To combat cheating during exams, schools and colleges often restrict the items students can bring into examination rooms. Most electronic devices are required to be left outside, except for some basic calculators to assist with science subjects. The most famous brand is probably Casio, a companion for students in every exam not only in Vietnam but also in many countries around the world.
However, with the advancement of technology today, even a basic Casio calculator can turn into a highly sophisticated cheating tool. Recently, YouTuber Neutrino transformed his Casio fx-991MS into such a device, equipped with modern features like a mini OLED screen that can “disguise” itself as a solar-powered battery when not displaying anything; Wi-Fi connectivity with an ESP8266 module; a rechargeable battery; and even the ability to chat with friends. Of course, the exterior design of this calculator remains unchanged, looking just like a regular fx-991MS.
However, it’s important to clarify that the Wi-Fi connection here will not allow users to browse the internet freely like smartphones or computers. It serves only one purpose: cheating on tests with access to data on the Firebase mobile platform. This data will be organized and uploaded by the user before entering the examination room. It could be answers to a physics test, some necessary quotes for writing essays, or anything else that could help them achieve their desired score.
Additionally, Neutrino has also equipped his special calculator with a very rudimentary chat feature. Don’t expect to chat freely with friends, but at least you can ask questions and provide answers using some pre-programmed phrases, particularly convenient for multiple-choice tests. However, to use this feature, your friends must also own a similar smartphone or computer. In the video above, Neutrino demonstrates by chatting with himself through a connection to his personal Instagram account.
On the software side, Neutrino’s Casio fx-991MS meets all the standards necessary for him to cheat effectively in exams. As long as he “loads” the correct data and knowledge before entering the examination room, he is good to go. However, holding onto the calculator throughout the test could raise suspicions from teachers. This forces Neutrino to find alternative ways to use his invention discreetly and more sophisticatedly, rather than constantly pressing keys to look up information. Not to mention, the sounds produced when typing can be quite annoying and easily draw attention in the serious atmosphere of an exam room.
Specifically, this YouTuber used magnets and hidden sensors to facilitate information retrieval on the calculator. He hid a small magnet inside the cap of a ballpoint pen or attached it to the end of an eraser. It activates a switch inside the calculator to turn on the OLED screen. Then, using the embedded sensors in the device, he simply needs to bring the magnet-containing pen tip close to the top edge of the calculator to start using this mini screen. Neutrino also preset several actions, such as tapping the magnet on the top of the calculator twice to return to the main menu, or tapping and holding to let the screen display information automatically.
Neutrino stated that he created this invention for research purposes and to satisfy his passion for tinkering with machinery. He does not encourage anyone to use it for cheating, as this act does not effectively assess students’ abilities and is not aligned with current educational ethical standards.
According to Gizmodo