TI 99/4A Screen Death

[tc...@ecsvax.uucp]

I purchased an inexpensive TI 99/4a only to plug it in and find
that it doesn't work. The t.v. screen does clear (to a sort of
murky white), but nothing happens. (a) I've checked the power
supply and it's voltage output is o.k. (b) I've tried two dif-
ferent RF connectors, and neither change the situation. (c) I
have pulled the back off and cleaned the cartridge port with an
eraser.

I note that the speech synthesizer port is a gaping hole. Is
there supposed to be some sort of null connector in there
when a speech synthesizer isn't hooked up. Could this
account for the problem?

I'll appreciate any suggestions.

[t...@vaxwaller.uucp]

>
> I purchased an inexpensive TI 99/4a only to plug it in and find
> that it doesn't work. The t.v. screen does clear (to a sort of
> murky white), but nothing happens. (a) I've checked the power
> supply and it's voltage output is o.k. (b) I've tried two dif-
> ferent RF connectors, and neither change the situation. (c) I
> have pulled the back off and cleaned the cartridge port with an
> eraser.
>
> I note that the speech synthesizer port is a gaping hole.
>

You don't need to plug the speech port. It is just an edge
connector. Pull down the plastic slide for dust.

It looks like you have a serious problem. Unless you have
a lot of time and proper equipment I suggest that you call
800-TI CARES and they will tell you how to trade your unit
in for a reconditioned one with 6mos guarantee for 36.50 .
I beleive it is worth it for I have spent many hours
trying to fix mine for a system crash problem w/out success.

Good luck, tom

--
tom cao (415) 945 2157
Varian Instruments 2700 Mitchell Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca. 94598
{zehntel,dual,amd,fortune,rtech,lll-crg,rtgvax,ptsfa,csi}!varian!vaxwaller!tom