Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dave [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I am learning it's a complex market. I like the Q60. I like the idea of the Goldfire, and I like the work I've seen so far. It's far better than most of us could manage (myself included) and we need to make it happen, not slip through our fingers due to lack of interest, or market forces *smiles* I'm not going to deliberately make and sell something that will make another project suffer. Instead, I'm working closely with Nasta and others (since Nasta is truly the centre of development atm) to make *compatible* products that have a market (QL add-ons) that doesn't compete with the Goldfire or Q60, but enhances both. If the hardware developers can successfully co-operate then it will benefit all of us, as users have different needs, as well as different amounts that they can afford to spend. I would really like my QL system networked with everything else, so it means ethernet is a good option. We do need to enhance our hardware by leaps and bounds, this will then lead to more innovative software being written. -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
On Wed, 16 Jan 2002, Malcolm Cadman wrote: If the hardware developers can successfully co-operate then it will benefit all of us, as users have different needs, as well as different amounts that they can afford to spend. I am communicating with both the Q60 and goldfire developers. Obviously, both of them want their platform supported first, and I'm aiming for where the market is, which is right between them ;) Here are the key points: The EtherQL will be 100% compatible (bar base address) with the ethernet which is (and already was) planned for Goldfire. That part of Goldfire has already progressed well along the development path. The important thing is to leverage the drivers and software that would be developed, to make them available to QL-based and QX0-based machines too. Obviously the first release will fit the QL-base, because that's what the majority of developers (and customers) have. Shortly afterwards, a software/driver identical version will be released for the Q60. The main difference will be the Q60 will support full 10/100 operation, whereas on a base QL, 100 mbit operation will have to be disabled. If we plan right, the port will also be able to emulate an ultra-fast traditional net port. The drivers and software issue is more complicated. I'm reaching out now to those people who have knowledge in the area. I would like to see simple SuperBASIC socket-handling commands and C libraries supporting it at launch, and at least one functional program for web, mail and telnet that works with the card. These people will have cards long before the general release. If anyone else out there is willing and capable to help in one of these projects, I will happily support you and provide you with any information you need. If you write software you think you could charge 5 quid for, I'll happily publish it for you. If you are happy to do it for free, I'll provide the download site, and bundle it with the card. Registered developers :) will of course get the most up-to-date and detailed specs, and first access to the hardware when it is ready. Either way, I look forward to working with you all... Dave ql.spodmail.com
Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
On 1/16/02 at 3:51 PM Dave wrote: On Wed, 16 Jan 2002, ZN wrote: I KNOW! Unfortunately I also MUST do other things to a) eat b) not be tossed out of the country c) remain sane Lots of people can help with a) and b), but it's too late for c) ;P As for a) and b) after two years of added experience, once again I am forced to conclude that the key to getting help is to help yourself. It works for c) too, but it needs rephrasing: c) slow down further deterioration of sanity (otherwise I'll end up being the tri-state guy, can answer simple questions with yes, no, and ga-ga, the latter accompanied by drooling) Does that sound any better? :-) Nasta
[ql-users] Another floating idea...
Once again, no promises. I'm just floating this idea to monitor the comments and criticisms, to help me shape the future shape of my projects. I'm going to outline an imaginary product. A full size QL expansion card with the following specification: 2 IDE channels, supporting 4 IDE devices. Standard headers. 1 IDE device supporting a CompactFlash adapter (on board) and a 2.5, 2.5GB standard 5200RPM IDE HD, on board. 1 optional 10/100 ethernet interface. The board would have two configurations: Standard, which would have the IDE circuitry, and compact flash adaptor. It could, in this configuration, come as standard with a 2.5GB drive, on board. The drive could be omitted if required. EtherIDE, which would be as above, plus 10/100 ethernet. The interface would automatically configure as a 10mbit interface if connected to a QL, and 10/100 if connected to a processor fast enough to handle 10/100 (680X0 25MHz+, say) Although it would be possible to provide the board with ethernet and no IDE, this makes no economic sense, so for those just wanting ethernet, a smaller board would be provided. Comments? Criticisms? Dave ql.spodmail.com
Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
At 03:32 ðì 16/1/2002 +, you wrote: Once again, no promises. I'm just floating this idea to monitor the comments and criticisms, to help me shape the future shape of my projects. snip Although it would be possible to provide the board with ethernet and no IDE, this makes no economic sense, so for those just wanting ethernet, a smaller board would be provided. Comments? Criticisms? Just one thing, the IDE (w/ CF on) is already designed and practically ready (as released sometime ago by Nasta) (called the QubIDE II) Maybe you should work with him on the subject ;-) How about a Sound card instead of the IDE (I like the EtherQL idea a lot... go on with it)? Even better how about designing an Q40/60 ISA to GF bus adapter? So any potential cards for the GF could be used by the Q60 (maybe even the second processor if that is possible or the graphics part of the card) IIRC there was an QL bus to IDE adapter designed sometime (a long time) ago for use with ST-506 MFM 8 bit ISA HDD controllers for the QL Phoebus Dave ql.spodmail.com
Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
On 1/16/02 at 12:29 AM Phoebus R. Dokos wrote: Just one thing, the IDE (w/ CF on) is already designed and practically ready (as released sometime ago by Nasta) (called the QubIDE II) Maybe you should work with him on the subject ;-) Wy ahead of you there :-) How about a Sound card instead of the IDE (I like the EtherQL idea a lot... go on with it)? Very difficult on regular QL hardware due to data transfer requirements, and most importantky, interrupts. This is why it appears on the GF instead. Even better how about designing an Q40/60 ISA to GF bus adapter? So any potential cards for the GF could be used by the Q60 (maybe even the second processor if that is possible or the graphics part of the card) Unlikely. Both conenct directly to the 68060 bus, NOT to the expansion bus - and it MUST be a 68060, at full speed. IIRC there was an QL bus to IDE adapter designed sometime (a long time) ago for use with ST-506 MFM 8 bit ISA HDD controllers for the QL I think you meant QL bus to ISA. It was not a general ISA adapter, only one that would work with a 8-bit MFM or RLL controller. Nasta
Re: [ql-users] Another floating idea...
On Wed, 16 Jan 2002, Phoebus R. Dokos wrote: So I hear... ;-) How come everyone's heard about this except me and Nasta? ;P Well at least a sound generating chip even with FM synthesis...As for samples I am not talking about 16bit stereo 44 KHz sound.. best I could hope was mono 8 bit 22 KHz... (I think that could be feasible)... If you're willing to spend $50 or $60 on a sound card, and can find 50 others who would, I'll do it. I just happen to have 50 AY-3-8910's here ;) Seriously, tho... The GF has all that. For the 50 or 60 you might spend on a half-decent sound card... Invest the money in a high-interest savings account, and then when the GF arrives, you'll have all the money you need ;) That's why I said IF possible :-) And that's also why YOU HAVE TO finish the GF! May you be infested with the cracks of a thousand keyboard membranes ;P Dave ql.spodmail.com
