> >into an eprom, as the QEPIII had no through port, so I usually ended
> >up copying to microdrive cartridge, probably the last regular use I
> >had for a mdv cartridge. These days, I'd probably use the romdisq
> >instead.
> ... but only if the QL has an internal ram expansion, or you plug QEPIII
> into a backplane.  I must find an internally expanded QL, as I would
> like to use QEPIII this way.
Yes, although the traditional QL+QEPIII is a dead end, there are ways around it 
with backplanes or internal expansions. I always forget that a QL would need a 
memory expansion for romdisq+something else like this.

> I copied it using another programmer (8-)#
> 
> Tony Price did a great mod which allowed 'programming' of an NVR eprom
> emulator. These are battery backed ram which are pin-compatible with
> EPROMs - ie 'look' like them to the computer.
I'm sure there was an add on at one time which let you copy code into a RAM or 
EPROM plugged into the ROM slot, I can't remember what it was called, I thinkit 
was by a company called MCS, anyone remember what the device was called?

> I must find the code (it is on one of my QEPIIIs) and put it on my web
> site.  There is no copyright problem (is there Tony T?) as no-one has
> pirated the hardware!
I find it heartening how people like you are prepared to do their bit to 
prevent these older things slipping into history. I was pleasantly surprised by 
the help I got from traders and ex traders when I was getting as many old 
manuals as I could onto my website for posterity and of course to help buyers 
of 2nd hand gear.

> BTW I have quite a large collection of assorted EPROMs from various
> expansions etc.
That will be useful to know. I have 2 EPROMs (27128's I think) which I have 
been recycling as and when (rarely!) I needed, and an old Z88 EPROM eraser. The 
EPROMs won't last forever so I'll probably take you up on that when the need 
arises!

SMSQE and QemuLator allow you to run ROM images, so the need for EPROMs is not 
what it once was.

I did blow a few data EPROMs for a previous employer who asked me if I knew how 
to handle them as something needed changing quickly rather than waiting for a 
new set to be ordered. Luckily they were EPROMs QEPIII would handle, so I read 
the code from the old one, patched the data which needed editing via a hex 
editor and gave it back to him reprogrammed following morning. Brownie points 
all round.

I didn't tell him I couldn't replace them if I damaged them, luckily they 
worked first time. As far as I know...he never asked me to do it again!

Dilwyn Jones

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