[ql-users] SMSQE v3.06
The latest version of GWASS assembles all the files needed for SMSQE v3.06 for QXL, Q40/60, Atari and Gold Card. I used the old S*BASIC version of MAKE, altering it to use GWASS and QLINK and compiling it with TURBO. I had to make some changes in the _asm files because of some differences between GWASS and QMAC, mainly in the area of macros. I was able to produce operating systems for all except Gold Card. The problem there was that the flp_bas file needed for the final stage, calls for "dev7_smsq_gold_driver_8" and "dev7_qpc_sysspr" What is "dev7" when it is at home"? And where do you find the concatenated programs referred to? I would be interested to know if anyone else has had that difficulty. I have tried the resulting Q40 OS on the Q40 and it appears to work. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] Connecting Printers
I had an interesting meeting with Roy Brereton today, during which we discussed the problem of connecting modern printers to the QL. Now, one of the suggestions which has been banded around from the software side is for someone to collaborate with me in order to produce a new printer device, which could be used instead of PAR. That device would basically form a pipe between any program sending text output and ProWesS (ProForma driver) - provided that the input was in standard EPSON printer code format, it should be relatively easy to translate this to Proforma and thereby send graphic output to a printer. However, I did ask Roy Wood to check if ProWesS to print to a modern Epson windows only printer and he has not come back to me on this.. The other option which was broached, and which could form a new source of funding for QL projects and the QL community in general, would be to build a generic box, which could be connected to a parallel port. The box would perform the translation and output to a printer - I would suggest that it be programmed under Windows, as this would enable new printer drivers to be downloaded to the box quite easily. The box would take standard Epson (or HP) ASCII output and convert it to the Windows driver in order to print to the printer. The box would ideally need to support USB printers as well as parallel printers. Now, we appreciate that this would be expensive and may in fact be too complex to create on a small scale. However, it could be sold not only to the QL community, but to all the other computers which cannot currently handle Windows only printers, such as the Spectrum, and even the kids computer (Powernet 2000) which is currently sold by Argos and Toys R Us. This would surely be a large market which we could support. Any thoughts or comments on this from the hardware and Windows savvy parts of the community?? It just seemed a feasible alternative... -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 35 Chantry Croft, Kinsley, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF9 5JH TEL: 01977 610509 Visit our website at URL:http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk Stuck with ordinary dial up internet connection ?? Read our review of internet accelerators and broadband at: URL: http://www.rwapadventures.com/Services/reviews.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Software - was how to get QL2K
- Original Message - From: "Roy wood" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [ql-users] how to get QL2K > >No slight to Marcel, but QPC2 is commercial and costs $$. UQLX is > >free. When it comes to computers I always try for the cheaper route, > >esp. with software. Hence I prefer MicroEmacs over QD, etc. > > > >Tim Swenson > In some ways this is the reason that so many of the more commercial and > innovative programmers left the QL scene when they did. In my > conversations with the author of MasterSpy the reason he quit was that > he had few sales. The same is true of the QLiberator team and Fred > Toussi of Text 87 fame. > > I know we have this free versus commercial software from time to time > here but it was a major factor in the demise of good commercial software > for the QL. Unfortunately good free software has not filled that gap and > most of those providing that have also upped sticks and left. > -- A slightly late contribution to this debate. Firstly, Text87 could have done far more to improve their sales. £80 plus £25 - £30 for an essential printer driver for a piece of QL software 10 years old is an idiot price. Fred Toussi could have learnt from the PC (printer) world. Give the word processor away for a nominal price and make your money out of printer drivers and font utilities. Secondly, in the last few years, freeware has been far superior to commercial software. Think of the utilities for using the GD2 colours. Thirdly, isn't it time to start facing the realities of the QL community? Do we really need traders any more? They will all vanish anyway within 2 years. Shouldn't we plan for a smaller, but more technically expert QL community that is largely internet based? Geoff Wicks PS I was once told by a tutor on a training course, "Your hallmark is constructive subversion". ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Software - was how to get QL2K
- Original Message - From: "gwicks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 2:59 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Software - was how to get QL2K hello Geoff, I must admit you are probably right: there is very little commercial potential left for the QL today in the "for purpose" market - (which was already the case soon after its launch because of a wrong marketing strategy) - as far as it goes for using it as a "work horse". That is by the way a good comparison: Horses should have faded completely away from our world since the car started its triumphal procession into our modern age. However that did not happen. They are still around, less in number of course, and their today's owners do for certain not belong to the poor(!!!) On a website dedicated to sinclair's C5 vehicle I recently read a statement that it was probably Sinclair's failure not to market the C5 as a mean of recreation (because it is sooo much fun) from the start on but as a vehicle for work traffic. As far as it goes "for purpose" our today's world is completely dominated by products that were pushed in by perfect marketing (the so often blamed IBM PC, Microsoft Windows etc). They even work well, no doubt, but they are neither fascinating nor an intellectual challenge. Especially with Windows you have Megabytes of Software just to make your Computer run - almost no chance for a hobby user to even get started understanding the concepts. Although I must admit VB and VBA have something, forgive me - or not - for that statement. I think the QL and its operating system can be really attracting for a certain target group that wants to learn a bit about modern (YES: I said MODERN) concepts for operating systems. In addition the Motorola 68000 is an ideal system to play with - I really wonder why 'up to date' hardware systems, such as Sony's PSII have completely left that path of being friendly to the programmer... And what I wanna say on behalf of QLAY: no matter what anyone else says - it is a great software for experimenting purposes, it runs 68K machine code - isn't that breathtaking enough for a freeware (I know this is build upon UAE, but anyways) and even getting QLAYT to do what he/she wants can be an experience of success for the user . Finally I see the QL / QDOS still as an amazing conceptual thing. And that is maybe its only cmmercial chance. Greetings, Michael ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Software - was how to get QL2K
On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 21:28:09 +0200, Michael Berger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: is a great software for experimenting purposes, it runs 68K machine code - isn't that breathtaking enough for a freeware (I know this is build upon UAE, but anyways) and even getting QLAYT to do what he/she wants can be an experience of success for the user . Oh see I almost forgot! You can actually use UAE as a QL emulator. If you want pointers on how to do that ask me... (Plus it can support high end CPUs (ie 68020+) and MMU which can help you do some more experimenting. (And of course Kudos go to M.S for creating that replacement ROM and QDOS Classic) Phoebus ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Byfleet 2004
On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 at 10:42:09, wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) Ok, I think it will be in the Glendalough area againwould hate to come between you and Andrea, nad I enjoy meeting up with her too :-)) I will try and organise something for late august, no point advertising the fact 'cos nobody comes anyway!! :-)) I will post something in the next week or so, providing I can find some room to put the handful that will turn up. Who can come - the usual suspects I take it - John hall, Roy, Tony, Sturat (deliberate mispelling a la Tony!!) and maybe Steve Reyal and Dilwyn?? I should be there. Sturat always says this is the last time, but still comes. Lets decide a date quickly then, so we can get bookings (train etc). Tony ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Eidersoft Drawing Off_ICE
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 at 18:51:26, Tarquin Mills wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >> I would certainly consider mailing and trying to contact various QL vendors >> and authors of past works - with a little help of course, as I dont have >> many recent addresses. I know Tony has a large Database of past QL'ers - >> could you help here, tony? Of course - what do you want? Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
