Lesson 0 - What is a Ti-86?

    Simply put, the Ti-86 is a graphing calculator produced by Texas Instruments.  I like it because it has a lot of memory (96,000 bytes).  The calculator can be programmed in 2 ways:  Assembly and BASIC.  BASIC is the easiest and can be done on board the Ti-86.  Assembly requires a ROM image of your calculator obtained only with a link, a program, and an 86.  This ROM image is used to run a emulator which helps you to debug, or removes errors, from your program.  To develop the program, you need Assembly Studio 86.  In a nutshell, BASIC requires your calc and a little effort, but Assembly requires programs, time, an 86, a link, and more programs.  Assembly nets a better final result (more graphical, faster, and smaller in proportion to what it does) but BASIC is easier and you can get some good programs going in BASIC.
    The effectiveness of the following tutorial depends on the effort you put forth.  Although the concepts aren't particularly tough, the time you spend speeding up your programs and thinking up good ideas determines how well your program will turn out.

Have Fun!

The TI-86