PHP-1100 Joysticks Help

TI-99/4A Hardware problems, questions, etc.

PHP-1100 Joysticks Help

Postby poppj » June 28th, 2012, 9:03 am

Hello, I recently picked up a couple of TI-99/4a systems since I collect older video games as a hobby. They didn't come with controllers, so I just purchsed a set of joysticks:

www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320925391458

I cannot get them to work, and want to verify that I'm not doing something wrong. I have a few games, including Parsec which plays fine using the keyboard. As far as I know, I just plug the controllers into the left side port, and they should work right? I'm getting no response from the controllers whatsoever.

At first I accidentally plugged it into the rear 9 pin port. Did I ruin them? I need to know if I should contact the seller, or if I'm just not getting something right. Thanks!

Jeremy
poppj
 
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Re: PHP-1100 Joysticks Help

Postby ksarul » June 28th, 2012, 6:53 pm

You have the correct joysticks, so no problem there--and the cassette port shouldn't damage them. What do they do: If no up, make sure AlphaLock key is not down; if no movement, try the other joystick; if still no response, the joysticks may be defective. The best bet for a joystick on the TI is to get an Atari adapter and use an Atari-style joystick with micro switches in it. They are more responsive and last pretty much forever.
ksarul
 
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Joined: September 17th, 2011, 9:44 am

Re: PHP-1100 Joysticks Help

Postby poppj » June 28th, 2012, 8:47 pm

First of all, thanks for the quick response. I've heard about the alpaha lock, and that makes no difference. Basically I just get no response whatsoever... I push left, nothing happens, I push fire, nothing happens etc on both joysticks. I opened one of them up, and all around the contact points is white/clear and worn off looking.

Thanks for the recommendation on the atari joysticks, I may have to resort to that. I really prefer it to be original so I can get the classic intended experience though. I don't see how I could repair them unless you have a suggestion. Thanks again.

Jeremy
poppj
 
Posts: 2
Joined: June 28th, 2012, 8:34 am

Re: PHP-1100 Joysticks Help

Postby ksarul » June 29th, 2012, 9:54 am

If you get a conductive pen (Radio Shack), you can coat the area again with it to get the original joysticks to work again, but it is usually not worth the effort--most of us just use the Atari option.
ksarul
 
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