Dexter Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 (edited) A few random mods for the TI-99/4A to get rid of some annoyances! First thing that bugged me was that there’s no reset button. I found the solution in the TIM9904A datasheet. On page four, there is actually drawn an optional reset button! This hardware reset works ALWAYS. Now I’m using the reset button on a Navarone Cartridge Expander, but sometimes it doesn’t react on pressing the button. DSAP0044620.pdf Secondly I did the Alpha Lock key / Joystick mod, to not always have to release the Alpha Lock key for playing a game. http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/console/alpha_lock.html Third, I did the “Powering the joystick port” mod. I wanted to have the TI’s 5V to power the nanoPEB. I believe it’s much healthier for the nanoPEB to use the perfectly stable 5V of the console, plus the nanoPEB will be powered up at the same time as the console. http://www.nouspikel.com/ti99/titechpages.htm Fourth, the Joystick adapter, this is a real relief!!!! Now I finally can use my favorite joystick and improve on Parsec and Q Bert. http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/cables/joystick.html Edited May 7, 2015 by Dexter 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 wow, respect Dexter !! well done. I would be glad to be able to do such work. next project please: the fluxcard-compensator :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 so you are powering the Nano via the Joystick port now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 Yes indeed, the 5V is available on the expansion port, but not passed through the speech synthesizer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 nice I will have to look into that mod for my nano.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globeron Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Dexter, I like that 5V nanopeb supply, good idea! btw it looks that your RS232 interface is working, is this also a F18-v1 software running on it. Both Ralf (schmitzi) and myself are unable to get the RS232 to PC-COM port to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) Dexter, I like that 5V nanopeb supply, good idea! It works out pretty well, NEVER have issues when powering up. btw it looks that your RS232 interface is working, is this also a F18-v1 software running on it. Yes, I have it working, it's the nanoPEB V1 with the F18 V1 firmware. Both Ralf (schmitzi) and myself are unable to get the RS232 to PC-COM port to work. I'm using one of these cables: http://www.reichelt.de/AK-143/3/index.html?&ACTION=3&LA=446&ARTICLE=3971&artnr=AK+143&SEARCH=AK+143 Next time I order from that store, I could order a cable for you. I've attached the version of CFHDXS1 I'm using. (dsk) CFHDXS1.dsk Edit: I hope this helps, otherwise I would guess the 9902 is not functioning correctly. Did you get any responce using terminal programs? BTW, I'm using a real COM port on the PC side. Edited May 13, 2015 by Dexter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Hi Dex, what do you use on the PC-side, which software ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 I use this one schmitzi: ti99hdx73a ti99hdx73a.zip Did you get any progress with hdxs1 yet? I guess you're on it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globeron Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 It works out pretty well, NEVER have issues when powering up. Yes, I have it working, it's the nanoPEB V1 with the F18 V1 firmware. I'm using one of these cables: http://www.reichelt.de/AK-143/3/index.html?&ACTION=3&LA=446&ARTICLE=3971&artnr=AK+143&SEARCH=AK+143 Next time I order from that store, I could order a cable for you. I've attached the version of CFHDXS1 I'm using. (dsk) CFHDXS1.dsk Edit: I hope this helps, otherwise I would guess the 9902 is not functioning correctly. Did you get any responce using terminal programs? BTW, I'm using a real COM port on the PC side. I am using the same version of Fred Kaal for this. I even made the cross-over cable exactly as yours with the pins. No responses with PC-side Tera Term (or resetting with DosBox), but always use the USB-Serial (Profileric), I know the issues, but it works with all routers, switches, and event TI PHP 1700 RS232 and PHP 1200 (PEB box) RS232 all okay, except NanoPEB. so guess it is the 9902 chip (is it put the right way into the socket? (I see a little mark and it matches the mark on the chip itself, like a little cut) Is there any software to test if it is working? Ralf already did the DU2K (see Facebook and we see the PIO and RS232, strange that we see PIO on a serial device, but prob. forgot to take it out from the firmware) ... I also used CommFront 232Analyser software (and see the differences with the other RS232s I have lights. like DTR, CTS, DCD, but with nanoPEB not, only DSR if I remember) and once in a while a garbage message (I tried 2400 9600, 19200 baud,etc.). Chipset 9902 issue or nanoPEB firmware issue? (rest works okay, diskdrives, 32K). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globeron Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 I use this one schmitzi: ti99hdx73a ti99hdx73a.zip Did you get any progress with hdxs1 yet? I guess you're on it now. I tried both 73a and 73c no luck (but the 73c works with the normal RS232 and PEB box See details: http://www.globeron.com/freedownload/TI-99-4A-PC-transfer-v1.12.pdf (from Facebook, I do not know how to link it otherwise:) On the PC I used Tera Term and for analysis: 232Analyser http://www.commfront.com/commfront-downloads.htm I tested with the RS232 (PHP 1200) in the box (DSR,CTS,DTR lights up) transfers all okay. I tested with RS232 PHP 1700 sidecar (DSR, CTS,DCD,DTR all light up) transfer all okay. Then I made the x-over cable (http://advancedtubular.com/wiki/index.php...) and also tried the x-over null modem db9 plug, both solutions only light up DTR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) I use this one schmitzi: ti99hdx73a ti99hdx73a.zip Did you get any progress with hdxs1 yet? I guess you're on it now. Nope. Also with my very new cable, no success, sorry. And this was trial#~100, cable #21 (in fact) , PC (with serial) #4, and hour #~40 All tests were with TI-HDX-Server 6.1a, 7.2a, 7.3a and 7.3c on the PC-side and CFHDXS1 v1.2 on the nanoPEB´s-side. With and without the nanoPatched-version. All this in many different combinations. The normal CFHDX-1.2er Version, with my big PEB, ran immediatley. Then I checked all possible serial cards, all PCs, all nullmodem-adapters, and all cables. I have tested EACH of them with 3 real-ironPEBs. EACH works. So for me, I came to the conclusion that it is an issue on my nanoPEB. And another indicator, as a matter of fact, I have 4 more nano´s which are complete defective. I want, but I don´t need to get it running anymore, as I am using now the Lotharek´s HxC-drive since some months. There is no prob, of course, as this is totally other way of doing. But I am sure now, it´s not a big, but a nano-prob. Here (to get an impression how much testing-work for 0 it was) the link to my negative equipment-tests with the nano: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.327976140727679.1073741832.326551627536797&type=3&hc_location=ufi And some positives tests, here with Real-Iron-PEB, but have pics only on tests wih UDS. (I made no pics with the HDX, just tested it 2 times, works, and went away, not to destroy anything . But for me, the HDX also makes no sense at this point, with mounted HxC´s. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.353892781469348.1073741856.326551627536797&type=3&hc_location=ufi and https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.353852204806739.1073741855.326551627536797&type=3&hc_location=ufi /EDIT: Globeron: I also have done many tests on the nano with Telco, just tried to get an echo. -> Nope / Edited May 13, 2015 by schmitzi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 @globeron What I would do next is look if there is any activity on pin 2 of the 9902. It’s 5V inactive, i.e. when it does nothing, it should measure 5V. You can check for activity with several devices: · oscilloscope · logic analyzer · logic probe · LED with a 1k resistor in series I’d simply try that with the CFHDXS1 program, while trying to access the HDX1 device. You wrote you have a TI RS232 Cart for the PEB, I’d guess there is the same chip inside. I’d take the chip out of the nanoPEB and try it in the RS232 Cart. There is still plenty to test. @schnitzi That’s really a shame that it still doesn’t work. As you concluded, it’s most likely an issue with the nanoPEB. There is a good chance that the 9902 is defective, it’s an old chip, and could be defective before assembling the nanoPEB. So I’d first try that 9902 chip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Yes, I can try that chip, with pepper and salt :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 we´re running out of options...we need more random mods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 A week ago, I received my F18A! Replacing the VDP was quite easy, and yes, I didn’t drill holes in my 4A. This time I left out the metal shielding, and I put the flat cable between the two plastic halves of the casing. The F18A demodisk is awesome. Especially with the provided sources! Thank you very much Matthew and Rasmus!!! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 oh, what a nice joytrunk on the left Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Thanks schmitzi, I have to say, it’s yet another homemade project! And a very rewarding one. First I searched for a joystick with a rather big casing on eBay. Then I did some shopping at http://www.arcadeshop.de/index.php?cPath=73_104&osCsid=uotfg513j6a375toss0vrd0704 Bought one joystick with a red ball, (you can choose from many colors) and two red buttons. You wouldn’t believe it, but it really improves gameplay a LOT! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 yeah, looks quite cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mizapf Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Oh, "elite" - Kaufhof? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Oh, "elite" - Kaufhof? Could be quite possible, I got this one second hand from ebay. I also did an Elite 2000, but a friend of mine did the metal work, as I don't have the equipment. They are still regularly on ebay, but prices are exploding. The bottom one is mine. This (German only, sorry) video gave me the inspiration: Here is another one for inspiration: http://www.instructables.com/id/Xbox-360-PC-Arcade-Joystick/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 A couple of other TI-99/4a mods for users that do not have the F18A upgrade are below. These help clear the display some for less character ghosting etc..Both are required to work the best. http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/display/display.html http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/display/display2.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TI-GAMER Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Chris, I am using the monitor cable which goes from the TI to 3 Composite RCA Jacks. Will the 2nd mod make any difference with that cable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 You will not need to make any modifications to the cable for this display modification. If you are going to upgrade to an F18A video then you will not need to do the modification. The F18A is one of the best upgrades for the 99/4a and is easy to to (no soldering required!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globeron Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 On 5/13/2015 at 7:15 PM, globeron said: Dexter, I like that 5V nanopeb supply, good idea! btw it looks that your RS232 interface is working, is this also a F18-v1 software running on it. Both Ralf (schmitzi) and myself are unable to get the RS232 to PC-COM port to work. @Schmitzi / @arcadeshopper all, Guess what (after how many years) I finally have the nanoPEB RS232 working as well with a PC connection. (I still need to try the connection from a TI to a TI). (as I just made the UberGrom RS232 interface for connection to the PC, I thought maybe test this nanoPEB one more time again). no clue what the issue was, +5V / 2A power - I do not think so, also not the cabling) USB - DB9 (MALE), gender changer (FEMALE - FEMALE), cross-connect (MALE, FEMALE), to MALE plug of nanoPEB settings upload at 38400, 8, E, 1 but I am using a different progra now which might be the case for the PC connection: of @F.G. Kaal Fred. NPDSK2PC (NanoPEB DISK to PC) NPDSK2PF NPDSK2PE NPDSK2PD NPDSK2PC 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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