LynxHandyCaster Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 Took my TI-99/4a silver/black console to demonstrate at an outdoor maker faire this past weekend. I had it displayed on a table that was in full sun for the entire day (not my choice). After about 3 hours of working fine, it started to flake out on different cartridges. Eventually, booting it up resulted in no menu (black screen) and a constant 2- or 3-voice tone. Top of the unit was very hot from the sun. I unplugged it and didn't demonstrate it all for the rest of the day. Thirty-six hours later and back in the comfort of my air conditioned home, I tried it again; same result. Any ideas what my first step at trouble-shooting should be? Any help at all is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 Took my TI-99/4a silver/black console to demonstrate at an outdoor maker faire this past weekend. I had it displayed on a table that was in full sun for the entire day (not my choice). After about 3 hours of working fine, it started to flake out on different cartridges. Eventually, booting it up resulted in no menu (black screen) and a constant 2- or 3-voice tone. Top of the unit was very hot from the sun. I unplugged it and didn't demonstrate it all for the rest of the day. Thirty-six hours later and back in the comfort of my air conditioned home, I tried it again; same result. Any ideas what my first step at trouble-shooting should be? Any help at all is appreciated. I found this. It may be a start: HERE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynxHandyCaster Posted October 4, 2016 Author Share Posted October 4, 2016 I found this. It may be a start: HERE After reading it through, I'll check the VDP chip first. If I don't think replacing it will work, I'll take the console to my vintage computer club meeting in November to see if someone there can trouble shoot it (I'm a novice solderer at best). If that doesn't work, I'll just replace the console from a working one on eBay. Thank you, Shift838. A lot of good info there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynxHandyCaster Posted November 10, 2016 Author Share Posted November 10, 2016 Due to lack of time, I went ahead and found a replacement console on eBay. It's in immaculate condition - even better looking than my very good condition model - and it came with the leatherette cover. And it works great. All for $30, including shipping. I'll keep the old non-working one for parts. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift838 Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 Good find. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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