TIFAQ
Compiled By Dan H. Eicher
L.D.O.M. 05.20.98
Please send questions comments or concerns to [email protected]
This document is the work of many, who have given of their time
to help others learn about the TI-99/4A. If this document helps
you, won't you consider adding a section?
Thanks,
Dan
=======================================================================
Questions:
Abbreviations.
By Dan H. Eicher..............................................TIFAQ001
HOW CAN I LEARN TO PROGRAM IN ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE (A/L)?
By John Bull..................................................TIFAQ002
HOW CAN I RUN ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FROM EXTENDED BASIC?
By John Bull..................................................TIFAQ003
What are TOKENS?
By Jacques Groslouis..........................................TIFAQ004
What are they(tokens)?
By Jacques Groslouis..........................................TIFAQ005
How can I use Graphics for other machines on my TI?
By Deanna Sheridan............................................TIFAQ006
What is a TIFILES header?
By Steven A. Reynolds.........................................TIFAQ007
Technical Update by Jeff Brown
What is V9T9
By Steve A. Reynolds..........................................TIFAQ008
SubTopic: How do I get the TRANS program over to the TI
since the Forth program won't work?
SubTopic: Why don't the DOAD utilities like TIDIR or TICOPY work?
SubTopic: How do I use a file I downloaded on my IBM with V9T9?
SubTopic: V9T9 module images
What is the TI List Server
From the South West 99ers................................................TIFAQ009
What is a RAMDISK
By Bob Carmany................................................TIFAQ010
Is there a Forth compiler for the TI and Geneve?
By John Carver................................................TIFAQ011
Can I use 720 and 1.44 Meg floppies on my Geneve
By Ken........................................................TIFAQ012
How do I set up a system and what are my expansion options?
By Andy Frueh.................................................TIFAQ013
What is Funnelweb
By Andy Frueh.................................................TIFAQ014
Can I get on to the Internet with My TI-99/4a
By John Bull..................................................TIFAQ015
What is PC99
By Mike Wright for Cadd Electronics...........................TIFAQ016
Can I use my TI 99/4A on the internet?
By Lew King...................................................TIFAQ017
======================================================================
TIFAQ001
Abrreviations.
By Dan H. Eicher
<[email protected]>
AVPC - Advanced Video Display Processor, produced by Digit Systems
(Tom Spilane) - This PBOX card use an 9938.
c - Small C by Clint Pulley for the 99/4a.
E/A - Editor Assembler.
FDC - Floppy Disk Controller.
FWEB - Funnel Web.
GRAMULATOR - Graphics Ram Module produced by Cadd Electronics
allows the user to load/modify and run cartridges.
Unlike the GramKracker produced by Millers Graphics
with modifications, this unit could also run MBX
modules.
GRAM KRACKER - See Gramulator.
Grand Ram - A ramdisk produced by DataBiotics. Unique in that
it both battery backed up like a Horizon Ramdisk and
provided print spooler software (like the Myarc 512K)
card. It also included connectors on board to connect
to emulate the PBOX bus and cartridge port.
GROM - Graphic ROM
Rom Memory developed by TI that automatically increments.
HFDC - Myarc Hard Floppy Disk Controller.
MBP - Eight port analog to digital card with real time clock.
MBX - Milton Bradley Expansion Unit (yes the toy maker) allowed
the 99/4a to use voice directed games.
PBOX - Peripheral Expansion Box also known as PEB.
PC99 - A software package for MSDOS PC's (486-50 or faster) that
emulate a TI99/4A. This is commercial software and well
supported.
PGRAM - Like the GramKracker, but on a PBOX card.
PIO - Parrallel/Printer Port.
POP-CART - Cartridge produced by OPA that up to 512K of grom
code and any number of cartridges could be placed.
SOB - Son Of a Board. This board also plugs into the console,
in the GROM1 socket. It adds an enhanced menu upon power
up and fixes some video initialization problems that are
transparent, unless you are using a 9938 or 9958 video
controller chip in your system.
TIM - TI Image Maker. This is a an 80-column board produced by
OPA. It had a Yamaha 9958 chip and came bundled with the
SOB. It mounts inside the TI console in the TMS9918 socket.
V9t9 - A software package for MSDOS PC's (386-25 or faster) that
emulates a TI99/4A. This is freeware (produced by Ed.
Swartz) and no support from the author is available,
but the source code is.
XB - Extended Basic.
Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ002
HOW CAN I LEARN TO PROGRAM IN ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE (A/L)?
By John Bull
<[email protected]>
You will need -
Hardware: TI-99/4a with 32K Memory Expansion and at
least one floppy drive.
Software: The Editor/Assembler cartridge and the two
floppies that come with it. However, FunnelWeb
includes all of the essential software and is perhaps
more convenient.
Texts: The Editor/Assembler User's Manual. This is an
absolutely necessary reference but is not a beginner's guide
for learning to program.
Also, an Introduction to Assembly Language that guides you
through the process of writing A/L programs. One is by Ralph
Molesworth and there are several others, equally good.
You use the Editor program to write A/L SOURCE code, save it
to disk as a D/V80 file, and then use the Assembler program
to assemble it into A/L OBJECT code which is in machine
language. This is a D/F80 file, ready to run with the E/A
Loader or from Extended Basic if you wrote it for that.
There are four Modes for A/L programming and you choose the
one that suits your purpose. The Graphics mode is the
simplest, most generally useful mode and the one that is
at hand when you start. Bit-map and Multicolor mode is for
detailed screen graphics. Text mode is for text only, as
in word processing.
Writing A/L programs is laborious and not easy to learn but the
results are worth the effort. They are VERY fast and can do many
things that are not practical with other languages.
John Bull
[email protected]Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ003
HOW CAN I RUN ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FROM EXTENDED BASIC?
By John Bull.
<[email protected]>
To run from Extended Basic, an Assembly Language program must be
written for that purpose or modified. X/B cannot use files created by
the C (compressed) option of the Assembler. X/B does not handle DEF's
but the address of utilities must be EQUated. For instance, a
program written for the Editor/Assembler loaders might begin:
DEF START
REF STRASG,STRREF
For X/B this should be:
REF START
STRASG EQU >2010
STRREF EQU >2014
The list of EQUates for X/B is on pages 415 and 416 of the
Editor/Assembler Manual. Modifying an E/A program to run from
X/B is sometimes as simple as the above. Please note, the E/A
manual has a typo. Page 416 should read NUMREF EQU >200C
Two ways you can run an A/L program from X/B: One is to put at the
beginning of your X/B program:
10 CALL INIT
20 CALL LOAD("DSKn.FILENAME") where FILENAME is the file name of
the A/L program.
Now the program is in memory and can be run with CALL
LINK("START"), where START is the entry point as defined in
the program.
Another way, more work but often more convenient, is to
imbed the A/L program in your X/B program, where it will
stay, ready to run, whenever you load the X/B program. There
are two programs available to do the imbedding: Harry Wlhelm's
HML, High Memory Loader and Scott Kaplan's ALSAVE, which loads
into low memory. HML is easier to use but will not work with
very large X/B programs.
Whatever way you load the A/L program, it remains in memory
until you do CALL INIT, or BYE and so it is available in other
X/B programs that you RUN from the first one.
NOTE: Issueing a new from X/B will leave your A/L program in
memory.
John Bull
[email protected]Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ004
What are TOKENS?
By Jacques Groslouis
<[email protected]>
Tokens are used to aid in the parsing of Commands, Functions, and
Statements in BASIC programs. When run BASIC programs are usually
interpreted as opposed to being compiled. Upon running an interpreted
program the contents of each program line is translated to its required
functions as the program runs. On the other hand a compiled program is
first converted to an assembly language program, and then is run as an
A/L program. A compiled program will run faster than an interpreted
program.
A TI BASIC program is interpreted twice which explains why certain
functions in TI BASIC run slower than the same function on other
computers. This additional interpretation is required because of the
basic structure of the TI computer. Instead of using an operating
system which must be booted and requiring the loading of a BASIC
interpreter program, a TI has much of this already available when the TI
is turned on. These preloaded programs are included in the GROM modules
in the TI console. Additional GROM modules are also included in the
various cartridges which can be plugged into a TI console. The program
instructions contained in these GROM modules are written in Graphic
Programming Language (GPL) a special language written by Texas
Instruments. This is the second language which must be interpreted when
a TI BASIC or Extended Basic program is run.
A TI BASIC or XBASIC program consists of a series of numbered program
lines containing various Commands, Functions and/or Statements which in
GPL are abbreviated to one byte tokens. These abbreviations are listed
in TIFAQ005. For example the token for the PRINT command is represented
by character 156 (>9C) and the GOSUB command is represented by character
135 (>87). An example of a program line in usual LIST (DV80) format
compared to MERGE (DV163) format is as follows:
LIST format: 10 PRINT XYZ
MERGE format:
CHR$(0)&CHR$(10)&CHR$(156)&CHR$(200)&CHR$(3)&CHR$(88)&
CHR$(89)&CHR$(90)&CHR$(0)
These tokens have the following meanings:
CHR$(0)&CHR$(10) Represents line number in base 256 notation.
CHR$(156) Represents PRINT statement.
CHR$(200)&CHR$(3) Indicates that following characters are
unquoted string with a length of 3
characters.
CHR$(88)&CHR$(89)&CHR$(90) Represents the characters XYZ.
CHR$(0) Represents end of line marker.
XBASIC programs have been written which can be used to write Extended
Basic programs or to convert DV80 listings of extended basic programs
into DV163 (merge format) programs using knowledge of the token
abbreviations.
More information concerning the use of GPL may be obtained by consulting
the "Texas Instruments Graphics Programming Language User's Guide" June
1,1979 (Revised December 3,1979) or "The Graphics Programming Language"
Copyright 1990, R. A. Green. GPL assemblers and disassemblers also exist
but a GRAM device is required to load and change GPL programs.
September 20,1997
Jacques Groslouis
[email protected]
1747 Riverbank Drive
Bathurst New Brunswick E2A 4L1
CANADA
Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ005
TI99: TI tokens
By Jacques Groslouis
<[email protected]>
Tokens which appear in a 205 COS
Basic Program 206 EXP
0 end of line marker 207 INT
129 ELSE 208 LOG
132 IF 209 SGN
133 GO 210 SIN
134 GOTO 211 SQR
135 GOSUB 212 TAN
136 RETURN 213 LEN
137 DEF 214 CHR$
138 DIM 215 RND
139 END 216 SEG$
140 FOR 217 POS
141 LET 218 VAL
142 BREAK 219 STR$
143 UNBREAK 220 ASC
144 TRACE 222 REC
145 UNTRACE 241 BASE
146 INPUT 243 VARIABLE
147 DATA 244 RELATIVE
148 RESTORE 245 INTERNAL
149 RANDOMIZE 246 SEQUENTIAL
150 NEXT 247 OUTPUT
151 READ 248 UPDATE
152 STOP 249 APPEND
153 DELETE 250 FIXED
154 REM 251 PERMANENT
155 ON 252 TAB
156 PRINT 253 # (files)
157 CALL 255 end of file marker
158 OPTION Tokens used only in Extended
159 OPEN Basic Programs
160 CLOSE 130 ::
161 SUB 131 !
162 DISPLAY 163 IMAGE
164 ACCEPT 165 ERROR
169 RUN 166 WARNING
176 THEN 167 SUBEXIT
177 TO 168 SUBEND
178 STEP 170 LINPUT
179 , (comma) 186 OR
180 ; (semi) 187 AND
181 : (colon) 188 XOR
182 ) 189 NOT
183 ( 221 PI
184 & 223 MAX
190 = 224 MIN
191 < 225 RPT$
192 > 232 NUMERIC
193 + 233 DIGIT
194 - 234 UALPHA
195 * 235 SIZE
196 / 236 ALL
197 ^ 237 USING
199 "string" 238 BEEP
200 string 239 ERASE
201 Stmt # 240 AT
202 EOF 254 VALIDATE
203 ABS
204 ATN
My favorite article on tokens is by Jerry Stern and appeared in
the April 1991 issue of MICROpendium. This article also included
a program which displayed both tokens and a program listing so that
you could compare the two formats on a line by line basis. I
understand that Bob Carmany gave a talk on using tokens to write
a program at the recent Lima conference. Iintend to order the video
tapes.
Jacques Groslouis
[email protected]
1747 Riverbank Drive
Bathurst New Brunswick E2A 4L1
CANADA
This addition came later, here is how you can enter them from the keyboard!
The tokens which can be entered from the keyboard are tokens 129 to 159 ,
176 to 183 and 187. These 40 tokens can be entered into a program by
pressing CTRL and the applicable key after a line number. Whether entered
as upper or lower case does not matter. Initially nothing appears but the
statement or command appears when the line is listed. This is not the full
range of tokens but the others cannot be accessed from the keyboard. They
would require using a combination of shift and/or FCTN keys which seem to
override the CTRL key. There is a token associated to each key on the TI
keyboard except for the ENTER key, the space, CTRL and FCTN keys and one
other being CTRL , (comma) which produces character 128. This key seems to
produce a token but not one which I recognize or can use. FCTN V will also
produce a token which is blank being character 127 or DEL.
A listing of these tokens is as follows:
# Token Ctrl
129 ELSE A
130 :: B
131 ! C
132 IF D
133 GO E
134 GOTO F
135 GOSUB G
136 RETURN H
137 DEF I
138 DIM J
139 END K
140 FOR L
141 LET M
142 BREAK N
143 UNBREAK O
144 TRACE P
145 UNTRACE Q
146 INPUT R
147 DATA S
148 RESTORE T
149 RANDOMIZE U
150 NEXT V
151 READ W
152 STOP X
153 DELETE Y
154 REM Z
155 ON .
156 PRINT ;
157 CALL =
158 OPTION 8
159 OPEN 9
176 THEN 0
177 TO 1
178 STEP 2
179 , 3
180 ; 4
181 : 5
182 ) 6
183 ( 7
187 AND /
Jacques Groslouis
[email protected]
1747 Riverbank Drive
Bathurst New Brunswick E2A 4L1
CANADA
Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ006
How can I use Graphics for other machine on my TI?
By Deanna Sheridan
<[email protected]>
The following is excerpted from the Cleveland Area User
Groups Newsletter in January, 1995.
A couple of months ago, I gave a demonstration at
TI-CHIPS on converting DOS graphics to the TI. It was
asked at that time if we can also convert TI graphics
for use in the DOS world, and you can. I am sure a lot
of us have favorite Artist Instances we would like to
continue using, and it's not any more difficult than
transferring from the DOS format to the TI.
Briefly, the common DOS formats that the TI can
utilize are RLE, GIF and MACPAINT.
To transfer programs either way, you need a
program on each machine that will convert to or read
these formats.
I have always used the MACPAINT format. I use the
version of MACFLIX which includes MACFLIX TOOLS so that
I can convert Artist pictures to MACPAINT.
Since I have PC TRANSFER I use that method to
transfer the pictures from my TI to my PC. Without
that program, I also have used my RS232 port and since
I have an external modem, I have cables on both
machines and insert a null modem between the two. I
then use a terminal emulator program on each side and
send them over via Xmodem.
(The article was written in Word Perfect and
included several pictures transferred from the TI).
Hope this helps.
Deanna
[email protected]Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ007
What is a TIFILES header?
By Steven A. Reynolds
<[email protected]>
In order to preserve attributes associated with TI files, such as
file type,protected status, and the 10 character filename allowable
on the TI, files transferred from the TI to another computer have a
128 byte header preprended to every file to keep this information.
This process is built into the TI's Xmodem protocol and occurs
transparently. In fact, if you transfer a file without a TIFILES
header from an IBM to your TI using Xmodem you will have problems
with the file.
Generally, you can ignore the TIFILES header but it's important to
be able to recognize it so you know if you should use Xmodem or a
different file transfer protocol which does not expect a TIFILES
header before transferring the file.
If you look at the beginning of a TIFILES header you will see the
string TIFILES appear in it. That's usually the easiest way of
telling, not to mention the file will be 128 bytes larger than it
is on the TI.
The format is:
Byte Meaning
------- --------------------------------------------
0 string length 07
1-7 "TIFILES" string
8-9 # of sectors allocated to file
10 status flags
11 # of records per sector
12 EOF offset (# of bytes used in last sector)
13 logical record size
14-15 # of level 3 records allocated
16-17 MS bytes of total # of sector and # of level 3 records
Does someone want to explain what all these fields mean?
TIFILES...
[by Jeff Brown ]
>This process is built into the TI's Xmodem protocol and occurs
>transparently. In fact, if you transfer a file without a TIFILES
>header from an IBM to your TI using Xmodem you will have problems
>with the file.
Not really... an unknown file will generally be imported as IF128
format if I recall correctly. (Geez, I wrote an X/YModem protocol,
I should know this!
argh... I'll have to pull out some old sources)
>The format is:
>
> Byte Meaning
>------- --------------------------------------------
> 0 string length 07
> 1-7 "TIFILES" string
> 8-9 # of sectors allocated to file
> 10 status flags
> 11 # of records per sector
> 12 EOF offset (# of bytes used in last sector)
> 13 logical record size
> 14-15 # of level 3 records allocated
> 16-17 MS bytes of total # of sector and # of level 3 records
>
>Does someone want to explain what all these fields mean?
Sure!! Same fields you'll find in the Low-Level DSR functions "transfer
direct input file" and "transfer direct output file" TDIF/TDOF for short...
and same fields as in the file's FDR. (file descriptor record)
Offset 8 -- # sectors
multiply by 256 to get actual bytes
Offset 10 -- Status flags:
Bit# Description
0 0 = Data file
1 = Program (memory image) file
1 0 = Display
1 = Internal
2 Reserved (0)
3 0 = Unprotected
1 = Protected
4-6 Reserved (0)
7 0 = Variable-length recs
1 = Fixed-length records
Offset 11 -- # recs per sector
Divide 256 by logical record size. Only valid for FIXED LENGTH records.
I'm pretty sure the field is meaningless for VARIABLE LENGTH records. A
DF80 file has 3 records per sector... an IF128 has 2. DV80 will probably
tell you 3, but since its sectors may have more than 3 records, it's
meaningless.
Offset 12 -- EOF offset
You're quite correct... number of bytes used in last sector. In DV80
files, points to an >FF if I recall correctly.
Offset 13 -- Logical record size
Well... maximum number of chars per record... thus 80 in DV80, 163 in
DV163, etc... Note that for variable-length records, the actual record
length can be up to n+1 (1byte for size storage)
Offset 14 -- # of lev 3 records = total # of records allocated
You went and found an obtuse definition. Corresponds to offset 8 in extra
params block of TDIF/TDOF. Simply put, how many records are in this file???
Offset 16 -- no clue! I'll have to check my old sources for this.
Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ008
What is V9T9?
By Steven A. Reynolds
<[email protected]>
V9T9 is a very good TI-99/4A emulator which runs on an IBM 286 or
better and is freeware. The author discontinued support of it and
released the complete source code, which is mostly 808x assembly
language and C for some support utility programs. It is not a
perfect emulator, but it does a very good job on the majority of
TI software and modules. The alternative is to buy PC-99.
V9T9 can run on a 286, but it runs best on a fast 486 or Pentium.
You have to do the fine tuning yourself through the menu system or
by editing the V9T9.CNF file. V9T9 has many configurable options
and is flexible, although it is not user-friendly. An archive called
TIMRADx.ZIP has been uploaded to at least one FTP site and contains
sample configuration files, modules, and ROMs to get you started
with the TI.
The problem is that V9T9 doesn't come with any of the TI ROMs
because they are TI's property. A utility using Forth is provided
to transfer a ROM dump utility to your TI which can be used to
extract your TI's ROMs. Unfortunately very few people have had
success getting this process to work for whatever unknown reason.
Basically, to get V9T9 up and running you really have to first
locate the TI ROM files and an image of the Extended Basic module.
These files, as well as better explanations on what to do, are
found in the TIMRAD archive.
Once you can run Extended Basic on V9T9, have a working serial
connection between your TI and IBM, and are in TI Extended Basic
on your TI, you are ready to go. By the way, remember that the
serial cable between your TI and IBM is a straight through cable
like would go to your modem instead of a real null modem cable.
For some reason, TI decided to make the TI's serial port a DCE
instead of a DTE like most other computers.
Topic: How do I get the TRANS program over to the TI since the
Forth program won't work?
Here is the clever solution by Brian Williams, edited by me:
1. Get V9T9 set up so that you can load a comm program (such
as Procomm) on your IBM and talk to a comm program on your TI
(such as Telco) over your serial cable, with your baud rate,
data bits, stop bits, and parity bits set the same on each end
(such as 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity).
If you can type characters on each computer and they show up
correctly on the other side, your connection is working.
2. Consult the documentation for V9T9 and type in the RECEIVE
program on the TI in Extended Basic as described. Here it is below:
80 REM Receiver for TRANS object code from PC
90 REM Legal baud rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600
100 INPUT "Enter the baud rate: ":B
110 OPEN #1:"RS232.BA=" & STR$(B) & ".DA=8.PA=N",UPDATE,
VARIABLE 81,INTERNAL
120 OPEN #2:"DSK1.TRANS",OUTPUT,DISPLAY,FIXED 80
130 PRINT "Receiving..."
140 INPUT #1:A$
150 IF A$="" THEN 200
160 PRINT #2:A$
170 PRINT ".";
180 PRINT #1:"O"
190 GOTO 140
200 CLOSE #2
210 CLOSE #1
220 CALL INIT
230 CALL LOAD("DSK1.TRANS")
240 CALL LINK("TRANS")
3. Make sure V9T9 is configured in your .CNF file to use DSK3
as a FIAD (this is the default). After installing V9T9 the file
TRANS should already be located in your DISK subdirectory.
4. Go into Extended Basic on your IBM in V9T9 and type in the following
program:
80 REM Transmitter for TRANS object code to TI
90 REM Legal baud rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600
100 INPUT " Enter the baud rate: ":B
110 OPEN #1:"RS232.BA="&STR$(B)&".DA=8.PA=N",UPDATE,VARIABLE
81,INTERNAL
120 OPEN #2:"DSK3.TRANS",INPUT,DISPLAY,FIXED 80
130 PRINT "Transmitting..."
140 IF EOF(2) THEN 200 ELSE INPUT #2:A$
150 PRINT #1:A$
170 PRINT ".";
180 INPUT #1:B$
190 GOTO 140
200 CLOSE #2
210 PRINT #1
220 CLOSE #1
Save this program in V9T9 as using "SAVE DSK3.TRANSMIT"
(creates a FIAD).
5. Run both programs on the TI and IBM. Enter the baud rate
on both programs as 4800 or 9600. Press ENTER on your TI first.
Due to the poor handshaking of these 2 programs, if you start
the IBM first nothing will happen. If you do it in the wrong order,
FN-BREAK and RUN again.
6. You will see a period for every record that is transferred and
saved on the TI. After a while, the periods will stop printing and
there will be quite a bit of disk activity on the TI. After about a
minute the transfer program will appear. If you wish, you can omit
lines 220-240 on the TI and when the TRANS program has been saved
on your TI disk you will return to BASIC. To load the TRANS program
each time you must execute lines 220-240. For faster loading use
the Editor/Assembler's LOAD AND RUN option. Enter DSK1.TRANS and
then TRANS.
Once TRANS is running on the TI, you need to exit V9T9 on the IBM
and then type RECV to run the RECV utility. Enter the correct
parameters for baud rate, your serial port, and its interrupt.
Do not just hit return! You must type a value.
If you don't know your serial port's interrupt, use a utility
like Norton Sysinfo to find out. V9T9's suggested values seem to
be correct.
Topic: Why don't the DOAD utilities like TIDIR or TICOPY work?
Many people have trouble using the utilities provided to
manipulated DOAD files, depending on which OS you use.
The utilities were written using Dr. DOS 5.0 which may explain
the incompatibilities. It is recommended that you use FIADs to
acess IBM DOS files using V9T9. Using Disk Manager or any other
file manager of your choice under V9T9 you can copy the FIADs
from a FIAD drive to a DOAD on another drive. When V9T9 creates
and manipulates the DOADs, it does it correctly. The utilities
generally do it wrong. Refer to V9T9 and TIMRAD help files for
descriptions of DOADs and FIADs and how to configure
V9T9 to use both.
Topic: How do I use a file I downloaded on my IBM with V9T9?
V9T9 uses its own custom headers which are different for FIADs
and DOADs. You cannot take a raw DOS file or files with a TIFILES
header and have it work properly with V9T9. You must convert the
file(s) to V9T9 format first.
There are several formats you might find a TI file in, but once
a TI file has been transferred to another machine it should be in
TIFILES format unless the transferer was thoughtless. Without a
TIFILES header important TI directory information was thrown away
which makes the file more difficult to use.
The easiest way to find out is to use the TYPE command on the file.
If you see the string TIFILES, it's in TIFILES format. If you see
something that looks very similar to the file's name, it's probably
V9T9 FIAD format. If you see raw data with no apparent header, it's
probably headerless. While there are other formats, you are unlikely
to see any of them because they are not common. You won't find files
in V9T9 FIAD or DOAD format except in archives meant to be used with
V9T9.
Files with the ARK/ARC extension created by Barry Boone's archiver
are made on the TI and usually transferred to the PC via Xmodem.
Therefore, you would expect a TIFILES header on them.
If your file is of the TIFILES type, then run the XMDM2TI utility
in the UTILS subdirectory giving the source filename and destination
path. The utility seems to fail (and kill your original file) if the
source and destination are in the same directory. Therefore, it's
advised that you make a SOURCE subdirectory under V9T9, copy your
files to be converted in there, change to the SOURCE subdirectory,
then run XMDM2TI ..\DISK. This will convert your
file to FIAD format and dump it in the proper directory. Obviously
your path needs to be set to find the XMDM2TI utility in the UTILS
subdirectory.
If you feel like checking your result file, make sure it is the same
file size as the original and use the TYPE command to make sure that
instead of TIFILES you see something that looks like the filename.
This is V9T9's custom format.
At this point you may enter V9T9 and access the file through
DSK3 - DSK5 depending on what your V9T9 configuration file specifies.
If your file is headerless, then V9T9 won't be able to access or
convert it properly since it requires its custom FIAD or DOAD formats.
In general, the only way I've been able to work with these files is
to transfer them to the TI using a comm program using a non-Xmodem
protocol which doesn't expect a TIFILES header. The result will be a
DIS/FIX 128 file. You can then write a conversion utility or sector
edit the file's descriptor bytes on the TI to change the file
to the right type. Then send the file back to the IBM with Xmodem.
I'm sure there must be an easier way, but I don't know it.
Topic: V9T9 module images
One big advantage of V9T9 is that it runs images of modules fairly
well. There are clearly some incompatibilities, partly due to speed.
For instance, several Atarisoft modules run too slow to play on a
fast Pentium with V9T9.
Some Funware cartridges play too fast, even if you adjust V9T9's
speed to as slow as possible.
Overall, most work great and with a fast system you can run
Extended Basic or compile assembly programs faster than you
ever could on a real TI. The supplied TRANS program makes raw,
unmodified data dumps of the ROM and GROM banks in the module
in the TI's port. These module image files are a few steps away
from the format used by the Gram Kracker, which is a device used
on the TI to make and run module backups off disk. If you have
a V9T9 image, you can make a Gram Kracker one or vice-versa with
little trouble. V9T9 comes with a GRAM2TI conversion utility, but
not the reverse direction.
Additionally, V9T9's raw module dumps, if broken down into their
separate banks, are in the same format that a "hacked" GPL
interpreter and loader program can use to run the module on your
TI without a Gram device in your TI. The trick is knowing how to
modify the module banks and make them work with a hacked GPL
interpreter. A hacked GPL interpreter is one which redirects
all of its GROM and ROM calls into the TI's 32K memory expansion
unit where you can load the module dumps... if you know how.
Simply said, there are up to 5 banks of GROM and 8K each and up
to 2 banks of GROM at 8K each. Module images created by V9T9's
RECV will contain 1 to 3 files. A "G" filename suffix indicates
GROM, a "C" indicates ROM bank 1, and "D" indicates ROM bank 2.
All of the GROM banks are concatenated linearly; in other words,
if the first and last GROM banks are used you will end up with a
40K file with the first and last 8K containing data and 0's in
between for the other 3 banks.
Send comments and corrections regarding this unfinished portion to:
[email protected]Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ009
What is the TI List Server
From The South West 99er's Web Page
TI-99/4A List Server
There is a list server for the TI community. A list server is a e-mail
address that you use to send messages to everyone who has subscribed
to that server. The list server is administered by Tom Wills and is
be an extension of the SouthWest Ninety Niners User Group of Tucson, AZ.
To subscribe to the TI List Server, send an email to the following
address:
"[email protected]" (without the quotes)
Leave the subject line BLANK and include the following as the message
BODY:
"subscribe ti99" (without the quotes of course)
Please remember not to include your signature file in the message body.
After you are approved, just send your message to [email protected].
Everyone who has subscribed to the list server will receive you email.
Also, to find out who is on the server, send a message to
[email protected] (with a BLANK subject line) and "who ti99"
(without the quotes) in the main body.
Again, please do not include your signature file in the mesage.
John Briscoe ([email protected])
Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ010
What is a RAMDISK
By Bob Carmany
<[email protected]>
A RAMdisk in the functional equivalent of a physical disk drive
without the moving parts. A physical disk drive system stores data
on a mylar disk with a coating of iron oxide. The data is retrieved
by a read/write head that is controlled by a stepping motor as the
disk spins in its protective cover.
A RAMdisk stores data on a series of static RAM chips that have been
divided into sectors similar to the arrangement on a physical disk.
However, since there are no moving parts, the RAMdisk is much faster
than a physical disk drive and the data is available almost
instantaneously.
Loading a RAMdisk
The two surviving modern RAMdisks (QUEST and HORIZON) are
battery-backed to ensure that the data is maintained even after the
computer and P-Box are turned off. Each is powered by three 1.25V
NI-CAD batteries that charge whenever the computer and P-Box are
turned on.
Both come with a software package that allows the user to initialize,
partition and assign drive numbers to the RAMdisk. The first step is
to load the generic DSR (Device Service Routine) into the RAMdisk.
This allows the computer to find the RAMdisk. Each of the
configuration program is menu-driven and very easy to follow. The
only limitation is that a single disk drive cannot exceed the maximum
size of 1600 sectors (ie. 400K). Let's assume that we have a 512K
RAMdisk installed in a system with a TI Disk Controller.
Once the RAMdisk has been inititalized, the configuration program
will ask for a drive number and size. It is wise to assign a drive
number greater than the maximum number of drives that your physical
controller can handle (ie. 4-9 for a TI Controller and 5-9 for a
Corcomp Controller) to avoid any conflicts.
We can designate part of our RAMdisk as DSK4 (1600 sectors) and the
other part as DSK5 (448 sectors) which fill up the entire 512K
(512*1024/4 sectors per kilobyte = 2048 sectors).
Each of the RAMdisks come with a menu-type program (MENU for HORIZON
and AUTO for QUEST) that are variants of the John Johnson BOOT
program. These can be configured to allow for the loading of both XB
and A/L programs available when the system first boots. In each case
the menu program intercepts the TI startup routine and slaps the
user-defined menu in place of the title screen. They come with full
instructions.
In addition, there are user defined CALLs that can be invoked to
either directly load A/L programs from the command mode or CALL them
from a running program. There are simple instructions for there use
as well.
When you are through, the generic DSR has been modified to the users
configuration and installed into the RAMdisk. It should now be saved
to disk under a different name than the original.
At this point, you are ready to load whatever programs you wish into
your RAMdisk. This can be done with ANY disk manager program.
Oh yes, you can write protect either or both parts of the partitioned
RAMdisk and enable or disable the MENU/AUTO program.
Common problems
There are two problems that arise with RAMdisks that can be perplexing
at times. They are easily curable.
If the RAMdisk will not load programs and a check with a disk manager
indicated that the RAMdisk is "not there", the DSR has been corrupted.
The easiest cure is to go back to the configuration program a reload
the saved version of your customized DSR.
If the RAMdisk will not hold programs in memory, the problem is with
the battery circuit. This can be a loose battery or a cold solder
joint. The easiest way to check to with a voltmeter. Check voltage
and continuity.
You can reach me at: 1504 Larson St., Greensboro, NC 27407
Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ011
IS THERE A FORTH COMPILER FOR THE TI AND GENEVE?
By John Carver
<[email protected]>
Yes. In 1983, Texas Instruments released to every registered Users Group a
copy of the Forth program diskette and manual. This was an unfinished
product that TI decided to "dump" on the users. Due to the unique nature of
the Forth language, some users believe that this is the best thing TI ever
did for them. Forth is a very flexible language that lends itself well to
customizing and extension to suit the individual programmer.
The version of Forth that TI had been working on was a "FIG" Forth, based
on the standard developed by the Forth Interest Group. Since the product
wasn't finished, there were several features that didn't work and a full
compliment of bugs. For the first year or two after its release, user group
newsletters were full of bug fixes and corrected code.
Although there were and still are several diehard Forth users, Forth in
general never caught on with the average user. Part of the reason is the
unusual syntax and programming style of Forth and part of the reason is
that TI released an unfinished product. Forth's greatest virtue, its easy
customization and extendibility, was also its downfall. Most of the people
who worked with Forth for any length of time came up with their own bug
fixes and extensions. There were no standards to cover this sort of thing
and the end product was quite a few applications that would run only on
the author's compiler. Forth code had ceased to be portable. Forth
programmers had essentially created their own "Tower of Babel".
At about the same time that this was all going on, a Canadian firm
released a commercial version of FIG Forth called Wycove Forth.
There were enough differences between the two versions that not
all code was portable. These were minor differences and dedicated
Forth programmers were able to overcome this problem. Wycove
used a different editor than TI-Forth and the Forth Screens were laid
out a little differently. They both accessed a diskette differently also.
Wycove's main claim to fame was that for the first couple of releases
of the compiler they had a version on cassette for users that didn't
have a PEB. Lack of interest and a initially hefty price doomed
Wycove to the same oblivion as TI-Forth.
Minimum system requirements for TI-Forth were 32K memory, disk
system, Editor/Assembler cartridge. Some versions were patched
to load from Extended Basic. Funnelweb has always had a Forth
loader in it and it could be used to run Forth. Except for the early
cassette versions, Wycove had the same requirements.
During the early years of TI-Forth, there was one users group that
tried to lead us away from the "Tower of Babel" that we had built.
Genem Hitz and the Milwaukee Users's Group formed the "Forth
Clearing House". For the cost of diskette, mailer and postage they
would send you Forth programs that otherwise you wouldn't have
access to. At that time Forth disks could only be copied with Forth
itself. This was before disk managers had a sector copy feature.
At that time Forth disks couldn't be transfered over BBS systems
unless they had been packed with a utility from TI called D-Copy.
So the Forth Clearing House performed a great service for
TI-Forth users, giving them access to programs and applications
that they would never normally come across.
When Barry Traver wrote the first compression program for the TI,
we found out that Forth disks couldn't be compressed. Compression
didn't work with Barry Boone's archiever either. They both scrambled
the sectors and the disk was unusable. TI-Forth access a diskette
sector by sector. If a sector gets moved, then the compiler can't find
the information it needs. I don't know who came up with the idea, but
the solution was to pack the Forth disk with D-Copy and then run the
archiever on it. The person on the other end would de-ark the disk and then
run D-Copy on it. A real pain, but at least we could then easily tranfer
disks online.
When CorComp released their DSDD controller, the Forth community
was faced with a new task, figuring out how to get TI-Forth to access the
extra disk space. Forth was set up for SSSD access and it seemed a
shame to have the access to larger diskettes and not be able to use the
space for Forth.
Jim Vincett was the first one to figure that one out. First he came up with
code for DSSD and then a few months later revised it for DSDD use. It
took the average Forth user probably about thirty minutes to type in the
screens, check them, save them and then recompile so that they could
take advantage of the larger disk space.
That's one of the things I like about Forth. It's so easy and quick to modify
the compiler and make it do whatever you want it to do.
After the first four or five years, only die hard Forth enthusiasts were using
the package. Mike DeFrank from Florida released his Forth Utilities
package.
This was essentially his customized version of the TI-Forth package
with several interesting features.
Information about Forth was scarce in the early years. Unless one subscribed
to a lot of user group newsletters, the only information readily available on BBS
systems were two series of tutorials. One written by Lutz Winkler and one by
George Symthe. A lot of people read STARTING FORTH by Leo Brodie, but it
was written for a different dialect of Forth. The only book that I can remember
that was actually written about TI-Forth was GETTING STARTED WITH TI-FORTH
by Richard Schneider of TSS Software. It contained about the same information
as the tutorials by Winkler and Symthe. There was a video tape made about using
Forth, but I never saw it and have never found a copy. The early issues of THE
SMART PROGRAMMER from Miller's Graphics had a lot of Forth articles, but they
dispensed a lot of misinformation too.
The Hoosier User Group had a lot of Forth people in the early years and published
some fine articles in their newsletter. If I remember correctly, they had one gentleman
who was actually accessing the DSR's on the PEB cards and modifying them with Forth.
A member of the HUGGER's also wrote one of the three most memorable programs of
the early Forth years. It was a graphics program and I believe it was called Kibbet. The
other two programs were a graphics program called JP Drawing and Rene LeBlanc's
Universal Disassembler.
As the years wore on and the number of Forth users began to slip, the applications
that were released became fewer and fewer, but were actually fantastic programs.
Glen Davis wrote a series of articles for Computer Shopper that were nothing short
of amazing. He modified the Forth kernal so that it could be loaded into a supercart.
By modifying the kernal and sticking it in the supercart he was able to free up five or
six K of RAM and give us more room to work. He also added a set of Forth83
compatibility screens which allowed us to port over some software from other platforms.
Edgar Dohman and DataBiotics picked up the torch from Glenn and developed SuperForth
which also loaded into a supercart but added several new features such as hard drive support.
Bytemaster Computer Services started publishing Super 99 Monthly and always
supported Forth in almost every issue. After the merger between Super 99 Monthly
and Smart Programmer took place they added a regular Forth column which soon
became the best Forth column in publication. Second best was probably the series
that the LA99'ers ran by Howie Rosenberg and Chick Dimarti. Lutz Winkler continued
to have an occasional Forth article in Micropendium. Micropendium has always had
high standards for Forth articles, and they've all been good, but due to the dwindling
number of Forth programmers there haven't been a lot of articles there. That covers
the highlights of the TI and Wycove Forth years.
THE GENEVE YEARS
When I first purchased a Geneve, I was forced to use it as a doorstop for the first
eight months I had it as it had no OS. When I finally got an OS it was pretty much
GPL mode only. Native mode still wasn't working very well. As I went through my
collection of TI software, seeing which would work and which wouldn't, I was very
surprised to find out that TI-Forth would not run on the Geneve. No one knew why.
I talked to Paul Charlton about it and as he was working on a Forth package for the
Geneve, he was reluctant to give me any help in the matter. He did give me a couple
of hints of places to look in the source code, but he wouldn't tell me what I was looking for.
After literally weeks of staring at the printouts of source code, I found the problem,
patched it and promptly posted the patch on the commercial services.
Probably my only claim to fame, but at least we could use Forth on the Geneve. About
this time Lutz Winkler was working on an eighty column Forth for the Digit AVPC eighty
column card. Since it too used a 9938, he had the same problem with the original port.
By the time I got together with him, he had figured out the patch on his own and was
working on the eighty column editor.
We decided that since both systems used a 9938, his Forth should work on a Geneve,
so I became a beta tester for eighty column Forth. The package would run on the Geneve,
but messed up everything on exit which meant that one had to reboot the machine to use
it for anything else. We put our heads together and worked on that one for awhile until we
came up with a fix. Following his suggestions about where the problem might be, I was
able to write three or four lines of Forth code and insert them into an empty space on
screen three which solved the problem and allowed one to exit Forth without having to
reboot. I promptly uploaded this version to the commercial services and we had an
eighty column Forth for the Geneve.
My second claim to fame.
Mike McCann wanted to port his Forth software to the Geneve and asked me if I knew
of any compiler for the Geneve. I recommended Lutz Winkler's package, but he wanted
something that would run in native mode and not GPL. I put him together with Paul
Charlton, but they couldn't come to terms on royalties.
Mike ended up writing his own Forth package called 9640 Forth. After he had ported
his own software, he offered the package for sale and I bought as soon as it was available.
I used 9640 Forth exclusively until I started noticing messages on Delphi from Bill
Sullivan. It seemed that he was writing a Forth compiler for the Geneve. It was called
MMS Forth for Memory Management System. I got a copy from Bill as soon as I could
and have been using it for sometime now. I have a couple of big applications that I've
been working on for years, and if I live long enough they might get finished.
Bill has revised his package a couple of times and it is now called Forth+. It is without
a doubt, hands down, the most total programming environment that the Geneve has
ever seen. It is probably also the last major Forth effort that the Geneve world will ever see.
So, yes, there is a Forth compiler for the TI and Geneve.
Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ012
Can I user 720K and 1.4Meg Floppy's on my Genve?
By Ken
<[email protected]>
[The following is a post left in response to a question.
Ken gave permission for the selection to be included ]
> On Thu, 5 Mar 1998 18:25:24 +0000 Richard Twyning
> <[email protected]> writes:
>
>HELP! I haven't tried this, and it's always seemed like it was
>impossible but...
>
>Will the GENEVE in a particular version of MDOS support 720K floppies
>on the MYARC HFDCC? And which version of MDOS do I need?
>Will 5 do it? And what CRU would I need it on?
>--
>Richard Twyning
>
Richard, the Myarc HFDC will support the use of 720K floppy
drives with the Geneve (it doesn't matter which version of M-DOS), AND it
also works with the TI! The 720K support is in the HFDC EPROM (you
should have version H11). However, M-DOS 2.00 and later supports 1.44MB
floppy drives. Since the 1.44MB support is ONLY a feature of M-DOS
(unfortunately), you would not be able to use the 1.44MB floppies with
the HFDC on a TI, nor can you use it when you have used "ROMPAGE*" or the
"/R*" command in EXEC, on the Geneve. If someone EVER writes the 1.44MB
support code for the HFDC EPROM, then you would have the 1.44MB support
on all platforms.
Just to reiterate, ALL versions of M-DOS after 2.00, support
1.44MB floppies! As far as the CRU goes, I believe the HFDC _has_ to be
at CRU 1100. If you ARE using the HFDC, there should be no reason the
HFDC is not at CRU 1100 - unless you are still using a separate disk
controller for floppy access. The HFDC - with the H11 version of the
EPROM - has full floppy support, so there is no reason not to use it.
There are only a few (VERY FEW) programs that won't work with the HFDC,
but those few programs (to me) are not reason enough to NOT have 1.44MB
support.
Incidentally, on the 8-position DIP switch on the HFDC, all the
odd numbered switches (1, 3, 5, 7) should be in the up/on position. This
sets the HFDC floppy head-step rate to the faster setting (8 ms) and also
allows the program, CYA** (by Tim Tesch) to set the head-step rate even
faster (as your particular brand of floppy drive will allow). The even
numbered switches are for selecting 40-track (off) or 80-track (on)
floppy drives.
NOTE! The HFDC will NOT support the use of 1.2MB floppy drives. So
don't bother trying to use a dual (1.44/1.2MB) floppy drive, either... it
doesn't work. I've tried it! The 1.44MB portion MAY work, but not the
1.2MB part.
* ROMPAGE & /R "pages-in" the code from the HFDC EPROM and negates the
support of 1.44MB floppies, until you: quit the program that loaded the
ROM code, press "Ctrl-Shift-Shift" in GPL, or return to M-DOS...
whichever the case may be.
** CYA stands for, "Configure-Your-Autoexec".
I hope this helps (everyone) out!
- Ken
Return to table of contents.
==========================================================================
TIFAQ013
How do I set up a system and what are my expansion options?
By Andy Frueh
<[email protected]>
First, it is necessary to stress that no FAQ can anticipate all
questions or all possibilities. For that reason, consider the
information given here to be a generalization. Specific hardware
installation instructions have filled entire books. If you have a
specific question or unusual difficulty, just refer your question to
***newgroup/email list/address...maybe a few different places to go for
help by internet, email, phone, and letter?
Setting up a TI-99/4A can be very simple or somewhat complicated,
depending on the accessories and options that came with your unit. To
make things as simple as possible, we will begin by describing some of
the accessories you may have.
Console - the 4A console is contains the "brains" of your computer.
All other accessories plug into the console either directly or (as
we'll see later) indirectly. The console has a keyboard, power switch,
the cartridge slot, and many jacks or ports. It may be black and
silver or beige depending on the age of the unit. The beige model was
made nearest to the end of the 4A's production run, but both are (for
all practical purposes) identical on the inside.
SPECIAL NOTE: When the computer is all connected and you turn it on,
the first thing you see on your television or monitor (the 4A can be
connected to either), the first thing you will see is the "Master Title
Screen." If this title screen has a 1983 copyright date and says
"V2.2" in the lower right corner, some cartridges from third-party
manufacturers may not run. CorComp made an accessory for this console
to allow these cartridges to run.
To begin using your 4A, you need the following equipment: the console,
power cord (you can't use just any cord...the 4A requires a special AC
adapter made by TI) and either a television or a monitor. Any
television will work, but you need a 4A compatible RF Modulator. The
modulator is a device similar to those that come with many other
1970's-1980's home computers, and almost all home video game consoles.
These devices connect the computer or video game to the television. A
sliding switch allows you to select either normal television operation,
or allows the computer/game to use the TV. If you are using a monitor,
it must be composite. Apple II/Iie-compatible composite monitors work,
as do some Commodore monitors. TI made a 9" monitor especially for the
TI-99 series. If you use a monitor, you will also need a TI monitor
cable (instead of the RF modulator).
So you have the computer itself, your display and the necessary cables
to connect the computer to that display, and the power cord. Now what?
The AC adapter has a plug on the end with 4 small holes. This plug
fits into a jack on the back of the computer. It only fits one way, so
you don't have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way. Plug the
AC adapter into a working wall power jack.
Next, connect the display. Whether you use a monitor or TV/RF
Modulator combination, one end of your connecting cable will be round
with 5 pins. That plug connects to a round 5-pin jack on the back of
the computer. There's a notch in the plug and the jack to help you
connect it. Make sure the notches line up and insert the cable.
If you have a monitor, the other end of the cable is split into a Y.
One end of the Y has an RCA-type connector. This goes in the "Video
IN" on the back of your monitor. The other half of the Y has an 1/8"
mini connector (like a pair of headphones). This connector plugs into
the "Audio IN" on the monitor. Some monitors may not support audio.
If this is the case, you can still get sound. You will need a pair of
computer speakers (the powered ones with volume control would be best).
If the speakers don't have an 1/8" jack to plug the 1/8" end of the
monitor cable into, you can buy an adapter from almost any store that
sells personal stereo/walkman accessories. The adapter will have two
1/8" jacks. You plug the monitor cable into one of them and the
speakers plug into the other jack on the adapter.
If you are using a television, the round 5-pin cable has the RF
modulator attached. The modulator has a short cable attached with two
metal ends. These ends plug into the two antenna terminals on the back
of your television. If you do not have these terminals, you may need a
"300-to-75 ohm" adapter. The easiest thing to do in this case is to
take the modulator to your local electronic parts store and tell them
you need to plug the modulator into your television, but that you need
an adapter to make it fit. They should be able to help you. If you DO
have the right terminals, unscrew each of them, slip one of the
c-shaped ends from the modulator between the terminal and the screw,
then tighten the screws. If you have an antenna or cable running to
your TV, the modulator has a place to connect that.
You should be ready to get started! Turn on the television and slide
the switch on the modulator toward the word "computer" that is printed
on the face of the modulator. If you are using a monitor, just turn it
on. Next, turn on your computer. For black and silver consoles, the
power switch is on the right side of the front of the case, to the
right of the space bar. There is a little red light beside it. If
that light is on and your telelvision/monitor are properly connected,
you should see the Master Title Screen. On beige consoles, the power
switch is almost in the same location. It's a small sliding switch,
but there is no power light. Instead, an orange or blue band appears.
That band is your "on indicator."
If you don't see anything, there are many things that may be wrong.
First, check all of your connections. You might want to plug a lamp
into the wall outlet that you plugged the computer into, to make sure
that it's "live." Check your monitor or RF modulator connections.
They may easily work loose. RF modulators and AC adapters are fairly
common components, so you may want to see if you can find replacements.
Check other parts of the TI FAQ for information on vendors and
suppliers.
You may have other devices that came with your system. Three fairly
common ones are the cassette recorder, speech synthesizer, and
joysticks.
The cassette recorder allows you to store and retrieve data and
programs from audio cassette tape. While this device was very popular
early on, they have largely been discarded in favor of disk drives. To
connect the cassette recorder to your 4A, you will need the
4A-compatible cassette cable. The cable has a 9-hole plug on one end,
and three small plugs on the other. On an original TI-made cassette
recorder, the jacks that each of these three small plugs connect to are
color-coded. Simply match the color of the cable with the color of the
jack. If you don't *** ___________red =3D? White=3D? and black goes
into the remote jack. Not all cassette recorders have a remote jack.
It's a nice feature to have, since it allows the computer to control
the motor on the recorder. If your recorder doesn't support this, you
will need to manually stop/pause the tape when needed. The other end
of the cable plugs into a 9-pin jack on the back of the computer.
There is a similar jack on the left side of the computer, but they
aren't interchangeable. Using a cassette recorder is beyond the scope
of this portion of the FAQ.
The jack on the left side of the console is for joysticks. You must
use joysticks made by TI, or you will need a special adapter. The
joysticks simply plug into the side of the console.
If you have a speech synthesizer, some programs may allow the computer
to speak to you. The synthesizer plugs into a special port on the
right side of the computer. On black and silver consoles, this port is
protected by a sliding plastic door. Beige models do not have this
cover. Gently slide the synthesizer into this port. Some modules that
support speech are: Alpiner and Parsec game cartridges, TI Extended
BASIC and Terminal Emulator II (requires programming), and educational
modules by Scott, Foresman.
One hardware accesory that doesn't seem to fit into any other category
is the Cartridge Expander. Made by Navarone and also known as a
"Widgit," this expander allows you to keep three cartridges plugged
into the computer at once. You can only USE one at time, however. A
roatary or sliding switch allows you to select which cartridge is
active. Most users plug the Extended BASIC, Editor/Assembler, and Disk
Manager cartridges into their expanders. This gives them access to
most software, since 90% of all 4A software can be run from either the
Extended BASIC or Editor/Assembler cartridges. Having the Disk Manager
is just plain convenient (even though there are better disk-based disk
managers such as DM-1000, DISKU, and Funnelweb's Disk Review).
There are several other devices that may be attached to your computer.
The first peripherals that TI made plugged into the same side port as
the speech synthesizer. These included a 32K memory expansion (making
the system total 48K), a disk drive controller that could control 3
single-sided and single-density external drives (drives sold
seperately!), an RS232 device (to control modems and printers). For
the most part, these devices require no external power supply. The
port on the computer that they plug into also carries both data AND the
necessary power for the entire chain of devices. Of course, the major
disadvantage with such an expansion scheme is that you could very
easily wind up with a computer that's over 4 feet wide! Rumor has it
that if you plug in all of the devices that TI made to attach to this
side port at the same time, you would have a 5-foot wide 4A! These
devices are somewhat rare, as they were replaced with a new method of
expansion well before their prices came within the reach of most
consumers. ***(INSERT OUTRAGE PRICE EXAMPLE HERE)
In the early 1980's these daisy-chained devices were replaced by a new
method of system expansion, the Peripheral Expansion Box. The PE Box
is a large and heavy metal box with a large, flat, black cable. This
large cable plugs into the port on the right side of your console.
Expansion cards (very similar to those used in modern personal
computers) plugged into the box. This system was MUCH neater, and is
shown in most of TI's advertising with Bill Cosby (TI's spokesman at
the time). This device is usually featured placed behind the console
with a monitor sitting on top. What this pictures doesn't show is that
when the PE Box is placed directly behind the 4A console, you can't get
to the disk drives! The console itself blocks the drive door, so you
have to make sure the PE Box is far enough behind the console to give
your disks room to slide in and out.
The PE Box is best described as beastly elegance. It's considered a
beast because it's made of ***STEEL/ALUMINIUM and is quite heavy (and
rugged). It's also very noisy because of it's internal fan (which some
users replace...check ***WHERE? for more info) and quite large
***DIMENSIONS HERE. And of course, there's the "fire house" cable that
plugs the PE Box into the console. It's elegance comes in its
flexibility. All of your expansion cards slide right into it - a much
neater option than chaining a bunch of text-book sized devices off the
side of your computer!
There is space in the PE Box for one full-height or two half-height
disk drives. Cards were either enclosed in a metal "clamshell" or left
bare or "PC style." There are ***HOW MANY? slots inside the box, and
it doesn't matter which cards go in which slots. The only exception to
this rule is the disk controller, which most users place in the last or
next to last slot. The disk controller card has a cable coming off of
it that plugs into the drive or drives in the bay integrated into the
PE Box itself. To make connecting this cable easier, and to keep the
cable from interfering with other cards, put the controller in slots
***7 or 8.
What cards are/were available? The short list reads something like
this:
Flex interface - this is required to attach the computer to the box.
This card usually occupies slot #1.
32K memory expansion - This card adds an additional 32K, bringing the
console up to the (mostly theoretical and proven untrue) maximum of 48K
RS232 - used to control printers and modems. If you want to use a
modem, it's usually best to keep it at around 4800 baud. 9600 may
work, but are usually too fast for the computer to keep up with. Any
Hayes-compatible 1200, 2400, or 4800 modem should be fine. You will
need a special cable (of course). For printers, you should try to find
a 9 or 24-pin Epson compatible dot matrix printer. Most software was
written to be Epson compatible, since the TI Impact Printer was an
Epson ***MX-80? with TI's label on it. And yes, you need a special
cable.
Disk Controller - TI's disk controller gives you access to anywhere
from one to three double-sided, single-density drives, which will hold
about 180K worth of information each. They usually come with the Disk
Manager or Disk Manager 2 cartridge.
USCD Pascal card - This card is essentially a replacement for the TI
operating system which is inside the console. The Pascal card gives
the user access to programs written in USCD Pascal. There isn't a huge
library of this software available, however, although the history of
USCD Pascal and this card is interesting (and a subject unto itself!)
Other manufacturers have also made a wide range of cards for the PE
Box. Some examples of the more common ones (and a few rare ones worth
mentioning) include:
CorComp and Myarc both made a series of cards that were direct
replacements for the TI cards. These include 32K memory expansions,
RS232, and disk controllers. The disk controllers of both Myarc and
CorComp expand on the features provided by the TI card. They both give
you access to 4 drives instead of three, support double-side
double-density disks (360K), and are usually faster than the TI card.
CorComp Triple Tech - This card provided a real-time clock/calendar
(with external power supply), 64K print buffer, and a place to install
your speech synthesizer if you wanted to remove it from the side of
your console. While there is little software to take advantage of the
clock, the print buffer and speech connection can both be used by any
software designed to print or speak.
256/512K cards from CorComp and Myarc - These cards are early examples
of the RAM disk. A RAM disk acts like a regular disk drive, but
instead of storing data on flexible media, it stores the data on memory
chips. This gives you MUCH greater speed than an ordinary disk, but
are more prone to corrupting data or wiping it completely, so always
back it up! Both companies made 256K and 512K RAM disks. CorComp's
would work IN ADDITION to the 32K card, which is unusual. Print
spooling software was usually included as well, so you could split the
RAM disk into a disk and a spooler.
Foundation RAM cards - Avoid these. They are generally inflexible and
you may spend a lot of time trying to get them to work as a normal RAM
disk. ***Anything else to say about them?
Horizon RAM disks - If you want a RAM disk, THESE are the ones to try
and find. ***No experience with these. History/various models/current
status
Geneve - This is another topic as well. The Geneve is a "computer on a
card" that completely replaces the 4A console. It uses the PE Box and
the cards that it contains to do its work. It comes with a mouse and
larger keyboard, and has a faster processor and better graphics. It
can also access more memory. Most 4A software will run on the Geneve,
and there is lots of Geneve-specific software, giving it quite an
extensive library. ***REFER TO ANOTHER PART OF THIS FAQ?
Mechatronic Mouse/Asgard Mouse - These mouse interfaces could have been
most useful. However, so much software made use of the keyboard
instead of a mouse that they never really caught on. You may find a
few pieces of software that take advantage of them, but most software
just uses the keyboard (which, as we shall see, can also be upgraded).
Dijit AVPC/Mechatronic 80 Column Card - These cards give the 4A access
to an 80-column, high-resolution display. Normally, the 4A is limited
to a 40-column text mode and what could best be described as medium
resolution graphics. Adding either of these with an RGB monitor
(normally, the TI uses a composite monitor) gives a really great screen
display, with a quality similar to ***640x480x256 VGA.
FORTI music card - ***Don't have any details handy
RAMBO - ***
AMS/SuperAMS - These are memory cards that go well beyond 32K. With
these cards and software specially adapted for use with them, it is
possible for the TI to address up to ***K of RAM! The cards are easily
upgradeable. Some examples of software that use the card are ***.
How about third-party "side port" devices that do NOT plug into the PE
Box?
There are several third-party devices that plug into the side of your
computer. These include:
CorComp devices - CorComp made 32K, RS232, and Clock enhancements that
daisy-chained to the side of your console. These devices functioned
just like their TI made counterparts, but were MUCH smaller.
CorComp Micro Expansion System - This device was like a little brother
to the PE Box. It attached to the side of the console without a cable,
and was compact ***DIMENSIONS? This little box contained the 32K,
RS232, and CorComp disk controller all integrated into one unit. Disk
drives could be attached to the back of the expansion system. There
was no noisy fan and the box ran quite cool. You could buy the MES
with just the RS232 interface and add the 32K and disk controller
options to it later. The CorComp clock/calendar was not a part of this
package, and was available only as a standalone device about the size
of the speech synthesizer, or as part of the Triple Tech card described
earlier. The MES is somewhat rare. PE Boxes are much more expandable.
If you have the MES, you are limited to the devices it contains.
There is no way to add new features to the MES once it includes the
disk controller, RS232, and 32K.
MBX Expansion System - Milton Bradley released this expansion system
shortly before TI pulled the plug on the 4A. It includes a headset
with microphone, large keypad, and a 360 degree joystick! Designed to
be the ultimate gamer's system, the MBX let you control the computer by
speaking into the microphone. The keypad was used with overlays that
came with certain cartridges. You could control the cartridge by
pressing key on the keypad which were marked on the overlay. The 360
degree joystick would work as a regular joystick, but had a knob to
give you true 360 degree control. This system plugged into the
joystick port on the left side of the computer. Only cartridges
designed for the MBX system took advantage of the system's special
features.
CorComp Load Interrupt Switch - A fancy name for a rather simple
device. This gadget with a button on it lets you take screen dumps of
cartridge programs. Get to the screen you want, press the switch, and
you then load your screen dump program.
CorComp '83 Module Adapter - As stated earlier, some 1983 consoles
(that say "v2.2" on their title screens) won't let you run a lot of
third-party cartridges. This side-port device takes care of that
problem. It plugs into the side of your 4A console, then you plug the
third-party cartridge into this device.
"In the console" options include:
Son-of-a-Board - This device, made by OPA, replaces the operating
system. It is installed inside the console itself. ***brief install
procedures, what it really does
TIM - The TIM was another OPA device that you installed inside the
console. This is an 80-column/high-res graphics device.
32K/Speech/Extended BASIC in the console - It is possible to install
32K of additional RAM inside the console. Of course, it isn't possible
to use any other 32K expansion when you take this route. The advantage
is that the computer can access the memory much faster, so programs
move quicker. The disadvantage is that the procedure requires some
delicate soldering and is permanent. You can also install the speech
synthesizer and Extended BASIC cartridge inside the console, with the
same restrictions (hard to remove later, unable to change your mind,
and so on). Normally, it's possible to install just one of these
options inside the console. The RAM in the console may make the
computer too fast if your main interests in computing includes gaming
or music. The synthesizer is quite small, so there's not much point to
putting it in the console (you could get the Triple Tech card anyway).
There are many articles that describe how to perform these tasks.
RAVE99 Keyboard - One of the biggest complaints about the 4A is it's
small keyboard. Rave came out with a keyboard upgrade. You removed
your old keyboard and plugged an adapter in its place. Rave's keyboard
plugs into the adapter and is similar to 101 key IBM PC/XT keyboards.
***ANYTHING I'VE MISSED? ADD IT! : - )
Return to table of contents.
=======================================================================
TIFAQ014
What is Funnelweb?
By Andy Frueh
<[email protected]>
Funnelweb began as FunnelWriter, a replacement for TI-Writer.
TI-Writer, published by Texas Instruments, was released in the public
domain when TI pulled out of the market. TI released what was to be
version 2 of the word processor to user groups. Many individuals made
modifications to the program, but FunnelWriter caught on because it
offered several unique features.
Over time, it grew to become a complete operating environment. It has
the ability to load Extended BASIC programs (if it is itself loaded
from the Extended BASIC cartridge. Just insert the cartridge, insert
the disk, press any key at the master title screen, then press 2 for
Extended BASIC and Funnelweb loads). It can also run its version of
TI-Writer, the TI-Writer formatter (used to get special print features
such as centering, bold, justification, and so on) and almost any
Assembly language program. Most good disk utilities and games were
written in Assembly, and you had to have the Editor/Assembler cartridge
to run them. It also includes a great disk manager in its DiskReview
program. It's goal seems to be to run the greatest number of programs
from the least hardware possible. All that's required is a console,
32K, disk system, and either the Extended BASIC cartridge (strongly
suggested) or the Editor/Assembler cartridge. It can take advantage of
other devices including the RS232 (for telecommunications programs or
for printing) and most 80-column devices including the Geneve computer.
The package includes documentation on disk. The docs only describe
using those features created especially for Funnelweb. There is no
TI-Writer manual, but you can find that manual many places, often for
just the cost of shipping.
This is a highly customizeable piece of software. You can create your
own menus of programs, set screen colors, set a default "program" disk
drive and "work files/documents" disk drive, and set other options.
These options are described in the documentation.
Funnelweb is shareware from Australia, and users are asked to send a
donation to the authors, Tony and Will McGovern. This program has
evolved greatly over many, many years, and is one of the finest
examples of programming on a TI-99/4A.
***Maybe mention the SuperAMS support which may be coming? Any other
earth-shattering features I've left out?
Return to table of contents.
=====================================================================
TIFAQ015
Can I get on the Internet with My 99/4a?
By John Bull
<[email protected]>
Yes, if you are content to transmit and receive text only - no
graphics - plus file uploads and downloads. You can handle email,
lists, and usenet. WWW sites are not pretty - no pictures - but you
get the text. You will be *very* slow by internet standards and it is
awkward to view 80 column text by windowing a 40 column screen - but
the net is the net and it is worth it.
What you need:
Hardware: Console, PEBox with 32K memory expansion, disk controller
and floppy drive, RS232 card, and 2400 baud modem. A ramdisk, two
drives, and a printer are *very* handy.
Software: Telco is excellent, FastTerm is unfamiliar to me but some
like it, Jeff Brown's Term80 has advantages - 80 columns - but
inconveniences - no log function. Also, TIWriter or FunlWeb.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) that is accessable by local phone.
Delphi provides ASCII text access for $12.95 for 6 hours a month,
$19.95 for 20 hours. AOL and Compuserve are exclusively GUI, Graphic
User Interface which we cannot handle. Shop around locally; there are
freenets and many others that can serve well but remember that you
need ASCII service.
How to proceed:
Load communication program. Telco loads on power-up of Extended Basic,
else load and run the file TELCO with Load and Run in the Load
function of FunlWeb, TIWriter, or Editor/Assembler. Easiest and
quickest is from a ramdisk.
Configure the program. For this you need to read and reread your
software manual. You will need VT100 emulation for most ISP's, 40
columns, cr in and out, line wrap, screen scroll, full duplex, baud
rate 2400, and parity 8N1. Also load the ISP phone number into the
autodialer.
Connect the modem to power, phone line, and RS232 card. A two-way
switch from Radio Shack may be handy for the phone. The modem cable
will have to be modified for the TI RS232 card. You may need expert
help with this - I did.
Dial your ISP access phone number and use the logon routine specified
by the ISP, then your username and password. The password does not
appear on the screen. Choose mail or other service of the ISP and you
are on the net.
You will receive 80 column text on your 40 column screen and will have
to window to view the full text. With Telco this is done with 5 and
3. It helps if you can tell your ISP to pause at the end of each
screen.
I find it helpful to use Telco's LOG function to save everything to
disk. After logging off you can then read at leisure, edit, print, or
delete. Except for brief responses, composing a message "live" on the
screen is clumsy unless you are are a more precise typist than me. I
use FunlWeb to compose messages in advance, edit, and save to disk.
Then, on the net, upload in ASCII.
To subscribe to Tom Wills' TI99 list send an email to
[email protected], leave the subject line blank, and in the body
of your msg write - subscribe ti99 - and nothing else. There are about
150 of us on it and it is right lively - also some folks who know the
TI inside out.
Have fun!
Return to table of contents.
======================================================================
TIFAQ016
What is PC99
By Mike Wright for Cadd Electronics
<[email protected]>
PC99 Stage 5 product description 980201
PC99 is a program that emulates the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A Home
Computer and selected peripherals. PC99 runs in protected mode under DOS,
or in a Windows 95 DOS box, on an IBM or compatible 386 (or higher) PC.
PC99 features include:
TMS9900 16-bit processor: Fully emulated.
All 69 instructions and all corresponding addressing modes are
implemented.
TMS9918A Video Display Processor: Fully emulated.
Up to 16K VDP memory can be addressed.
Supports graphics, text, multicolor and bitmap modes (including
so-called half-bitmap mode); and sprites.
TMS9901 Programmable Systems Interface: All of the features used
on the 99/4A are fully emulated.
TMS9919 Sound Processor:
Standard PC: PC99 only emulates TI sound channel 1. This is a PC
limitation.
PC with Sound Blaster: Fully emulated.
Joystick port:
Standard PC: Fully emulated using PC ALT function keys
( - ).
PC with game port: Fully emulated.
Command module port: Fully emulated.
"Command modules" are DOS files. TI, DataBioTics,
MBX, and Mechatronic bank switching schemes are implemented.
GROMs: Up to 16 banks, each containing 5 8K GROMs, can be loaded.
Multiple GROM banks are emulated using the REVIEW MODULE LIBRARY
feature in the TI console.
TI 32K memory expansion card: Fully emulated.
This peripheral contains 8K of low memory and 24K of high memory.
All of this memory is treated as if it were on the TI fast 16-bit
bus.
Myarc 512K memory expansion card: Full emulated.
This peripheral contains 32K of memory which is used as standard
TI 32K memory expansion. The rest of the memory can be partitioned
into a 128K space for Myarc XB II, and a RAM disk and print spooler.
AMS memory card: Fully emulated.
You can select whether to emulate the 128K, 256K, 512K or 1Mb
version of the card depending on how much PC memory you have
available.
TI disk controller: Fully emulated.
The TI disk controller supports up to three drives. Each disk can
contain 720 256-byte sectors (DSSD).
Myarc disk controller: Fully emulated.
The Myarc disk controller supports up to four drives. Each disk
can contain 1440 256-byte sectors (DSDD).
TI RS232 primary card: Fully emulated,
if the PC has up to two COM ports and one parallel port.
PC99 can exchange data at up to 9,600 bps over the PC COMn ports,
and can drive a TI compatible printer connected to the PC LPTn port.
TI p-Code card: Fully emulated.
This card consists of a bank-switched 8K ROM and 8 6K GROMs and
lets you run programs developed for the UCSD p-System.
TI Speech Synthesizer: Partially emulated.
All of the software functions of the TMS5200 are fully emulated,
but no audible speech is generated. This allows you to run programs
that require the Speech Synthesizer.
PC99 "card": This is a software only "card", and was not an original
TI or third-party peripheral. This "card" contains a DSR for the
support of a real-time clock which emulates the CorComp Triple-Tech
clock.
PC99 debugger: Displays a TI "Mini-Screen" surrounded by editable
objects which allow you to control every aspect of PC99. With the
debugger, you can stop any TI application at any time, including
during disk access. You can single-step through any TI application,
set breakpoints and watchpoints, examine and change any TI
addressable memory (CPU, GROM, VDP, and command module space),
and read and write the VDP write-only registers.
Command modules: TI Extended Basic, Editor/Assembler, Tombstone City and
Mechatronic Extended Basic II Plus are included.
Documentation: Supplied on disk. PC99, and Myarc Disk Manager: about 150
pages in WordPerfect 5.1 and ASCII format. Myarc 512K card, Myarc
Extended Basic II, and Mechatronic Extended Basic II Plus manuals are
supplied in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
Transfer Utilities: Allow you to move your TI-99/4A Command Modules and
disk library to your PC. The utilities transfer binary images of TI
disks, in both directions. You need a GRAM device, such as The
Gramulator from CaDD (no longer in production), to convert Command
Modules to disk format.
Standard Utilities: Allow you to: configure PC99; catalog TI disk files
from DOS; extract TI files from TI "disks" and make them DOS files;
take extracted TI files and convert them for use in PC programs,
such as WordPerfect; and import TI files downloaded from bulletin
boards or the World-Wide Web.
There are two PC99 products available: Full and Light. The Full product is
the equivalent of:
1) A TI-99/4A console with choice of TI or OPA ROMs and GROMs and
support for up to 16 GROM-based command modules.
2) A Peripheral Expansion Box containing a TI 32K or Myarc 512K
or AMS memory card; TI or Myarc Disk Controller; TI RS-232 card;
TI p-Code card; and PC99 "card" (real-time clock).
3) A TI Speech Synthesizer (speech functions work, no audible
speech is produced).
4) TI Extended Basic, TI Editor/Assembler, Tombstone City, and
Mechatronic Extended Basic II Plus command modules. In
addition, you have access to the PC99 Mini-Screen debugger.
The following table shows the difference in features between each
product.
-- PC99 Full ------ PC99 Light
Program name PC99.EXE PC99A.EXE PC99L.EXE
p-System (p-Code card) Yes Yes No
16 GROM banks Yes Yes No
PC99 Mini-Screen debugger Yes No No
With either PC99 product you can run TI-99/4A Command Modules and
disk-based programs with few limitations. Each product includes files
containing all necessary ROMs and GROMs.
CaDD is either licensed or has permission from the owners to distribute
this copyrighted code.
The minimum recommended machine to run PC99 is a 486 66MHz.
Full product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$94
Light product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$47
Price includes shipping and handling anywhere in the world.
PC99 is supplied on three 3.5" 1.44Mb PC diskettes, and a 5.25" TI
diskette.
WARNING: There is no guarantee that any further development will take
place after Stage 5. Please understand this before placing an order.
CaDD Electronics,
45 Centerville Drive,
Salem, NH 03079-2674
603-895-0119, 603-893-1450
Return to table of contents.
=========================================================================
TIFAQ017
Can I use my TI 99/4A on the internet?
By Lew King
<[email protected]>
Q: Can I use my TI 99/4A on the internet?
A: Yes and no! At this time, there is no software that will allow a
direct PPP (Point to Point Protocol) connection. However the TI
works very well on a text based Unix shell account.
Q: Does this mean that I will have to learn Unix to use the TI on
the net?
A: Again, yes and no. Some internet service providers have a menu driven
interface, that is familiar to all TI users. Other service providers
put you directly at a Unix prompt after login. But, half a dozen
simple commands are all that is needed to get started.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: Of course a TI 99/4A consol, 32k expansion memory, at least one disk
drive, an RS232 port, a modem, and connecting cable. The memory, disk
drive, and RS232 can either be in the PE Box, or as separate
peripherals.
Also, a terminal emulator program is needed. There are several to
choose
from.
Q: My modem is an older 1200 baud model. Will it work?
A: Yes, if you're not in a hurry. The slow speed could be a problem
if your ISP (internet service provider) imposes a time limit, as
some do.
Q: I don't have a modem. The new ones available are all 33.6k or
56k models. Will they work?
A: The 33.6k modems will definitely work, in fact much better than the
older ones. Some 56k modems will only go down to 32,000 baud, which
is too fast for the TI, and won't work. Check the specs before you
buy one.
Q: What type of cable will I need to connect the modem to the RS232 port?
A: There are many different types of cable configurations that can be
used.
The simplest one with just three wires works well. 2 to 3, 3 to 2,
and 7 to 7. Since the only type of flow control on the TI at this
time is with the software X-ON and X-OFF, additional connections are
not needed.
Q: I have every thing connected properly, but when I type an AT command,
a bunch of garbage is echoed to the screen.
A: When a modem first powers up, it is set to factory defaults. On the
newer high speed modems, this is not compatable with the TI. These
values can be changed with various AT commands. Refer to your modem
manual. In general, you will want to enable XON/XOFF (AT&K5), set the
speed to a slower value such as 9600 (ATS37=9), disable data
compression (AT%C0), etc. These values can be put in an
initialization string to be automatically sent to the modem each time
the terminal program is booted.
Or, after typing these in, issue the command ATW1. This will store
every thing in NV RAM in the modem as user profile #1. Then the
initialization string only needs to be ATZ1, to recall the stored
profile. As commands will vary some from modem to modem, again refer
to the manual.
Q: Now that I have everything working OK, where do I find a Internet
Service Provider that will work with the TI.
A: Many commercial services provide a text based Unix shell account,
as well as a PPP connection. Check with your friends, neighbors, and
co workers to see what service they use. Also newspapers usually have
ads for local service providers. Compare the prices and services, as
they do vary.
There are many free nets through out the world. Try ofcn.org for a
list of some of the free nets. They are by country, and further
broken down by province, state, or territory. Not all free nets are
listed here, and some are hard to find. So check with your local
library, and county or local school district to see if one is
available. Not all free nets are free. Some charge a nominal fee
depending on the ammount of connect time, available disk space for
your files and web page etc.
Q: After logging in to my account, all I get is " % or $ ". Now what?
A: The percent sign or the dollar sign is the Unix command prompt. At
this point, you basically have the world at your fingertips. Most
users will want to do at least two things. Access the internet, and
use e-mail. The text based browser to use the internet is "lynx".
There are several e-mail programs. The easiest one to use is "pine".
It is full featured and menu driven, very easy to use.
Q: How do I use lynx?
A: At the prompt type "lynx", a space, and the site you want to visit.
Example: lynx geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2761/mug1998.html , will
connect you to the web site for the 1998 MUG Conference at Lima.
When you reach a web site, the space bar takes you forward a page,
and the hyphen -, back a page. The left arrow (fctn s)goes back a
link. The right arrow (fctn d), or enter, acts upon whatever the
cursor is on at that time. If the cursor is on a file name, that
file will be displayed. Not too useful for a binary file. If the
cursor is on a link, you will be connected to that link. At any time
in lynx, hitting the delete or backspace (fctn1,fctn9, or ^h), will
bring up a history list of the links you have been to. Just choose
one of them to go back to that link.
Q: I found several sites that I want to go back to, but don't like to
write down all those cryptic addresses. Is there an easier way?
A: Yes, much easier. When the cursor is on any link, type "a" then "l",
this will save that link to a book mark file. At any time in lynx
then hit "v" to bring up the book mark list to choose from. Or. start
lynx with "lynx -book. This again will present the book mark file to
choose from.
Q: How can I download files?
A: When the cursor is on a file name, hit "d". This will bring up a
menu which may include "save to disk","kermit download" or "zmodem
download".
Save to disk will transfer the file to your home directory, the
quickest method. Kermit won't work. Zmodem calls up "sz" which
supports x,y, and z modem transfers. On most terminal programs
xmodem is your only choice.
If using term-80, choose option F from the menu. Then only select the
disk drive you want the file on. The rest is automatic. File names
longer than ten characters will be truncated. Periods will be changed
to the underbar _. To transfer a file from your home directory to
your TI, use "sz filename" For a text file use "sz -a filename".
This changes the Unix NL (new line) to cr lf which is more usable on
the TI. Again using "sz" with option F on the term-80 download menu,
as many files as will fit on one disk can be put on the command line
for automatic downloading.
Q: Can lynx do any more?
A: Yes, much more. At any time while using lynx, hit "? or h". This
will bring up an online help screen. As with most other Unix
commands, type "man command". This will give you the online manual.
Most manual pages are longer than one screen, so part of it will
scroll past before it can be read. In this case, type "man lynx
>>lynxhelp". This will send the output of man to the file "lynxhelp".
Then type "more lynxhelp" to view the file one screen at a time. You
can also use "sz -a lynxhelp" to save the file on your home computer.
Q:, FTP just won't work. How do I get to a ftp site?
A: Just type "lynx ftp.sitename" For example: "lynx ftp.whtech.com" will
connect you to the WHT ftp site, ready to download any of the latest
scsi files.
Q: Pine not only doesn't work, but it insults me. I get the error
message "Your terminal of type dumb lacks functions needed for pine".
How can I correct this?
A: Pine and other programs need to know what type of terminal you are
using.
After login, type "set term=vt100", or an equivalent string depending
on the shell you are using. Also typing "echo set term=vt100 >>
.login" appends this string to the ".login" file for automatic
execution on every login. Again the exact string and file name will
depend on the shell used. This example is for the popular "C" shell.
Q: I want to save my e-mail messages to a disk file. Can this be done
with pine?
A: Yes, use the letter "e" for export while reading a message, or with
the cursor on any message when in the index list. You will be
prompted for a file name. This file will be in your home directory,
then can be downloaded using "sz". If there are a lot of e-mail
messages, say 30 or 40, it may be easier to export each one as they
are numbered in the list. Such as 1,2,3, etc. These can be
downloaded seperatly, or added together with the "cat" command.
Cat 1 2 3 ...>>bigfile. This will conCATenate all the files into
"bigfile" which can be downloaded quickly.
Don't forget to "rm" remove all the numbered files. Otherwise you
will get the error message "file already exists" the next time you try
this.
Q: Are there any more pine commands?
A: Yes, but they are all from a menu, and no explanation is needed.
Q: I downloaded a 350kb text file to my home directory. This is too
large to fit on one DSSD disk. How can I get this on my TI?
A: Easy, use the Unix split command, "split filename". This will split
a large file into smaller parts. Each new file will have the original
file name with a,b,c, etc. appended to it. Make sure the new files
don't go over the TI ten character limit. If necessary, rename the
file to a shorter name with the "mv" command before splitting. Use
"man split" to get the exact syntax for your system.
Q: All the text files I downloaded are in the DF/128 format. Can this be
changed to DV/80 to use in a editor?
A: Yes, Bruce Harrison has come to the rescue again with a EA/5 utility
called "CONV128". This will quickly convert any size DF/128 file to
DV/80.
Q: Is there anything else that I should know?
A: Yes, at this point the serious user will want to get two good books.
One on the internet use, and another on Unix.
Q: I have a new PC with the latest everything. Why would I even want to
use the old TI 99/4A on the internet.
A: You may not want to. However if you are bored with the "point an
click" routine, adventurous, and like a challenge, then the TI is the
way to go.
There is also a certain ammount of satisfaction in pushing older
hardware to the limit in a high tech world, and being one of only a
few persons that can do so. This also presents an opportunity to
learn more about the internet, than would be otherwise possible.
This FAQ was produced on a Texas Instruments 99/4A computer using
FunnelWeb 5.01, 4.40HD editor. Upload to the internet was by way of
Term-80 at 9600 baud using Y-modem protocol.
Any questions can be directed to Lew King,
[email protected] .
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