TI83 - Serial Communication cable 9.6kbps TRS = Tip, Ring, Slave

TI-83 Plus serial cables have two connectors: a 2.5mm TRS connector for the calculator and a 25-pin or 9-pin D-sub connector for a computer's serial port, or a standard USB-A for USB connections, with the TRS tip and ring corresponding to data lines and the sleeve being the ground. 

Calculator-to-Computer (Serial Port)

• 2.5mm TRS Connector: Plugs into the calculator's I/O port. 
• 9-pin or 25-pin D-sub Connector: Plugs into a computer's serial port. 
• Function: This cable connects the TI-83 Plus to a computer's serial port using the TI-GRAPH LINK software. 

Calculator-to-Calculator (Direct Link Cable) 

• 2.5mm TRS Connectors: Both ends have 2.5mm TRS connectors, used to link two calculators directly.

Calculator-to-Computer (USB Connection)

• 2.5mm TRS Connector: Plugs into the calculator's I/O port. 
• USB-A Connector: Plugs into a computer's USB port. 
• Function: Connects the TI-83 Plus to a computer's USB port using TI Connect software. 

Pinout (for Serial D-sub Connector)

The actual pinout for a TI-83 Graph Link serial cable can vary by cable type (black vs. gray), but generally involves the following principles: 

• Tip and Ring: Serve as the data and control lines, often connected to specific pins on the D-sub connector, corresponding to the calculator's data and communication signals.
• Sleeve: Functions as the ground connection for the circuit.

Important Considerations

• Cable Type: There are different cables for different purposes and eras; for example, the "black" cable is for Windows serial ports, while the "gray" cable was for Macintosh compatibility. 
• Software: The correct software, like TI-GRAPH LINK or TI Connect, is essential for the cable to function with the computer. 
• Connector Firmness: Ensure all cable connectors are firmly inserted for a proper connection.