I Made The Ultimate Cheating Device

Summary

In this video, the creator aims to modify a TI-84 calculator by connecting it to the internet via a custom hardware mod, potentially allowing it to bypass anti-cheating mechanisms in standardized tests. The project involves using a Seed Studio ESP32-C3 microcontroller, a level shifter to adapt voltage levels, and a custom PCB for a discreet and functional modification. The mod enables the calculator to access the internet, communicate with a central server, and utilize various applets designed for test-taking, all while remaining undetectable to the naked eye.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video aims to create a custom hardware modification for the TI-84 calculator to connect it to the internet and bypass anti-cheating mechanisms.
• 🔧 The TI-84 calculator's 2.5 mm jack, intended for educational data transfer, can be repurposed to connect to a microcontroller.
• 💡 The Homebrew Community has reverse-engineered the calculator's data transfer protocol, enabling new applications like internet connectivity.
• 🛠️ A Wi-Fi enabled microcontroller, the Seed Studio ESP 32 C3, is used due to its small size and Wi-Fi capabilities.
• ⚡️ A level shifter circuit is necessary to convert the 5-volt signals from the calculator to the 3.3-volt system used by the microcontroller.
• 📚 The project involves creating software that allows the calculator to communicate with the internet for various purposes, such as searching the web or chatting with others.
• 🔩 The initial prototype had issues with the level shifter and required a simpler design for compatibility with the breadboard setup.
• 💻 A custom PCB (Printed Circuit Board) named 'TI32' was designed and manufactured to house the microcontroller and other components neatly.
• 🔗 The microcontroller is programmed to impersonate another TI-84, allowing the calculator to send and receive data using built-in commands.
• 📱 The final product is a discreet and functional internet-enabled calculator that can be used for cheating in exams, although ethical concerns are noted.
• 🔄 The video concludes with a demonstration of the modified calculator's capabilities, including accessing chat rooms and downloading cheat sheets during a test.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to create a custom hardware modification that connects a TI-84 calculator to the internet, potentially allowing it to bypass anti-cheating mechanisms in standardized tests.

Why does the TI-84 calculator have a 2.5 mm jack?

The TI-84 calculator has a 2.5 mm jack, which is not actually for headphones but intended for the transfer of educational programs or data between calculators and PCs.

What is the purpose of the level shifter in the project?

The level shifter is used to convert digital signals from one voltage to another, specifically to convert the 5-volt signals from the calculator's link port to the 3.3-volt system of the ESP32-C3 microcontroller.

Why did the creator decide to build a custom PCB?

The creator decided to build a custom PCB to improve the reliability and compactness of the hardware mod, as the handwired approach resulted in less than ideal connections and soldering issues.

What is the name given to the mod, and why was it chosen?

The name given to the mod is 'ti32', which was chosen due to the microcontroller used (ESP32-C3) and the device being modded (TI-84).

How does the microcontroller communicate with the calculator?

The microcontroller communicates with the calculator by impersonating another TI-84, allowing the use of built-in send and get commands to exchange variables.

What are the different applets available for test-taking in the mod?

The different applets available for test-taking include chat GPT, chat, image browser, and app browser, each designed to assist with different aspects of test-taking.

How can the launcher program be installed on the calculator without being pre-installed?

The launcher program can be installed by setting a password in the firmware and then manually sending a command to download the launcher from the microcontroller, emulating the silent link transfer functionality.

What is the purpose of the camera option mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the camera option is not detailed in the script, but it is hinted that it will be the subject of a future video, suggesting it may be related to capturing images or data during a test.

How does the image browser applet function as a part of the mod?

The image browser applet allows users to browse images, which could be used to display visual cheat sheets or reference photos during a test.

What is the role of the central server in the mod's operation?

The central server plays a role in hosting static files and managing commands that require internet access, such as connecting to the internet, getting a list of images, or sending chat messages.