Can someone create a "pinned" topic for TI/99/4A hardware acquisition?

[courtesi96]

I don't know how many people out there are like me but I'm interested in getting involved with the TI/99/4A but have no idea what hardware to buy or what to look for when buying hardware. In the Developer sub-forum there is a pinned topic for languages but I've seen nothing (yet) for hardware.

 

So can someone help me out? I'm looking at this purely for Turbo Forth development but may include some assembly language if needed.

 

So here is what I "think" I need:

 

A TV/Monitor capable of taking Composite.

TI/99/4A computer w/ Composite and Power cables.

32K "side upgrade" - I think it's a card that sits on the side.

A TurboForth cartridge.

 

Things I need help with:

 

Monitor: Any recommendations on something thin and around 17-19" (not too big.)

 

Data storage: What is the best medium for saving the programs? And how could I get those on the PC to pass on the Internet?

 

Joysticks: I hear the originals are not ... that good. Are there options for connecting Atari or Sega ones?

 

External keyboard: Blasphemy? Is there a way to connect an external PS/2 keyboard or such?

 

I see pictures of a big box which I guess is for expansion I would really like to avoid that if possible and keep the setup as lean as possible.

 

Anything to look out for when buying things from ebay?

[Sinphaltimus]

i can help a little bit:

A TV/Monitor capable of taking Composite. - Yes or an F18A upgrade for VGA out (add vga to hdmi adaptor and can use HDMI display) - http://codehackcreate.com/archives/30

TI/99/4A computer w/ Composite and Power cables. Yes or see above.

32K "side upgrade" - I think it's a card that sits on the side. Easiest way to get max memory least expensive. - yes but see below about the nanPEB first - https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/p/73789245

A TurboForth cartridge. - Not unless you plan to learn and program in Forth - You'll want a flashrom99 cartridge, Extended basic cartridge and Editor Assembler cart. https://github.com/endlos99/flashrom99

Things I need help with:

Monitor: Any recommendations on something thin and around 17-19" (not too big.) - Not really, a small LCD tv with composite - I got one for a dollar (17") at a yard sale.

Data storage: What is the best medium for saving the programs? And how could I get those on the PC to pass on the Internet? Without an expensive PEB you'll porbably want to look at a nanoPEB which pop up on eBay every so often. They have a compact flash card that simulates 3 floppy drives and can be red on a PC with some TI tools. Or can connect to PC via null modem cable for same capability plus BBS'ing via internet. They also come with 32k ram and cannot be used with the 32k side cart so if you go this route, don't buy the 32k sidecart. - http://webpages.charter.net/nanopeb/

Joysticks: I hear the originals are not ... that good. Are there options for connecting Atari or Sega ones? Atari ones for sure but you'll need an adaptor - https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/p/76477502

External keyboard: Blasphemy? Is there a way to connect an external PS/2 keyboard or such? - USB yes - http://ti994a.cwfk.net/TiUsbKeys.html

I see pictures of a big box which I guess is for expansion I would really like to avoid that if possible and keep the setup as lean as possible.

Anything to look out for when buying things from ebay?

[+arcadeshopper]

External keyboard there is a usb one and a ps2 one.. The USB is more current and you can get the pc boards from my site as well.

 

Greg

 

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

[+arcadeshopper]

Also I requested a pinned topic from admins

 

Greg