In message <4d34bdb8.8090...@rwapservices.co.uk>, Rich Mellor
<r...@rwapservices.co.uk> writes
On 17/01/2011 21:53, Martin Wheatley wrote:
At 14:53 17/01/2011, you wrote:
I suppose Peter's question "How important would it be to keep an
original microdrive functional?" is twofold
Firstly to have some sort of compatability with any existing
software, still keeping it on microdrives and not converted to some
other format due to copyright/protection. It may be that the software
prevents itself from running without the microdrive being present. so
having one still in exisence may be needed.
Secondly it maybe that in order to fit a SD card based system in to
the existing QL, physical space is required for the interface that
requires both microdrives to be removed even if only one microdrive
slot is replaced by the SD card version. If it is easier to fit a
single or twin SD system using the whole space then surely this would
be the preferred method?
But heres a thought, if both microdrives are replaced by the SD card
interface, could the removed microdrives be fitted in their own
container with a cable plugged in to the extension socket at the
right hand side of the QL and used as external (expanded) microdrives
as an when needed, this would solve the desire to have microdrives
and still allow existing software on the microdrive to be copied
across to the new storage medium.
Lee Privett
Once upon a time I had a third microdrive that plugged into the side
of the QL
As far as I remember it was a Spectrum item that that worked when you
plugged it into a QL upside down
martinw
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Yes, Martin that was always the case - the Spectrum ZX Microdrive faced
the back of the QL - there was supposed to be a QL equivalent released,
but it never made it to market.
I never found using a ZX Microdrive unit as mdv3_ very reliable.
When the industrial design for the external microdrives and their power
packs was in process, there was a young designer called Roger, working
along with the main Sinclair designer Rick Dickinson.
The Sinclair power packs have also been utilised as very effective power
sources for PCB drills, by an inventive Technician that I once worked
with.
Still functioning today.
Back to one of Peter's questions.
A great advantage of SD Cards would be in a basic (un-expanded) QL black
box.
Would really be a leap forward to incorporate some new tech in to what
was once new tech of its period.
Obviously expanded QL's already have an upgrade, yet would also benefit.
I don't know if there is a technical difficulty with catering for both
options of unexpanded and expanded QL's.
--
Malcolm Cadman
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