TI89 Connectivity Problems

nandre · Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2012 Posts: 3

I recently pulled out my old TI Silver-Link and TI Serial cables and was going to try out some programs, just for kicks. Unfortunately, I had several problems just getting my calculator to connect, which was odd, because I've been able to send files before. I thought the problem might lie with Windows 7 x64, but I know it worked with the same setup I have now, and I did try reinstalling TI-Connect/64bit drivers.

The problem occurred whether I tried to use the Silver-Link or Serial cables.

Now, when I go into the test menu (F5->Diamond + Clear->Alpha + S) and do the Flash Test, I get the following output:
"Checking BASE CODE

BASE CODE CHECKSUM FAILED

DATA= 2C6422A8
DATA = 2C5DD23F"

I read on the TI FAQ here ( http://www.ibiblio.org/technicalc/tifaq/?p2.htm#4.4.8 ) that it was due to a battery error, and that replacing the batteries would solve the problem. Well, it didn't, and after several wipes, clearing memory, etc., I am still having issues.

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing the malfunction? Has my calculator's port bit the dust? Thanks in advance.

KermMartian · Posted: 22 Apr 2012 09:00:43 am Post subject:

That's not exactly the same as the error they're mentioning. They seem to me to be talking about the checksum on individual files that you send across, not the checksum on the entire operating system. It sounds likely to me that either TI-Connect is failing to work properly (which it does more often than you might expect) or that your link port has indeed come slightly unsoldered. Do you have another calculator you can communicate with to see if that works?
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Travis · Posted: 22 Apr 2012 02:02:08 pm Post subject:

A base code checksum error sounds like the OS in flash became corrupted somehow. Are you able to resend a copy of AMS?
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KermMartian · Posted: 22 Apr 2012 02:07:55 pm Post subject:

Travis · Posted: 22 Apr 2012 02:36:02 pm Post subject:

Yeah, it seems like there would be a way to force the calculator into a boot loader receive state for a new OS but don't know how. I've virtually never personally mucked around in this area.
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TheStorm · NOU! Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 2375

The TI-OS Downloader should work if he can get it into that state. The issue is TI-Connect when in normal operation asks for all this extra stuff when sending and receiving variables, including OS's, that the Boot code isn't designed to handled. Hence TI created the TI-OS Downloader which does the bare minimum communications for sending and receiving OS's.
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christop · Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:17:15 pm Post subject:

There is a way to force a TI-68k to receive a new base code outside of the TI-OS: pull out and reinsert one of the batteries while holding the APPS key until you see the text "Press I to install product code...". Then press "I" on the calculator and send a new OS from TI Connect.
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Christopher Williams

iconmaster · Newbie Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 10

I think I may be having a similar problem with sending files from my 89 to my win 7 machine. Does the software acknowledge the calculator as existing, but freeze up when you try to do anythig? Oddly, the only thing I can send along the line is screen captures.

KermMartian · Posted: 15 May 2012 09:28:47 pm Post subject:

iconmaster · Newbie Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 10

I just did a self-test, and yes, the same exact errors showing up in the OPs post registered with mine as well. I will reinstall TI-Connect and see if it works the next chance I get.

KermMartian · Posted: 22 May 2012 07:34:00 pm Post subject:

nandre · Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2012 Posts: 3

Sorry for abandoning this thread...

I have tried the options that have been mentioned and a few others:

-Reinstalling TI-Connect
-Putting calculator into Force Receive Mode (Remove Battery + APPS)
-Replacing Drivers
-Trying 3rd Party Programs
-Opening up calculator to look for damaged wires

Each time, there are messages saying that the calc couldn't be recognized or couldn't connect.
The corrupted OS could definitely be a possibility, but without a connection, I can't resend it. Any last ideas before I purchase another one?

KermMartian · Posted: 18 Nov 2012 01:51:44 am Post subject:

1) Do you have any other non-Windows 7 OS you can try?
2) Do you know anyone else with a TI-89 you can try fetching the OS from over a unit-to-unit cable?
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nandre · Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2012 Posts: 3

I'll try it on Vista and XP and see if I can ask someone who has an 89 and report back.

KermMartian · Posted: 18 Nov 2012 10:48:23 am Post subject: