TI-99/4A FAQ: Joysticks and controllers

What Joysticks and controllers are available for my TI?

NOTE: the #1 reported issue with joysticks is the up direction doesn’t work, if you have a original TI-99/4A the alpha-lock key interferes with this direction. You must have alpha-lock UP to use the joystick.

TI Handheld controllers are very common in the black plastic model.

Less common in the beige color.

These are nicknamed “hand wreckers” as they use a poorly designed lever and membrane method with foam pads under the membrane that tend to go bad over time.

Jgrisssom created this post on updating the hand wreckers with some modern switches and 3d printed parts: https://forums.atariage.com/topic/338357-revisiting-the-original-ti-99-joysticks/

there were also these babies that were released with the 99/4 that were even worse!

Since the TI-99/4 and 4A both use the same joystick port pinout they are interchangeable.

Atari compatible joysticks can be used using an adapter, there were various models made from Wico and other manufacturers. (all discontinued)

A compact “Atari” joystick adapter is currently available here:

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If you are handy you can make your own: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/cables/joystick.html

Wico made a very nice Trackball they are available on Ebay now and then

Milton Bradley released a MBX expansion system for the TI in 1983 that contained an enhanced speech synth, speech recognition, a “touchpad” interface and enhanced controllers

More info: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/mbx/mbx.html

Mechatronics made a TI mouse that was basically a generic xy mouse with TI drivers and a 5v power supply, there is also a DSR for TI-artist

Asgard software had a serial mouse driver. <if someone has a link lmk>

Here’s another serial mouse driver: http://www.stuartconner.me.uk/ti/ti.htm#connecting_serial_mouse

SuperSketch was available for the TI and had it’s own paint program built in. Also a TI-artist DSR was available. These were difficult to use due to the linear axis of the system.

http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/super_sketch.html

TI-99/4A FAQ: Keyboard upgrades

Hooking a PC keyboard to my TI?USB: http://ti994a.cwfk.net/TiUsbKeys.html – boards and assembled units are available here:

PS/2: http://www.harmlesslion.com/cgi-bin/showprog.cgi?search=adapter

Rave99 XT keyboard interface (no longer made..) http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/rave/keyboard.html

TI-99/4A FAQ: Peripheral Expansion Box and boards

Peripheral Expansion Box

TI released two versions of the PEB (Peripheral Expansion Box)

- - Original 99/4 model that has a push button switch
    99/4 PEB
  - Later model that has a rocker switch
    99/4 PEB

mythical Beige system with unreleased beige monitor/exp box and hexbus sidecar

There was a beige colored box in advertisements for the QI models but it was never manufactured or released to the public.

The older PEB (top) has much taller card holders. Also notice that the older PEB has an external fuse which is easy to replace. To see where they hid the fuse on the newer models go here: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/peb_pow/peb_pow.html

Though there were a few small differences both the PEB’s can be used interchangeably.

The expansion box connected to the 99/4 and 99/4a with the Flex Cable
Interface card installed in slot 1 which included a large black ribbon cable and a large connector that connects to the expansion port on the right side of the console. This was dubbed the “fire hose” by TI owners.

Yes the fan is very loud, here’s instructions to put in a quieter fan: http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/peb/peb_box_project.html

Great write up with photos here: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/peb/perf_box.html

What cards are available for the PEB?

Many cards were made available for the PEB including Memory expansion, RAMdisks, CPM coprocessor boards, Pcode Pascal system, Western Digital Hard disk Controller interfaces, SCSI controller, IDE controller, Video controller, Floppy disk controllers, SID99, Speech synth adapter (to hide the speech board in the PEB) and much more.

TI Cards: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/peb/ti_cards.html

Memory Expansion Model No. PHP1260

- - - TI 32k memory expansion

RS232 Interface – Model No. PHP1220

Disk Memory System – Model No. PHP1240

P-Code Version 4.0 – Model No. PHP1270

Flex Cable Interface (connects expansion box to the TI-99 computer side port

- - - TI flex cable interface
    - this is the expansion card on the inside
      TI flex cable interface pcboard
    - This is the connector that attaches to the console:
      TI flex cable interface “foot” to connect to the console

3rd Party Cards: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/peb/3rd_cards.html

Corcomp 32k Card

Corcomp RS232 Card

Corcomp 9900 Floppy Controller Card

Thierry Nouspikel’s IDE Card

SuperAMS circuit card

ICS 32K Memory Card

RAVE SPA-01 Speech-in-PEB-Adapter
(with attached speech synthesizer board)

DIJIT Systems ADVANCED VIDEO PROCESSOR CARD (AVPC)

Horizon 256K RAMDisk Card

Horizon P-Gram +

Horizon P-Gram Protoype

Myarc HFDC Winchester Card

Myarc Geneve 9640 Home Computer Card

HRD16 – 16 Bit Highspeed-Ramdisk 16 Bit

Diskette Controller with real-time clock

HSGPL2 – Highspeed GPL Card

EVPC – Enhanced Videoprocessor Card

EVPC2 – Enhanced Videoprocessor Card 2

SGCPU – Second generation CCU Card

SPVMC – Speech and Voicememory Card

ASCSI 2 – Advanced SCSI Card (rev 2)

SID99

TIPI PEB

Vendor sites:

http://www.dsapsc.com/what-is-sid.html (discontinued)

http://www.s-n-u-g.de/home/index_e.php

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Force Command for the TI-99/4A

Force Command is a command module for the TI-99/4A home computer from the early 80s. It is an interactive command line shell such as MSDOS ‘command.com’ for file management as well as batch scripting for the 4A.

There was prior art named 4ADOS from back in the 80s as well. However, this user found that program irritating. So I have ignored 4ADOS, and taken inspiration from the manuals of MSDOS 2.11 and my own use of MSXDOS.

Minimum Requirements

(Some features will not be available)

TI-99/4A
32K expansion ram
Some filesystem device
128K ROM Cartridge

Development System

TI-99/4A
SAMS
F18A VGA adapter
FinalGROM99
TIPI
Texas Instruments Floppy Controller

Hardware compatibility

It has been authored to support many of the pre-existing rare devices that are out there, however the author cannot test with those devices. See Compatibility for details.

Video support

The program auto-detects the F18A video processor and if present begins in enhanced attribute 80 column mode. In this mode the screen supports full ANSI graphics commands received either through [echo] commands or from displaying a file with [type] commands.

If the F18A is not detected, the program starts in 40 column mode.

The mode can be switched with the [width] command and color can also be controlled with the [color] command.

Cartridge Support

It is distributed as 2 files:

FCMDG.bin – Single GROM with program entry “AUTOCMD” and power up routine to start the ROM automatically.
FCMDC.bin – 128K ROM with program entry title: “FORCE CMD” (Non-inverted ROM file)

It is designed to be run from the FinalGROM99. However it should also work from an UberGROM. Or presently any 128K or greater eprom board sacrificing the startup GROM.

When used on a FinalGROM99, there will be 2 menu entries:

AUTOCMD
FORCE CMD

If you select AUTOCMD, the FinalGROM99 will load both the GROM autostart routine, and the primary ROM. If you select FORCE CMD, the FinalGROM99 will not load the GROM, and auto start will not be active.

Also on a FinalGROM99, the fg99 command can switch to other cartridge images.

General Use

Command keywords are case insensitive. TI file system names are case sensitive.

On startup, the program will normally detect and switch to your best video mode, display a banner, set the current working directory to the first drive device found in your system, and set you at a prompt such as:

[1100.DSK1.]
$

To list a directory of the files you have on that device use the [dir] command.

[1100.DSK1.]
$ DIR
Diskname: BLANK Available: 1440 Used: 65407

Name       Type    Reclen Sectors
---------------------------------
EDIT80     PROGRAM        32
MENU       DIS/VAR 80     1

[1100.DSK1.]
$

A list of individual commands/topics are available with the help command. You can then get a brief description by passing the topic as argument to the help command.

[1000.TIPI.]
$ help cd
cd <path>|.. - switch to a different drive or directory

For more info and development notes: https://atariage.com/forums/topic/290966-force-command-ver-117-kinda-like-commandcom-from-1985/

TI-99/4A FAQ: TIPI – TI To Raspberry PI connection

What is TIPI?

TIPI is an inexpensive hard drive replacement for the TI-99/4A.

TIPI is an inexpensive hard drive replacement for the Geneve directly supported with MDOS 7.30 and also is available in GPL/Rompage mode in 7.30 and older versions of MDOS.

TIPI stands for TI to Raspberry PI connection. This leverages the cheap storage and internet connectivity of the PI for use on your TI-99/4a computer.

In a nutshell, you get an equivalent to a hard disk, floppy drive emulation and internet connection as well as access to peripherals on the PI (such as the mouse, ports, clock etc)

TIPI also provides DSKx. redirect that allows you to “map” a floppy drive device to a folder on TIPI.. This is not disk “image” emulation but allows you to use level 1 and level 2 file access to data on the drive. This is compatible with 99% of software out there with only a few exceptions.

TIPI provides access to the internet including FTP and TELNET applications that run natively on the TI. PI.HTTP device allows you to read files from a HTTP server on the internet, effectively allowing you to load programs from a web server such as PI.HTTP://ftp.whtech.com/TIPI/DM2K or read in data from a website such as the WEATHER program that is written in extended basic and reads in the national weather service data for your local airport or weather station.

The Raspberry PI is connected to the TI-99/4a via a sidecar or PEB box TIPI card.

- - The sidecar TIPI card requires the Jedimatt42 style sidecar memory card with 44pin connector and external power supply to operate. There are both 32k and 1mb SAMS sidecars available now.
    Sidecar TIPI mounted to 32k sidecar board with Raspberry PI Zero installed
    
    Sidecar TIPI mounted to a 32k ram card and a raspberry PI 3B connected
  - The PEB card plugs directly into the expansion box and requires a 32k memory expansion to load it’s tools/utilities.
    tipi peb with Raspberry PI 3B mounted on the board
    
    tipi peb installed in TI Expansion Box
  - There is a new combo 32k/tipi sidecar that will also conveniently fits in a speech synth case.
    TIPI/32K combo sidecar board with PI Zero installed

For updated/more info see: https://github.com/jedimatt42/tipi/wiki

TONS of info here: https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/the-ti-raspberry-pi-connection/

TIPI related videos:

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TI-99/4A FAQ: Speech Synthesizer

Speech Synthesizer

Just plug it in to the side expansion port of your TI-99/4(a) and it is available to any program that supports it.

Speech Synthesizer Technical information http://www.unige.ch/medecine/nouspikel/ti99/speech.htm

http://www.unige.ch/medecine/nouspikel/ti99/speech.htm#ROM%20pinout

Dimensions:

Speech Synthesizer General Information

Extended basic will only say the words in the included vocabulary in the Extended basic manual. Make sure you enter them in UPPER CASE ONLY if you use lower case it will say “UH OH” for every letter..

Terminal Emulator II will do “text to speech” and say any word spelled in the format documented in the manual.

Speech Editor will also do “text to speech” but they are pretty rare! (I have them in stock!)

Text To Speech was available from TI as a extended basic package that would extend extended basic to have text to speech functions. It’s available here:

http://ftp.whtech.com/emulators/pc99/pc99 dsk collection/Numbered/@Named/TEXTSPCH.ZIP

What about the little door on the front?

Originally when the Speech Synthesizer was designed, it was programmed with about 300 words and phrases (the ones you can get from CALL SAY in Extended BASIC). TI’s intention was to sell add-in modules that went into this compartment that would add additional words to the resident vocabulary. TI then figured out how to do unlimited text to speech through software, added that to Terminal Emulator II, and then there was no need for the add-in modules. So none were ever sold and very few of the speech synthesizers even have the connector inside the door for these to plug into.

Photos of the connector:

There is no data available at this time on the pinout or design of the connector or the never released modules.

I hear there are a couple of side expansion port lines that aren’t passed through the Speech Synthesizer? (these can be jumpered across the board to resolve)

- - 5v on pin 1 (Jedimatt sidecar32 requires this OR an external power supply)
  - Sound through (SID99 requires this to play sound from the PBOX)

Can I put the Speech Synthesizer in the console?

- - If you are handy with a soldering iron: http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/speech/speech_console.html

Can I put the Speech Synthesizer board in the PEB?

- - Shift838 Speech Board (remake of Rave board)
    - Available here: https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/store/#!/838-SPEECH-PEB-Adapter-card/p/461598252/category=0
  - Rave Speech Board
    rave speech board
  - Corcomp TripleTech
    Corcomp TripleTech
  - SPVMC board (replaces TI speech synth)
    spvmc speech board

TI-99/4A FAQ: Technical Specifications

Technical specifications

from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_TI-99/4A#Technical_specifications

CPU

Texas Instruments TMS9900 @ 3 MHz, 16-bit, 64-pin DIP

Memory

256 bytes scratchpad RAM for the CPU
16 kB Video Display Processor RAM
32k expansion ram on expansion bus (see memory expansion for more info)
8k expansion ram on cartridge port (see supercart and mini memory for more info)

Video

TMS9918A VDP, 40 pin DIP. The earlier 99/4 uses the TMS9918. PAL systems use the “9929” versions of each.

32 single-color sprites in defined layers allowing higher-numbered sprites to transparently flow over lower-numbered sprites. Sprites are available at 8×8 pixels or 16×16 pixels, with a “magnify” bit that doubled all sprites’ size but not their resolution. A single bit is available in hardware for collision detection, and the console supports automatic movement via an interrupt routine in the ROM. There can only be 4 visible sprites per scan line.
16 fixed colors (15 visible, one color reserved for “transparent” which shows the background color). Transparent is intended for the 9918’s genlock which is disabled in the system.
Text mode: 40×24 characters (256 6×8 user-definable characters, no sprites, foreground and background color only, not accessible in BASIC)
Graphics mode: 32×24 characters (256 8×8 user-definable characters, full 15 color palette + transparent (available in groups of 8 through the character table) and 32 sprites (The only mode available in BASIC. Extended BASIC is required for sprites, and can access only 28 of them.)
Bitmap mode: 256×192 pixels (no more than two colors in an eight-pixel row, full 15 color palette + transparent, all 32 sprites available but interrupt-based motion through the ROM routine is not due to the memory layout, not available to BASIC or the original 9918).
Multicolor mode: 64×48 pixels (each pixel may be any color, all 32 sprites are available)
All of the above comprise 36 layers starting with the video overlay input, then the background color, then two graphics mode layers, then a layer for each of the 32 sprites. A higher layer obscures a lower layer in hardware, unless that higher layer is transparent.

Sound

TMS9919, later SN94624, identical to the SN76489 used in many other systems

3 voices, 1 noise (white or periodic)
Voices generate square waves from 110 Hz to approximately 115 kHz
Console ROM includes interrupt-driven music playback

TI-99/4A FAQ: Memory expansion

The 99/4a came with 16k VDP ram on board. This is memory shared with the Video Display Processor and Basic. It can not be used for running assembly language or GPL programs. They run from cartridge or expansion memory.

32k ram expansion gives you additional memory for Extended basic, assembly language programs and GPL programs. It also is required for most of the utilities and fun 3rd party/homebew stuff.

- - - Editor Assembler requires 32k memory expansion.
    - Extended Basic can use up to 24k of the 32k memory expansion and 8k is available for loading assembly language programs.
    - Logo can use 32k
    - Multiplan requires 32k memory expansion
    - TI-writer requires 32k memory expansion

The 32k can not be duplicated in multiple cards/expansions so if you want to use another device that provides 32k you must remove or disable the existing 32k device. (this is a issue with the nanopeb/cf7 device as they can not easily have their 32k disabled and so therefore can not share the buss with other 32k ram expansion easily)

How do I get 32k ram expansion?

If you have an expansion box:

You can insert a 32k ram card into the Peripheral expansion box, Many were made by TI, Corcomp and others. (see below under PEB cards)

You can also use a SAMS card in a PEB that provides 32k as well as additional memory addressable by SAMS compatible software.

The 9900 Micro expansion from Corcomp provided 32k and also an optional board can be installed to provide a DSDD disk controller and RS232/PIO ports

TI also produced a 32k sidecar that plugged in the expansion port on the right side of your 99/4a.

Myarc designed and produced the MPES/50 sidecar expansion system that included 32k.
Image result for myarc expansion system

Boxcar 32k is a sidecar 32k expansion system

JediMatt42 designed and released a new 32k sidecar in 2018 that has a very small footprint and expansion pins for future add on devices such as TIPI:

You can buy a Jedimatt42 sidecar 32k here:

There are a couple of projects to add the 32k expansion memory directly to the console

- - - - http://atariage.com/forums/topic/242260-hardware-project-of-the-calendar-quarter/page-2?do=findComment&comment=3381035 There is a pcboard on oshpark to improve this project: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/dXyzUBwA
      - http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/32K16/32k16.html (no longer available to purchase)
      - http://mainbyte.com/ti99/16bit32k/32kconsole.html

Also you get 32k ram expansion with the NanoPEB and CF7 sidecars.

Can I get bigger memory cards than 32k?

Yes you can get bigger memory cards such as:

Myarc 128k and 512k memory card

- - - These include the 32k expansion ram and use a proprietary method to address/bank in the additional ram.
    - They also include DSR routines to do print buffering, ram disk etc.
    - With the Extended Basic II DSR ROM installed you can use 128k of this memory in Myarc Extended Basic II.
    - Myarc Extended Basic II is a software package that comes on diskette and requires a compatible Myarc or Foundation 128k/512k memory card, a cartridge with ram at 6000 (supercart) and a disk drive to load the program.
    - EBII is significantly faster than the TI Basic and Extended Basic interpreters and also provides additional functionality such as bitmap graphics and other features.
      - More info: https://www.ninerpedia.org/wiki/Myarc_Extended_BASIC_II

Foundation 32k/128k memory card – also includes the 32k expansion ram, These are basically identical to the Myarc card in fact there’s a ROM swap to make it 100% compatible and work with Myarc Extended Basic II (there is also a hack for these to make them 512k) (roms available at https://arcadeshopper.com)

AMS – Asgard Memory System cards were available in 128k-512k sizes. These set the standard for AMS memory and were quite expensive when they first came out. (discontinued – rare)

SAMS – Super AMS supporting up to 1mb of ram. 32k expansion is included and the rest is only compatible with software that works with AMS (discontinued rare)

- - - More info: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/peb/sams.html

Ksarul SAMS – The latest incarnation of the SAMS with 1mb or 4mb ram capabilities. Currently only the 1mb version is available. 32k expansion ram is included with SAMS.

- - - Buy the board here and build your own: https://www.ar
    - Contact Kasrul on atariage to purchase an assembled one.
    - More info/discussion here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/252171-1-meg-super-ams-discussion-thread/

Sidecar SAMS – Equivalent to the 1mb SAMS pbox cards now in tiny sidecar format with 44pin header compatible with the TIPI sidecar available here:

TI-99/4A FAQ: ROM and GROM what’s a GROM?!

ROM

ROM is Read Only Memory and is used widely in the electronics industry as a standard storage for program and data on hardware.

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM can only be modified slowly, with difficulty, or not at all, so it is mainly used to store firmware (software that is closely tied to specific hardware, and unlikely to need frequent updates) or application software in plug-in cartridges.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read-only_memory for more info on how it works.

- ROM cartridges can not be used on a Version 2.2 QI model 99/4a due to changes made in the operating system to block non-TI cartridges. See here for more info on working around this.
- Some ROM cartridges were made that plugged in to the side port to bypass QI protection as well. Arcturus and Miner 2049er for examples. They work on all versions of the console.
- ROM cartridge boards are available from 8k to 2mb
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GROM

GROM is a TI propitiatory standard memory device only found on TI-99 and compatible systems.

- - This is a technical write up on the GROM: http://www.unige.ch/medecine/nouspikel/ti99/groms.htm
  - All carts released from Texas Instruments contain at least one GROM chip
  - GROM chips are the storage medium for the GPL programming language developed by TI
  - GROM chips were never available to manufacture outside of TI’s control

Some interesting devices were made to get around TI’s GROM restrictions including:

- - Gram Kracker from Miller’s Graphics – http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/gram/gramk.html
  - Pgram: http://www.unige.ch/medecine/nouspikel/ti99/pgram.htm
  - Pgram+: http://mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/peb/pgram.htm
  - 128k Gram Karte: http://www.unige.ch/medecine/nouspikel/ti99/gramkart.htm
  - UberGROM: The UberGROM alows us to build any cartridge that was made for the TI in the past due to it’s ability to store 512k of ROM and 128k of GROM in a single board. Designed and built by Tursi, Ksarul and Acadel. Available here:
  - FinalGROM99 was just released by Ralph Benzinger and supports loading ROM and GROM images from a SD card more info here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/260917-the-finalgrom-99/page-10?do=findComment&comment=3802011 and a pre-built cartridge library for the sdcard is here: http://ftp.whtech.com/Cartridges/FinalGROM99/

TI-99/4A FAQ: SD-card Flash carts and Multi-carts

SD-Card Flash Carts

NOTE: Cartridges can NOT be used for loading disk files. You need a disk controller or equivalent for disk capabilities.

FinalGROM99 has been released, this replaces the Flashrom99 and has 1mb ROM and GROM space for full cartridge emulation. It also supports multiple folders on the SD Card!

~~purchase through Ralph directly information is here:~~ (Ralph is no longer manufacturing these) https://endlos99.github.io/finalgrom99/

Still available at arcadeshopper.com

Flashrom99 (discontinued/replaced by Finalgrom99) that uses an SDcard to load 32k ROM files: https://endlos99.github.io/flashrom99/ I have a few cases left https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/FlashROM-Cartridges-cases-and-parts/c/22342012

ROM/GROM multi-carts are available here:

Arcade

Mugs

Computers and Consoles

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1.44mb DSHD floppy USED

$0.50

3.5" head cleaning disk NEW

$10.00

5.25" head cleaning disk NEW

$12.00

838-plus 3d printed spacer set of 2

$2.00

Adam replacement power supply

$120.00

Aquarius +

$250.00

DSDD 5.25" floppy diskettes

$2.00

Sold out

Drop in internal 12VDC Power supply board

$65.00

Out of stock

FreHD PCB (no parts you assemble)

$15.00

Sold out

Keyboard99 Mitsumi membrane replacement PCB only

$15.00

Out of stock

$25.00

$25.00

$25.00

$50.00

Pinlevel 3d printed pinball level tool 6.5 degree EM pinball

$10.00

Pinlevel 3d printed pinball level tool 6.5 degree solid state pinball

$10.00

Pole position cib open box

$35.00

SSDD 5.25" "flippy" floppy diskettes

$2.50

Sold out

Teac fd-54A half hight floppy drives

$50.00

Out of stock

Texas Instruments logo pint glass

$30.00

Trooper ambidextrous Atari joystick

$25.00

VGA to HDMI Adapter-1080P Video Dongle Adaptador VGA Converter with Audio Cable (0.5FT), Male to Female for PC,Monitor HDTV

$20.00

c64 Power adapter

$25.00

Sold out

cassette/USB player converter

$30.00

Out of stock

Apple II-VGA

$75.00

Also there’s a XB27 suite that is a ROM/GROM multi-cart with many utilities, extended basic, editor assembler, disk manager, diagnostics and 10 games and more:

Author: admin

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