[Ql-Users] Any news?
If anyone has any news for me to publish in Quanta mag's news pages? Apart from Daniele's release of QemuLator 3 I haven't seen much news of late, so please let me know if you have any news. The Editor's deadline is 5th December and I'm sure he'd appreciate some brief articles for the magazine too. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] VMware
On 29/11/2010 07:53, Norman Dunbar wrote: Evening Bryan, I see that we're running QL under VMware. Kubuntu was put on my laptop as an example of how VM works, but I don't know the process. Can someone kindly enlighten me on on the detail procedure to install the QL (or any other program for that matter) to run under VMware. To install a system under vmware you first to create a new vm, supply a few parameters and then install a guest operating system. This will be what was done to install kbuntu under vmware. In order to run a QL under vmware, you could either: Install wine on kbuntu and run QPC under wine. This should work as I run my QPC under wine on OpenSuse 11.2 and it works fine - except for floppy disc access, but as my new laptop has no such thing as a floppy, I'm not actually bothered. The other option is to create a vm, install Windows onto it as a guest OS, and then run any of the QL Emulators within the guest Windows OS. I personally use Oracle's VirtualBox (not the OSE edition by the way) to run an Xp emulation from time to time. QXL works perfectly under that as well. I don't, however, run vmware so I'm unable to help much I'm afraid. One question though, the machine you have that is running vmware with a guest install of kbuntu, what is the OS for the host? Is it Windows or Linux of some different flavour? The host OS is the one running vmware, the guest is the one running under control of vmware. Cheers, Norman. Thanks everyone. However, my grey matter is a little woolly as an octogenarian. I've searched back, and Tony said Qemulator works fine in second screen under XP in VMware on a Macbook. That is what set me thinking. My Amilo machine has Vista (unfortunately!). I needed pointing to a dunce's detailed step by step instructions as I am not versed at doing this sort of thing at system level. Thinking again about it, what I now think is the way is to run a Linux emulator under Kubuntu. Most of my QL work is on floppies. The Vista on the Amilo won't reliably access the USB floppy, whereas Linux under VM has no problems. Bryan H ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Q-emuLator
Anyone know if Q-emuLator can print to a printer on a USB port? As far See the manual (chapter 6, I think), but this is the gist of it: 1) Prerequisite is to have the printer installed under Windows 2) In the QL Configuration window, make sure the serial port you'll use is redirected to the printer (it is by default for SER1 and SER2) 3) In the QL software, print to the SER port. If the QL software allows you to choose a printer, choose an old Epson model. An easy test is: OPEN#3,SER:PRINT#3,HELLO:CLOSE#3 This should print HELLO to your PC printer (USB or otherwise) As you say, the other way is to use the parallel port. Daniele Thanks again for this, Daniele. Can you tell me whether the virtual printer system can handle Epson-format graphics printing? I haven't tried yet, but what I had in mind was to install sdump_rext on QemuLator, choose an Epson printer and use SDUMP to print gaphics via the emulator if possible. And if Marcel is reading this, can you tell me if QPCprint can also do this? Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Q-emuLator
Dilwyn Jones wrote: And if Marcel is reading this, can you tell me if QPCprint can also do this? Of course. Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] VMware
Bryan Horstmann wrote, on 30/Nov/10 10:27 | Nov30: Bryan/ Thanks everyone. However, my grey matter is a little woolly as an octogenarian. I've searched back, and Tony said Qemulator works fine in second screen under XP in VMware on a Macbook. That is what set me thinking. My Amilo machine has Vista (unfortunately!). I needed pointing to a dunce's detailed step by step instructions as I am not versed at doing this sort of thing at system level. Well it is hardly system level. You simply configure the second screen (control panel - display - settings). Vista does it in the same way as XP. Then qemulator (and other Windows programs), can use both screens. Thinking again about it, what I now think is the way is to run a Linux emulator under Kubuntu. Most of my QL work is on floppies. The Vista on the Amilo won't reliably access the USB floppy, whereas Linux under VM has no problems. 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] Hi + graphics formats
On 30/11/2010 07:40, Daniele Terdina wrote: I would like to do some bitmap pictures in 8 colour mode and am wondering about the right file-format. I'm quite good in Photoshop and software like this and also have Graphics converter here on my Mac. It would be great if somebody could help me out telling me in which format I should save the files and how I can open them afterwards with Qemulator. Thanks. Hi Thorsten, I think Graphics Converter can import QL screens, but not export them (unless that changed in the 10+ years since I last used it :) Not sure what you mean by bitmap, for example I think SMSQ/E sprites have their own format. If you mean the format of the QL video memory (a picture that you can LBYTES into video memory), one possible way I've used in the past is to convert to the 8 colour palette in Photoshop, convert back to RGB and export as a RAW file, then write a small SuperBASIC conversion program that takes the RAW RGB file and converts it to the QL video memory format. Daniele ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm I have a graphics conversion tool which was written by Phoebus Dokos - to convert images designed on the PC into QL images (certainly for hi-res modes) - I can't remember if it can convert to mode 4 or mode 8 though, or even if Phoebus would be willing to let it loose into the public domain Phoebus... where are you lurking? -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk http://www.rwapservices.co.uk -- Try out our new site: http://sellmyretro.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi + graphics formats
I have a graphics conversion tool which was written by Phoebus Dokos - to convert images designed on the PC into QL images (certainly for hi-res modes) - I can't remember if it can convert to mode 4 or mode 8 though, or even if Phoebus would be willing to let it loose into the public domain Phoebus... where are you lurking? -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services This program is called BMP2PIC and is available from the Graphics page on my website. It's a Windows program, which converts Windows BMP files to the QL. Phoebus gave me permission back then to make it available. I can't remember exactly, but I think that despite the name it converts to QL screens, not PIC files (like Rich, it's a long time since I last used it. Also on the same page there are various QL programs to convert various PC formats to QL graphics. There's Wolfgang Lenerz's BMP conversion extensions, written as BASIC extensions allowing you to write your own program around them. There's also my own BMP program which converts Windows BMP files into QL screens or PIC files (screens with a 10 byte header holding size and colour mode information). While this can convert to the standard QL low colour modes, it doesn't do a articularly good job. Malcolm Lear's BASIC bmp2scr programs show how to write conversion routines in BASIC (can't remember if SBASIC or SuperBASIC, sorry) There's also the Generalised Bitmap Modules and Photo-QL package from Roberto Porro. Dave Westbury's Photon will let you view JPEGs on a QL. I think the version on my site is a viewer only - it doesn't save the JPEG on a QL, but it is easy to get it to display a JPEG and while it is doing that you can use a screen snatcher or image grabbing program to grab a copy of the QL display. Dave was at one stage contemplating updating Photon to accept passed channels for input and output - I think he was proposing something like EX #input_channel,#output_channel,Photon (can't remember the correct syntax, sorry). I don't know whether he ever got that far with the program, though. The page is at http://www.dilwyn.me.uk/graphics/index.html if you want to browse what's available ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Q-emuLator
Anyone know if Q-emuLator can print to a printer on a USB port? As far See the manual (chapter 6, I think), but this is the gist of it: 1) Prerequisite is to have the printer installed under Windows 2) In the QL Configuration window, make sure the serial port you'll use is redirected to the printer (it is by default for SER1 and SER2) 3) In the QL software, print to the SER port. If the QL software allows you to choose a printer, choose an old Epson model. An easy test is: OPEN#3,SER:PRINT#3,HELLO:CLOSE#3 This should print HELLO to your PC printer (USB or otherwise) As you say, the other way is to use the parallel port. Daniele Thanks again for this, Daniele. Can you tell me whether the virtual printer system can handle Epson-format graphics printing? I haven't tried yet, but what I had in mind was to install sdump_rext on QemuLator, choose an Epson printer and use SDUMP to print gaphics via the emulator if possible. And if Marcel is reading this, can you tell me if QPCprint can also do this? Thanks Marcel. I should hav elooked on your website first and I'd have seen the answer for myself. I've just tried using SDUMP_REXT on QemuLator version 3 and indeed it does work through the virtual printer system. I used the SDUMP commands like this: SDP_DEV SER1 SDP_SET 2,1,1,0 : REM Espon FX80, scale 1, invert black/white, no random SDUMP SDUMP #channel could have been used to print an individual window. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Q-emuLator
Daniele Thanks again for this, Daniele. Can you tell me whether the virtual printer system can handle Epson-format graphics printing? I haven't tried yet, but what I had in mind was to install sdump_rext on QemuLator, choose an Epson printer and use SDUMP to print gaphics via the emulator if possible. And if Marcel is reading this, can you tell me if QPCprint can also do this? Thanks Marcel. I should hav elooked on your website first and I'd have seen the answer for myself. I've just tried using SDUMP_REXT on QemuLator version 3 and indeed it does work through the virtual printer system. I used the SDUMP commands like this: SDP_DEV SER1 SDP_SET 2,1,1,0 : REM Espon FX80, scale 1, invert black/white, no random SDUMP SDUMP #channel could have been used to print an individual window. Dilwyn Jones Oops, forgot to mention that only the 8 or 9 pin printer options in SDUMP works. It would appear that 24-pin graphics are not supported. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] One week in November.
I was off-list some days and when I checked the list this morning I found 102 new entries in one week. That's awesome! Keep on GOing QLing... ;-) Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] 2Q2A
Does anyone know if QPAC II is still about and if so any idea where I can get it? I cant even remember what it is, other than than a a PE system. Many thanks for any replies. Lee P. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi + graphics formats
Hi Thorsten, Glad to see that you are still hanging out here. Yes, I am still around and trying to find time to finish up the FileManager for QDT - it is a struggle but will happen. No plans right now beyond that though. jim On 29-11-2010, at 8:55 AM, thorsten herbert wrote: Hi all, My name is Thorsten and I'm a proud owner of a MGG QL which I bought when it came out in Germany. I'm following this list since many years but never posted and shortly I re-registered with a new account as one of my e-mail accounts was obsolet. Some of you know me already as I had the pleasure to do some icons and graphics for Jim Hunkins QDT. Is Jim around here and may interestd in adding new stuff to QDT? Recently I got Qemulator from Daniele for OS X and started to play a bit around with it. I would like to do some bitmap pictures in 8 colour mode and am wondering about the right file-format. I'm quite good in Photoshop and software like this and also have Graphics converter here on my Mac. It would be great if somebody could help me out telling me in which format I should save the files and how I can open them afterwards with Qemulator. Thanks. PS. I'm receiving messagges as a Digest ... so it is possible that I reply only tomorrow :-) Have fun with your QL, Tho ___ 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
Re: [Ql-Users] 2Q2A
On 30/11/2010 14:26, Lee Privett wrote: Does anyone know if QPAC II is still about and if so any idea where I can get it? I cant even remember what it is, other than than a a PE system. Many thanks for any replies. Lee P. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm I have listed a copy of QPAC II on Sellmyretro.com - see http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/Sinclair_QL_Program%3A_QPAC2_on_3.5%26quot%3B_disk-709 Basically it provides a suite of small programs to help you with your QL and file maintenance. You get the PE system, plus a button bar, where you can place buttons for quick access to programs. The program includes utilities for the following (all shown in the button bar): * Control files - copy/execute/rename/delete/format/view * Control jobs - switch to/information on job/alter priority/kill job * Control channels - what windows and other devices are opened and which job do they belong to? * Control things - these are language extensions, execute or wake them * Control hotkeys - what hotkeys are set up? * Control mouse movement -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk http://www.rwapservices.co.uk -- Try out our new site: http://sellmyretro.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] 2Q2A
Does anyone know if QPAC II is still about and if so any idea where I can get it? I cant even remember what it is, other than than a a PE system. Many thanks for any replies. Lee P. Yes, you can still get it. Do you remember the QRAM system? This is what came after that. QPAC2 includes: 1.. Pointer Environment - these files make up the Pointer Environment (commonly called PE). If all three are used together, they are collectively called Extended Environment (EE). Note: QPAC2 is NOT pointer environment, but it does include pointer environment and a whole lot more! a.. ptr_gen - pointer interface, which gives the enxtended console channel driver, saving and restoring windows, on screen pointer, mouse control and so on b.. wman - Window Manager, which does things like giving standardised appearance colour schemes and more c.. hot_rext - Hotkey system 2.. A number of utility menus, such as a file handler for copying files, jobs menu for listing and removing job programs running, channels menu, the button frame (a kind of docking system for QL programs), hotkeys menu, a PICK menu for selecting a running job 3.. and a whole lot more I'm sure I can't remember without going to fetch the manual! The term 'QPAc2' stands for QL Pointer Accessories 2. In other words, little applications to use on a QL system which is equipped with pointer environment. If you'd like to know a little bit more about the pointer environment to get a gentler introduction, have a look at articles on the page http://www.dilwyn.me.uk/docs/ptr/index.html - I can especially recommend Norman Dunbar's PE Idiot's Guide which helped learn about PE years ago! There was also a QPAC1 which includes a set of small applications for Pointer Environment, including a typewriter, calculator, calendar, sysmon, clock, alarm clock as well as the pointer environment files mentioned. You can buy QPac2 from Jochen Merz Software in German - www.j-m-s.com and probably from Bruce Nicholls's website at http://www.ql-qvd.com/products.html (though I haven't checked there to see if it's listed). Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Arrange
Bob Spelten wrote: Does Windows or Linux have such a facility? Windows does. Just press the right mouse button on an empty spot on the taskbar to get an action menu. See: http://www.cowo.ch/Arrange_Windows_XP.jpg Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Arrange
Bob Spelten wrote: Does Windows or Linux have such a facility? Windows does. Just press the right mouse button on an empty spot on the taskbar to get an action menu. See: http://www.cowo.ch/Arrange_Windows_XP.jpg Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Arrange
En/Je/On 2010-11-30 15:46, Urs Koenig (QL) escribió / skribis / wrote : Bob Spelten wrote: Does Windows or Linux have such a facility? Windows does. Just press the right mouse button on an empty spot on the taskbar to get an action menu. Just a distinction: In Windows, the kernel, the graphic system and the GUI are inseparable parts of a whole, so it's right to say *Windows* have such a facility. But in Linux, the kernel, the graphic system and the GUI are totally independent programs. So, any GUI feature depends only on *the GUI you use*: there are many window managers and several desktop environments to choose from. Of course most of them have such a facility to rearrange the windows. Marcos -- http://alinome.net ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Arrange
Bob Spelten wrote: Does Windows or Linux have such a facility? Windows does. Just press the right mouse button on an empty spot on the taskbar to get an action menu. See: http://www.cowo.ch/Arrange_Windows_XP.jpg Urs That's great. It's really nice having all the open windows arranged and cascaded like a card index, with just the title bar visible for each, making it easy to select the window I want. And tiling the windows horizontally or vertically arranges them so I can at least a bit of everything. Makes it easy to pick out QPC2's little window from all the Wiindows programs. Sadly with QPC (on the display I use at least) it seems to resize the window which results in the ugly text effect, when characters seem to reize with some lines thicker than others. But when it happens, just drag the bottom right corner of the QPC2 window until it looks normal again. Thanks Urs, that was a great little tip. I'd never used that before. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] One week in November...
I was off-list some days and when I checked the list this morning I found 102 new entries in one week. That's awesome! Keep on GOing QLing... ;-) Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi graphics formats
Thanks for all your replies. I'll look into it again in detail the next days. What I want to do is drawing pictures on my Mac, 256x256 in 8 colors opening them afterwards with Qemulator (on OS X). James, good to see you here! And great to hear that the file manager will come. Let me know when you are ready to start over. Best, Thorsten From: ql-users-requ...@lists.q-v-d.com Subject: Ql-Users Digest, Vol 81, Issue 41 To: ql-users@lists.q-v-d.com Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:46:36 -0800 Send Ql-Users mailing list submissions to ql-users@lists.q-v-d.com To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.q-v-d.com/listinfo.cgi/ql-users-q-v-d.com or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to ql-users-requ...@lists.q-v-d.com You can reach the person managing the list at ql-users-ow...@lists.q-v-d.com When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of Ql-Users digest... Today's Topics: 1. 2Q2A (Lee Privett) 2. Re: Hi + graphics formats (James Hunkins) 3. Re: 2Q2A (Rich Mellor) 4. Re: 2Q2A (Dilwyn Jones) 5. Re: Arrange (Urs Koenig (QL)) 6. Re: Arrange (Urs Koenig (QL)) 7. Re: Arrange (Marcos Cruz) 8. Re: Arrange (Dilwyn Jones) -- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:26:34 + From: Lee Privett lee.priv...@gmail.com To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Subject: [Ql-Users] 2Q2A Message-ID: aanlktik=9-71fqbregd9cfzpu_bnpjcrfbfnmtysm...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Does anyone know if QPAC II is still about and if so any idea where I can get it? I cant even remember what it is, other than than a a PE system. Many thanks for any replies. Lee P. -- Message: 2 Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:39:20 -0500 From: James Hunkins j...@jdh-stech.com To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hi + graphics formats Message-ID: 8ae79361-81b8-402b-85cf-ca0895512...@jdh-stech.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi Thorsten, Glad to see that you are still hanging out here. Yes, I am still around and trying to find time to finish up the FileManager for QDT - it is a struggle but will happen. No plans right now beyond that though. jim On 29-11-2010, at 8:55 AM, thorsten herbert wrote: Hi all, My name is Thorsten and I'm a proud owner of a MGG QL which I bought when it came out in Germany. I'm following this list since many years but never posted and shortly I re-registered with a new account as one of my e-mail accounts was obsolet. Some of you know me already as I had the pleasure to do some icons and graphics for Jim Hunkins QDT. Is Jim around here and may interestd in adding new stuff to QDT? Recently I got Qemulator from Daniele for OS X and started to play a bit around with it. I would like to do some bitmap pictures in 8 colour mode and am wondering about the right file-format. I'm quite good in Photoshop and software like this and also have Graphics converter here on my Mac. It would be great if somebody could help me out telling me in which format I should save the files and how I can open them afterwards with Qemulator. Thanks. PS. I'm receiving messagges as a Digest ... so it is possible that I reply only tomorrow :-) Have fun with your QL, Tho ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Message: 3 Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:41:42 + From: Rich Mellor r...@rwapservices.co.uk To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] 2Q2A Message-ID: 4cf50d26.9070...@rwapservices.co.uk Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed On 30/11/2010 14:26, Lee Privett wrote: Does anyone know if QPAC II is still about and if so any idea where I can get it? I cant even remember what it is, other than than a a PE system. Many thanks for any replies. Lee P. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm I have listed a copy of QPAC II on Sellmyretro.com - see http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/Sinclair_QL_Program%3A_QPAC2_on_3.5%26quot%3B_disk-709 Basically it provides a suite of small programs to help you with your QL and file maintenance. You get the PE system, plus a button bar, where you can place buttons for quick access to programs. The program includes utilities for the following (all shown in the button bar): * Control files - copy/execute/rename/delete/format/view * Control jobs - switch to/information on job/alter priority/kill job * Control channels - what windows and other devices are opened and which job do they belong to? * Control things - these
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi + graphics formats
In message 8ae79361-81b8-402b-85cf-ca0895512...@jdh-stech.com, James Hunkins j...@jdh-stech.com writes Hi Thorsten, Glad to see that you are still hanging out here. Yes, I am still around and trying to find time to finish up the FileManager for QDT - it is a struggle but will happen. No plans right now beyond that though. jim On 29-11-2010, at 8:55 AM, thorsten herbert wrote: Hi all, My name is Thorsten and I'm a proud owner of a MGG QL which I bought when it came out in Germany. I'm following this list since many years but never posted and shortly I re-registered with a new account as one of my e-mail accounts was obsolet. Some of you know me already as I had the pleasure to do some icons and graphics for Jim Hunkins QDT. Is Jim around here and may interestd in adding new stuff to QDT? Recently I got Qemulator from Daniele for OS X and started to play a bit around with it. I would like to do some bitmap pictures in 8 colour mode and am wondering about the right file-format. I'm quite good in Photoshop and software like this and also have Graphics converter here on my Mac. It would be great if somebody could help me out telling me in which format I should save the files and how I can open them afterwards with Qemulator. Thanks. PS. I'm receiving messagges as a Digest ... so it is possible that I reply only tomorrow :-) Have fun with your QL, Tho Hi Jim, About time you got that FileManager completed ... :-) Perhaps, the nudge from Thorsten it what you needed . -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
