Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Some more Minerva MKII upgrades which replaces the standard QL ROMs (a small circuit board and new ROM) with real-time clock and I2C interface. :roll: Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Tony Firshman To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 6:51 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Some more what? Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:257/67) +44(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 Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote, on 14/Feb/11 09:32 | Feb14: Some more Minerva MKII upgrades which replaces the standard QL ROMs (a small circuit board and new ROM) with real-time clock and I2C interface. :roll: Ah yes. These are on my list to supply to Rich Mellor. Current ETA looks like third week in March. As I have said, I am really now too busy to keep QL work going. I am working Tuesday to Saturday in London, and really only have Mondays to *try* to catch up. 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] Hardware question
Excellent, thanks Tony Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Tony Firshman To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 9:36 AM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Lee Privett wrote, on 14/Feb/11 09:32 | Feb14: Some more Minerva MKII upgrades which replaces the standard QL ROMs (a small circuit board and new ROM) with real-time clock and I2C interface. :roll: Ah yes. These are on my list to supply to Rich Mellor. Current ETA looks like third week in March. As I have said, I am really now too busy to keep QL work going. I am working Tuesday to Saturday in London, and really only have Mondays to *try* to catch up. 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 Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Plastic wrote, on 13/Feb/11 03:50 | Feb13: If there's enough demand, I would be happy to make a few of these boards - though they would be prototype PCBs and fairly expensive. Short run PCBs tend to run around $40 each just for the PCB. Everything else would be around $10. It might be easier to have more than one QL. He he - I have given up QL trading. .. but I could supply supply boards which give Minerva but not the 16k rom. (One can never escape). 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] Hardware question
Looking on EBay the prices for the EPROM's are just a few pounds if M27C512-15 is the same thing, the 28 pin DIL socket less than a pound, the ROM codes Minerva Toolkit II are freely available so other than getting the code burnt on to the EPROM I have everything or am I missing something? Lee Privett ¦¦ ha Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Peter Graf To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 12:16 AM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Hi Lee, So I need to look out for a Gc, SGC or Minerva conversion kit, haven't seen those on eBay or sell my retro For Minerva ROM you could try 1. Get an M27C512 and a 28 pin DIL socket (wide, long pins) 2. Program lower 48 KB with Minerva, and upper 16 KB with extension ROM binary of your choice 3. Lift up pin 1, 20, 22. 4. Press M27C512 into an IC socket 5. Wire socket pin 20 to M27C512 pin 1 6. Wire socket pin 22 to M27C512 pin 20 7. Wire M27C512 pin 28 to M27C512 pin 22 8. Remove both QL ROMs from socket 9. Press in the M27C512 with it's socket into one of the QL sockets All the best Peter ___ 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] Hardware question
If you buy an EPROM on eBay and it needs erasing, remove the label (you'll find letting the label soak in some lysol is the best way to do this) and then putting the EPROM with the window facing the sun for approx 30 mins should erase it. On a dull day it doesn't take longer, as UV goes right through clouds. To combine the top OS ROM image I suggest you: (pseudo-code alert!) base = ALCHP(32768) copy the upper OS ROM image to base copy the TK2 ROM image to base+16384 save base TO base+32767 to a file that will be your new ROM image. Burn the image to the EPROM. If you have really amazing eyesight you can look in the window while it's burning and what all the bits turning off! [1] Cut yourself a 10x15mm bit of label, and write something descriptive on it, THEN stick it onto the EPROM window. ProTip: leave a bit of backing extra so you can separate it easily. Store programmed EPROMS in a bit of conductive foam or wrapped in aluminium foil when not in a PCB - they're quite hardy, but it only takes 25v on a pin to change a bit, and you walking around generates a lot more than that. Good luck! Dave [1] if you try this, you will go blind. Also, a blank EPROM is all 1's and burning it turns off the 0's you need to be zeros. Neat huh? On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 6:13 AM, Lee Privett lee.priv...@gmail.com wrote: Looking on EBay the prices for the EPROM's are just a few pounds if M27C512-15 is the same thing, the 28 pin DIL socket less than a pound, the ROM codes Minerva Toolkit II are freely available so other than getting the code burnt on to the EPROM I have everything or am I missing something? Lee Privett ¦¦ ha Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Peter Graf To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 12:16 AM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Hi Lee, So I need to look out for a Gc, SGC or Minerva conversion kit, haven't seen those on eBay or sell my retro For Minerva ROM you could try 1. Get an M27C512 and a 28 pin DIL socket (wide, long pins) 2. Program lower 48 KB with Minerva, and upper 16 KB with extension ROM binary of your choice 3. Lift up pin 1, 20, 22. 4. Press M27C512 into an IC socket 5. Wire socket pin 20 to M27C512 pin 1 6. Wire socket pin 22 to M27C512 pin 20 7. Wire M27C512 pin 28 to M27C512 pin 22 8. Remove both QL ROMs from socket 9. Press in the M27C512 with it's socket into one of the QL sockets All the best Peter ___ 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 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Rich Mellor wrote, on 13/Feb/11 13:17 | Feb13: I am fresh out of Minervae unfortunately, until Tony makes some more for me Unlikely I am afraid until March - I am in the final stages of a house renovation. ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. 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] Hardware question
Tony Firshman wrote: ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Hopefully... Cheers...Ralf BTW: Always good to hear you speaking, when I switch to the ROMdisq page. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 13:23 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Hopefully... Cheers...Ralf BTW: Always good to hear you speaking, when I switch to the ROMdisq page. Ouch - I had forgotten that was there. It doesn't work under Firefox. Any idea why? bgsound src=romdisq.wav loop=1 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] Hardware question
Tony Firshman wrote: Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 13:23 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Hopefully... Cheers...Ralf BTW: Always good to hear you speaking, when I switch to the ROMdisq page. Ouch - I had forgotten that was there. It doesn't work under Firefox. Any idea why? bgsound src=romdisq.wav loop=1 I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 13:38 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 13:23 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Hopefully... Cheers...Ralf BTW: Always good to hear you speaking, when I switch to the ROMdisq page. Ouch - I had forgotten that was there. It doesn't work under Firefox. Any idea why? bgsound src=romdisq.wav loop=1 I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Whoops - should be OK now. Any other broken links? 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] Hardware question
Tony Firshman wrote: I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Whoops - should be OK now. Any other broken links? The file links under http://tfs.firshman.co.uk/ql/rdhist.htm are broken, no driver, no manual available. Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 14:53 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Whoops - should be OK now. Any other broken links? The file links under http://tfs.firshman.co.uk/ql/rdhist.htm are broken, no driver, no manual available. Done 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] Hardware question
On 13 Feb 2011, at 15:28, Tony Firshman wrote: Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 14:53 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Whoops - should be OK now. Any other broken links? The file links under http://tfs.firshman.co.uk/ql/rdhist.htm are broken, no driver, no manual available. Done Yes it is. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
gdgqler wrote, on 13/Feb/11 15:32 | Feb13: On 13 Feb 2011, at 15:28, Tony Firshman wrote: Ralf Reköndt wrote, on 13/Feb/11 14:53 | Feb13: Tony Firshman wrote: I use IE. Andthe links to the corresponding files for ROMdisq are broken! Whoops - should be OK now. Any other broken links? The file links under http://tfs.firshman.co.uk/ql/rdhist.htm are broken, no driver, no manual available. Done Yes it is. That was quick (8-)# I found a few more broken links and they are repaired. One *tries* to make the site fully relative, but it is hard. It should all be now. 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] Hardware question
Tony Firshman wrote: I found a few more broken links and they are repaired. One *tries* to make the site fully relative, but it is hard. It should all be now. Thank's a lot! Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Ok Tony, not sure what you mean by that, are you saying you may be making some more? Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Ralf Reköndt To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Tony Firshman wrote: ... as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Hopefully... Cheers...Ralf BTW: Always good to hear you speaking, when I switch to the ROMdisq page. ___ 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] Hardware question
On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 11:58 AM, Lee Privett lee.priv...@gmail.com wrote: as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Ok Tony, not sure what you mean by that, are you saying you may be making some more? Lee Privett I think he's saying he has a stalker that wants to talk to him about his hard long black thing. *SHOCK!* Dave ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote: as I said, one can never *really* escape the QL scene. Ok Tony, not sure what you mean by that, are you saying you may be making some more? I am *very* sure, what he means. After more than 10 years beeing absent, I have received an original boxed QL from Urs König and Markus Dettwiler from Suisse (with many thanks) have bought QPC2, text87, and have spent a few bucks to Marcel, who corrected a few (but serious) bugs in programs, I heavily use (now again). I can understand everyone! Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
In message aanlktimvnyo+fgsgvbzk1jdmmazo-pbb+uwphrxnb...@mail.gmail.com, Plastic plasticu...@gmail.com writes The ZIF carrier would be a neat way of doing it. The BBC Micro also has a slot, to the left of the keyboard area, for this purpose (it is a perforated). It is normally covered over, so most people would not notice it being there. For Lee's project with the QL, a PCB taking 4 ROM's with a ZIF, would be neat way of getting easy access to alternative ROM's. If there's enough demand, I would be happy to make a few of these boards - though they would be prototype PCBs and fairly expensive. Short run PCBs tend to run around $40 each just for the PCB. Everything else would be around $10. It might be easier to have more than one QL. On the upside, ZIF sockets would make things easier. At Sandy, we had one of the QEPIII programmers, which we used to program all the EPROMS in everything we made. We also had a ZIF carrier which could hold four ROM sets. It didn't just switch the CL lines - it unpowered the unwanted slots, because once we put four Sinclair plastic-cased ROMs in there and the current draw was too much and popped something in the power section! Weird. Dave On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 6:16 PM, Peter Graf pg...@q40.de wrote: Hi Lee, So I need to look out for a Gc, SGC or Minerva conversion kit, haven't seen those on eBay or sell my retro For Minerva ROM you could try 1. Get an M27C512 and a 28 pin DIL socket (wide, long pins) 2. Program lower 48 KB with Minerva, and upper 16 KB with extension ROM binary of your choice 3. Lift up pin 1, 20, 22. 4. Press M27C512 into an IC socket 5. Wire socket pin 20 to M27C512 pin 1 6. Wire socket pin 22 to M27C512 pin 20 7. Wire M27C512 pin 28 to M27C512 pin 22 8. Remove both QL ROMs from socket 9. Press in the M27C512 with it's socket into one of the QL sockets All the best Peter ___ 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 -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Thanks for the comments and apologies to Tony for any misunderstanding and for Malcolm I am not sure if a ZIF socket is needed for what I have in mind but thanks anyway. I only need the QL to run the boot file from floppy (or SD card if that becomes a real possibility) from a cold power up without the user having to press anything. The delay that Minerva offers and then boots anyway is fine for my needs, I just need to find away to realise its installation The comments including those below suggest I can take the existing two Sinclair QL ROMs out and replace with a (programmed and taped) EPROM with the Minerva code + Toolkit II and maybe SpeedScreen if there is room (its not essential) already in place and following the instructions from Peter G. this would all I need. Now unless I have got that wrong and I am sure somebody will tell me, my next step is to source the hardware for erasing and burning the EPROM. Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 10:17 AM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question In message aanlktimvnyo+fgsgvbzk1jdmmazo-pbb+uwphrxnb...@mail.gmail.com, Plastic plasticu...@gmail.com writes The ZIF carrier would be a neat way of doing it. The BBC Micro also has a slot, to the left of the keyboard area, for this purpose (it is a perforated). It is normally covered over, so most people would not notice it being there. For Lee's project with the QL, a PCB taking 4 ROM's with a ZIF, would be neat way of getting easy access to alternative ROM's. If there's enough demand, I would be happy to make a few of these boards - though they would be prototype PCBs and fairly expensive. Short run PCBs tend to run around $40 each just for the PCB. Everything else would be around $10. It might be easier to have more than one QL. On the upside, ZIF sockets would make things easier. At Sandy, we had one of the QEPIII programmers, which we used to program all the EPROMS in everything we made. We also had a ZIF carrier which could hold four ROM sets. It didn't just switch the CL lines - it unpowered the unwanted slots, because once we put four Sinclair plastic-cased ROMs in there and the current draw was too much and popped something in the power section! Weird. Dave On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 6:16 PM, Peter Graf pg...@q40.de wrote: Hi Lee, So I need to look out for a Gc, SGC or Minerva conversion kit, haven't seen those on eBay or sell my retro For Minerva ROM you could try 1. Get an M27C512 and a 28 pin DIL socket (wide, long pins) 2. Program lower 48 KB with Minerva, and upper 16 KB with extension ROM binary of your choice 3. Lift up pin 1, 20, 22. 4. Press M27C512 into an IC socket 5. Wire socket pin 20 to M27C512 pin 1 6. Wire socket pin 22 to M27C512 pin 20 7. Wire M27C512 pin 28 to M27C512 pin 22 8. Remove both QL ROMs from socket 9. Press in the M27C512 with it's socket into one of the QL sockets All the best Peter ___ 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 -- Malcolm Cadman ___ 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] Hardware question
On 12/02/2011 13:32, Lee Privett wrote: I was just wondering what would be involved in burning my own EPROM with my own set of routines for plugging into the ROM port (like TK2), has anyone done this? what sort of kit is involved and how much are we talking about here. Also would I have to make my own pcb or can they be bought/manufactured. This is all for the original QL of course. Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm Hi Lee, There is a special header for EPROM code, but I don't have it to hand... I have plenty of spare PCBs however :-) -- 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] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote: I was just wondering what would be involved in burning my own EPROM with my own set of routines for plugging into the ROM port (like TK2), has anyone done this? what sort of kit is involved and how much are we talking about here. Also would I have to make my own pcb or can they be bought/manufactured. This is all for the original QL of course. The Technical Manual states: 11.4 Add-on Card ROMs When the machine is booted, the operating system checks for plug-in ROM drivers by looking for the characteristic longword flag $4AFB0001 at the base of each location in which a ROM might be present. The beginning of a plug-in ROM should be in the following format: 00 $4AFB0001 (flag to indicate ROM is present) 04 pointer to list of BASIC procedures and functions 06 pointer to initialisation routine 08 string identifying the ROM The pointers are relative to the base of the ROM. If the list pointer is zero then there will be no attempt to link routines into SuperBASIC. There are also a few tools, which do that for you. There is one from Jochen Merz, very good and easy to use (Thing EPROM-Manager) and one from Liberation Software (RPM-Manager, not do delightful, but working) Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Ralf Reköndt To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 2:35 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Lee Privett wrote: I was just wondering what would be involved in burning my own EPROM with my own set of routines for plugging into the ROM port (like TK2), has anyone done this? what sort of kit is involved and how much are we talking about here. Also would I have to make my own pcb or can they be bought/manufactured. This is all for the original QL of course. The Technical Manual states: 11.4 Add-on Card ROMs When the machine is booted, the operating system checks for plug-in ROM drivers by looking for the characteristic longword flag $4AFB0001 at the base of each location in which a ROM might be present. The beginning of a plug-in ROM should be in the following format: 00 $4AFB0001 (flag to indicate ROM is present) 04 pointer to list of BASIC procedures and functions 06 pointer to initialisation routine 08 string identifying the ROM The pointers are relative to the base of the ROM. If the list pointer is zero then there will be no attempt to link routines into SuperBASIC. There are also a few tools, which do that for you. There is one from Jochen Merz, very good and easy to use (Thing EPROM-Manager) and one from Liberation Software (RPM-Manager, not do delightful, but working) 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] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote, on 12/Feb/11 15:03 | Feb12: Lee/ Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? I don't think so, but Minerva will - at least it shows the F1/F2 but presses F2 after an interval. but not what you want. I bet that though could be patched. The code is open source. Re burning you should look for a second hand QEPIII eprom programmer. It fits in the expansion slot so saves/reads from microdrive. I used an internally expanded QL and Romdisq so bypassed the microdrives. 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] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote: Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? As far as I know, just Minerva supports an automatic start of the OS after a few seconds. With Jochen's tool, you can also put a SuperBASIC program into the eprom. This will be set as a device BOOT, which the OS searches first. Cheers...Ralf ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
I have only ever seen the Minerva ROM in emulation packages, is it an actual ROM I can get hold off and replace the JS/JM type or is it a little more complicated than that? Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: Ralf Reköndt To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 3:16 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question Lee Privett wrote: Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? As far as I know, just Minerva supports an automatic start of the OS after a few seconds. With Jochen's tool, you can also put a SuperBASIC program into the eprom. This will be set as a device BOOT, which the OS searches first. 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] Hardware question
On 12 Feb 2011, at 15:16, Ralf Reköndt wrote: Lee Privett wrote: Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? As far as I know, just Minerva supports an automatic start of the OS after a few seconds. I thought Super Gold Card and probably Gold Card did this. The F1/F2 choice is just not there (if you have requested that). George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Lee Privett wrote, on 12/Feb/11 16:31 | Feb12: I have only ever seen the Minerva ROM in emulation packages, is it an actual ROM I can get hold off and replace the JS/JM type or is it a little more complicated than that? It is. There is a small PCB but it would be easy to wire up a pcb to emulate it. Three pins need bending out and reassigning. 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] Hardware question
gdgqler wrote, on 12/Feb/11 16:40 | Feb12: On 12 Feb 2011, at 15:16, Ralf Reköndt wrote: Lee Privett wrote: Thanks guys, I am now giving some serious thought to a Retro Arcade Console with the QL at the core, but at switch-on I don't want the user to have to see or press the F1/F2 configuration choice, so the next thing is in the EPROM code (which I assume will run first) can I get it jump passed the F1/F2 choice and just to if F2 has been pressed so that it finishes off the sequence as in TV mode and looks for a boot file or will it just load in extensions from the memory locations in the EPROM? As far as I know, just Minerva supports an automatic start of the OS after a few seconds. I thought Super Gold Card and probably Gold Card did this. The F1/F2 choice is just not there (if you have requested that). Ah yes you are right, but I think it only 'presses' it - the start screen still appears I believe. I use Minerva so haven't bothered with that for years. 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] Hardware question
On 12 Feb 2011, at 17:06, Tony Firshman wrote: Ah yes you are right, but I think it only 'presses' it - the start screen still appears I believe. As I recall the start screen does not in fact appear. (But that was before the battery gave out!) George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
Op Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:40:58 +0100 schreef gdgqler gdgq...@gmail.com: I thought Super Gold Card and probably Gold Card did this. The F1/F2 choice is just not there (if you have requested that). The SCG has a few commands that should be used under QDOS or Minerva, before a Boot file is run. AUTO_TK2F1 or AUTO_TK2F2 will invoke Toolkit2 and skip the F1/F2 prompt the next time the machine is booted. This setting is remembered as long as the clock battery has power. AUTO_DIS will disable this automatic booting. Bob -- The BSJR QL software site at: http://members.chello.nl/b.spelten/ql/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question
So I need to look out for a Gc, SGC or Minerva conversion kit, haven't seen those on eBay or sell my retro any other places? Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ - Original Message - From: gdgqler To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 5:15 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Hardware question On 12 Feb 2011, at 17:06, Tony Firshman wrote: Ah yes you are right, but I think it only 'presses' it - the start screen still appears I believe. As I recall the start screen does not in fact appear. (But that was before the battery gave out!) George ___ 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] Hardware question
In message 4d5690f5.20...@rwapservices.co.uk, Rich Mellor r...@rwapservices.co.uk writes On 12/02/2011 13:32, Lee Privett wrote: I was just wondering what would be involved in burning my own EPROM with my own set of routines for plugging into the ROM port (like TK2), has anyone done this? what sort of kit is involved and how much are we talking about here. Also would I have to make my own pcb or can they be bought/manufactured. This is all for the original QL of course. Lee Privett ¦¦ Sent from my Laptop running XP but emulating the QL using QPC2 ¦¦ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm Hi Lee, There is a special header for EPROM code, but I don't have it to hand... I have plenty of spare PCBs however :-) I remember the BBC micro have several Sideways ROM pcb's produced, along with software. Which allowed you to switch in to a different set of ROM's. Would that hardware be possible with the QL? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
