Maximum PC - USA (2022-02)

4

EMULATION

There are several emulators for the TI-99/4A, but our

choice is Classic99. It’s open-source, has a simple

interface, comes with cartridges, and doesn’t require BIOS files.

>> Unfortunately, Classic99 is only available for Windows but

works well through Wine. Emulators for Linux do exist, but

Classic99 via Wine will still provide the most painless experience.

>> The Classic99 website provides a ZIP file via a link on the

front page. Download and extract the ZIP file, then open the

classic99 folder, which has the classic99.exe executable file.

Once launched, Classic99 will open at the master title screen.

5

LOADING CARTRIDGES

Cartridges (called “command modules”) are the easiest

format to load. You can choose either from a selection in

the Cartridge menu, or you can load cartridge files manually.

>> To load a cartridge manually, open the Cartridge menu and

select User > Open. This will open a file browser, from which

you can select your cartridge file.

>> Once selected, your emulator will reset to the master title

screen, with the message “READY-PRESS ANY KEY TO BEGIN”.

Some cartridges will load straight away, while others give you the

choice of 1, loading BASIC, or 2, loading the cartridge program.

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LOADING CASSETTES

Cassettes are harder to load than cartridges but easier

than disks. Classic99 supports WAV files for cassette audio.

>> For the best chance of loading, first load the Extended BASIC

cartridge by choosing Cartridge > Apps > Extended BASIC.

>> When the emulator resets, press 2 at the boot prompt for

Extended BASIC. At the BASIC prompt, enter the command:

> OLD CS1

>> From the main menu, choose Disk > Tape > Load/Rewind

Tape. Select your WAV file from the file browser and click Open.

>> Press Enter for both the prompt that will say, ‘REWIND

CASSETTE TAPE THEN PRESS ENTER’, and, ‘PRESS CASSETTE

PLAY THEN PRESS ENTER’.

>> You will now hear loading noise, followed by a beep

once it has finished. It then says ‘PRESS CASSETTE

STOP THEN PRESS ENTER’. You don’t have to press ‘Stop

Tape’ in the Tape menu, but press Enter nonetheless.

>> Now at the BASIC prompt enter:

> RUN

>> If the gods are smiling, your cassette file has loaded.

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LOADING DISKS

Loading disks on a TI-99/4A can be a nightmare.

We didn’t get file managers to launch executables

but found a way of loading software from disk.

1. L OAD YOUR DISK IMAGE we’ll use drive 2, as that gave
   us the best results. Click Disk > DSK2, then click the
   first menu entry. Then, choose your Disk Type from the
   drop-down menu, and click the button at the top-right
   corner to open a file browser. Click OK when you’re done.


2. LOAD THE TI WORKSHOP CARTRIDGE, under Cartridge

   
   

   Apps > TI Workshop (379). After the reset, press 2 at
   the boot prompt to load TI Workshop.

   
   

   
   


3. AT THE TI WORKSHOP MENU, press 3 for Disk Manager,
   followed by 1 for File Utilities.


4. AT THE DISK NUMBER PROMPT, enter your disk number:
   we’re using 2.


5. IF IT HAS READ THE DISK IMAGE SUCCESSFULLY, write
   down the names of any programs, which will be marked
   by the column on the right.


6. INSERT THE EXTENDED BASIC CARTRIDGE, under
   Cartridge > Apps > Extended BASIC. Click Yes when
   prompted to change cartridge and reset the emulator.


7. PRESS 2 at the boot prompt for TI Extended BASIC.

   
   

   
   

   At the BASIC prompt, enter the command:
   OLD DSK2.GOLF
   We’re just using GOLF as an example, but replace
   GOLF with whatever filename you wish to load.
   After a brief pause, enter:
   RUN

   
   

   
   

   
   

© WIKIMEDIA

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-99/4A (1981)

CPU: TI TMS9900 @ 3 Mhz

RAM: 16KB, 256 bytes Scratchpad RAM

Graphics : TMS9918A chip – 16 colors @ 256 x 192

Sound : TMS9919 or SN94624 chip, 3x voices, 1x noise

OS: TI BASIC

Storage: Cartridge, cassette, 5.25-inch floppy

Released: June 1981

Launch Price: $525

Worldwide sales: 2.8 million

SPECIFICATIONS

>> Parsec is one of the TI-99/4A’s best titles. Its extensive

voice synthesis was ahead of its time for rival ‘80s micros.

>> The shape of the TI-99/4A’s cartridge bay and its hot

electronics, earned it the nickname “coffee cup warmer”.

FINDING SOFTWARE

Archive.org has a good software selection by the TOSEC

team. If you need any more help or resources, http://www.99er.

net is an excellent resource, along with http://www.ti99iuc.it,

which has TI-99/4A games that can be played online.

Many games will require you to press either “Redo” or

“Back”. These are mapped to Alt + 8 and Alt + 9, respectively.

See the Classic99 documentation for further key mappings.

FEB 2022 MAXIMU MPC 63