You might be interested in Gene Wright’s great talk about the SR-56 here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXXXiHVrmsemqdksi=dAgdYvh8iNfNKWsW

[@tdumnxy]

Interesting and a little nostalgic. I had an SR-52 as a schoolboy, it being a hand-me-down from my father who moved on to the HP 41C. The mag card reader was the thing that my friends were envious of, it was just so satisfying to use. I don't remember the SR-52 having keyboard issues, I wonder why they came up in the later, "new & improved" models. The stand-out memory for me from this era was the superb documentation that came with these calculators, spiralbound manuals that were just so well written. Good video!

[@CalculatorCulture]

Yeah I’m not sure about the SR-50 and SR-52 keyboards. I should probably try to get hold of one of those at some point.

[@user-bf1rj2cz3v]

Maybe if they remake it should also feature the Compact Flash card reader on both the TI58C and TI59. They are more reliable in storing programs than magnetic cards on the TI59.

[@The.Doctor.Venkman]

I've soldered a 3xAAA battery holder in mine and use 1.5v lithium rechargeable batteries in it. Works a treat! I had to modify the battery cover so it would fit though.

[@CalculatorCulture]

Yeah I’ve been pondering a longer term solution for this one. Ideally I’d like to fix the my battery contacts and get a rebuilt battery pack.

[@chewylandlive]

Incredibly nice of you to make these super cool videos. Thank You from Bulgaria!!!!!!

[@CalculatorCulture]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MrNoahTall]

I bought a 58 just out of high school, but the lack of constant memory was unbearable since I wanted to program it, so I moved to the 58C as soon as it came out. I enjoyed it for 4-5 years and learned to do quite a few tasks with it. At one point my friend and I ran comparable random number generated games (he on his HP 29C) in speed tests to approximate specific sequences, such as Pi to 9 decimal places. As the 58C became less reliable, I moved to the 66 which, if I can locate it, probably still works.

[@gregw4987]

A TI-59 was my high school graduation gift from my parents (and my fourth TI calculator, after the SR-11, SR-56, and SR-40). Within two years, the keyboard reliability problems showed up, so, being mad at TI, I switched to HP! I couldn't afford the HP-41C so I bought an HP-15C and it still works after more than 40 years. I did not get another TI calculator until six years later when I was given a TI-65 for being a TI employee. I kept the TI-59 and all its documentation, but unfortunately the battery pack corroded, damaging the calculator. Now I am careful to store all the unused calculators in my collection without batteries. Great video! Keep up the good work.

[@CalculatorCulture]

It's unfortunately the earlier TI calculator models had so many reliability issues .The TI-65 is quite a interesting calculator, I'd like to find one at some point.

[@tomsmith5329]

Always wanted one in high school but they were to expensive. Later bought the TI-66. I still have it. Works prefect still.

[@ilkerf]

I fitted a Qi wireless charge receiver pad, a LiOn battery from an old cell phone, and TP4056 LiOn charger into the battery compartment of my TI-58C... Now, I just put it on the wireless charger for a quick charge. As an another solution, I modified my SR-51A to use solar cell for charging. The solar cell covers the bottom of the calculator. I flip it over for a charge when needed...

[@CalculatorCulture]

Love it, that’s a great idea.

[@MrWaalkman]

Very cool!

[@JohnnieMartynov]

I remember TI-58 (without "C"). It was in approx. 1985. We played "Landing on the Moon" on it.

[@tdumnxy]

That is cool. The moon lander game was also available for the 1975 SR-52 mentioned above. I played it quite a lot.

[@ledfan7989]

I have a TI 58 that I still use as my main calculator. More so now that I use it less frequently so the cost of batteries is not such an influencing factor. Not had any issue with reliability.

[@herminiozepeda3190]

Nostalgia de mis años en la Universidad !!. Gracias por el video.

[@bm842]

I still have mine! At that time I was dreaming about the HP41c but the beast was way too expensive...

[@jamesschoning9097]

Saved and saved and saved with after-school jobs for my 41C. Did not regret.

[@KRYPTOS_K5]

​@@jamesschoning9097 congrats! Texas was to the future engineers... HP was to the geniuses and future scientists or to the riches (there was no word for nerd). It was true here also despite the cultural gap was enormous despite a little semi invisible to us here. Brasil

[@Bianchi77]

Nice video, thanks for sharing with us, well done :)