Fixing a Texas Instruments TI 84 Plus Calculator that won't turn on

BarTech TV
21 Feb 202007:07
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this instructional video, the host tackles the issue of a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator that won't power on after being in storage. Initially, they replace the batteries to no avail. Next, they clean the battery contacts with a contact cleaner spray, which also fails to resolve the issue. Upon opening the calculator, they discover a burnt and corroded battery contact likely due to a battery leak during storage. The host meticulously removes the corrosion, cleans the area with isopropyl alcohol, and adjusts the battery compartment to avoid the damaged contact. After reassembling and testing, the calculator powers on, with the RAM being cleared due to the backup battery's removal. The video concludes with a tip on screwing metal screws into plastic and a clean-up, offering a helpful guide for those with similar TI-83 or TI-84 issues.

Takeaways
  • 🔋 The TI-84 Plus calculator was not turning on after being in storage.
  • 🔌 The first troubleshooting step was to replace the batteries, which did not solve the issue.
  • 🧼 Cleaning the battery contacts with a contact cleaner spray and a Q-tip was attempted next.
  • 🔧 The calculator was opened to inspect the internal components after cleaning did not help.
  • 🔩 Six Torx T6 screws and a battery back door screw were removed to open the case.
  • 🧲 A magnetic screwdriver was used to help remove the recessed screws.
  • 🔍 A burn mark and green corrosion were found on one of the battery contacts.
  • 🔌 The battery compartment's spring-loaded pins were suspected to have caused the corrosion due to a battery leak.
  • 🛠️ Corrosion was removed using a blade, isopropyl alcohol, and fine-grit sandpaper.
  • 🔄 The connection pin on the battery compartment was adjusted to avoid the burnt area.
  • 💡 After reassembling and replacing the batteries, the calculator powered on successfully.
  • 🛠️ A tip was provided for screwing metal screws into plastic to avoid stripping threads.
  • 📚 Common problems with battery contacts on this model were highlighted, and the video concluded with a clean-up.
Q & A

  • What is the issue with the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator mentioned in the video?

    -The calculator would not turn on after being in storage for a while.

  • What was the first troubleshooting step taken for the non-functioning calculator?

    -The first step was to replace the batteries, which did not resolve the issue.

  • What type of batteries does the TI-84 Plus calculator use?

    -The TI-84 Plus calculator uses triple-A batteries.

  • What was the next step after replacing the batteries?

    -The next step was to clean the battery contacts using contact cleaner spray and a Q-tip.

  • What did the speaker observe after opening the calculator case?

    -The speaker noticed a black burn mark and green corrosion on the right battery contact.

  • What caused the corrosion on the battery contact according to the video?

    -The corrosion was caused by a battery leak while the calculator was in storage.

  • What method was used to clean the corroded battery contact?

    -The corrosion was cleaned using a blade to scrape away the material, followed by wiping with a cloth and isopropyl alcohol, and finally using 1000 grit sandpaper.

  • How did the speaker address the issue with the spring-loaded pins on the battery compartment?

    -The speaker bent the connection pin on the battery compartment slightly to ensure it would touch a clean part of the contact instead of the burnt area.

  • What was the result after reassembling the calculator and replacing the batteries?

    -The calculator turned on successfully after reassembling and replacing the batteries.

  • What message did the calculator display after being turned on?

    -The calculator displayed a message about the RAM being cleared because the backup battery had been removed.

  • What tip was given for screwing metal screws into plastic?

    -Turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise first until you hear a click, then start screwing clockwise to use the existing thread rather than creating your own.

  • Why might the speaker's experience be helpful to someone with a TI-83 or TI-84 calculator?

    -The experience shared in the video could be helpful because problems with the battery contact seem to be common on this model.

Outlines
00:00
🛠️ Repairing a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Calculator

The video script details the troubleshooting process for a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator that wouldn't turn on after being in storage. The first step was to replace the batteries, which didn't resolve the issue. The narrator then cleaned the battery contacts with a contact cleaner spray and a q-tip, removing dirt and corrosion. Upon opening the calculator, a burn mark and green corrosion were discovered on the right battery contact, likely caused by a battery leak during storage. The corrosion was scraped off, and the area was cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and fine sandpaper to expose the bare copper. The battery compartment's spring-loaded pins were adjusted to ensure contact with a clean area of the contact.

05:02
🔧 Completing the Repair and Testing the Calculator

After addressing the corrosion and burn mark on the calculator's battery contact, the narrator reassembled the calculator and replaced the batteries to test it. Upon pressing the power button, the calculator turned on successfully, indicating the repair was successful. The screen displayed a message about the RAM being cleared due to the removal of the backup battery. The narrator then replaced the screws, using a tip to ensure proper threading into the plastic. The calculator was given a final clean with a microfiber cloth. The video concludes with a note that battery contact issues are common in this model and thanks viewers for watching.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments, often abbreviated as TI, is a renowned American technology company that designs and manufactures semiconductors and various integrated circuits. In the context of the video, Texas Instruments is the brand of the calculator being repaired, which is a TI-84 Plus. The video's theme revolves around troubleshooting and fixing a TI-84 Plus calculator that had been in storage and wouldn't turn on.
💡TI-84 Plus calculator
The TI-84 Plus calculator is a graphing calculator produced by Texas Instruments. It is a popular model used widely in schools for mathematical computations and graphing. In the video, the TI-84 Plus is the device that the host is trying to repair after it failed to turn on following a period of storage.
💡Battery contacts
Battery contacts are the conductive points on a device that connect with the batteries to provide power. In the video, the host cleans the battery contacts with a contact cleaner spray and a Q-tip to remove dirt or corrosion, which is a common troubleshooting step when a device fails to power on.
💡Corrosion
Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of a material (often a metal) due to chemical reactions with its environment. In the video, the host discovers green corrosion around a burn mark on the battery contact, which is likely caused by a battery leak during storage. This corrosion was preventing the calculator from receiving power.
💡Battery leak
A battery leak occurs when the internal components of a battery break down and cause the electrolyte to escape, which can be harmful to electronic devices. In the script, the battery leak is identified as the cause of the corrosion on the calculator's battery contacts, which led to the device not turning on.
💡Spring-loaded pins
Spring-loaded pins are mechanical components that use a spring mechanism to maintain pressure or maintain contact under a certain force. In the video, the battery compartment of the TI-84 Plus has spring-loaded pins that touch the battery contacts when the case is closed. The host notes that one of these pins was likely the site of the battery leak.
💡Burn mark
A burn mark is a scorched or discolored area on a material caused by heat or fire. In the context of the video, the host finds a black burn mark on one of the battery contacts, which is indicative of a severe issue that prevented the calculator from functioning properly.
💡Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is a common solvent and cleaning agent used in various applications, including cleaning electronic components. In the video, the host uses isopropyl alcohol to clean the battery contacts after removing the corrosion, ensuring that no residue is left that could interfere with the device's operation.
💡1000 grit sandpaper
Grit size in sandpaper refers to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the paper. A 1000 grit sandpaper is very fine and is used for smoothing and polishing. The host uses 1000 grit sandpaper to gently remove the remaining corrosion from the battery contact, trying to restore it to its original condition.
💡RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is a type of computer memory that can be read from and written to in any order, typically used to store working data. In the video, when the calculator is powered on after repairs, it displays a message about the RAM being cleared, which is a result of the backup battery being removed during the repair process.
💡Magnetic screwdriver
A magnetic screwdriver is a tool that has a magnetic tip to attract and hold screws or other small metal objects. In the video, the host recommends using a magnetic screwdriver to remove the Torx T6 screws from the calculator because the screws are recessed, and a magnetic tool can help to retrieve them more easily.
Highlights

The TI-84 Plus calculator was not turning on after being in storage.

Batteries were replaced first, but it didn't resolve the issue.

Cleaned battery contacts with contact cleaner spray and a Q-tip.

Brown dirt or residue was removed from the contacts.

Opened the calculator to inspect the interior after cleaning didn't help.

Removed the battery back door and six Torx T6 screws to open the case.

Used a magnetic screwdriver to help remove the recessed screws.

Plastic clips were released using a flat plastic tool to avoid damage.

A black burn mark and green corrosion were found on the battery contact.

Spring-loaded pins in the battery compartment likely caused the corrosion.

Corrosion was scraped away with a blade and cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.

1000 grit sandpaper was used to remove the remaining corrosion.

Connection pin on the battery compartment was bent to avoid burnt area.

Calculator turned on after reassembling and replacing the batteries.

RAM was cleared due to the removal of the backup battery.

Provided a tip for screwing metal screws into plastic to avoid stripping.

Cleaned the calculator with a microfiber cloth as the final step.

Battery contact problems are common on this model, offering a solution.

Transcripts

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Calculator RepairTI-84 PlusBattery ContactsStorage IssuesCorrosion RemovalDIY FixTech TroubleshootingElectronics MaintenanceCalculator Not Turning OnGadget Revival