twoodland
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Posts posted by twoodland
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Please allow me to participate if you do this again.
Regards,
TWoodland
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Wow, I had to take a closer look! For a 30+ year old computer, you've managed to keep it in pristine shape! The cassette recorder looks new too!
Thank you Omega! I did have it packed away with care! Unfortunately, something happened to the VDP TMS9918A over the years and I had to replace it to get it functional. A blessing in disguise because the thermal compound had gotten old and hardened. It now has new arctic silver compound and is ready and willing! I am just as excited to get it running again as when I first got it. In looking at other system pictures in this topic, I see that I am not the only one who has taken great care with their systems. Very cool to see all of the systems including options that I have only dreamed of having! Plus, seeing the work spaces and modifications are inspiring as well!
Regards,
TWoodland
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Wow, a LOT of questions at one time.
I'm not sure I'll be able to remember or address all them all, but I'll try to answer some of the more important ones...First I need to ask a question:
Which sidecar 32K are you using? If it's Jedimatt42's you have more options... without having to re-purchase anything.
If you have JediMatt42's 32K, the TIPI sounds like your best option as it addresses most of your stated wants, but CURRENTLY Stuart's Internet Browser does NOT work with the TIPI.
In it's time, the XB 2.7S cartridge was the best cartridge one could get, now days, especially if you have a limited budget or do not want to duplicate your efforts, I would recommend going with the FinalGROM99 as it will pretty much do anything and will run ANY of the Extended BASIC versions available for download in the repository.
If I were in your shoes I would get the following items in the following order.
1 - The FG99 to go with your 32K as it'll give you the most bang for your buck.
The FlashROM99 is not recommended any longer. It was a previous model and does not have all the capabilities of the FinalGROM99.
Don't worry about XB cartridges, if you have the FinalGROM99 the question is moot.
If you still want to expand at that point...
2 - TIPI and a RPi (of course it's a personal decision, but I'd get the enclosures/cases for them as well).
Don't even consider the 4A/DOS cartridge until you have an operational TIPI system. You'll be able to try out 4A/DOS with the FG99 cartridge to see if you like it, it'll just be missing some of the convenient aspects.
Thank you so much Omega. This is exactly what I was looking for. I did not know that there were different versions of the 32K sidecar. I purchased mine from "The Brewing Academy" (http://thebrewingacademy.com) and it is Jedimatt42's version (green PCB version in a nice black 3D printed case, not the silver and black one that I found recently which I may upgrade to)
At this time, both the FG99 and TIPI are out of stock on ArcadeShopper. I am definitely wanting the TIPI, so I am planning on getting that when it is back in stock. Based upon that, is it still beneficial to also have the FG99 or does the TIPI offer the same capability?
Thank you again for your speedy and valuable response.
TWoodland
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Hello everyone,
Now that I have my system functional again, I have been like a child searching through the toy catalogs trying to make a list for Christmas! There is so much information to sift through, and not being a seasoned 99’er, I am confused as how best to equip my system. I have searched through similar posts which are quite helpful, however, development of new and upgraded products (which is great) and my ignorance of how they work, are hindering me from deciding what to do.
My System Hardware:
Black and Chrome Console w/Speech Synth (w/power jumper mod), Jedimatt42 32K Sidecar, Program Recorder and TI Joysticks (non-working (mylar contact sheets need conductive paint repair)
System Upgrade Goals:
To share programs from a central location that I am working on (mainly ex basic) between my console and using an emulator on my Win10 PC.
To utilize the software available on this site (cartridge roms/groms, dsk’s, tapes, etc) on my console.
To get my console online to connect to BBS’s, chat, email, and online games (such as TIPI chess).
What I am sure I need:
Your help!
What I am thinking I need:
TIPI Setup
F18A MK2
Extended Basic 2.7 Suite Cartridge
4A DOS Cartridge (Automate the TIPI startup)
What I am unsure about but thinking I may need:
FinalGROM99 (Does this supersede the FlashROM 99?, Do you need both?, Do I need this if I have a TIPI?)
Stuart’s TI-99/4A – Internet Web Browser Cartridge V9.2 (Do I need this if I have a TIPI?)
Which Extended Basic Cartridge? (Extended Basic 2.7 Suite, Extended Basic 3 in 1 – Contains Ti XB, XB2.7 and RXB2015, Extended Basic Fun – Contains XB2.7, XB256, and XB w/The missing link, Cortex Basic)
512K Utilities multi-cart cartridge (This is included in the Extended Basic 2.7 Suite Cartridge but not in the other versions of the XB2.7 cartridges?)
I appreciate that there are so many options to configure your system based upon each person’s interests, wants, needs and goals. There is not a one size fits all configuration. For me, I know that I am very excited to get a TIPI and need help so that I do not overlook options and/or add redundant upgrades.
Thank you in advance for your time and feedback.
TWoodland
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I used to be rather successful at restoring functions to compact cassette units ...longer playing cassettes contain thinner tape owing in part to less ferric oxide coating having been applied to the tape ...resulting in lower amplitude and otherwise compromised performance ...I prefer chromium oxide formulations(CrO2). The play/record multi-switch is often a problem on older units if their use has been infrequent. Noise in the potentiometers (knobs) is from the same source I imagine ...oxidation on contact surfaces. Tuner and control cleaner spray combined with smooth and rapid cycle operation of the switch or shaft through it's full travel several hundred times can be an effective start-up procedure. On most mechanisms it is possible to press record than press stop but do not release stop than begin rapid(not frenzied) cycling of the record switch while keeping the stop switch in the down position. Yes, max. treble ...because low-end units use a high-cut filter, distorting the the relation between the two original frequencies' relative amplitude linearity ...and perhaps even key-stoning the square wave somewhat.
With regard to: "I hear the same volume low hum either from the speaker or with headphones". The case may be that the main filtering capacitor in the power supply may have "dried out" internally ...allowing 60Hz. fluctuations from the A.C. to enter the system. I don't think the console would appreciate such distortion. Using batteries would be a simple way to eliminate this. I would attempt to assess the waveform directly if you can upload a sample!
The program recorder has a 6V DC power jack input left of the ear/spk jack. This may eliminate the hum that you are hearing without having to use batteries. The only thing is, I can't recall if the center post is positive or negative... (The manual does not refer to this power input at all).
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It's ALIVE! My TI-99/4A console is setup and working after thirty years! A big thank you to Dragonstomper for the helpful suggestions to get it working! It is such a pleasure to introduce my son to my first computer console and to play TOD with him. He was intrigued by the cassette.
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Welcome to the Party! Happy to see yet another TI'er coming back to the fold.
Thank you Shift838! Happy to be here and looking forward to TI-ing again!
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Welcome aboard Tim! I'm hoping you get the TI up and running soon! You really picked a great time to come back... with all the new goodies and stuff.
Glad to see one of my videos had a positive result! I get so little feedback on them, that I've been wondering if worth continuing to make them.
Thank you so much OmegaTI! I am so glad that I saw your videos. I apologize for being a lurker and not subscribing or liking them. I have corrected that now. I am so excited to get my console working again. Once it is working, I am going to upgrade it with JediMatt42's 32K Sidecar, TIPI (both with black and silver cases), along with Matthew180's F18A MK2 when the licensing is resolved and becomes available. I was also wanting to get Ralph Benzinger's Finalgrom99 when it comes back in stock on Arcadeshopper. I am unsure if I would need it if I get the TIPI setup though. I digress. It is great to hear from you and I am glad you have pointed me to this community!
Take care,
Tim
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Wellcome in this amazing community. I am here since last December and now I have three total different TI-99 systems and a lot of fun.
Danke sehr aufmerksam wolhess. That is encouraging to hear!
Welcome. By all means replace the VDP as that is already socketed, but the 4116 RAMs are not likely to be causing the problem you have (assuming none of them are pulling the power supply voltages down). A couple of people with the beeping problem have found one of the MCM6810 RAMs to be bad - you might want to try replacing those first. Also make sure the pins on all the socketed chips are clean.
Once you've got a picture, if it's corrupted, we got some diagrams somewhere to help you identify which of the 4116 RAMs is bad.
The keyboard connector cable tends to go brittle with age and can break as you take the console apart. If you find some keys don't work, check for breaks in the connector cable. Some types of keyboard (TI used several) can be temperamental as well after not being used for years.
Thank you so much Dragonstomper. I appreciate the guidance. I will start with the VDP, clean the socketed chip pins and check the RAM voltage before unsoldering anything. I will look for a source for the MEM6810 RAMs. I will also be very careful with the keyboard and keyboard ribbon cableCiro.
Welcome in the community Tim!
i really appreciated your presentation
I am Ciro and i am an enthusiast of the ti-99/4a since i was 8yo... Still a strong passion.
Grazie di cuore Ciro. That is great to hear.
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Good afternoon,
I just wanted to introduce myself and to thank everyone for being a part of this wonderful active community of TI-99/4A users and developers. My name is Tim and I just dug out my console after it having been in storage for over 35 years. It was my first home computer. My older brother bought it as a present for me. I had been wanting a computer for several years since seeing the TRS-80 in Radio Shack catalogs and was elated to receive it for Christmas in 1982. It was a great addition to my TI collection (Spirit of 76 calc, Little Professor, and Speak & Spell). I spent many joyful nights playing games, hand jamming programs and writing programs of my own.
In 1986, I got a job as a CAD/CAM systems engineer and soon the TI was neglected. It always followed me whenever I moved but never made it out of storage till last week when I stumbled upon Omega's TIPI YouTube video. After watching that I was hooked and inspired to clean the cobwebs off my console and get it setup and running.
After un-boxing it, cleaning it, and checking it out a bit (power adapter and supply voltages, re-seating socketed chips, new arctic silver thermal compound) , I decided to plug everything in and power it up. Doh! the console powered on but gave me the dreaded black screen, continuous tone error! I am now waiting on my shipment of TMS4116-15NL RAM IC's, 16 Pin Dip IC Sockets and a TMS9918ANL VDP. Hopefully this will breathe some life into it and allow me relive part of my youth again!
Again I would like to thank this community for not just keeping the TI-99 alive and well, but for all of the new developments, modifications and upgrades! I hope to join you soon in communicating, learning, using, and contributing to this group.
Warm regards,
Tim
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in TI-99/4A Computers
Posted · Edited by twoodland