Does the TI99/4A have a "Drivewire" type of solution?

[AtariLeaf]

I just picked up a TI99/4A with some joysticks, the voice module and a few carts for $50 yesterday and was wondering if there's a cheap, easy way to get games onto the system similar to the Drivewire solution on the Tandy Coco in that you use a cable or cables to get games from a modern PC to the TI. I'm not interested in collecting for the system, just want to experience some games on real hardware in the most economic way possible.

[+Lee Stewart]

I just picked up a TI99/4A with some joysticks, the voice module and a few carts for $50 yesterday and was wondering if there's a cheap, easy way to get games onto the system similar to the Drivewire solution on the Tandy Coco in that you use a cable or cables to get games from a modern PC to the TI. I'm not interested in collecting for the system, just want to experience some games on real hardware in the most economic way possible.

 

A good place to start to assess your options is New to the group? TI-99/4A FAQ, Hardware and software resources READ FIRST!.

 

...lee

[+arcadeshopper]

It's called HDX and is detailed in the faq as Lee stated

 

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

[+chue]

For games, you probably want to take a look at the FinalGrom, which is an SD based multi-cart. SD is not a wire, but it's not too bad to take it out of the cart and put into a PC.

 

The FinalGrom is in Lee's link as well.

[AtariLeaf]

I'll check those links and options thanks everyone.

[Omega-TI]

... just want to experience some games on real hardware in the most economic way possible.

 

The most economical?

 

I'd say, if you're good with a soldering iron << THIS 32K MODIFICATION >> by Tursi, coupled with a << FlashROM 99 >>

and a cheap << 99 cent SD card >> from eBay would be the cheapest way to go.

 

However, the cheapest way is not always the preferred or easiest way. If I was going to recommend a 'starter package' for a newbie or returning TI'er, I say go with the << FinalGROM 99 >> as it will give you more options, and also get one of JediMatt42's

<< 32K sidecar expansions>>. This will allow you to keep many options open and you'll be 1/2 way to upgrading if you decide you would like to do that at a later date.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[iKarith]

I would second Omega's assessment of the best way to get started. (Omega! You're green!) It gives you most of everything. You still need a tape recorder simulation for some things like Adventure and Tunnels of Doom, but Matt's 32k gets you well on to a permanent solution to that problem as well.