TI-99/4A Cartridge Lifespan

From: James Carter <jscarter_at_worldnet.att.net>
Date: Mon Jul 21 09:25:25 1997

At 06:15 AM 7/21/97 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi,
>I managed to get at least of the necessary pieces to have a usable TI-99/4a
>although I think I've don't have the proper pieces for video, since all I
>get is B&W.
>
>I'm wondering why of the six cartridges I've got three work just fine. Two
>don't work at all, and one "Parsec" works if I fiddle with the tuner on the
>TV after it's running, yet the initial screen that lets you choose BASIC,
>or the game is normal.
>
>Is this a indication of dead carts or a problem with my computer? What is
>the estimated lifespan of the standard cartridge, and how can environmental
>conditions effect this?
>
> Thanks,
> Zane

I currently have 59 TI-99/4a cartridges, and I only remember finding one
that I couldn't get to work. If you havn't, try cleaning the cartridge
contacts with alcohol and a cotton swab. The unit's cartridge port may need
cleaning as well.

I have an older black & silver 99/4a and have heard that some of the later
beige ones included some kind of lock-out by TI to prevent 3rd party
cartridges from working.

James
jscarter_at_worldnet.att.net
Received on Mon Jul 21 1997 - 09:25:25 BST