TIPI Issue?

[jonecool]

*NOTE: I think it was corrected by changing a dipswitch on the TIPI. Seems to be working now... MAY NOT BE AN ISSUE WITH THE TIPI. Testing.

 

I'm not sure if I have a problem or not with my TIPI. I think I do. If you have one, please try this and let me know what happens:

 

1. Plug in a speech synthesizer and 32k+TIPI.

2. Load up TI Extended Basic (I ran it from FlashGrom99)

3. Take the option to go into TI XB

4. type... CALL SAY("HELLO") ... and press ENTER

 

Do you hear garbled sounds? I can repeat the above with the TIPI removed and it works fine, so pretty sure there is something wrong between the Speech Synthesizer and the TIPI configuration. I noticed something on the site about a jumper wire from pin 1-1 on the Speech Synthesizer, is this needed perhaps?

 

Just curious how it works for others.

 

 

TIA!

Edited April 27, 2018 by jonecool

[Omega-TI]

1. Plug in a speech synthesizer and 32k+TIPI.

2. Load up TI Extended Basic (I ran it from FlashGrom99)

3. Take the option to go into TI XB

4. type... CALL SAY("HELLO") ... and press ENTER

 

 

 

I did your 1,2,3,4 exactly and mine worked just fine.

 

No, you do NOT need the jumper wire because for TIPI to work, you have to supply external power to the 32K.

 

I'm not exactly sure what is up, but I have to ask, what is the amp rating on your power supply to the 32K card?

[jonecool]

Thanks, I think it was actually the dip switch setting on the 32k board. I toggled the switch, powered everything down and back up and seems to be working so far. Downloading TE II to try out, my son and I were playing around with TE I and thought it was TE II. I'll report back soon.

 

 

 

 

I did your 1,2,3,4 exactly and mine worked just fine.

 

No, you do NOT need the jumper wire because for TIPI to work, you have to supply external power to the 32K.

 

I'm not exactly sure what is up, but I have to ask, what is the amp rating on your power supply to the 32K card?

[Omega-TI]

Thanks, I think it was actually the dip switch setting on the 32k board. I toggled the switch, powered everything down and back up and seems to be working so far. Downloading TE II to try out, my son and I were playing around with TE I and thought it was TE II. I'll report back soon.

 

 

 

I've not messed with it (that I can remember), but do not forget to try the Speech Editor << HERE >> for your FG99.

[jonecool]

My son and I were trying TE I, but thinking it was TE II. We typed in a TI Basic program something like what you see below (with TE I loaded on the FG99- instead of TE II). I know with TE II loaded, the following "should" work :

 

100 OPEN #1:"SPEECH", OUTPUT

110 INPUT A$

120 PRINT #1:A$

130 GOTO 110

 

But, he was getting errors on line 100. So, thought something was wrong with the SS. Then, realized it wasn't TE II but TE I cartridge instead being loaded from the FG99 (I can't see any option for TE II at all). Then went into TI XB and entered... CALL SAY("HELLO") and got some garbage sounds. Removed the TIPI and it said "Hello", as expected. Then, flipped the switch on the 32k and tried again with the TIPI installed and it said "HELLO". So, I think the TIPI is fine, just an incorrect dip switch setting.

 

I can't find TE II for FlashGrom99 that will show up in the list I really want to get his program running, he's 12 and was disappointed when I couldn't get his program to work. Worst case, I crawl up into the attic this weekend and bring down an original cart of Terminal Emulator II.

 

 

 

I've not messed with it (that I can remember), but do not forget to try the Speech Editor << HERE >> for your FG99.

Edited April 27, 2018 by jonecool

[jonecool]

 

I've not messed with it (that I can remember), but do not forget to try the Speech Editor << HERE >> for your FG99.

 

Thanks Omega, I tried that cart and it does work from FG99. But, it seems to have the same limited text as XB. The TE II cart, however, can say virtually anything you type into a TI Basic program. It uses phonetics instead of a pre-defined vocabulary. But, you have to have the TE II cart installed first, then run TI Basic and use the program (above) to make it speak. At least, that's what I remember. It's been nearly 40 years so I may be missing something

[+jedimatt42]

To clarify, the only 'switch' is the TI console vs external power selection on the 32k board. On the boards I've made it was a jumper. But I saw someones build of it recently that had an actual switch there.

 

So the TIPI was not powered and in an unknown state, probably bleeding onto the databus.

 

"TI" mode means take power from the expansion bus.

 

With the switch in TI mode, the 32k will power from the TI console ( if there is no speech, or a modified speech ). There can be enough voltage leak that TI XB will detect memory expansion. But the 32k won't work reliably.

And in that TI mode, the 32k board does not pass power to the +5v line the TIPI needs..

 

So setting it to 'ext' mode for external power, and plugging an external power supply in, is the only mode that will work reliably.

 

-M@

[+arcadeshopper]

yep as it said when you ordered one

TIPI prerequisites:

32k sideport with stacking header expansion such as my memory card.
Powersupply for sideport 32k card.
32k sideport set to use 'ext' instead of 'ti' power.

[jonecool]

I definitely have some kind of issue, just can't pinpoint it For example, with the SS and 32k/TIPI removed, I can go into Face Maker (from FG99) and it looks and runs fine. Now, plug in the SS, 32k, TIPI and load up Face Maker and I see some strange artifacts for the face elements. The same is true on the opening screen of Buck Rogers. I have the switch set for EXT, so not sure what it could be...

[Omega-TI]

Things I would check (not saying that it'll be either)...

 

1) What is the amperage rating on your TIPI/32K power supply?

2) Have you disassembled the Speech Synthesizer and cleaned ALL the contacts?

 

Eliminate the Speech Synthesizer from the mix... is everything working okay now?

[+arcadeshopper]

Things I would check (not saying that it'll be either)...

 

1) What is the amperage rating on your TIPI/32K power supply?

2) Have you disassembled the Speech Synthesizer and cleaned ALL the contacts?

 

Eliminate the Speech Synthesizer from the mix... is everything working okay now?

 

whenever I have issues like this, it's 99% of the time dirty/lose connections on the bus.. the connector on the outside of the speech synth sits out in the air corroding over the years..

 

Also the cart port is another weak point especially if you are using it more than usual. Swapping carts a lot can break up the felt/oil pad that shouldn't be there in the first place.. I have consoles that won't work with SOME cartridges because of this.

[+jedimatt42]

I definitely have some kind of issue, just can't pinpoint it For example, with the SS and 32k/TIPI removed, I can go into Face Maker (from FG99) and it looks and runs fine. Now, plug in the SS, 32k, TIPI and load up Face Maker and I see some strange artifacts for the face elements. The same is true on the opening screen of Buck Rogers. I have the switch set for EXT, so not sure what it could be...

Try swapping through the matrix one by one (or as single step as you can):

 

[ ] without speech, without 32k, without tipi

[ ] with just speech

[ ] without speech, with just 32k

[ ] without speech, with 32k + tipi

[ ] with all: speech, 32k, tipi

 

Repeat with a different physical cartridge that uses the 32k

 

-M@

[jonecool]

The power supply is :

OUTPUT : DC5V +/-0.5V

DC 1A +/- 50mA

 

I took the Speech Synthesizer completely out of the loop. 32k+TIPI plugged directly into the side. With it plugged in, run Face Maker and there is garbage on the screen where the face is drawn. If I remove the TIPI (and keep only 32k and no SS), load up Face Maker again (from FG99), it looks just fine.

 

Things I would check (not saying that it'll be either)...

 

1) What is the amperage rating on your TIPI/32K power supply?

2) Have you disassembled the Speech Synthesizer and cleaned ALL the contacts?

 

Eliminate the Speech Synthesizer from the mix... is everything working okay now?

Edited April 27, 2018 by jonecool

[jonecool]

Thanks JM! Works fine with the following:

 

* No speech, No 32k, No TIPI

* No speech, With 32k, No TIPI

 

If I add 32k + TIPI (no SS), odd graphics appear on the face.

 

It almost seems like a power issue at this point. I cleaned the side port contacts with rubbing alcohol as well as the cart port and let it dry for about 5 min. before applying any power.

 

Try swapping through the matrix one by one (or as single step as you can):

[ ] without speech, without 32k, without tipi
[ ] with just speech
[ ] without speech, with just 32k
[ ] without speech, with 32k + tipi
[ ] with all: speech, 32k, tipi

Repeat with a different physical cartridge that uses the 32k

-M@

Edited April 27, 2018 by jonecool

[Omega-TI]

The power supply is :

OUTPUT : DC5V +/-0.5V

DC 1A +/- 50mA

 

I took the Speech Synthesizer completely out of the loop. 32k+TIPI plugged directly into the side. With it plugged in, run Face Maker and there is garbage on the screen where the face is drawn. If I remove the TIPI (and keep only 32k and no SS), load up Face Maker again (from FG99), it looks just fine.

 

 

I think we found your problem. I'd use at least a 2.5A power adapter.

[jonecool]

 

I think we found your problem. I'd use at least a 2.5A power adapter.

 

Very interesting! I ordered the one recommended on ArcadeShopper, this is the link: https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/AC100-240V-to-DC5-0V-1A-Wall-Charger-Switching-Power-Adapter-5-5mm*2-1mm-UL-for-32k-sidecar/p/78380773/category=28272181

 

Where did you get your adapter? Maybe JM will let us know what he recommends as well. I don't want to wind up frying either boards

[+arcadeshopper]

 

I think we found your problem. I'd use at least a 2.5A power adapter.

 

Nope the ones recommended by the manufacturer are the ones I sell. I have two here running zero problems. So either there's a hardware issue with the specific tipi, the 32k card or his TI console.

[jonecool]

I replaced the console with another one I have, repeated the same test (with SS removed), same thing. I'd be curious if others are seeing it, try Face Maker specifically with the 32k/TIPI installed. At any rate, this is what it looks like for me. I can't debug it much further at this point but it's now isolated to the 32k/TIPI. Voltage coming out of the power supply was 5.24v.

[jonecool]

Images of the issue...

[jonecool]

Another example, 32k+TIPI:

 

 

No TIPI (just FG99)

 

[+jedimatt42]

Seems like the TIPI is interfering with the data bus when it shouldn't.

 

I would expect it to behave like that for any software.

 

 

I think we found your problem. I'd use at least a 2.5A power adapter.

The 32k board + TIPI board aren't likely to come close to using 1A. 2.5A is the recommendation for the PI.

 

Odds are this is an isolated failure. I'll PM you Sunday with some steps to diagnose or a way forward.

 

---

 

The only thing I didn't notice, is the PI connected to the TIPI? And when you FCTN-= do you hear the tripple tone sequence on the TI Title screen?

 

-M@

[jonecool]

Thanks JM. Yes, I can use the TIPI just fine for Chatti/Chess and saving to the RPi *if* I use CALL TIPI("URI1.CHESS"). If I type CALL TIPI, the TI reboots so I can't get back into the configuration screen. I'm ok with a soldering iron if there is something you want me to try here (except for SMT components) I also have a lot of spare parts, voltmeter, etc. I do hear the triple sound when pressing FCNT-=.

 

It's just "Some" programs I've run experience some issues like what you see above. Parsec, Demon Attack, runs fine but I don't play games for long so it might be later in the game that something like above happens. Since CALL TIPI no longer works (did at first), it's a bit of a problem, maybe something got corrupted. I look forward to your PM, thank you for your help.

 

Seems like the TIPI is interfering with the data bus when it shouldn't.

I would expect it to behave like that for any software.



The 32k board + TIPI board aren't likely to come close to using 1A. 2.5A is the recommendation for the PI.

Odds are this is an isolated failure. I'll PM you Sunday with some steps to diagnose or a way forward.

---

The only thing I didn't notice, is the PI connected to the TIPI? And when you FCTN-= do you hear the tripple tone sequence on the TI Title screen?

-M@

Edited April 28, 2018 by jonecool

[+arcadeshopper]

check pin on the lower left side of the 44 pin connector on the 32k card for 5v ground is the middle 4 pins on the bottom should be obvious by the large common trace there..

 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

^-this pin

[jonecool]

It's 5.24v both with and without the SS.

 

check pin on the lower left side of the 44 pin connector on the 32k card for 5v ground is the middle 4 pins on the bottom should be obvious by the large common trace there..

 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

^-this pin

[jonecool]

A little more info. I was able to fix the ability to run "CALL TIPI". I re-flashed the microSD on the PI and could now get back in to the configuration screen. Obviously some kind of corruption caused that.

 

However, I don't know if something is hosing up my console(s). Both consoles now have the same issue with just FG99 and Speech Synthesizer connected running Buck Rogers and Face Maker (with NO TIPI/32k attached) where they weren't having issues a few days ago. I have the original carts to both, but can't find them in the attic. If someone could test those two with their FG99/TIPI it would be greatly appreciated what you find out.

Edited April 29, 2018 by jonecool