Re: [Ql-Users] Linus Torvald & Windows 7
I've seen this already using StumbleUpon. I think they (Micro$oft) set up a stand directly opposite a Linux Show Linus was attending. So he gave them their moneys worth :-) Darren. On 10/27/09, Ralf Reköndt wrote: > Evening, > > just have found this in the net...;-)) > > http://img24.imageshack.us:80/img24/5301/linustorvaldsundwindows.jpg > > Linus Torvald (ex QL-User) promotes Windows 7not seriously 8-) > > Cheers...Ralf > ___ > 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] ROMDisq woes (was Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL)
Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 27/10/09 22:02: Tony, The logic of it seems weird to me as well. How can it be possible to flash the device driver but not, apparently the file system? It spends a long time doing what seems to be a normal format process before returning "Format Failed" and then the device driver has gone (no ROMDisQ banner on boot up and no ROM device). At this point I can't test saving because I can't format the drive to save anything to it :( Ah you didn't say that. When you said you said it was 'happy formatting and loading the driver' I assumed it had worked. That was why I was puzzled. This explains it better. This is a device that had been working about 6 years ago, was stored in the bottom of a desk drawer in an antistat bag, then when plugged into a QL a few weeks ago it reported the ROMDisQ banner, but any attempt to dir rom1_ returned "Bad or Changed Medium" and it hasn't worked since. I've also tried the full format process a couple of times and that didn't help, always, eventually, ending with "Format Failed". Anyway, I've tried all the usual culprits: cleaning contacts, looking for dry joints etc but can't see anything physical. And with that particular device, that's as far as my diagnostic abilities will take me. When I get the chance I'll take the QL apart and check out the ROM port. Then, if I can't find anything I would be grateful if you could take a look at for me. I'll contact you off list. OK, but it looks dead. All I will do is resolder the ram pins. If it doesn't then work then it is not recoverable I am afraid. I suspect there is a dead block late in the formatting. 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] QPC2 screen size
P Witte wrote: > There are some other unexpected limits though. Good thinking, yes. Haven't thought of that but you're certainly right. The resolutions now boldly go where no QL has gone before, so all kind of previously hidden limits might be triggered. > 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. The fill buffer is currently only good for 1024 lines, so this crash was a close one ;-) Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] ROMDisq woes (was Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL)
Tony, The logic of it seems weird to me as well. How can it be possible to flash the device driver but not, apparently the file system? It spends a long time doing what seems to be a normal format process before returning "Format Failed" and then the device driver has gone (no ROMDisQ banner on boot up and no ROM device). At this point I can't test saving because I can't format the drive to save anything to it :( This is a device that had been working about 6 years ago, was stored in the bottom of a desk drawer in an antistat bag, then when plugged into a QL a few weeks ago it reported the ROMDisQ banner, but any attempt to dir rom1_ returned "Bad or Changed Medium" and it hasn't worked since. I've also tried the full format process a couple of times and that didn't help, always, eventually, ending with "Format Failed". Anyway, I've tried all the usual culprits: cleaning contacts, looking for dry joints etc but can't see anything physical. And with that particular device, that's as far as my diagnostic abilities will take me. When I get the chance I'll take the QL apart and check out the ROM port. Then, if I can't find anything I would be grateful if you could take a look at for me. I'll contact you off list. Regards, Adrian --- On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7:46:16 PM, you wrote: >> btw did you ever get my e-mail about my non-functioning ROMDisQ? I >> have had no success it getting it ro read but it seems happy to format >> and accept the reloading of the driver. >> TF> I didn't. TF> That is odd. Formatting I thought required read. I assume saving also TF> does not work. TF> I can have a look at it, but haven't done any serious Romdisq work for a TF> long time. TF> Try cleaning the end connector first with a rubber. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 27/10/09 19:16: Hi, Tony, Thanks for the info. I knew I remembered it from somewhere! Can Dennis be contacted? I wonder if he kept any of the original leads from the PSUs? Well you would have to have special powers - he died many years ago now, unfortunately. btw did you ever get my e-mail about my non-functioning ROMDisQ? I have had no success it getting it ro read but it seems happy to format and accept the reloading of the driver. I didn't. That is odd. Formatting I thought required read. I assume saving also does not work. I can have a look at it, but haven't done any serious Romdisq work for a long time. Try cleaning the end connector first with a rubber. 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] QPC2 screen size
Giggler writes: <> 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. Per ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
Hi, Tony, Thanks for the info. I knew I remembered it from somewhere! Can Dennis be contacted? I wonder if he kept any of the original leads from the PSUs? btw did you ever get my e-mail about my non-functioning ROMDisQ? I have had no success it getting it ro read but it seems happy to format and accept the reloading of the driver. Regards, Adrian --- On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 5:46:53 PM, you wrote: >> TF> They certainly were, and as you say the use was dubious. These were TF> converted by Dennis Briggs. TF> I had two running by BBS in the early 90s. They both died eventually, TF> smelling of burning, so not worth even trying (8-)# >> 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? >> TF> 'fraid not. TF> Tony ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
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
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
In message <398251442.20091027173...@ntlworld.com>, Adrian D. Ives writes Hi Adrian, I have a Grundy NewBrain PSU, that is labelled as - 6.5v at 1.2A - with the other information rubbed over with a black marker of some sort. It is enclosed in a brown thermoset plastic ( a longer rectangular shape that the original Sinclair PSU ) and has two proper metal heating distribution fins. I have used it with my QL machines for many years, with no problems - it a lot quieter and cooler in operation than an original Sinclair version. It has the 3-pin connector to fit the QL machine. So, this will be the "converted" version for the QL. Which you also appear to have, too. Try Maplins, for example, for the correct connector that you are seeking. Good luck with the "NewBrain" ... I hope your "old brain" is up to the 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 -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] www.sinclairql.it
As geocities is supposed to close down anytime I moved all my webpages and freeware sofware downloads (Ergon Development - Spectrum emulators and others) to www.sinclairql.it I did not make (yet) any verification on broken links etcetera, but as soon as I will have some spare time I will update some of the pages. If somebody is interested to appear or would like to report changed web links is invited to write me by private email. Best regards Davide ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
Adrian D. Ives wrote, On 27/10/09 17:34: 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. They certainly were, and as you say the use was dubious. These were converted by Dennis Briggs. I had two running by BBS in the early 90s. They both died eventually, smelling of burning, so not worth even trying (8-)# 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? 'fraid not. 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
[Ql-Users] Grundy NewBrain PSU and the Sinclair QL
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] Linus Torvald & Windows 7
Evening, just have found this in the net...;-)) http://img24.imageshack.us:80/img24/5301/linustorvaldsundwindows.jpg Linus Torvald (ex QL-User) promotes Windows 7not seriously 8-) Cheers...Ralf ___ 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 12:47, Marcel Kilgus wrote: gdgqler wrote: The highest allowed is 2560x1920. However, I now can't reproduce the "limit" message. Ah, I see that I've limited the SMSQ/E config block item to 2048x2048, I guess my configuration dialog check these limits automatically, too. In my defense, I did write that block in times where 800x600 was considered normal. ;-) This can easily be changed if you like. 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! When I try again to get SHIFT/CTRL/F12 to work it does so perfectly well. I think that any fault is very unlikely then to be due to QPC2. However, if I find more peculiarities I'll report. Getting this to work reliably was a nightmare anyway. Now a further problem seems to be that programs that do fullscreen like QPC seem to become less and less common and graphics drivers get worse and worse in their support. At least that's my feeling. But in the times of LCD screens it's becoming less and less useful anyway, as they only look good in their native resolution. The SHIFT/CTRL/F12 has looked pretty good everywhere except on a Windows 98 system for some reason. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
gdgqler wrote: > The highest allowed is 2560x1920. However, I now can't reproduce the > "limit" message. Ah, I see that I've limited the SMSQ/E config block item to 2048x2048, I guess my configuration dialog check these limits automatically, too. In my defense, I did write that block in times where 800x600 was considered normal. ;-) This can easily be changed if you like. > When I try again to get SHIFT/CTRL/F12 to work it does so perfectly > well. I think that any fault is very unlikely then to be due to QPC2. > However, if I find more peculiarities I'll report. Getting this to work reliably was a nightmare anyway. Now a further problem seems to be that programs that do fullscreen like QPC seem to become less and less common and graphics drivers get worse and worse in their support. At least that's my feeling. But in the times of LCD screens it's becoming less and less useful anyway, as they only look good in their native resolution. Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] XTC68 Status Report
On 27 Oct 2009, at 09:45, Urs Koenig (QL) wrote: If I need th software to go faster, then I re-programme in Assembler and use a QL with a fast processor. Good one. ;-) I'm still writing my stuff in SuperBASIC under QPC2/Q-emuLator on a Core2Duo (L7500/1.6Ghz) Notebook I write perhaps half in SuperBASIC (but compiled by TURBO) and the other half in Assembler. The latest thing I wrote had a large Assembler section called by SuperBASIC. All this on QPC2 up to now on a PC laptop with Windows XP. This seems to give speeds of about 10 times the speed of Q60. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
On 26 Oct 2009, at 17:39, François Van Emelen wrote: QPC2 works fine with a scrren size of 1680x945 (vista). I don't know about Shift/CTRL/F12 as I have never used it. SHIFT/CTRL/F12 sets the QL screen to fill the whole PC window. All the Windows buttons for delete, buttonise etc are not there. I used this first when giving a talk to show a better looking view of the QL. Pressing SHIFT/CTRL/F12 again reverts to the more usual QL being just another program shown on the windows screen. I now use this regularly. It makes me forget that windows is there. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC2 screen size
On 26 Oct 2009, at 17:33, Marcel Kilgus wrote: gdgqler wrote: I now have access to a larger screen size of Windows XP than before. The first thing I noticed was that QPC2 had a limit on size. It has? I'm currently not aware of any practical limits, except memory of course. What resolution did you try? The highest allowed is 2560x1920. However, I now can't reproduce the "limit" message. I am running QPC2 under Windows XP running under the virtual machine provided by VWware on an Apple Mac. There are so many layers that it is not easy to see which one is complaining. The second thing I noticed was that although a fairly large size was accepted by QPC2 the keys SHIFT/CTRL/F12 failed to work correctly. Sounds more like a graphic driver problem to me. When I try again to get SHIFT/CTRL/F12 to work it does so perfectly well. I think that any fault is very unlikely then to be due to QPC2. However, if I find more peculiarities I'll report. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] XTC68 Status Report
> Sorry to cause problems, but it is only what I read. No problem. I just wanted to be sure if running speed is the same no matter if compiled with C68 or XTC68. > If I need th software to go faster, then I re-programme in > Assembler and use a QL with a fast processor. Good one. ;-) I'm still writing my stuff in SuperBASIC under QPC2/Q-emuLator on a Core2Duo (L7500/1.6Ghz) Notebook Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] XTC68 Status Report
Hi Urs, Sorry to cause problems, but it is only what I read. If I need th software to go faster, then I re-programme in Assembler and use a QL with a fast processor. Derek Urs Koenig (QL) wrote: UKQ> 1. Are the binaries 1:1 (file compare)? 1. Yes - except you have to recreate the QDOS file header (file type and dataspace) once you get the file onto a QDOS volume. If I remember right, there can be a 30% increase in speed. If the compiled binaries are 100% identical this would be some sort of a miracle. I am not sure if this is correct, but I am sure that Prowess running faster when compiled with XTC68. IIRC this is the case with Prowess compiled with GCC. XTC68 makes the compile process faster not the executing of a binary. Urs ___ 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] XTC68 Status Report
> > UKQ> 1. Are the binaries 1:1 (file compare)? > > 1. Yes - except you have to recreate the QDOS file header > > (file type and dataspace) once you get the file onto a QDOS > > volume. > If I remember right, there can be a 30% increase in speed. If the compiled binaries are 100% identical this would be some sort of a miracle. > I am not sure if this is correct, but I am sure that Prowess > running faster when compiled with XTC68. IIRC this is the case with Prowess compiled with GCC. XTC68 makes the compile process faster not the executing of a binary. Urs ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
