Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
In message <169044782.20091028154...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives writes Hi Adrian, Sigh ... :-) ... as you say, you often regret later that impulse to have a "good clear out" of things, later in reflection. Good luck with the "home brew" connection ! The annoying thing is that I know I've seen connectors like these on some old CP/M computer equipment I had in the garage. But, alas, it has gone the way of all things garage and was taken away when I did a house clearance before moving. Nowadays I'd put that kind of thing on on eBay, label it "rare", and make enough money to retire ;) When the bits arrive, and after I've spent an afternoon of sodding about with a Stanley knife, a soldering iron and a tube of super glue I'll report back. As you say, it won't be good enough for regular use but it should serve the purpose. Adrian --- On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 2:59:49 PM, you wrote: MC> In message <1482547586.20091027191...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives MC> writes MC> Hi Adrian, MC> Well ... you have tried two of the best electronic parts spares, and not MC> found the connector. MC> Obviously, not a popular one for any other devices ... :-( MC> As you say you can make up your own connector with the PCB headers - a MC> cheap and cheerful solution. Although fairly fragile if used in a MC> removable way. Which you probably will not need to do, though. MC> I have also used the DIN style plugs on electronic projects as the power MC> supply lead, as they are tough and removable. MC> I guess you will also have to continue your search for an "original" MC> NewBrain power supply, too. MC> Anyway, let us know when it "powers up" ... :-) Malcolm, ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL USB Interface
Tony, I have put a request into Crownhill asking for some technical documentation and will do some investigations of my own. If possible, It would be nice to have a design that didn't require other hardware to be present in the QL, besides the obligatory glue. As for the driver, I don't know the current hard disk drivers in any detail, but at some point I assume they must make an IO call to get/set a specific sector or block (or range of sectors/blocks), so that's where I would start looking for opportunities to reuse the existing code. I suppose the ideal situation might be that there are USBWiz commands to read and store a numbered logical block. Then you *might* be able replace the code in the existing drivers that communicates with the ATA controller, with some glue code that communicates with the USBWiz instead. That has to be a starting point. I know I'm greatly over-simplifying things here, and probably talking bollocks, but it seems possible to me. In any event, it's an interesting discussion to have. Adrian --- On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 4:26:10 PM, you wrote: TF> Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 28/10/09 12:54: >> Or, better still, maybe the USBwiz-OEM : >> >> http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=1459 >> >> >> TF> This overlapped with my email. TF> They have on-board drivers for some USB devices, accessible by AT style TF> commands. TF> I haven't actually delved deeper to see what is feasible. TF> Certainly access to the SD card is, from what I read. TF> Tony ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL USB Interface
Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 28/10/09 12:54: Or, better still, maybe the USBwiz-OEM : http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=1459 This overlapped with my email. They have on-board drivers for some USB devices, accessible by AT style commands. I haven't actually delved deeper to see what is feasible. Certainly access to the SD card is, from what I read. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:257/67) +44(0)1442-828255 t...@firshman.co.uk http://firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 Skype: tonyfirshman TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
The annoying thing is that I know I've seen connectors like these on some old CP/M computer equipment I had in the garage. But, alas, it has gone the way of all things garage and was taken away when I did a house clearance before moving. Nowadays I'd put that kind of thing on on eBay, label it "rare", and make enough money to retire ;) When the bits arrive, and after I've spent an afternoon of sodding about with a Stanley knife, a soldering iron and a tube of super glue I'll report back. As you say, it won't be good enough for regular use but it should serve the purpose. Adrian --- On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 2:59:49 PM, you wrote: MC> In message <1482547586.20091027191...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives MC> writes MC> Hi Adrian, MC> Well ... you have tried two of the best electronic parts spares, and not MC> found the connector. MC> Obviously, not a popular one for any other devices ... :-( MC> As you say you can make up your own connector with the PCB headers - a MC> cheap and cheerful solution. Although fairly fragile if used in a MC> removable way. Which you probably will not need to do, though. MC> I have also used the DIN style plugs on electronic projects as the power MC> supply lead, as they are tough and removable. MC> I guess you will also have to continue your search for an "original" MC> NewBrain power supply, too. MC> Anyway, let us know when it "powers up" ... :-) >>Malcolm, ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
In message <1482547586.20091027191...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives writes Hi Adrian, Well ... you have tried two of the best electronic parts spares, and not found the connector. Obviously, not a popular one for any other devices ... :-( As you say you can make up your own connector with the PCB headers - a cheap and cheerful solution. Although fairly fragile if used in a removable way. Which you probably will not need to do, though. I have also used the DIN style plugs on electronic projects as the power supply lead, as they are tough and removable. I guess you will also have to continue your search for an "original" NewBrain power supply, too. Anyway, let us know when it "powers up" ... :-) Malcolm, I've just been trudging through the snail's pace web site that is Maplin Electronics ;) They don't have that particular connector, nor could I find it on Radiospares, so I've plumped for two 3 pin PCB header connectors which have the same pitch and can hopefully be glued side by side to do the job. I don't like doing it this way, because I'd really like to restore the PSU as close as possible to its original state, but also I need to find out if this NewBrain actually works. ;) Regards, Adrian --- On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 6:38:02 PM, you wrote: MC> In message <398251442.20091027173...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives MC> writes MC> Hi Adrian, MC> I have a Grundy NewBrain PSU, that is labelled as - 6.5v at 1.2A - with MC> the other information rubbed over with a black marker of some sort. MC> It is enclosed in a brown thermoset plastic ( a longer rectangular shape MC> that the original Sinclair PSU ) and has two proper metal heating MC> distribution fins. MC> I have used it with my QL machines for many years, with no problems - it MC> a lot quieter and cooler in operation than an original Sinclair version. MC> It has the 3-pin connector to fit the QL machine. MC> So, this will be the "converted" version for the QL. MC> Which you also appear to have, too. MC> Try Maplins, for example, for the correct connector that you are MC> seeking. MC> Good luck with the "NewBrain" ... I hope your "old brain" is up to the MC> task ... :-) I recently acquired a Grundy NewBrain PSU with the intention to use it with a NewBrain Model A that I had recently purchased second hand. As soon as the unit arrived I knew that I recognized it from somewhere, yet I have never had any previous exposure to the NewBrain (this new interest only came about after watching Micro Men). Anyway, I was astonished to find that the computer-side lead terminated in a QL power connector. Needless to say this will not fit the 6 pin BERG connector on the NewBrain and, anyway, three pins can't carry three power lines and a ground return. I did some research on the internet and discovered that it's possible to use a NewBrain PSU to power the QL by connecting directly to the transformer secondary for the AC source and shorting out the temperature trip to allow the unit's 6.5V DC output to overrun enough to run the QL's 9V input (QL needs 1.8A, the NewBrain PSU is rated to 1.2A). I have to say this seems like a rather dubious arrangement to me, but, anyway, my real question is this: I'm sure I have a vague memory of using a PSU just like this to run a QL in the distant past. Were these ever converted and sold commercially as alternative QL PSUs? I'm just interested. And I don't suppose anyone could recommend a source for the 6 pin BERG connector (two rows of 3, keyway centre top, opposite side to guide) so that I can put this PSU back to its original state? Regards, Adrian ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes
USBWiz makes interfacing pretty easy, although its internal driver only support 8.3 FAT for the SD card. It also has built in drivers for some USB devices (like printers I think) using AT sytle serial commands. I would not have thought it is an impossible projects, and would work without drivers as such. It could be done from Basic. However it would be good to have driversto make it QDOS compatible. There would also have to be long filename conversion tables much like the Windows micro~nn.ext I think past discussion of the USB interface has focused on the traditional view of USB. Something like this might provide an alternative and possibly more practical approach. The AT-style serial commands might enable tinkerers to play around with it to a degree without having to rely on full blown native QL drivers which ahs been a past stumbling block for us. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL USB Interface
Or, better still, maybe the USBwiz-OEM : http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=1459 --- On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:44:54 PM, I wrote: ADI> The uALFAT-USB module looks like a possible contender, although it ADI> would need some kind of "glue" board to interface it: ADI> http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=1577 ADI> Has anyone had any experience with this module? ADI> As far as the issue of writing drivers for every type of USB device I ADI> would say that is a non starter. Instead, I'd envisage a system that ADI> supported only removable mass storage devices, anything else being ADI> ignored. ADI> Adrian ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL USB Interface (was ROMDisq woes)
The uALFAT-USB module looks like a possible contender, although it would need some kind of "glue" board to interface it: http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=1577 Has anyone had any experience with this module? As far as the issue of writing drivers for every type of USB device I would say that is a non starter. Instead, I'd envisage a system that supported only removable mass storage devices, anything else being ignored. Adrian --- On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:18:54 PM, you wrote: TF> I have a couple of USBwiz. TF> This gives USB *and* SD card interface (DOS 8.3 formatted) and other things. TF> It has serial but *not* RS232 so needs a Maxim style chip. TF> superHermes can go up to 460800 (I think!) so would give a decent speed. TF> I have no time to do the project though. TF> and it would need a driver. TF> Tony ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes
Dilwyn Jones wrote, On 28/10/09 11:28: Adrian D. Ives wrote: thought was that if anyone is ever going to produce any new hardware project for the original QL hardware, the one thing that would be really worthwhile is a basic bare bones USB interface. I was astonished to find a place called RetroClinic that does just such an interface for the BBC Micro! Such an interface would only really need the basic drivers to handle removable drives (sounds simple when you say it quickly) there would be no intention of even trying to support other types of device except, maybe, a mouse :) While this is a very worthwhile idea, we have been here before I'm afraid. The problem will as ever be drivers - it's not just a question of "USB" drivers, you'd need drivers for whatever was plugged into it, which in turn knew how to work via the USB interface. In other words, different drivers for anything you plugged into it. I think that the last time this was discussed, someone mentioned the dreaded word "drivers" and that was the end of that. In principle, though, it is an excellent idea. USBWiz makes interfacing pretty easy, although its internal driver only support 8.3 FAT for the SD card. It also has built in drivers for some USB devices (like printers I think) using AT sytle serial commands. I would not have thought it is an impossible projects, and would work without drivers as such. It could be done from Basic. However it would be good to have driversto make it QDOS compatible. There would also have to be long filename conversion tables much like the Windows micro~nn.ext Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:257/67) +44(0)1442-828255 t...@firshman.co.uk http://firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 Skype: tonyfirshman TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes
Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 28/10/09 11:11: Tony, Yes, sorry about that. I was summarizing my original e-mail which seems not to have reached you. >From what you say it looks pretty bleak for the ROMDisQ, so I might just embed it in a block of amber and keep it over the fireplace as a "technological fossil". ;) I was just thinking the other day how it might be possible to make a CF card interface for the ROM slot, thus creating a ROMDisQ Generation II. Fanciful, I know. It should be possible to use CF cards with QUBIDE, by plugging in one of the cheap CF to IDE adapters that are available, but that still requires the QUBIDE, which is no longer in production. So my final thought was that if anyone is ever going to produce any new hardware project for the original QL hardware, the one thing that would be really worthwhile is a basic bare bones USB interface. I was astonished to find a place called RetroClinic that does just such an interface for the BBC Micro! Such an interface would only really need the basic drivers to handle removable drives (sounds simple when you say it quickly) there would be no intention of even trying to support other types of device except, maybe, a mouse :) Anyway, these are just musings (although I did go as far as collecting the specs on the available USB controller chips). I suspect that the only practical future for the QL now is to live on through emulation, with programs like QPC2, on a fast Linux/Mac/Win PC delivering processing power far in excess of any QL or QL-like hardware available today. In fact emulated QLs will soon be travelling so fast they will be able to slingshot around the sun and travel back in time to 1985! ;) I have a couple of USBwiz. This gives USB *and* SD card interface (DOS 8.3 formatted) and other things. It has serial but *not* RS232 so needs a Maxim style chip. superHermes can go up to 460800 (I think!) so would give a decent speed. I have no time to do the project though. and it would need a driver. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:257/67) +44(0)1442-828255 t...@firshman.co.uk http://firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 Skype: tonyfirshman TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes
Adrian D. Ives wrote: thought was that if anyone is ever going to produce any new hardware project for the original QL hardware, the one thing that would be really worthwhile is a basic bare bones USB interface. I was astonished to find a place called RetroClinic that does just such an interface for the BBC Micro! Such an interface would only really need the basic drivers to handle removable drives (sounds simple when you say it quickly) there would be no intention of even trying to support other types of device except, maybe, a mouse :) While this is a very worthwhile idea, we have been here before I'm afraid. The problem will as ever be drivers - it's not just a question of "USB" drivers, you'd need drivers for whatever was plugged into it, which in turn knew how to work via the USB interface. In other words, different drivers for anything you plugged into it. I think that the last time this was discussed, someone mentioned the dreaded word "drivers" and that was the end of that. In principle, though, it is an excellent idea. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
Another way to crash QPC2/SMSQE seems to be to set BORDER to be too big. Ie so big it covers more than the window. try OPEN#3,con BORDER#3,2400,2 and see what happens. George Oops, I see what you mean. Windoze XP Pro had a slight fit and threatened to report QPC to Mr Gates Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes
Tony, Yes, sorry about that. I was summarizing my original e-mail which seems not to have reached you. >From what you say it looks pretty bleak for the ROMDisQ, so I might just embed it in a block of amber and keep it over the fireplace as a "technological fossil". ;) I was just thinking the other day how it might be possible to make a CF card interface for the ROM slot, thus creating a ROMDisQ Generation II. Fanciful, I know. It should be possible to use CF cards with QUBIDE, by plugging in one of the cheap CF to IDE adapters that are available, but that still requires the QUBIDE, which is no longer in production. So my final thought was that if anyone is ever going to produce any new hardware project for the original QL hardware, the one thing that would be really worthwhile is a basic bare bones USB interface. I was astonished to find a place called RetroClinic that does just such an interface for the BBC Micro! Such an interface would only really need the basic drivers to handle removable drives (sounds simple when you say it quickly) there would be no intention of even trying to support other types of device except, maybe, a mouse :) Anyway, these are just musings (although I did go as far as collecting the specs on the available USB controller chips). I suspect that the only practical future for the QL now is to live on through emulation, with programs like QPC2, on a fast Linux/Mac/Win PC delivering processing power far in excess of any QL or QL-like hardware available today. In fact emulated QLs will soon be travelling so fast they will be able to slingshot around the sun and travel back in time to 1985! ;) Regards, Adrian --- On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:24:26 PM, you wrote: TF> Ah you didn't say that. When you said you said it was 'happy formatting TF> and loading the driver' I assumed it had worked. TF> That was why I was puzzled. This explains it better. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
On 28 Oct 2009, at 09:49, gdgqler wrote: Another way to crash QPC2/SMSQE seems to be to set BORDER to be too big. Ie so big it covers more than the window. try OPEN#3,con BORDER#3,2400,2 and see what happens. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
On 27 Oct 2009, at 19:25, P Witte wrote: <> I would be happy myself with a 2048x2048 limit. I suppose I was just testing that some of my programs actually take whatever size is presented without limit (except of course ram size). Perhaps others might want an even bigger limit for QPC2! There are some other unexpected limits though. FILL appears to have a problem at higher resolutions. I havent tested what the limits might be, I only know that there doesnt seem to be any problem with FILL on my 1280x768 screen, while on a 1640x1050 it certainly crashes QPC. This is probably downt to a Qdos/Smsqe issue. Another way to crash QPC2/SMSQE seems to be to set BORDER to be too big. Ie so big it covers more than the window. George (AKA Giggler) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
