Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 at 09:31:47, wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >In a message dated 12/12/04 21:26:43 GMT Standard Time, >[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >> >> >What I really *really* want (but wouldn't be able to afford) is a >> Thor. But >> >it seems that they truly are as rare as hens teeth. >> Many of the hard disk equipped Thors have long since found they no >> longer have working hard drives. I heard from a lot of people that >> Thors that don't get used seem to die, like a natural obsolescence. >> They seem to work while used, but quickly die without exercise (but >> that's true of people too). >> >> > >My Thor 21 died of over use, I suppose. The Rodime hard drive seemed to carry >on OK. It was the ram which suddenly lost, or gained a bit or two. Since this >changes the instructions in a loaded program crashes were only too likely to >occur. AFAIK the Thor still would work for a few minutes after being switched >on. However, the QXL (mine with FPU), the Q40 and Q60 are all much faster. Check the Thor power supply. The original was way under specced. Maybe power rails are low? 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
In a message dated 14/12/04 11:48:57 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > H. Rider Haggard is a writer, most famous for writing "King Solomon's Mines" > > "She who is to be obeyed" can, judging by Amazon, be found in the book > titled "She". Can't say I've read it myself... > Probably more famous for writing "She". At least that fact was used in todat's Guardian crossword. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
In a message dated 12/12/04 21:26:43 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > >What I really *really* want (but wouldn't be able to afford) is a > Thor. But > >it seems that they truly are as rare as hens teeth. > Many of the hard disk equipped Thors have long since found they no > longer have working hard drives. I heard from a lot of people that > Thors that don't get used seem to die, like a natural obsolescence. > They seem to work while used, but quickly die without exercise (but > that's true of people too). > > My Thor 21 died of over use, I suppose. The Rodime hard drive seemed to carry on OK. It was the ram which suddenly lost, or gained a bit or two. Since this changes the instructions in a loaded program crashes were only too likely to occur. AFAIK the Thor still would work for a few minutes after being switched on. However, the QXL (mine with FPU), the Q40 and Q60 are all much faster. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
Dilwyn Jones wrote: What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? she who must be obeyed - I assume. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 at 19:13:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >> >What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher >> >oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( >> I have one for sale - bigger hint!! >Err...SWMBO? You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 19:13 13/12/2004, you wrote: > >What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher > >oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( > I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? If you are asking me what does "SWMBO" stand for, it is "She Who Must Be Obeyed". If you are pointing this out to Rich, then I apologise... ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 at 09:48:31, John Taylor wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > >On Monday, December 13, 2004, at 10:52 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: > >> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 at 19:13:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: >> (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >> > What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher > oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( I have one for sale - bigger hint!! >>> Err...SWMBO? >> You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" >> >> Tony > >SWMBO >I always thought this was John Mortimer's " Rumpole of the Bailey " Yes indeed, but he was quoting Rider Haggard. 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 at 05:23:27, Phoebus Dokos wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > Tue, 14 Dec 2004 09:48:31 +,() John Taylor ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> /wrote: > >> >> On Monday, December 13, 2004, at 10:52 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: >> >>> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 at 19:13:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: >>> (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >>> >> What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher >> oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( > I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? >>> You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" >>> >>> Tony >> SWMBO >> I always thought this was John Mortimer's " Rumpole of the Bailey " >> > >I always thought it was my wife :-) Exactly. These all refer back to Rider Haggard. Mind you he might have picked it up from somewhere else - the bible, Shakespeare? -- 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 at 11:32:52, wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >> >Err...SWMBO? >> You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" >> >> Tony >Never heard of it, let alone read it. It was a lost kingdom in Africa run by a woman called 'She' - and that was the first book title I think. "King Solomon's Mines" was another. I haven't read them since I was a kid, but they were good reading. I suppose those Harrison Ford films in the Far East are inspired by Rider Haggard. 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
ÎÎÎ Tue, 14 Dec 2004 12:28:43 +,Î(Î) Tony Firshman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ÎÎÏÎÏÎ/wrote: On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 at 05:23:27, Phoebus Dokos wrote: I always thought it was my wife :-) Exactly. These all refer back to Rider Haggard. Mind you he might have picked it up from somewhere else - the bible, Shakespeare? Most likely he picked it from HIS wife :-) Phoebus ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 11:32 14/12/2004, you wrote: > >Err...SWMBO? > You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" > > Tony Never heard of it, let alone read it. H. Rider Haggard is a writer, most famous for writing "King Solomon's Mines" "She who is to be obeyed" can, judging by Amazon, be found in the book titled "She". Can't say I've read it myself... ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 12:28 14/12/2004, you wrote: Mind you he might have picked it up from somewhere else - the bible, Shakespeare? Plain commonsense if you ask me I mean, it's obvious isn't it? ;) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> >Err...SWMBO? > You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" > > Tony Never heard of it, let alone read it. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> > > >What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher > > > >oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( > > > I have one for sale - bigger hint!! > >Err...SWMBO? > > > If you are asking me what does "SWMBO" stand for, it is "She Who Must Be > Obeyed". > If you are pointing this out to Rich, then I apologise... No, asking what it meant! I feel a new nickname for my wife coming on... Dilwyn Jones ___ 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] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
ÎÎÎ Tue, 14 Dec 2004 09:48:31 +,Î(Î) John Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ÎÎÏÎÏÎ/wrote: On Monday, December 13, 2004, at 10:52 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 at 19:13:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm Tony SWMBO I always thought this was John Mortimer's " Rumpole of the Bailey " I always thought it was my wife :-) Phoebus (Two projects down one to go before I am a free man!) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> >Perhaps that should read "Am I The Only Person Who Still Uses MDV > >Carts" or "who has working MDV drives" > > Well, strictly speaking I don't really use MDVs much these days; and given > that all my QLs are currently mothballed (or, rather, parked, seeing as > they're in the garage) I'm not currently using them at all. :-) > However, I used a 128K MDV-only QL exclusively from 1984 to 1991 (IIRC) > before finally getting the MFP disk i/f & a 512k expanderam... Even then, I > only had a single 5.25" disk drive to use (I still have that entire setup). > > Mind you - I used my QL on a succession of black&white TVs for most of its > early life; I think my parents gave me a green screen monitor in 1988, and > I finally bought a colour one in 1991 or 2. Yes, looking back, amazing what we used to put up with all those years ago. When I first had a ZX81, It was mostly used on a Ferguson portable TV, or if I wanted to watch TV same time, it got plugged into a 5 inch mono TV which I had in the bedroom of my flat at the time. Barely readable, definitely not good for the eyes. > In all those years, BTW, I think I only ever had two cartridges fail & lose > data. There were only around 40 carts, and 20 of those had dad's tax data > on, so I only had 20 to use for years - so they did pretty darn well I > reckon. What's more, I can still read data off them to this very day; > compare & contrast this to all my early PC 3.5" disks, nearly all of which > are now kaputt. And they're all newer! I still have some of my old MDV cartridges, especially the master keys for games, they almost all still work when I occasionally fetch the black QL out of hibernation in the attic. But one drive is better than the other (MDV1 reads more cartridges than MDV2). The only one I had problems with was one of the version 1 Psion software cartridges when I put those on my website and PD library for collectors, I had to get help from Rich Mellor with one of the four. I was quite amazed that 3 out of 4 of even those ancient cartridges read OK. Amazing what FORMAT RAM1_MDV1 could achieve. After MDVs, I went to 5.25 inch disks. My drive will no longer read those, but some time ago I asked Chris Cave to help me copy some I'd had difficulty with. His drive worked! Compare that with some of the first 3.5 inch disks of mine. The sources and manuals for Page Designer 2 (the Sector Software version) were all on 3.5 inch disks and are unreadable now. They won't even read on Miracle ED drives. Those drives read just about anything! Some time ago, I'd meant to release a slightly updated PD2 as freeware (the old PD2 doesn't work on anything other than QL 512x256 mode 4) but I couldn't read the sources to update and recompile the program, so that idea went out of the window. We is it we store QLs or anything in garages apart from cars?? Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> >What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher > >oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( > I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? -- Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Monday, December 13, 2004, at 10:52 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 at 19:13:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( I have one for sale - bigger hint!! Err...SWMBO? You haven't read Rider Haggard - "She who must be obeyed" 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.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm Tony SWMBO I always thought this was John Mortimer's " Rumpole of the Bailey " John ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Adrian Vickers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( I have one for sale - bigger hint!! -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 20:58 12/12/2004, you wrote: But anyway - I digress. How about this vitally important microdrive question then? Ribbed side up of course :-) I *knew* it couldn't just be me (phew!). I find it more aesthetically pleasing, y'know. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 21:19 12/12/2004, you wrote: Perhaps that should read "Am I The Only Person Who Still Uses MDV Carts" or "who has working MDV drives" Well, strictly speaking I don't really use MDVs much these days; and given that all my QLs are currently mothballed (or, rather, parked, seeing as they're in the garage) I'm not currently using them at all. However, I used a 128K MDV-only QL exclusively from 1984 to 1991 (IIRC) before finally getting the MFP disk i/f & a 512k expanderam... Even then, I only had a single 5.25" disk drive to use (I still have that entire setup). Mind you - I used my QL on a succession of black&white TVs for most of its early life; I think my parents gave me a green screen monitor in 1988, and I finally bought a colour one in 1991 or 2. In all those years, BTW, I think I only ever had two cartridges fail & lose data. There were only around 40 carts, and 20 of those had dad's tax data on, so I only had 20 to use for years - so they did pretty darn well I reckon. What's more, I can still read data off them to this very day; compare & contrast this to all my early PC 3.5" disks, nearly all of which are now kaputt. And they're all newer! ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> What I really *really* want (but wouldn't be able to afford) is a Thor. But > it seems that they truly are as rare as hens teeth. Many of the hard disk equipped Thors have long since found they no longer have working hard drives. I heard from a lot of people that Thors that don't get used seem to die, like a natural obsolescence. They seem to work while used, but quickly die without exercise (but that's true of people too). Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
> >>Am I the only person who puts MDV carts in the 4-cart wallets with the > >>ribbed end up? > > > >I tend to point the ribbed end towards the outside of the case - makes > >them easier to get out. > > Well, yes; that certainly has an element of truth. Where the microdrive wallets have 'finger notches' to priseout the cartridges, simply put them in whichever way you find easier to grip to get them out. Last time i used them, I used to insert them same3 way up as you say you do. > >>Am I the only person who puts MDV carts in the 4-cart wallets with the > >>ribbed end up? Perhaps that should read "Am I The Only Person Who Still Uses MDV Carts" or "who has working MDV drives" Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
ÎÎÎ Sun, 12 Dec 2004 20:45:57 +,Î(Î) Adrian Vickers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ÎÎÏÎÏÎ/wrote: What I really *really* want (but wouldn't be able to afford) is a Thor. But it seems that they truly are as rare as hens teeth. Yes and if Darren will remember to go to the post office to get a quote I will get one once again :-) (HINT Darren... HINT :-) But anyway - I digress. How about this vitally important microdrive question then? Ribbed side up of course :-) -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
Am I the only person who puts MDV carts in the 4-cart wallets with the ribbed end up? ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
At 20:21 12/12/2004, you wrote: On Sun, 12 Dec 2004 20:00:46 +, Adrian Vickers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Am I the only person who puts MDV carts in the 4-cart wallets with the ribbed end up? I tend to point the ribbed end towards the outside of the case - makes them easier to get out. Well, yes; that certainly has an element of truth. What I mean is - look at this picture: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete79/DSC01840.JPG The MDVs are "head down" in the case (actually, strictly speaking they're head-end up) - to me, that's "upside down"; and I always store my carts the other way up in the 4-pack wallets. So, am I some kind of ribbed-end-up-freak?=? Otherwise, get yourself one of the Transform cases that hold 20 microdrive cartridges... Yep - got 4 of them BTW - wouldn't you be better using a disk drive by now - plenty of cheap interfaces (hint hint) What I really want is a QuBIDE, but SWMBO has curtailed any futher oldecomputer related orders until finances improve :( Also, following a recent house move, all my olde computer stuff was moved first, which means it's buried deepest in the garage. It will be a few months before it (including all my preciouses - sorry, QLs) are released back into the wild. Anyway, I have several disk i/fs: 1xMFP(? I think; the one which calls the disks "fdk" by default), 1xTrump card, 1xGold card. And a variety of 3.5" and 5.25" drives. What I really *really* want (but wouldn't be able to afford) is a Thor. But it seems that they truly are as rare as hens teeth. But anyway - I digress. How about this vitally important microdrive question then? ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Microdrives - how do you store yours?
On Sun, 12 Dec 2004 20:00:46 +, Adrian Vickers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Am I the only person who puts MDV carts in the 4-cart wallets with the ribbed end up? I tend to point the ribbed end towards the outside of the case - makes them easier to get out. Otherwise, get yourself one of the Transform cases that hold 20 microdrive cartridges... BTW - wouldn't you be better using a disk drive by now - plenty of cheap interfaces (hint hint) -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ http://www.rwapservices.co.uk/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
