What Could Be Causing My TI-89 to Lock Up Repeatedly?

  • Context: Calculators 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jakej
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues with a TI-89 Titanium calculator that repeatedly locks up. Participants explore potential causes, solutions, and the implications of battery quality on the device's performance, focusing on both hardware and software aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with a TI-89 Titanium that locks up after a brief period of functionality, suggesting a possible hardware issue.
  • Another participant proposes that using high-quality batteries may be crucial for successfully reloading the operating system, as low voltage could prevent proper installation.
  • It is noted that the TI instructions emphasize the need for fresh batteries during an OS upgrade, with concerns raised about the reliability of batteries that are not at full voltage.
  • A participant mentions that their fresh batteries measured around 1.6 volts, but the calculator still froze after an OS installation, leading to speculation about a hardware fault.
  • There are suggestions to consider alternative calculators, such as the TI Nspire CX, for future needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the role of battery quality in the calculator's performance, with some emphasizing the importance of fresh batteries for OS upgrades while others suspect a hardware issue. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact cause of the locking up.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for corrupted operating systems and the impact of battery voltage on performance, indicating that the situation may depend on specific conditions and definitions of "fresh" batteries.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar issues with TI-89 Titanium calculators or those interested in troubleshooting electronic devices may find this discussion relevant.

jakej
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So, I foolishly bought a TI-89 Titanium on Ebay that was known to be in a locked up state. I've fixed locked up things before and figured I could here, too. Bad move.

A thread here indicated that the hot car trick might fix it. I thought it had, but basically I think that was just due to removing all batteries for a sufficient amount of time.

As far as I can tell, basically here's what it does: You remove one of the AAA batteries and the backup and let it sit for a while (maybe 5 minutes or so). Power it on and it works normally for a few seconds to a few minutes. Then it locks up completely. No button input works. Remove all batteries for a little while and it works again.

If I insert a battery while holding down the (-) and ) keys plus ON, it'll go to the "Installation in progress. Please do not interrupt" screen. But then it comes up immediately locked up again on the main screen.

If I insert a battery while holding down APPS and ON, it goes to the "Waiting to receive" screen, but is locked up. It isn't recognized by my computer or anything with a working USB cable.

I DID, however, get to upgrade the software one time while it was in its temporarily working stage, so it's on the latest build (3.10).

I just tried starting it up and immediately clearing the flash. No good. Locked up after getting back to the main screen. Did the same with the other ram later. Same result.

Any other bright ideas? I'm kind of at a loss. I have no idea what would cause this sort of issue other than guessing it's a hardware issue. I've already ordered another one, but it'd be nice to not have this one be a total loss.
 
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I didn't respond because it sounds like jakej has tried nearly everything without resorting to a soldering iron and chip replacement.
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My last suggestion is to buy top notch batteries and try to reload the OS. Perhaps the OS is corrupted (if due to bad eprom, no hope) and the new OS isn't loading possibly due to low voltage on older or lower quality batteries. Reloading the OS is the most draining and demanding battery load on these re-flashable calcs.
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Good luck.
 
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Thanks, @CalcNerd. Interesting, too. I just checked the batteries I had been using (Duracell Duralock alkaline) with a calibrated Fluke DMM and they were each at around 1.45 volts. I got a new set and they were around 1.61. Given that TI's site ( https://epsstore.ti.com/OA_HTML/csksxvm.jsp?nSetId=90610 ) seems to indicate that voltage needs to be around 6 volts, is ~5.785 close enough? Seems pretty close.
 
The Ti instructions call out for FRESH NEW BATTERIES for an OS upgrade. I suspect they need to be at a full 1.5-1.6 Volts on each cell. And batteries are not a linear curve for capacity. Your 1.45 Volts could be 70% depleted. For general calculator use, your batteries are fine, but they probably won't reliably do a flash upgrade. If you do some web browsing you will find many people who bricked their calculators by not using fresh batteries.
 
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CalcNerd said:
The Ti instructions call out for FRESH NEW BATTERIES for an OS upgrade. I suspect they need to be at a full 1.5-1.6 Volts on each cell. And batteries are not a linear curve for capacity. Your 1.45 Volts could be 70% depleted. For general calculator use, your batteries are fine, but they probably won't reliably do a flash upgrade. If you do some web browsing you will find many people who bricked their calculators by not using fresh batteries.
Wow. Thanks. I didn't realize that. If I can get it to stay awake long enough I'll hopefully give it a try this weekend.
 
I never ended up trying this until just now. Alas, no dice. Downloaded the OS without issue with fresh batteries (each at 1.6 volts). It installed, rebooted, and worked fine at first. Then I powered it off, then back on and it was frozen again. Seems like it's got to be hardware.

Oh well. Thanks anyway, @CalcNerd !
 
Are you going to get a new calculator or you already have another?
 
My TI-84 Plus works fine for my current needs, so I'll probably stick with it for now.
 
  • #10
Alright, but if you want to invest in a new one, I highly recommend the TI Nspire CX. The thing is a killer.

Anyhow, food for thought :)
 
  • #11
ProfuselyQuarky said:
Alright, but if you want to invest in a new one, I highly recommend the TI Nspire CX. The thing is a killer.

Anyhow, food for thought :)
Thanks! I'll look into it when I feel the need to upgrade.
 

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