Texas Instruments calculators are truly fascinating. Beyond helping millions of students and professionals across the globe, they also have a huge potential for hacking and modification, inspired by the inexhaustible Z80. In recent years, we have seen all kinds of projects compatible with TI calculators, and one of the most striking was KnightOS, a replacement operating system that sought to offer greater flexibility and customization.
The TI family of graphing calculators needs no introduction. It not only became a vital resource among students, but many enthusiasts use it as a programming platform to create all kinds of apps and games. One of the most memorable examples is Doom running on a TI-NSpire CX, and the Portal demake left us speechless. Despite the natural limitations of its hardware, enthusiasts have managed to squeeze it to the max, but the story is not limited to external games and apps.
The KnightOS Project
The KnightOS project by Drew DeVault sought to completely replace the TI-OS operating system on compatible models (TI-73, TI-83+, TI-83+ Silver Edition, TI-84+, TI-84+ Silver Edition, TI-84+ Color Silver Edition). One of its main goals was to optimize flexibility and customization levels on the calculator, freeing up more RAM for personal projects, and more storage space. Its package manager simplified app installation, and with its open source nature, anyone could implement new functions on the original material. In fact, it is still possible: all the relevant code is stored on GitHub.
What Happened to KnightOS?
So... what happened? Personally, I wouldn't go as far as saying KnightOS was abandoned, but it is in a deep state of hibernation. The GitHub profile doesn't offer binaries, and all those interested in trying the operating system will have to compile it themselves, or roll the dice with one of the builds available on TICalc.org. At the same time, there are some details we must accept before installing it: KnightOS's mathematical functions are limited (i.e., don't expect it to work like TI-OS), and the process is destructive (it erases everything, although it is possible to return to TI-OS later).
Before You Install
There are also additional steps depending on the version of the boot code on your calculator. If it is 1.02 or lower, we don't need anything extra, but if it is 1.03, you have to force things a bit (courtesy of Texas Instruments, which doesn't want to see its operating system replaced). In summary, KnightOS is a project to explore, play, make mistakes, and why not, "brick" your calculator. I don't recommend using it on a primary unit, but if you have a spare one...
Official site: Click here
KnightOS on GitHub: Click here
