TI-99 -- crackling/static sound?

[Gapporin]

So I finally got around to testing a TI-99 that someone gave me about a month ago. After getting everything in order, I was to able to get a picture and start a cartridge game. Everything seems to be working, but there's a heavy crackling/static noise in the background. It's not louder than the sounds of the TI-99, but it's definitely noticeable. What could cause this? Is it something internally wrong with the TI-99, or is it just a weak connection between the switchbox(es) and/or the console and/or the TV?

Thanks in advance!

[ooXxXoo]

If you are using the RF connection, that is probably the problem...
And if I can recall well, the TI-99 can output composite and audio thru its native A/V port....
I'm not for sure at the moment, but I think a regular 5 pin din Genesis model 1 A/V cable can work ok with it to give you video,audio and use the RCA plugs.......

*UPDATE*
I don't longer think the Genesis A/V cable will work,because of different pin out, but the TI-99 definately does composite/Audio thru the A/V port.

[Gapporin]

Heh, forgot to follow this up...

Yeah, you're right, after looking online, the TI-99 and Genesis 1 A/V cable are pinned the same, but are grounded differently. So they can't be interchangeable.

But I figured out what caused the buzzing, and it was a poor connection between the TI-99 switchbox -> universal switchbox -> T.V. I retightened everything, and now we're as good as (RF) gold. Thanks for the help!

[channelmaniac]

Another thing to check if you ever run across this problem again is the DIN connector on the RF modulator. If the wires break inside the back of the connector you'll run into similar issues.

RJ