20 Jul
1997
20 Jul
'97
1:28 p.m.
On Fri, 18 Jul 1997 19:57:22 GMT Benedict Chong wrote:
>Where can we get a list of catalog numbers of the
various products for
the various models. I'm waiting for my M4 and wouold like
to have at
least some technical manuals (so that I can rip apart the machine).<<
I don't think that the master book in the Radio Shack store has a description
of the product next to the catalog number. You would need a kind sole here
with an old R/S catalog to give you the number. You could also ask the
operator on 1-800-THE-SHACK. Just give her the model of the computer and say
that you don't know the catalog number.
------------------------
Rich Cini/WUGNET
- ClubWin Charter Member (6)
- MCPS Windows 95/Networking
20 Jul
20 Jul
9:15 p.m.
New subject: TI-99/4A Cartridge Lifespan
Hi,
I managed to get at least of the necessary pieces to have a usable TI-99/4a
although I think I've don't have the proper pieces for video, since all I
get is B&W.
I'm wondering why of the six cartridges I've got three work just fine. Two
don't work at all, and one "Parsec" works if I fiddle with the tuner on the
TV after it's running, yet the initial screen that lets you choose BASIC,
or the game is normal.
Is this a indication of dead carts or a problem with my computer? What is
the estimated lifespan of the standard cartridge, and how can environmental
conditions effect this?
Thanks,
Zane
| Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator |
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21 Jul
21 Jul
5:25 a.m.
New subject: TI-99/4A Cartridge Lifespan
At 06:15 AM 7/21/97 +0000, you wrote:
Hi,
I managed to get at least of the necessary pieces to have a usable TI-99/4a
although I think I've don't have the proper pieces for video, since all I
get is B&W.
I'm wondering why of the six cartridges I've got three work just fine. Two
don't work at all, and one "Parsec" works if I fiddle with the tuner on the
TV after it's running, yet the initial screen that lets you choose BASIC,
or the game is normal.
Is this a indication of dead carts or a problem with my computer? What is
the estimated lifespan of the standard cartridge, and how can environmental
conditions effect this?
Thanks,
Zane
I currently have 59 TI-99/4a cartridges, and I only remember finding one
that I couldn't get to work. If you havn't, try cleaning the cartridge
contacts with alcohol and a cotton swab. The unit's cartridge port may need
cleaning as well.
I have an older black & silver 99/4a and have heard that some of the later
beige ones included some kind of lock-out by TI to prevent 3rd party
cartridges from working.
James
jscarter(a)worldnet.att.net
6:12 a.m.
New subject: TI-99/4A Cartridge Lifespan
Is this a indication of dead carts or a problem with
my computer? What is
the estimated lifespan of the standard cartridge, and how can environmental
conditions effect this?
Assuming that TI didn't make their cartridges with EPROMs (which would be
subject to bit-rot), I'd suspect the connectors on the cartridge are
dirty & therefore not making good contact with the socket. Video
cartridges with normal ROM chips on them are pretty much indestructable
it seems, so I doubt that the cartridges are bad.
Opinion varies on how to clean cartridge contacts, but the two most
popular ways seem to be: 1) pencil eraser and 2) alcohol & cotton swab.
I prefer the pencil eraser as long as I'm able to get at the contacts
well enough with it. Just be sure you get off all the pencil eraser
particles off the card and be sure you use a PINK eraser, not the
abrasive white (pen ink) kind.
You might also try using some canned air or something to clean the
cartridge socket on the TI. They make video-game socket cleaning pads for
like Nintendo machines that you could probably modify to work in the TI.
I really can't remember how TI cartridges are constructed, so it may be a
big pain in the arse to clean the buggers.
*
9858
days inactive
9859
days old
3 comments
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healyzh＠ix.netcom.com -
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starling＠umr.edu