Meddler

Hi there and Woa down a bit, that it not what I meant at all: I only meant that it is desireable to develop programmes in Assembler to avoid the BASIC interpreter.

1) The Joystick Port__________________PS/2 Keyboard input2) The Cassette Port__________________Relay control/ MP3 Record & Playback 3) The 12v power from the back________Power supply for VGA board____from Video out port 4) The audio out from the back________to Amplifier & Speaker________from Video out port

TI LOGO?

I do not think loosing power (3 lines: Vcc,Vdd,Vbb) is a problem but it has to be done with regard to the fact that the bus is still connected and gets messy.Alternatively you could use silicon diodes in series with Vcc and Vdd (the trusty "watt-less dropper") for the cartridges in standby i.e running at recommended minimum voltages; Chip select does the rest. Selection of an active cartridge is recognized by the Cartridge 'insertion' re-set that causes the console to look at the GROM space and run the DSR. Err, I think... Ksarul/ Tursi will know, good luck

Says it all really, advertised as the first 16 bit personal computer and hobbled at the gate!Which is why Assembler is the only way to go, which is actually true of any computer for speed needs. Anyway, this is not really the right post for all these musings, perhaps it could be continued elsewhere?

Again, thanks, what an incredible wealth of information and expertise here!

Well, it is clear that I have a lot of catching up to do! Thanks to you I have found this: Ti99Hdx at http://ti99-geek.nl/ "Ti99Hdx is a PC program which is capable to communicate with a TI99/4A or Geneve computer via a serial connection (TI RS232/2 interface or own build) or a parallel connection (Cf7a+ interface)." Am I back on track or off down the rabbit hole?

    Thanks Guys, that is the answer, there is a software handshake between SAVE & OLD outside the file transfer: Quote " Load sends the SYN character to signal the beginning of a transmission .... Save must always send first the number of bytes that will follow... ... Save and Load use a CRC (cyclic redundency check) checking mechanism. Load sends either the ACK or the NAK character to indicate whether the CRC matches or not." I didn't want to use the PC anyway, I just wanted storage, SD Card anyone? Cheers

Hi, thanks for that, I have the XB cart. but why should the PC end be a problem; it's only RS232? p.s love the fan cooling mod.!

Thanks every one, I am just going to have to prove it now! I am thinking that Hyperterminal "Capture Text...", changing the extension from .txt is all that is necessary because I am guessing that the OLD RS232 handles the return into memory. Don't hold your breath.... regards all.

Hello 99ers I have been toying with the idea of playing with my favorite micro (1 quess only )but have only RS232 sidecar and the Assembler module. I noticed that the RS232 guide suggested "Exchanging programmes with SAVE and OLD" I am assuming that this would be a memory image dump so I could save and recover it as a file on the ole PC. Does any one know if this will work or has even tried it? Thanks in anticipation

I have been trying to think of a use for my redundant TI99/4A and now think that I have answered my own question. What can you usefully do with a basic console? I was initialy thinking of Home Automation or Greenhouse control but these are easier done with conventional methods. It turns out that any two-axis motor control is possible with all the computing power you could want for such things as: Solar panel Sun tracking; Telescope tracking; x-y table; Crane control. The two Tape-recorder opto-outputs are available for motor driving and the two Joystick driver outputs can be used for forward/reverse control relays and there are several key lines available for tacho. input. Unfortunately, I have no use for any of these so do you have any other ideas? I put this idea forward in case it is of interest to anyone, best wishes all.

Hello all, I have just made my introduction and now want to pick your brains. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/249929-hello-fancy-finding-you-here/ I have dug out my TI99/4A with the intention of making it earn it's place so I would be grateful if you would tell me what uses you have found for this classic bit of history. Which reminds me that the English Channel Tunnel railway signalling is under the charge of TMS9995s so it's not really dead. My line-up is: TI99/4a with ExtBASIC, LOGO and 32KMem cartridge along with a PHA2036 (UK PAL) and a tatty Radio Shack tape-recorder. I am thinking that there are two opto-coupled outputs (Cassette motor drive) and a joystick port input which happens to have two driven outputs as well as access to a few keys. I wonder, can I use an old 'phone as an MP3 recorder? I might be lucky and find a redundant 4:3 LED/LCD TV on sale some-where. Any suggestions? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hello all, I am surprised to see you all here! My excuse is that it was a rainy Sunday and I don't like things sitting around doing nothing - like that box of TI99/4A bits. I cannot remember when I last used it but a letter from TI Europe is dated 1984 so that is probably about right. So, I am wondering what I can use it for, home automation or greenhouse control, temperature logging maybe? Then I thought to look on the internet and see what others had done and, blow my socks off, you are celebrating the start of 2016! What's in the box? Under it's posh brown dust-cover there it is, along with ExtBASIC, LOGO and 32KMem cartridge (I'm guessing the battery might need changing ) along with a PHA2036 and a tatty Radio Shack tape-recorder, oh, and an acoustic modem! Well, I suppose I had better see if it still works before I embarrass myself, what-do-you know? There it goes and looking good in glorious widescreen! Now, I am not going to tolerate that cassette recorder and it would be nice if I could use an ordinary VGA monitor. What I would like is something like a USB stick interface and VGA output. Luckily I do have the RS232 side-car. I notice that you have not been idle since I last used the TI99/4A and the idea of using an MP3 recorder/player is inspired though still slow and whilst the F18A is a solution I would prefer to keep this a minimal cost exercise. As it happens, I live in France so I might be lucky to find a RGB adapter in the frequent garage sales. It's really great to see you all here, along with many other active sites. I am going to make a post to ask you what might be a good idea for waking up my favorite micro. Best wishes to all.