Great minds think alike on color, evidently. I really love the FinalGROM 99. I can't thank you enough for making it happen. Learning so much about the TI because of this device.
After checking the prices I believe if you make one yourself you end up around their sale price with having to source the chips, the reason they sell them so close to cost I'm guessing is because you have to buy the chips in batches, so they can make multiple. The highest cost item in the build is the board, most places are selling the board for $80 but you can have them made for around $30-50 depending on where you go and which revision you use
Isn't he great! As are all my supporters. I've typed this many times, they are small, but mighty and fun group. Especially during the live stream. They make video creation and blog post fun. Thanks for being a part of the group!
@@DailyCorvid I read ya. My goal is to create a fun and safe spot for everyone with interest in the content I post. Can't tell you how many comments I've deleted. I'm open to constructive criticism and corrections, but have no time for hateful comments, so they just get deleted and blocked. Unlike some other UA-camrs, this is not my "real job" so I have the flexibility to say, "oh no, not here you don't!" 😂
@@retroCombs Shame though I like proper free speech where you can discuss taboo without fear of politicising the convo. And if people retroactively wanna come and have a go at you sad to have to delete and change history to suit them. If it's up to me then I say no holds barred say what you say! After all, how can you really respect a person you don't know, and how can you know if they are lying to be PC. The end result is nobody knows anybody else and we all just avoid contact, ironically what LockDown has had us all doing anyway! Thank God for computers, I much prefer them to people, and dogs too they are above people :D
@@retroCombs Glad to hear you say you can just kick people for being twats that's sorely missing from pages. Thing is I think it makes people aggressive, everybody expects trouble these days and are defensive! Cant barely talk without upsetting some poor wee petal somewhere :D
Thanks, Keven, and thanks for buying me a few coffees! TIPI isn't required, but a 32Kb expansion is for many titles. In my video, you can see my memory expansion hanging off the side. It's a modern expansion board from The Brewing Academy.
Thank you! And your most welcome. I have the expansion, TIPI etc. But strangely some of the programs only work when tipi is on with the sidecar. Should I maybe just unplug the tipi from the sidecar? I wonder if there’s any interference?
Interesting. I should really revisit the TI, it's been awhile. I can confirm that I only have the expansion installed. I've still not set up my TIPI and hope to do so soon and share. Maybe others more familiar with the device can help us.
@@gblargg Thanks! I'd been awhile since I shared this video and wasn't sure if I'd shared other carts beside the FinalGROM 99 in this one. Thanks for watching!
Yes! The FinalGROM 99 is probably the #1 item to be developed for the TI since it originally came out. But then you'll want a memory expansion, then you'll want a better picture... so an F18A, then you'll want a P-Box, then a TIPI, then...
Has the community ever thought about building a new TI99-4A using a the TMS99000 processor and 512KB of RAM to create the TI99-4A that would have had 512KB of RAM.
Did you push the reset the FinalGROM 99 so it could catalog the files on the SD card? Not sure how to do this? Check out the companion blog post for instructions. Let me know if you continue to have problems.
Glad to provide some ambient noise and multi-tasking with Python on a Pi400 is the prefect way to spend your time. BTW, have you seen my Combian pi/400 video (ua-cam.com/video/P0EaHOGvtS0/v-deo.html) another great way to use the Raspberry Pi 400.
@@retroCombs Im battling with it right now, SYNTAX ERROR but I typed it out the book its perfect Either the books full of crap or Thonnys Python Editor is.... rah
While TI BASIC is fairly slow, it's worth mentioning that the version of BASIC it had was worth itself - it had great commands for using the graphics and sound. As much as I like the C-64, it's BASIC was crap (and not much faster). Use of the Super Expander 64 or Simons BASIC was a huge improvement.
The built-in TI BASIC has some good commands, but lacks any sprite commands, and also doesn't have POKE, PEEK, or a SYS equivalent. This means that there is no way for TI BASIC to use sprites at all, and more importantly, can't call machine language at all. This means that all non-cartridge software, even commercial games sold on cassette, could only be written in pure TI BASIC unless they were willing to restrict their product to those who purchased extra cartridges like Extended BASIC. As bad as Commodore 64 BASIC is, it does not have this huge flaw.
Alright, you've both convinced me that I need to dive into the TI BASIC and learn more about it but should I explore it with out-of-the-box or should I dive into Extended BASIC only? Now that I have the FinalGROM 99 working, Extended BASIC is within reach. I also need to get my TIPI working so I can save programs. Thanks to both for the great comments!
@@8_Bit Use of "sprites" was possible - but under an unusual name (map) and required more work by using logic commands. Peeking and poking weren't strictly possible because of the fact that programs were usually in video RAM and jumping through the hoops to get there was more of a pain than most things. I don't know the statistics of how many PEBs were sold, but given how expensive it was, I doubt lots of people bought it. IF a program was placed into the 32K expansion, it could be called with the Call command. You are quite correct that there were no Peeks (except the weird Call Peek), and no Poke. There was no native sprite command. However, VERY few machines of the time had native sprite or similar commands. Given the obstacle of programs running in video RAM, I think the machine did pretty well with what commands it had in BASIC. I feel Peek and Poke were highly overrated. If I was a beginner, I'd rather have commands that did the work than to have to spend weeks learning what Peeks and Pokes did. When I was there, I felt my time was better spent learning Assembly Language because it gave me everything. However, that was the problem with the TI - AL required the PEB because you couldn't Poke to the video RAM. The 32K RAM was the only place to do that other than ROM/GROM. Love your channel! Subscribed!
@@retroCombs I looked at mine - looks like two power supplies? Surely that isn't right? As for BASIC, I kind of feel like you would need to stick with the native (non-extended) version. That's what everybody had on every machine. No matter the brand of machine, virtually all came with options to expand. However, except for us "enthusiasts" who bought all the expansions and language options (hey, I teach CS at Uni, I was always interested in languages) I don't think most did.
@@retroCombs they have them for NES, Sega consoles, Atari consoles, a guy named Krikkz in Ukraine makes motherboards that can play hold every video game of said system on sd card and motherboard acts as flash drive cartridge...so roms once uploaded from cart to internet say for sega genesis in 1992, can be downloaded and played on cart in 2022. UA-cam search mega evedrive pro. Usually for all retro vg systems
Neat little toy. Was pleased to see /4A Flyer featured on the video. I had a lot of fun programming that one back in the day. John Phillips.
Awesome. Cool to have a programmer comment!
It was why I bought both... Yay! Shout out! You're welcome! Me too - tan. I also like the massive color choices.
Great minds think alike on color, evidently. I really love the FinalGROM 99. I can't thank you enough for making it happen. Learning so much about the TI because of this device.
After checking the prices I believe if you make one yourself you end up around their sale price with having to source the chips, the reason they sell them so close to cost I'm guessing is because you have to buy the chips in batches, so they can make multiple. The highest cost item in the build is the board, most places are selling the board for $80 but you can have them made for around $30-50 depending on where you go and which revision you use
Agree. And for me, it was worth the time not to assemble as well.
GEOFF you are a proper lad for that generous donation thanks for making this video possible man! From the UK!
Isn't he great! As are all my supporters. I've typed this many times, they are small, but mighty and fun group. Especially during the live stream. They make video creation and blog post fun. Thanks for being a part of the group!
@@retroCombs Hey it's a cool place to be, the internet is full of crap but here is a little nice spot in the web of doom lol
@@DailyCorvid I read ya. My goal is to create a fun and safe spot for everyone with interest in the content I post. Can't tell you how many comments I've deleted. I'm open to constructive criticism and corrections, but have no time for hateful comments, so they just get deleted and blocked. Unlike some other UA-camrs, this is not my "real job" so I have the flexibility to say, "oh no, not here you don't!" 😂
@@retroCombs Shame though I like proper free speech where you can discuss taboo without fear of politicising the convo.
And if people retroactively wanna come and have a go at you sad to have to delete and change history to suit them.
If it's up to me then I say no holds barred say what you say! After all, how can you really respect a person you don't know, and how can you know if they are lying to be PC.
The end result is nobody knows anybody else and we all just avoid contact, ironically what LockDown has had us all doing anyway!
Thank God for computers, I much prefer them to people, and dogs too they are above people :D
@@retroCombs Glad to hear you say you can just kick people for being twats that's sorely missing from pages.
Thing is I think it makes people aggressive, everybody expects trouble these days and are defensive!
Cant barely talk without upsetting some poor wee petal somewhere :D
Awesome! I just received my finalGrom99. Is TIPI required to run some programs? Some won't load without it. XB for example.
Thanks, Keven, and thanks for buying me a few coffees! TIPI isn't required, but a 32Kb expansion is for many titles. In my video, you can see my memory expansion hanging off the side. It's a modern expansion board from The Brewing Academy.
Thank you! And your most welcome. I have the expansion, TIPI etc. But strangely some of the programs only work when tipi is on with the sidecar. Should I maybe just unplug the tipi from the sidecar? I wonder if there’s any interference?
Interesting. I should really revisit the TI, it's been awhile. I can confirm that I only have the expansion installed. I've still not set up my TIPI and hope to do so soon and share. Maybe others more familiar with the device can help us.
I love the graphic styling on that cartridge and manual. Looks just like the classic ones.
Which one?
@@retroCombs FinalGROM 99
@@gblargg Thanks! I'd been awhile since I shared this video and wasn't sure if I'd shared other carts beside the FinalGROM 99 in this one. Thanks for watching!
Yes! The FinalGROM 99 is probably the #1 item to be developed for the TI since it originally came out. But then you'll want a memory expansion, then you'll want a better picture... so an F18A, then you'll want a P-Box, then a TIPI, then...
I have the TIPI and memory expansion but am not familiar with the F18A. Will end to research that one.
@@retroCombs Here is an example of 80 column BBSing with the F18A
ua-cam.com/video/aZ_aHHQG1Tc/v-deo.html&ab_channel=OmegaTI
Has the community ever thought about building a new TI99-4A using a the TMS99000 processor and 512KB of RAM to create the TI99-4A that would have had 512KB of RAM.
That would be an awesome project. Wonder if the TI retro community is large enough to support such a project.
Hi i have a question i was looking around for the flashrom99 do we need to flash it with arduino to make it work?
If you purchase one, it will work out of the box. Upgrades are performed using the SD card.
I just bought this, but when I put it in ti, it only shows 1 for basic. No 2 for finalgrom. Any ideas?
Did you push the reset the FinalGROM 99 so it could catalog the files on the SD card? Not sure how to do this? Check out the companion blog post for instructions. Let me know if you continue to have problems.
A bit niche niche, but you know sounds pretty darn interesting to me!! sat here learning Python on a Pi400 whilst I watch you on the TV screen :D
Glad to provide some ambient noise and multi-tasking with Python on a Pi400 is the prefect way to spend your time. BTW, have you seen my Combian pi/400 video (ua-cam.com/video/P0EaHOGvtS0/v-deo.html) another great way to use the Raspberry Pi 400.
@@retroCombs Im battling with it right now, SYNTAX ERROR but I typed it out the book its perfect
Either the books full of crap or Thonnys Python Editor is.... rah
Can this handle games like adventure or tunnels of doom that requires a cart and a disk combo?
Apologies, I can't verify but I would assume so because you can still access all features of the OS when using the FinalGrom 99.
The plug is a fuse to protect the computer from a power surge. My ti-99/4a has the same plug. 😊☺️😇
Thanks. I did finally learn this but don't think we ever updated the comments. Appreciate the view!
When formatting an SD card in Windows, make SURE to format as FAT32 and NOT ExFAT.
Excellent point! Thanks for sharing.
Gotta love 8-bit software because it is so small!
360K floppies back in the day.
I do love it. 10 Mb. Wow! Maybe Gates was right when he said we will never need more than 640 Kb!
While TI BASIC is fairly slow, it's worth mentioning that the version of BASIC it had was worth itself - it had great commands for using the graphics and sound. As much as I like the C-64, it's BASIC was crap (and not much faster). Use of the Super Expander 64 or Simons BASIC was a huge improvement.
The built-in TI BASIC has some good commands, but lacks any sprite commands, and also doesn't have POKE, PEEK, or a SYS equivalent. This means that there is no way for TI BASIC to use sprites at all, and more importantly, can't call machine language at all. This means that all non-cartridge software, even commercial games sold on cassette, could only be written in pure TI BASIC unless they were willing to restrict their product to those who purchased extra cartridges like Extended BASIC. As bad as Commodore 64 BASIC is, it does not have this huge flaw.
Alright, you've both convinced me that I need to dive into the TI BASIC and learn more about it but should I explore it with out-of-the-box or should I dive into Extended BASIC only? Now that I have the FinalGROM 99 working, Extended BASIC is within reach. I also need to get my TIPI working so I can save programs. Thanks to both for the great comments!
@@retroCombs I'd certainly like to see your take on TI BASIC before tackling Extended BASIC!
@@8_Bit Use of "sprites" was possible - but under an unusual name (map) and required more work by using logic commands. Peeking and poking weren't strictly possible because of the fact that programs were usually in video RAM and jumping through the hoops to get there was more of a pain than most things. I don't know the statistics of how many PEBs were sold, but given how expensive it was, I doubt lots of people bought it.
IF a program was placed into the 32K expansion, it could be called with the Call command.
You are quite correct that there were no Peeks (except the weird Call Peek), and no Poke. There was no native sprite command. However, VERY few machines of the time had native sprite or similar commands. Given the obstacle of programs running in video RAM, I think the machine did pretty well with what commands it had in BASIC. I feel Peek and Poke were highly overrated. If I was a beginner, I'd rather have commands that did the work than to have to spend weeks learning what Peeks and Pokes did. When I was there, I felt my time was better spent learning Assembly Language because it gave me everything.
However, that was the problem with the TI - AL required the PEB because you couldn't Poke to the video RAM. The 32K RAM was the only place to do that other than ROM/GROM.
Love your channel! Subscribed!
@@retroCombs I looked at mine - looks like two power supplies? Surely that isn't right?
As for BASIC, I kind of feel like you would need to stick with the native (non-extended) version. That's what everybody had on every machine.
No matter the brand of machine, virtually all came with options to expand. However, except for us "enthusiasts" who bought all the expansions and language options (hey, I teach CS at Uni, I was always interested in languages) I don't think most did.
TI99 everdrive
You've piqued my interest, what's an Everdrive?
@@retroCombs they have them for NES, Sega consoles, Atari consoles, a guy named Krikkz in Ukraine makes motherboards that can play hold every video game of said system on sd card and motherboard acts as flash drive cartridge...so roms once uploaded from cart to internet say for sega genesis in 1992, can be downloaded and played on cart in 2022. UA-cam search mega evedrive pro. Usually for all retro vg systems
Thanks for the info. I'll check it out and do hope that he's fine and that this eastern European conflict will end soon!
@@retroCombs indeed
With the extra info you provided, I was able to locate his page:
krikzz.com/our-products/
Looks like a very cool piece of gaming retro-tech.