Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement

Introduction

This guide will require a new solar panel part, as well as some soldering. If you're not sure how to solder, see iFixit's soldering guide.

What you need

Step 1 Open the device

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Open the device: step 1, image 1 of 2

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Open the device: step 1, image 2 of 2

If the screw is not turning, do not force it. This can strip the screw. See the How to Remove a Stripped Screw guide if the screw is already stripped.
Using the #00 screwdriver, unscrew the six, 6mm Phillips screws.
Use the spudger to pry into the space between the blue back cover and the white body to take off the back cover.

Edit

I didn’t have a spudger but a flat 3/32” jeweler’s screwdriver worked just as well. Also, the battery slides out the side, nothing to undo. I slid it out using a jeweler’s screwdriver. (Don’t touch any electrical components or traces with the metal tip.) If you’re not sure the battery is good, turn the unit over and see if there is anything displaying, or run a test operation like 2 x 2 etc. to check before putting the back into place.

Therese S - Oct 25, 2020 Reply

Step 2 Open the battery compartiment

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Open the battery compartiment: step 2, image 1 of 1

Using the #00 Phillips screwdriver unscrew the two, 3mm Phillips screws located near the top of the calculator.
Lift the metal plate from the battery and set it to the side.

Edit

Step 3 Eject the battery

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Eject the battery: step 3, image 1 of 1

Use the spudger to lift the battery up from the black holder.

Edit

Funktioniert beim 30X Pro Multiview gleich?

Dihydrogen Dioxide - Nov 30, 2021 Reply

Is a spudger really necessary. I don't have it, just the phillips 00 screwdriver. Do I need to go out and buy one of these?

Abdullah Siddiqui - Sep 21, 2023 Reply

You can just use a fingernail to open it.

Jeffrey Johnson - Jan 31, 2024 Reply

Step 4 Finish up

Put the new CR2032 battery in. Never insert a different type of battery!
Reverse the steps 2 and 1.

Edit

And if the calculator doesn’t turn on if you press “on”,

press the “reset” button on the back.

Arne Cl - Jan 8, 2020 Reply

my TI-30XS battery was mounted directly onto the circuit board under a metal clip, the black battery holder doesn't exist at all. Anyway the battery is the still the same CR2032.

Ole Debess - Sep 20, 2023 Reply

Different revisions of the board. I also had the version you described.

Pencil43 - Feb 9, 2025

Step 5 Free the solar panel

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Free the solar panel: step 5, image 1 of 1

Use the #00 Phillips screwdriver to remove the one 3mm Phillips screw holding the solar panel in place.

Edit

Step 6 Carefully pull the panel out

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Carefully pull the panel out: step 6, image 1 of 1

Be careful not to pull the solar panel too far out, as the wires connecting it to the calculator are fragile and could be ripped off.
Carefully pull the solar panel away from the calculator, as shown to the left.

Edit

Step 7 Unsolder the wires

Texas Instruments TI-30 XS Multiview Solar Panel Replacement, Unsolder the wires: step 7, image 1 of 1

The capacitor might not be discharged. Proceed with caution.
Unsolder the three wires from the motherboard.
Unsoldering help can be found here.
To re-solder the wires from the new solar panel to the calculator motherboard take notice of the color and placement of the wires.