Every time we think we've seen the ceiling for the classic TI-82 calculator, a new project comes along and leaves us speechless. After seeing things like Doom running on it and a Portal demake on similar hardware, we now have HoustonTracker 2, an open source sequencer with just one bit of resolution, but far more robust than we ever imagined.
A Legacy That Keeps Giving
The best pieces of hardware are the ones that completely exceed the parameters and expectations of their manufacturers. Over the years we've found several examples that fit that description perfectly, but few have reached the level of reverence and dedication as Texas Instruments calculators. Take the case of the TI-82. It hit the market in 1993, and Texas Instruments kept it in production for eleven years, so even the most recent units are already more than a decade old. In total, that's 22 years of exploration, experimentation, and accumulated documentation that enthusiasts have managed to squeeze every last drop out of. The latest proof of that is HoustonTracker 2.
HoustonTracker 2: A One-Bit Sequencer
At first it doesn't seem to do much, but once it gets going, the surprise is evident. It's a music sequencer capable of playing multiple channels with a one-bit resolution. Its specs speak of 16-bit precision for frequency and 8-bit for speed, but the output is one bit due to limitations of the calculator's port. Three tone channels, up to 128 note patterns, 64 FX patterns, support for eight different savestates, and real-time editing during production are some of the additional features of HoustonTracker 2.
Fortunately, this sequencer is free and open source, and the best part is that its compatibility isn't limited to the TI-82. Any of the TI-83 and TI-84 variants should run it without major issues. However, with unrestricted access to its original code, I'm sure someone will find a way to bring it to more platforms.
