Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 15 Share Posted August 15 Hey, I have a TI99/4A computer, and I noticed the power connector is the same as ColecoVision’s connector, and they use the same pinout. The TI has the internal power inside the console to turn on with a huge fat power supply, and is it possible to use the ColUSB USB-C power adapter to turn on the TI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary from OPA Posted August 15 Share Posted August 15 56 minutes ago, Retro_Game_Lover96 said: Hey, I have a TI99/4A computer, and I noticed the power connector is the same as ColecoVision’s connector, and they use the same pinout. The TI has the internal power inside the console to turn on with a huge fat power supply, and is it possible to use the ColUSB USB-C power adapter to turn on the TI? The Colecovision outputs DC volts on that connection. Whereas the TI external brick outputs higher AC voltage and then the other half inside the console converts it down to 12 and 5 and -5 volts inside. The Colecovision did everything externally originally. You might be able to use it but it would require removing the board inside the console as well and wiring up the switch, led, and the wires correctly, not sure if the colusb outputs enough wattage, the -5 side is critical on the ti99 to be able to power the internal groms and cartridge groms. See this thread on AtariAge for more info on the colusb side: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 15 Author Share Posted August 15 I wonder if anyone has done that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary from OPA Posted August 15 Share Posted August 15 1 hour ago, Retro_Game_Lover96 said: I wonder if anyone has done that. Your best option is the device designed by @dabone see this eBay link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156240882669 And this thread: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB Posted August 16 Share Posted August 16 As far as converting the TI to use ColecoVision power supplies, that should be done with caution. As I've noted with similar proposals in the past, the process leaves the system booby-trapped because original TI power supplies are now dangerous. An unsuspecting future owner, or a distracted future you, can easily plug a TI power supply into the modified console and blow some hardware up. I would consider preserving the original power connector in this scenario to be a bug, not a feature. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 16 Author Share Posted August 16 As far as I concerned, this is the wiring diagram for the Keelog power supply, so that could bypass the old internal power supply, but the power led may not work nor the switch. The Keelog power cable should have the power switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary from OPA Posted August 16 Share Posted August 16 11 minutes ago, JB said: As far as converting the TI to use ColecoVision power supplies, that should be done with caution. As I've noted with similar proposals in the past, the process leaves the system booby-trapped because original TI power supplies are now dangerous. An unsuspecting future owner, or a distracted future you, can easily plug a TI power supply into the modified console and blow some hardware up. I would consider preserving the original power connector in this scenario to be a bug, not a feature. Yes, that is the pitfall. Same as modifying PEB cards to run without their onboard voltage regulators. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary from OPA Posted August 16 Share Posted August 16 1 minute ago, Retro_Game_Lover96 said: As far as I concerned, this is the wiring diagram for the Keelog power supply, so that could bypass the old internal power supply, but the power led may not work nor the switch. The Keelog power cable should have the power switch. Yes, that one will of course not have a switch or led. But again care must be to never ever plug in an original ti99 power brick or goodbye motherboard. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 16 Author Share Posted August 16 Yeah, if only the ColUSB could work with that mod. I saw someone’s comment about the ColUSB on a video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 18 Author Share Posted August 18 On 8/15/2024 at 8:38 PM, Retro_Game_Lover96 said: Yeah, if only the ColUSB could work with that mod. I saw someone’s comment about the ColUSB on a video. cdoty commented about it on YouTube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted August 18 Share Posted August 18 For the love of Joe Pesci... "oh, if the plug fits the port, it must work!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 Yo! I finally got it to work after I did a Keelog power wiring mod! Also, it has the RGB video, reset button, and an RGB power LED! That ColUSB should put that power brick to shame. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 (edited) The only way to shut off and turn on without unplugging is to use a usb c power switch which can be found on Amazon instead of jerking around to install a power switch inside a console, so it’s easier to use a usb power switch, or a power strip. Edited August 19 by Retro_Game_Lover96 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 (edited) Here’s how I got the ColUSB to work on my TI99/4A. Unscrew seven screws on the bottom of the console. Detach the back housing. Unscrew two screws from the power motherboard. Desolder all of the wires of the power port and the four wires which has the connector to the console’s motherboard from the board. Solder a wire on an empty port on a back of the power port which is +5V. (I used a yellow wire.) Simply solder all four wires from the power port and the other four wires from the console mobo together (similar to the Keelog power wiring) Pay attention to the wire colors! (On mine, the red is -5V, black is Ground, and white is +12V, and lastly yellow is +5V.) Test out with ColUSB to make sure it works if so, put it back together, if not, check your work. I used some heat shrink tubes to hold in place after I test to get it to work. Enjoy, but you will need an USB-C power switch for switching on and off your TI without unplugging the power cord. Also, that mod should put the fat power wall wart to shame. Keep in mind, doing the Keelog power wiring mod will bypass the power motherboard, power switch, and the power led. Edited August 19 by Retro_Game_Lover96 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tursi Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 Just to emphasize the point about CHECKING the power wiring - I have had TI motherboards where the silkscreen labels the power lines incorrectly (+5 and +12 swapped, IIRC), and if you follow the silkscreen, you'll kill the board. So anytime you're replacing the internal supply, check which pin is which voltage! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary from OPA Posted August 21 Share Posted August 21 1 hour ago, Tursi said: Just to emphasize the point about CHECKING the power wiring - I have had TI motherboards where the silkscreen labels the power lines incorrectly (+5 and +12 swapped, IIRC), and if you follow the silkscreen, you'll kill the board. So anytime you're replacing the internal supply, check which pin is which voltage! That is true. My original ti99 only has all blue wires, no colors either as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Game_Lover96 Posted August 21 Author Share Posted August 21 (edited) Please refer the video about how to wire those together. Edited August 21 by Retro_Game_Lover96 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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