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About the Parallel Link
 This linking cable is used to connect your Texas Instruments Graphing calculator to your computer via the serial port to give you the ability to load programs (and more) from your computer to the calculator and vice versa.
This is the cheaper option compared to the Serial Link and is NOT compatible with TI-Graph Link™. It is recommended to use the Serial Link since it is more reliable, also the Parallel Link won't work on some computers due to the computer having a different type of parallel port.
| Compatibility of this cable including third party software |
| Platform |
Calculator Models |
| Win 32-bit: |
TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-89, TI-92, TI-92+ |
| Win 16-bit: |
TI-85, TI-92, TI-92+ |
| Linux: |
TI-83, TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-89, TI-92, TI-92+ |
| Mac OS: |
None |
| Amiga: |
TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-92 |
| Atari: |
TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-92 |
| DOS: |
TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-92, TI-92+ |
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Building the Parallel Link
This link is the simplest link to construct. The 1K resistors are optional but for better reliability we advise you to keep them in the circuit. There is a known problem where this Parallel link is incompatible with some computer's parallel port that's why we recommend you make the Serial Link instead.
| The Schematics |
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| Materials Needed |
Equipment Needed |
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- Soldering Iron
- Wet Sponge
- Solder
- Clamps and/or a Vice to assist you
- Wire Stripers and Pliers.
- Multimeter
- Phillips Head Screw Driver
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Set up and Safety
When soldering make sure you are in a well ventilated area due to the fumes created by the heated flux in the solder. Once you have finished soldering make sure you wash your hands because the solder contains a small amount of lead, which is poisonous and can penetrate your skin if you don't remove it. If you are worried about this fact you may use gloves but they hinder the mobility of your hands. To be extra safe, wear glasses for eye protection and an apron so you don't burn your clothes by accident.
When setting up your work area have everything neatly in their places so you can easily access everything. The sponge is used to clean the tip of the soldering iron when it becomes dirty.
Detailed Instructions
Are available at ticalc.org or at Andreas Westfeld's web site.
Additional Information
Check out our Features article to find out what types of programs are available for your TI and where to do download them.
If you can't make your own cable buy an official cable from Texas Instruments.
The original schematics of this Parallel Link has been designed by Andreas Westfeld.
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