Joystick Doesn't Work On TWO DIFFERENT TI-99/4A!

[VectorGamer]

Alright guys this is totally bizarre

 

TI-99/4A joystick stopped working. I bought a Y cable and tested with a known working Atari CX-40 joystick and it still didn't work.

Earlier this week I bought a second TI-99/4A which I just got in the mail today. I have the same exact problem with this second TI!

 

The only constant in this is that I'm using the same composite cable (which I would have to rule out, right - it's just passing audio/video output) and the power adapter. Would a bad power adapter cause this problem?

 

As I said before it's not the alpha lock key - I learned that in another thread.

[ElectricLab]

Did it stop working 100%? I assume you know about the "caps lock must be up" quirk with the TIs.

[matthew180]

And you tried another joystick to make sure it is the console and not the joystick itself?

[VectorGamer]

Did it stop working 100%? I assume you know about the "caps lock must be up" quirk with the TIs.

 

Yes it's not that

 

And you tried another joystick to make sure it is the console and not the joystick itself?

 

Yes

[Ed in SoDak]

I might be stating the obvious but... A standard TI joystick is wired differently from an Atari stick, but both use the same connector. An adaptor is required to use an Atari joystick on a TI.

 

If it is the console, used/working consoles still seem to be plentiful. Considering two-way shipping plus any reasonable charge to open one up and diagnose/repair it, it would seem to be much more economical to simply find a working console. If it still misbehaves, suspect the sticks. The majority of TI-supplied sticks are now dead in the water, used or unused. Best to use an Atari-compatible and an adaptor.

 

-Ed

Edited March 9, 2016 by Ed in SoDak

[matthew180]

Or, if you do the dis-assembly and ship only the motherboard, it might be cost effective. Seems easier to find someone local though. What city are you in?

[VectorGamer]

Or, if you do the dis-assembly and ship only the motherboard, it might be cost effective. Seems easier to find someone local though. What city are you in?

 

Retro Land aka Harrisburg

[VectorGamer]

BUMP - see the OP I edited the first post and changed the subject line. Any ideas? This is bizarre

[Shift838]

I have seen many Atari y cables go bad. Do you have a second y cable to test with?

[VectorGamer]

I have seen many Atari y cables go bad. Do you have a second y cable to test with?

 

I have both the TI joysticks to test with and a Y cable to test with. Joysticks don't work with either on two different TI.

[+Schmitzi]

hmm, is it possible that you have killed both joystick-ports with this adapter, or so ?

[VectorGamer]

hmm, is it possible that you have killed both joystick-ports with this adapter, or so ?

 

I don't think so. The joystick wasn't working on the first TI with the TI controllers which led me to buy the Y cable for further testing.

 

With the second TI, I tested with the Y cable first before I tested with the TI controllers.

[+Ksarul]

This is just a bizarre hunch: you are plugging into the joystick port on the side of the TI and not the Tape port on the back (which looks just like it), yes? If not there are several of us in semi-reasonable driving distance from you (I am regularly in York visiting family) and there are a few others in that part of PA. . .

[+Lee Stewart]

I actually get to Harrisburg, PA now and again to see/hear my granddaughter perform at the River City Blues and other venues around town. Or, might you be talking about Harrisburg, OR?

 

...lee

[VectorGamer]

This is just a bizarre hunch: you are plugging into the joystick port on the side of the TI and not the Tape port on the back (which looks just like it), yes? If not there are several of us in semi-reasonable driving distance from you (I am regularly in York visiting family) and there are a few others in that part of PA. . .

 

Yep that was it! Holy Phuck I feel stupid. But in my defense I recently moved my console/computer gaming into the dark arcade and I can't see what I'm doing. I kept seeing the port in the back of the computer but not that one on the side. Thanks!

 

I actually get to Harrisburg, PA now and again to see/hear my granddaughter perform at the River City Blues and other venues around town. Or, might you be talking about Harrisburg, OR?

 

...lee

 

Harrisburg, PA!

[+save2600]

Just caught this thread now... (am the one that sold the y-cable and know it was good as I had used it for years), but glad you finally got it figured out. Wouldn't have thought to ask about the tape port - nice job Ksarul!

[+Schmitzi]

things can be so easy :)

[+Ksarul]

You're not the first one to make that error, and I'm pretty sure you won't be the last either--but now there is a thread identifying the problem and its solution, so others will have a better chance to solve it quickly. Thanks for letting us help troubleshoot!

[LASooner]

Just got a new TI with Joysticks today, Hadn't turned one on since 1988, I completely forgot about the 'Alpha Lock' thing, I thought my joystick was busted until saw this message. You guys rock