Orbit Research Orion TI-84 Plus User manual

PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION
Orion TI-84 Plus
Talking Graphing Calculator
User Guide
17th April, 2019
Version 1.0

Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator User Guide Version 1.0
Orbit Research Proprietary Information 2
Contents
1INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
1.1 ABOUT THIS GUIDE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.2 FEATURES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.3 CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS GUIDE-------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
2BECOMING ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR ORION TI-84 PLUS TALKING GRAPHING
CALCULATOR--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
2.1 PARTS LIST -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
2.2 ORIENTATION AND FUNCTIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------------6
2.3 POWER SUPPLY AND CHARGING------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.4 OPERATION PROCEDURE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
2.5 HELP MODE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
3ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
4KEYS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
5LOCATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
6FUNCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
6.1.1 Graph Options--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.1.2 Graph Options--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
6.1.3 Speech Options------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
6.1.4 Braille Options--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
6.2 SPEECH AND TONE MODE------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
6.3 REPLAYING A GRAPH------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
6.4 REPLAYING INDICATORS OF A GRAPH ---------------------------------------------------------------- 19
6.5 REVIEWING THE SCREEN------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
7CALCULATOR OPERATIONS WITH THE ORION TI-84 PLUS--------------------------------- 21
7.1 HOME SCREEN OPERATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
7.1.1 Entering Expressions------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22
7.1.2 Expression Editing (Delete and Insert)-------------------------------------------------------- 22
7.1.3 Copying the Previous Expression-------------------------------------------------------------- 23
7.1.4 Clear Operations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
7.2 GRAPH SCREEN OPERATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
7.2.1 Equations Announcement - Trace Cursor Announcement------------------------------- 24
7.2.2 X-Y Coordinates Announcement Cursor ----------------------------------------------------- 24
7.2.3 Busy Indicator--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
7.2.4 Complete Equation Playback-------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
7.2.5 Exiting the Graph Screen------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
7.2.6 Trace screen tone audible Graph playback-------------------------------------------------- 25
7.2.7 Y-Value Corresponding to X-Value in Trace Mode ---------------------------------------- 26
7.3 "Y=" MENU ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
7.3.1 Enabling, Disabling, and Editing Equations-------------------------------------------------- 27
7.4 HORIZONTAL SPLIT SCREEN MODE------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
7.5 SWITCHING BETWEEN VARIOUS SCREENS AND MENUS------------------------------------------- 27
7.6 ERROR SCREEN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
8EMBOSSING AND PRINTING AND DATA TRANSFER------------------------------------------- 28
8.1 DOWNLOAD THE TI CONNECTTM SOFTWARE -------------------------------------------------------- 28
8.2 HOW TO INSTALL AND RUN TICONNECTTM---------------------------------------------------------- 29
8.3 HOW TO CONNECT THE TI-84 PLUS CALCULATOR AND PC -------------------------------------- 29

Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator User Guide Version 1.0
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8.4 GRAPH AND PRINT OR EMBOSS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
9WARRANTY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
9.1 HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY---------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
9.2 EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS---------------------------------------------------------------- 30
9.3 OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE-------------------------------------------------------------- 32
10 FURTHER INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator User Guide Version 1.0
Orbit Research Proprietary Information 4
1 Introduction
The Orion TI-84 Plus is the world’s first fully accessible handheld graphing
calculator and is based on the popular TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator. The
functionality and operation of the Orion TI-84 Plus are identical in all respects to
the standard TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator. The only differences are additional
controls, jacks, speakers, and software for making the user interface fully
accessible.
The purpose of this User’s Guide is to help and guide you in the use and care of
the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator and covers the accessibility
enhancements to the TI-84 Plus.
Accessible versions of the TI-84 Plus Guidebook can be found on the Orion TI-84
Plus Resources page. You may also refer to the numerous online user manuals
and guidebooks from Texas InstrumentsTM for the TI-84 Plus Graphing
Calculator, as well as third-party tutorials.
1.1 About This Guide
This guide was accurate and complete at the date of its publication. For the latest
version, see https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orion-ti-84-plus-support/
1.2 Features
The Orion TI-84 Plus is a modified TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator for users who
are blind or visually impaired. The table below provides a list of some of the
outstanding features the product has to offer:
Features of The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator
LCD display and keypad functionality are identical to the standard TI-84 Plus,
making it easy for teachers already familiar with the TI-84 to help students.
Calculator functions have the benefit of decades of experience from Texas
InstrumentsTM, the world leader in calculators.
Full speech access to all menus, mathematical expressions, text, and
symbols displayed on screen
Full access to graphs through speech output of coordinates
Graphs can be accessed by audio tones.
Clear, high-quality synthetic speech (FonixTalkTM text-to-speech from
SpeechFXTM) also available for dynamic text
Each key is announced when pressed.
Repeat capability to announce the displayed screen (or parts of it) at any time
Unique Help mode for immediate key identification without interruption of
operation

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Features of The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator
Comprehensive choice of speech modes for various levels of feedback
High capacity, rechargeable battery
Battery or AC adapter operation
Ergonomically designed
Large, tactile, and functionally zoned keys
Easy on/off control and auto power-off
1.3 Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide references various functions of the calculator in the following manner:
The keys on the calculator are divided into two sections for easier accessibility.
The top part of the calculator is referred to as the Orion, and the bottom part is
referred to as the TI-84 Plus.
TI-84 Plus keys:
The TI-84 Plus keys start at the bottom row and the columns start on the left.
Example: The On key is located at the bottom left of the TI-84 Plus in column 1,
row 1.
Orion Keys
There are six keys on the top left side of the Orion. These keys are referenced as
top, middle, bottom, and left, right.
Example: The Preference key (Pref.) is the top-right key.
There are five keys located on the right side of the Orion. These keys are
referenced as the up, down, left, right, and home keys.
Both sets of keys can be used in conjunction for navigation and other functions.
Example: By pressing both the CTRL key, which is the bottom-left key on the
bottom left side of the Orion, and the Left Arrow key, which is located on the right
side of the Orion, takes you directly to the start of the review line?
Example: The following steps demonstrate how to calculate the square root of 9
using the keys on the TI-84 Plus section of the calculator:

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Step
Action
1
Press the 2nd key, located in column 1, row 9
2
Press the Square Root (X2) key (the square root symbol is displayed
above this key), located in column 1, row 5.
3
Press the numeral 9key, located in column 4, row 4
4
Press the Enter key, located in column 5, row 1
The Orion TI-84 Plus announces the answer. If you wish to repeat the answer,
press the Repeat key. Repeat is the top-left key in the left set of keys of the
Orion and is denoted by a looping arrow (the word Repeat is displayed above the
key).
2 Becoming Acquainted with Your Orion TI-84 Plus Talking
Graphing Calculator
2.1 Parts List
The package contains the following items:
•Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator
•Hard slide cover
•Standard A male to Mini-B male USB Cable
•Earphones
•Pack of four triple-A batteries
•USB flash drive containing documentation and software
•Quick-Start Guide in print format
2.2 Orientation and Functions
This section of the User’s Guide is aimed at familiarizing you with the locations
and functions of your Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator.
Position the Orion TI-84 Plus so that the keys face up and the ports are at the
top. This is the normal operating position. The ports at the top of the calculator
from left to right begin with the TI-84 serial link port on the far left, followed by the
micro port, the Mini-B port, and finally the earphone jack on the far right. On the
left and right sides of the unit, at the top and near the ports, are the two speaker
grills.
There are 11 keys grouped like a game pad on the front of the Orion section of
the calculator. Six keys are on the left in a three row, two column layout (like a
Braille cell); and a four-key bullet shaped directional pad arrow key configuration
on the right, with a square shaped Home key in the center. The TI-84 Plus keys
are on the bottom half of the calculator. There are 41 keys arranged in five rows
and nine columns with a four-key directional pad in the top-right corner. The four
keys of the directional pad are the arrow keys for the TI-84 Plus. The 12 number

Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator User Guide Version 1.0
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keys in the bottom and middle are concave (hollowed or rounded inward like the
inside of a bowl). The other keys feel convex (curved or rounded outward like the
exterior of a sphere or circle). The On key is flat and slanted forward, and the
Enter key is larger than the other keys.
The screen is the rectangular flat section that lies between the Orion and the TI-
84 Plus. A row of five TI-84 Plus Function keys are found just below the screen.
2.3 Power Supply and Charging
The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator has two separate power
sources. The calculator uses four triple-A batteries while the Orion accessible
extension uses its own internal chargeable battery.
To install the batteries and charge the unit, follow the steps below:
Step
Action
1
Position the calculator so that the keys are pointing down and make
sure the two rubber feet are positioned at the top. Using your thumb,
find the battery door lever in the middle of the unit and pull down
toward the bottom of the unit. While applying downward pressure, pull
your thumb away from the unit and the battery door should open and
come off completely
2
Place each triple-A battery so that the flat end of the battery is
positioned against the spring. Tilt the battery and press it against the
spring. Push the battery flat into the opening until it snaps into position
3
Close the battery cover by placing the cover at an angle with the
thumb lever at the top and the two tabs at the bottom. Position the
tabs under the plastic edge of the opening and lower the lever until it
snaps into place.
4
Turn the calculator over so the keys face up. Plug the Mini-B end of
the USB cable into the Mini-B port on the top right side
Note: Fully charge the battery the first time you use the calculator. This should
take about four hours. You can use the Orion TI-84 Plus while it is charging.
The TI-84 triple-A batteries should last about several months. When they do
become low, you will receive a message at 5% indicating that you have about
several days of charge remaining in the triple-A batteries. Each time you turn on
The TI-84 it will announce that the batteries are low until you have replaced
them.
The Orion chargeable battery lasts about several days, depending on usage. Be
sure to always charge the unit before any important test or assignment.

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2.4 Operating Procedure
Follow the steps below to turn the calculator on and off:
Step
Action
1
Turn the device on by pressing the On key located at the lower left-
hand corner of the calculator positioned in column 1, row 1
2
Turn the device off by first pressing the 2nd key located in column 1,
row 9, and then pressing the On key
Note: When the calculator is on but has not been in use for 5 minutes, it
automatically powers itself off safely without any loss of data. When the
calculator is restarted, it will return to the location and procedure of when the unit
was powered off. If you were using the Help mode at the time automatic power of
occurred, the calculator returns to the location and procedure prior to the
initiation of Help mode.
2.5 Help Mode
The Orion TI-84 Plus Help mode function assists you with locating keys and
confirming their functionality. Help mode can be used at any time, even in the
middle of a calculation. When the unit is in Help mode, the calculator retains its
previous status (i.e., if you were in the middle of an operation, the calculator is
not interrupted and the display remains unchanged). To enter the Help mode,
quickly tap the 2nd key (column 1, row 9) three times.
To assist you with locating a particular key when in Help mode, each key and its
primary function is announced when pressed. When used in combination with
various modifying keys, such as 2nd and Alpha, the Orion announces the
secondary functions as set by the modifying key.
To exit the Help mode, press the On key, then press and hold the 2nd key, or
quickly tap the 2nd key three times. The calculator returns to the speech and
operational mode you were using prior to entering Help mode and restores all the
previously set preferences. You can resume operation from the exact point you
left off from.
3 Accessibility Features
The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator is a modified TI-84 Plus. The
Orion modifications are found at the top of the unit. There are six keys on the left
side of the Orion, laid out in three rows of two columns. On the right side of the
Orion, there are five keys in the form of a directional pad. The Orion keys are
used to review text and graphs and to set accessibility preferences, such as
volume, rate, voice selection, and playback tone duration, as well as many other
useful settings.

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When used with the Shift or the CTRL keys, many of the keys have multiple
functions. The following table describes each key by location and function:
4 Keys
5 Location
6 Function
Control and
Pause
The bottom-left key on the
left-hand side of the Orion
is the CTRL/PAUSE key.
Pressing it in conjunction
with other Orion keys
changes the function of
those keys
Tapping the CTRL key once
pauses speech feedback. Tapping
the CTRL key a second time
restarts the speech function at the
point it left off. Pressing any other
key while the speech function is
paused deletes the buffered text.
Shift and
Mute
The bottom-right key on
the left-hand side of the
Orion is the Shift/Mute
key.
Pressing the Shift key
simultaneously with other Orion
keys changes the functionality of
the key. Pressing the Shift key
alone silences the speech mode.
Resetting
Orion
The Orion can
occasionally get out of
sync with the TI-84. This
usually happens when the
batteries are changed or if
a bug is encountered.
To reset, turn the Orion TI-84 Plus
off by pressing the 2nd key
followed by the On key. When the
calculator is off, press the Shift
and CTRL keys together on the
Orion. Then, turn the calculator
back on by pressing the ON key.
You should hear the Orion TI-84
Plus power on, at which point you
can continue your work from
where you left off. If the Orion
does not come on, repeat the
above steps. You may need to do
this a couple of times. If it still
doesn't turn on, contact customer
service.
Volume
Adjustment
The middle two keys on
the left-hand side of the
Orion are the Volume
keys.
Pressing the middle-left key,
denoted by a speaker symbol and
a minus sign, lowers the volume
by one level and announces the
current level. Pressing the middle-
right key, denoted by a speaker
symbol and a plus sign, raises the
volume by one level and
announces the current level.
There are 10 levels, with 1 as the
lowest and 10 as the highest.
There are two separate settings
for earphones and speakers. If

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4 Keys
5 Location
6 Function
you are using earphones, the
volume control adjusts the
earphone volume. When
earphones are not connected, the
volume control adjusts the volume
of the speakers.
Rate of
Speech
The middle two keys on
the left-hand side of the
Orion also control the rate
of speech when pressed
in conjunction with the
CTRL key.
Pressing both the CTRL key and
the middle-left key, labelled as
S.R. Down, once decreases the
rate of speech by one level and
announces the current rate.
Pressing both the CTRL key and
the middle-right key, labelled as
S.R. Up, once increases the rate
of speech by one level and
announces the current rate. There
are 10 rates of speech, with 1 as
the lowest and 10 as the highest.
Repeat and
Spell
The top-left key on the
left-hand side of the Orion
is the Repeat key
(denoted by a looping
arrow).
Pressing the Repeat key once
repeats the last spoken text.
Pressing and holding the Repeat
key down, allows you to hear the
last announced item, letter by
letter.
Preferences
Access the Preferences
menu, by pressing the
Preference (Pref.) key
located at the top-right, on
the left-hand side of the
Orion
When the Preference (Pref.) key
is pressed, the Orion announces a
list of vertically arranged items.
Using the Orion navigation keys
on the right, press the Up or
Down arrow keys to move
through the list. To make a
selection, press the Home key,
located in the center of the arrow
keys.
The Preferences menu contains
the following options:
•Graph Options
•Speech Options
•Silent Startup mode
•Turn off speech
•Battery Status
•Firmware Version