Rev. 9/22/01

TI Notes

.
This WEB is set up for a group of short articles on the operating of the TI 99 4/A computer. Most of these articles have been in past Wordplay.
From day to day I may add items to this Web.
.
.
Printing Line Numbers with TI-Writer
When printing out TI-Writer documents, it is sometimes desireable to include the line numbers. If you are using a parallel printer, enter PF in the command line, and type L PIO and enter. The line numbers will be included in the printout.
.
TI Writer Tip
From North County 99ers Wesley Richardson
If you are using 2 different files, and combing information, when you do a LoadFiles(LF) or SaveFile(SF), you can put both filenames on the command line simultaneously and TI-Writer will use only the first name. For example: you don't have to remember the second file name, or retype it when you are finished with FILE 1. To make the 2nd name active, simply delete the first filename.
.
Memory Test
A sinple way to check your 32K memory expansion card is to type SIZE and press ENTER. If the 32K card is working yo will get the follwoing message on the screen: "24400 BYTES PROGRAM, SPACE FREE"
.
LED
No matter how traumatic and frustrating a lock-up of your TI 99 4/A is, a lot can be learned from looking at the LEDs.
First, determine what is expected or not expected.
1. The TI concole has a red power indicator Led right up front, which should be on when the computer is on.
2. On the peripheral box the following leds should be as follows:
The white PEB card Led should be lit as long as the PEB is turned on when the TI is sending or receiveing commands to or from the PEB.
The 32K memory card has a white Led that is lit all the time.
The disk controller card Led will remain on only when the main screen is active. This Led should blink only when commands are being sent to, or received from the disk controller card and disk drives.
The Led on the disk drives should glow only when the disk is being addressed.
.
Text Buffer Full ???
What a nasty thing to find at the top of your screen when you are in a hurry to print out a file.
One way is simply to use the print function of DM-1000. This way you can print the entire file without unwanted things that the Formatter would do. In present day e-mail it is common to find the at sign @ the formatter uses for a printer command. The formatter also insists on wasting paper with it paging functions.
Another way is to use the print function of the Archiver program. It works very well similarly to that of the DM-1000
If you print out a long file this way you can actually find out how many lines are used. Then by loading segments of the file you can save it in several different parts. When you get near the end of the file you can determine exactly how many lines are used by counting them from the printout make by Archiver or DM-1000. By loading each segment separately you can do necessary editing and re-assemble the finished article.
.
.
IF you would like to go back to the PUNN menu: click here.
If you would like to go to the main menu: Click here.
  • Any comments, Questions, or Inquiries: E-Mail w7wwg@jps.net