Hello from an enthusiast that has recently been reintroduced to TI-99/4A

[senior_falcon]

 

Did he really say that? The word should be “dissemble”, which has quite a different meaning from “disassemble”. Or, was misuse your point?

 

What do you think? This is the guy who said, "We cannot let terrorists hold this nation hostile".

As Ann Richards once famously said about his father (and it applies to the son as well): "Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

Anyway, we shouldn't hijack the thread to descend into politics, and so as Forrest Gump said, "that's all I have to say about that."

[sixsevenco]

Hey everyone,

 

So I've been playing with my new computer as time has allowed over the past few days. It's super fun. My kids have even taken an interest in it. I have some more questions.

 

1. I'm not ready to do the F18A mod, and modulator cable is working fine. That being said, does the TI-99/4a really output composite with the right cable? I'm guessing the PQ is slightly better than using the modulator. This should also make it easier to connect to modern displays, right?
2. I've been looking on Amazon and BestBuy for a new cassette player/recorder. I'm not seeing any options that appear to have a counter. Should I be looking somewhere else for a new player? Or should I be looking for a used one?
3. I've opened my non-functioning cassette player. It's a "GE Computer Program Data Recorder". It does nothing when a button is pressed. Are these things repairable? Any thoughts on how to resurrect this? I've removed the back panel, and I've confirmed that the belt is intact.

[Opry99er]

2) eBay used

 

3) are you plugging all 3 wires from the cassette interface into the recorder? If so, it will not do anything until the computer sends a signal via the 3rd line.

 

 

If it does not work when disconnected from the computer, then it is probably mechanically or electrically broken.

[sixsevenco]

3) are you plugging all 3 wires from the cassette interface into the recorder? If so, it will not do anything until the computer sends a signal via the 3rd line.

 

 

If it does not work when disconnected from the computer, then it is probably mechanically or electrically broken.

 

I am not. With just the AC cord plugged in, I can press play/rew/ff, and it does nothing. There is an LED, and it doesn't come on either. I suppose it's possible that the AC cord is bad. I need to buy some C-cell batteries to test that...

[Opry99er]

Can you take a picture of your cable ends and the connector to the cassette player?

[sixsevenco]

I wi

 

Can you take a picture of your cable ends and the connector to the cassette player?

l will when I get back to my house. The cable looks a little different than what I believe is the official TI cable. I've confirmed that CS2 on the cable works; I downloaded some WAV files to my iphone, and used VLC to play the audio when connected to CS2. Thanks for your help!

[Casey]

 

Hey everyone,

 

So I've been playing with my new computer as time has allowed over the past few days. It's super fun. My kids have even taken an interest in it. I have some more questions.

 

1. I'm not ready to do the F18A mod, and modulator cable is working fine. That being said, does the TI-99/4a really output composite with the right cable? I'm guessing the PQ is slightly better than using the modulator. This should also make it easier to connect to modern displays, right?
2. I've been looking on Amazon and BestBuy for a new cassette player/recorder. I'm not seeing any options that appear to have a counter. Should I be looking somewhere else for a new player? Or should I be looking for a used one?
3. I've opened my non-functioning cassette player. It's a "GE Computer Program Data Recorder". It does nothing when a button is pressed. Are these things repairable? Any thoughts on how to resurrect this? I've removed the back panel, and I've confirmed that the belt is intact.

 

1. Greg sells a composite video cable here: https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/Composite-video-cable/p/74389896/category=23804650

This is the one I use. I have it going into an adapter box that inputs composite video and outputs HDMI audio and video, and I've got it hooked up to a pretty new ViewSonic monitor. The adapter box doesn't produce the sharp image you'd get from the F18A, even causing some ghosting in the image depending on the color combinations, but it works well enough for me for now.

2. TI Program Recorders are all over the place on Ebay. I actually bought a new in the box one from there and it works great. I did have to order cassette tapes from Amazon, but I've had no problem using them.

[sixsevenco]

1. Greg sells a composite video cable here: https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/Composite-video-cable/p/74389896/category=23804650

This is the one I use. I have it going into an adapter box that inputs composite video and outputs HDMI audio and video, and I've got it hooked up to a pretty new ViewSonic monitor. The adapter box doesn't produce the sharp image you'd get from the F18A, even causing some ghosting in the image depending on the color combinations, but it works well enough for me for now.

2. TI Program Recorders are all over the place on Ebay. I actually bought a new in the box one from there and it works great. I did have to order cassette tapes from Amazon, but I've had no problem using them.

 

1) I've been looking at composite to VGA converters on Amazon, and many reviews say older devices come across in B&W. I don't have HDMI on my intended display. What adapter are you using?

2) I've been looking on ebay, but I was searching for "cassette player counter", and the results weren't great. Following your advice, I put in "PHP2700" and boom! Lots of results. Thank for the tip. I feel stupid for not figuring this out on my one...

 

If it does not work when disconnected from the computer, then it is probably mechanically or electrically broken.

 

I think I'm officially OK with declaring this dead. I just tried fresh batteries with the player disconnected from the computer. Nothing.

[+adamantyr]

Getting a composite cable is definitely the way to go. Keep in mind many older Tv's still have composite hook ups. You can go to Good Will and get something that will work for cheap.

 

The best thing is a classic CRT monitor, but they are expensive to ship. And they can be tough to find, a local electronic place that recycles stuff in my area occasionally has them.

[sixsevenco]

So I made a thing. My first effort at BASIC since I was a kid! It realize it's probably laughable for you veterans, but it was fun figuring this out. Microsoft Excel helped generate most of the code.

 

 

 

5 CALL CLEAR
6 PRINT "PIRATES OF THE AEGEAN"
7 PRINT "BY DAVID BRUCE"
8 PRINT "8NOTES.COM/SCORES/12989.ASP"
10 CALL SOUND(100,220,5)
20 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
30 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
40 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
50 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
60 CALL SOUND(100,220,5)
70 CALL SOUND(200,247,5,165,5)
80 CALL SOUND(200,247,5,165,5)
90 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
100 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
110 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,165,5)
120 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,165,5)
130 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
140 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
150 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
160 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
170 CALL SOUND(100,220,5)
180 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
190 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
200 CALL SOUND(200,262,5,165,5,110,5)
210 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
220 CALL SOUND(100,220,5)
230 CALL SOUND(200,247,5,165,5)
240 CALL SOUND(200,247,5,165,5)
250 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
260 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
270 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,165,5)
280 CALL SOUND(100,330,5)
290 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
300 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
310 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
320 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,165,5,110,5)
330 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,165,5,110,5)
340 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
350 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
360 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,196,5,131,5)
370 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,196,5,131,5)
380 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
390 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
400 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,147,5,196,5)
410 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,147,5,196,5)
420 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
430 CALL SOUND(100,330,5)
440 CALL SOUND(200,349,5,110,5,147,5)
450 CALL SOUND(200,349,5,110,5,147,5)
460 CALL SOUND(100,330,5)
470 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
480 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,165,5,110,5)
490 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,165,5,110,5)
500 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
510 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
520 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,165,5,110,5)
530 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,165,5,110,5)
540 CALL SOUND(100,294,5)
550 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
560 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,147,5,196,5)
570 CALL SOUND(200,294,5,147,5,196,5)
580 CALL SOUND(100,262,5)
590 CALL SOUND(100,247,5)
600 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,165,5,110,5)
610 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
620 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
630 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
640 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
650 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,165,5,110,5)
660 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
670 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
680 CALL SOUND(100,110,5)
690 CALL SOUND(100,165,5)
700 CALL SOUND(200,165,5,110,5)
710 CALL SOUND(100,110,5)
720 CALL SOUND(100,165,5)
730 CALL SOUND(100,110,5)
740 CALL SOUND(100,165,5)
750 CALL SOUND(200,165,5,110,5)
760 CALL SOUND(100,110,5)
770 CALL SOUND(100,165,5)
780 CALL SOUND(100,110,5)
790 CALL SOUND(100,165,5)
800 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,262,5,110,5)
810 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
820 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
830 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
840 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
850 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,262,5,110,5)
860 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
870 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
880 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
890 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
900 CALL SOUND(200,392,5,247,5,196,5)
910 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,196,5)
920 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,147,5)
930 CALL SOUND(100,294,5,196,5)
940 CALL SOUND(100,294,5,147,5)
950 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,110,5)
960 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
970 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
980 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
990 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
1000 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1010 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1020 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1030 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1040 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1050 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1060 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1070 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
1080 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1090 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
1100 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1110 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,196,5)
1120 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,147,5)
1130 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,247,5,196,5)
1140 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,247,5,147,5)
1150 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1160 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1170 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1180 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1190 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1200 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1210 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1220 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1230 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,110,5)
1240 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,262,5,165,5)
1250 CALL SOUND(200,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1260 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1270 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
1280 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,110,5)
1290 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,262,5,165,5)
1300 CALL SOUND(200,392,5,247,5,196,5)
1310 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,196,5)
1320 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,147,5)
1330 CALL SOUND(100,294,5,196,5)
1340 CALL SOUND(100,294,5,147,5)
1350 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,110,5)
1360 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
1370 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
1380 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
1390 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,165,5)
1400 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1410 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1420 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,147,5)
1430 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,196,5)
1440 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,147,5)
1450 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1460 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1470 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,147,5)
1480 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,196,5)
1490 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,147,5)
1500 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1510 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,196,5)
1520 CALL SOUND(100,494,5,294,5,147,5)
1530 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,196,5)
1540 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,147,5)
1550 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,294,5)
1560 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,294,5)
1570 CALL SOUND(100,392,5,294,5)
1580 CALL SOUND(100,392,5)
1590 CALL SOUND(100,440,5)
1600 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1610 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1620 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1630 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1640 CALL SOUND(100,440,5)
1650 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,247,5,165,5)
1660 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,247,5,165,5)
1670 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1680 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1690 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,247,5,165,5)
1700 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,247,5,165,5)
1710 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1720 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1730 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1740 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1750 CALL SOUND(100,440,5)
1760 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1770 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1780 CALL SOUND(200,523,5,330,5,110,5)
1790 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1800 CALL SOUND(100,440,5)
1810 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,247,5,165,5)
1820 CALL SOUND(200,494,5,247,5,165,5)
1830 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1840 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1850 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,247,5,165,5)
1860 CALL SOUND(100,659,5,247,5,165,5)
1870 CALL SOUND(100,587,5,247,5,165,5)
1880 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1890 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
1900 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,330,5,110,5)
1910 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,330,5,110,5)
1920 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1930 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
1940 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,392,5,131,5)
1950 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,392,5,131,5)
1960 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
1970 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
1980 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,294,5,196,5)
1990 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,294,5,196,5)
2000 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
2010 CALL SOUND(100,659,5)
2020 CALL SOUND(200,698,5,220,5,147,5)
2030 CALL SOUND(200,698,5,220,5,147,5)
2040 CALL SOUND(100,659,5)
2050 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
2060 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,330,5,110,5)
2070 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,330,5,110,5)
2080 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
2090 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
2100 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,330,5,110,5)
2110 CALL SOUND(200,659,5,330,5,110,5)
2120 CALL SOUND(100,587,5)
2130 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
2140 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,294,5,196,5)
2150 CALL SOUND(200,587,5,294,5,196,5)
2160 CALL SOUND(100,523,5)
2170 CALL SOUND(100,494,5)
2180 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,330,5,110,5)
2190 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,330,5)
2200 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,220,5)
2210 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,330,5)
2220 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,220,5)
2230 CALL SOUND(200,440,5,330,5,110,5)
2240 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,330,5)
2250 CALL SOUND(100,440,5,220,5)
2260 CALL SOUND(100,330,5)
2270 CALL SOUND(100,220,5)
2280 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,110,5)
2290 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
2300 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,165,5)
2310 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
2320 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,165,5)
2330 CALL SOUND(200,220,5,110,5)
2340 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
2350 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,165,5)
2360 CALL SOUND(100,220,5,110,5)
2370 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,165,5)
2380 CALL SOUND(100,330,5,220,5,110,5)
2390 CALL CLEAR
2400 PRINT "ARRRRRR!!!"

 

[Casey]

 

1) I've been looking at composite to VGA converters on Amazon, and many reviews say older devices come across in B&W. I don't have HDMI on my intended display. What adapter are you using?

2) I've been looking on ebay, but I was searching for "cassette player counter", and the results weren't great. Following your advice, I put in "PHP2700" and boom! Lots of results. Thank for the tip. I feel stupid for not figuring this out on my one...

Here's what I'm using to go from composite to HDMI:

https://www.amazon.com/S-ciing-Composite-Converter-AV2HDMI-Blue-Ray/dp/B01I81EWL0/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519044994&sr=8-7&keywords=mini+av2hdmi

 

There are a couple things about it I find annoying (it doesn't have a power switch, so it sends a signal to your monitor until you unplug it, and the picture does ghost with certain color combinations) but it works decently well. I guess the ghosting can make you feel like you are using the RF modulator still.

[digdugnate]

Getting a composite cable is definitely the way to go. Keep in mind many older Tv's still have composite hook ups. You can go to Good Will and get something that will work for cheap.

 

The best thing is a classic CRT monitor, but they are expensive to ship. And they can be tough to find, a local electronic place that recycles stuff in my area occasionally has them.

I'm using a composite cable with an el-cheapo $99 walmart flat panel. the picture quality is surprisingly good.

[+Ksarul]

Aarrrr! I lived on the Aegean coast of Turkey for a few years. . .

[marc.hull]

What do you think? This is the guy who said, "We cannot let terrorists hold this nation hostile".

As Ann Richards once famously said about his father (and it applies to the son as well): "Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

Anyway, we shouldn't hijack the thread to descend into politics, and so as Forrest Gump said, "that's all I have to say about that."

Funny stuff. I'll add to it if you don't mind...

 

"I never had sexual relations with that woman."

 

"I took the initative in creating the internet"

 

"I have been to 57 states"

 

"Joe Biden"

 

I'll play. Got anymore hit and runs you would like to put out there ?

[Opry99er]

Hey Marc.... you didnt build that....

[apersson850]

"Peace for our time."

 

"Vår beredskap är god."

Edited February 21, 2018 by apersson850

[marc.hull]

"Mr Gorbachev, tear down that wall."

 

Freedom isn't free ya know. Well Americans know anyway so that's good'nuff

[marc.hull]

Hey Marc.... you didnt build that....

Sorry Chad, I just got that.

 

So glad that craps over. It's like we were in the UE for a minute.

[marc.hull]

Your up Falcon and lee. Waiting for a good one.

[Ed in SoDak]

On your GE recorder, is the pause switch pushed over to rec/play? Some recorders use a mechanical pause where the tape travel is stopped but the motor still runs. The GE and TI data recorders pause is electrical, basically working more like a power switch than an actual pause.

-Ed

[sparkdrummer]

If it's a GE recorder like the couple I've got - it has the pause switch like Ed described. - Also - I would try putting a submini plug into the motor control jack and working it around a bit. That jack actually is a switch and needs to close properly for the recorder to function. Any chance of getting a picture of the patient? I'll compare it to mine and see what causes the fail.

[sixsevenco]

On your GE recorder, is the pause switch pushed over to rec/play? Some recorders use a mechanical pause where the tape travel is stopped but the motor still runs. The GE and TI data recorders pause is electrical, basically working more like a power switch than an actual pause.

-Ed

 

 

If it's a GE recorder like the couple I've got - it has the pause switch like Ed described. - Also - I would try putting a submini plug into the motor control jack and working it around a bit. That jack actually is a switch and needs to close properly for the recorder to function. Any chance of getting a picture of the patient? I'll compare it to mine and see what causes the fail.

 

Thanks to both of you guys. It does have the pause switch. I've tried toggling it back and forth, and there is no life from the device. I've plugged it in AC, as well as put in fresh C batteries. Nothing. FF and REW do nothing either. Per your recommendation, I did play with adding the submini plug in and moving it around, and that didn't make a difference either. I truly think it's broken. Maybe it's reparable, so I will probably hold on to it. I just bid/won a PHP2700 from that is still working. That should get me up and running again.

 

Thanks again.

[+arcadeshopper]

Thanks for the super fast response.

 

Should I look to eBay for Extended Basic? What's a good price?

 

Also, I don't think your video link posted correctly. Can I trouble you to re-post it?

 

https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/Ti-Extended-Basic/p/75045870/category=15846004

[sixsevenco]

 

https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/Ti-Extended-Basic/p/75045870/category=15846004

 

Thanks. Another member here hooked me up. It arrived today, actually.

 

I've got a gripe with you. I missed out on the nanoPEBs you had in stock earlier this week. I had one in my cart, and I had to take a call for work. When I came back, they were sold out and my cart was emptied... (just kidding, no gripe. It's my fault for not completing the transaction.) Generally speaking, how often do you get them?

[+arcadeshopper]

 

Thanks. Another member here hooked me up. It arrived today, actually.

 

I've got a gripe with you. I missed out on the nanoPEBs you had in stock earlier this week. I had one in my cart, and I had to take a call for work. When I came back, they were sold out and my cart was emptied... (just kidding, no gripe. It's my fault for not completing the transaction.) Generally speaking, how often do you get them?

No problem I always have TI cartridges in stock the fancy ones sell out pretty quick. Yeah those Nano pdb's went really fast if you snooze you lose grin I get them whenever the manufacturer puts them out which is randomly about once a month or two months I get them in blocks of three or four so they move quick. Really TIPI is going to make the Nano less interesting as it gives you full hard drive emulation disc emulation TCP IP / internet connectivity and probably more after people start developing for it I fully expect the web browser and Tim XT to sometime be able to be able to use the TCP IP to connect to the internet it will be interesting.

 

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk