ChatGPT Now Available on a TI-84 Graphing Calculator Thanks to a Brilliant Mind

On Saturday, a YouTube creator named ChromaLock shared a fascinating video showcasing his modification of a Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator that allows it to connect to the internet and access OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This ultimately enables users to potentially cheat on tests by receiving live responses on the calculator’s screen. Titled “I Made the Ultimate Cheating Device,” the video provides a detailed demonstration of the hardware modification ChromaLock made.

To start, ChromaLock delves into the calculator’s link port, which is typically used for transferring educational programs between devices. He then constructs a custom circuit board known as “TI-32,” which includes a Seed Studio ESP32-C3 microcontroller with Wi-Fi capabilities and other necessary components for interfacing with the calculator’s systems. It is important to note that this project is not a commercial endeavor. Individuals interested in replicating ChromaLock’s work would need to acquire a TI-84 calculator, a Seed Studio ESP32-C3 microcontroller, various electronic components, and fabricate a custom PCB based on ChromaLock’s design.

ChromaLock encountered several engineering challenges during the development process, including voltage incompatibility issues and signal integrity problems. After multiple iterations, he successfully installed the custom board into the calculator’s housing without any visible signs of modifications from the outside.

In addition to the hardware modifications, ChromaLock also developed custom software for both the microcontroller and the calculator. This software, available as an open-source project on GitHub, includes a simulation of another TI-84 calculator. By utilizing the calculator’s “send” and “get” commands, users can transfer files, download a launcher program, and access various cheating “applets.”

One notable applet is the ChatGPT interface, which allows users to receive responses to short questions. However, due to the limited keypad, typing in long alphanumeric questions can be slow and cumbersome. On top of the ChatGPT interface, the device offers several other cheating tools. An image browser permits users to access pre-prepared visual aids stored on a central server, while the app browser feature allows students to download games for post-exam entertainment, as well as cheat sheets disguised as program source code.

ChromaLock even teases the potential addition of a camera feature in a future video, although details about this feature are currently sparse in the present demo.

ChromaLock claims that his device can bypass common anti-cheating measures. The launcher program can be downloaded on-demand to evade detection if a teacher inspects or clears the calculator’s memory prior to a test. Additionally, the modification allegedly enables the calculator to break out of Test Mode, a locked-down state typically enforced to prevent cheating.

While the video showcases the project as a remarkable technical accomplishment, it is crucial to acknowledge that consulting ChatGPT during a test on a graphing calculator is unquestionably an ethical breach and a clear act of academic dishonesty. Implementing such a device could result in severe consequences within most educational institutions. Therefore, it is essential to approach this topic with caution, prioritize diligent studying, and refrain from seeking shortcuts that compromise academic integrity.

This unique project by ChromaLock offers a glimpse into the innovative possibilities that arise when individuals explore the boundaries of traditional technology. However, it is important to emphasize the importance of using technology responsibly and ethically, especially within educational settings. Cheating not only undermines the learning process but also fails to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their future endeavors.

In conclusion, ChromaLock’s modification of a TI-84 graphing calculator to connect to the internet and access ChatGPT demonstrates an impressive feat of engineering. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the ethical implications surrounding cheating and academic dishonesty. It is crucial for students to prioritize their studies, seek assistance from legitimate sources, and engage in a fair and honest approach to education. By doing so, students can develop the necessary skills and capabilities to thrive in their academic journeys and beyond.



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