Search found 418 matches

by Ruptor
Thu Oct 05, 2023 12:04 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Close, but no cigar..
Replies: 20
Views: 3487

Re: Close, but no cigar..

tofro wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 11:16 amThere are so many potential reasons for problems that you will have a hard time finding them with an "all-at-once" approach.
It is exciting to see what goes bang. :lol:
by Ruptor
Mon Sep 04, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: The Off-Topic Section
Topic: Greaseweazle v4 with dual QL 3.5" drives - possible?
Replies: 15
Views: 7633

Re: Greaseweazle v4 with dual QL 3.5" drives - possible?

I found this on the setup pages. I don't fully understand it but it suggests that maybe I shouldn't use the twin drives (or is it OK as I have 3.5" drives)? If using 3.5-inch and 3-inch drives, this is not a concern. Their terminations are weaker and cannot be disabled. The weak terminations m...
by Ruptor
Mon Sep 04, 2023 9:43 am
Forum: The Off-Topic Section
Topic: Greaseweazle v4 with dual QL 3.5" drives - possible?
Replies: 15
Views: 7633

Re: Greaseweazle v4 with dual QL 3.5" drives - possible?

You say I believe the QL drives use the Shugart interface (they work with my SGC and SQB so... yes?). However, as they have a dual floppy ribbon with single connector, can I use them with the greaseweazle? and greaseweazle says "Floppy drive – any 5.25″, 3.5″ or 8″ floppy that uses the Shugart ...
by Ruptor
Fri Jun 16, 2023 5:34 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Keyboard from where
Replies: 59
Views: 12104

Re: Keyboard from where

I finally wired up the PIC interface board that will convert the QL membrane input pins to give me a serial input that I can connect to a computer. After belling out all the wires I flashed a chip with my first version of software stuck the 5V from the QL on it and the 10 MHz oscillator is running s...
by Ruptor
Tue Jun 06, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: PSU with different voltages than specifications
Replies: 10
Views: 2213

Re: PSU with different voltages than specifications

Thank you. This can give me peace of mind until I find an original power supply. By the way, I'm aware that the original spectrum power supplies are not very reliable; I don't know if due to the fact that they were built on the cheap or simply the capacitors need to be replaced (perhaps both). If I...
by Ruptor
Mon Jun 05, 2023 10:27 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: PSU with different voltages than specifications
Replies: 10
Views: 2213

Re: PSU with different voltages than specifications

output voltages from the plug: on the blue I have 18.5 V alternating current and on the red 7.6 V direct current. When I was fixing my PSU these correct values were quoted. Around 16v AC sounds about right for one of the required voltages. There should be about 16v AC and 9v DC and on the plug the ...
by Ruptor
Wed Apr 05, 2023 10:14 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Spem QL keyboard
Replies: 34
Views: 5269

Re: Spem QL keyboard

OK...does anyone know the preferred troubleshooting method for these keyboards? Assuming the QL motherboard works the keyboard is just a bunch of contacts so you can use a continuity meter between the 9 & 11 way connections then press a key to make the contact. Pin 9 on 9 way & pin 1 on 11 ...
by Ruptor
Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Compatibles Corner
Topic: Sandy Keyboard Interface, appeal
Replies: 22
Views: 15566

Re: Sandy Keyboard Interface, appeal

I will re-align the lower chip. That original 74HCT157 on the bottom row was actually totally dead. My tester didn't recognise it as any kind of 74x chip. The replacement tests fine. The burnt left hand joint of the three on the ribbon PCB looks cracked but it could just be a ring of flux. For comp...
by Ruptor
Sat Feb 11, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: General QL Chat
Topic: QL still looks so modern
Replies: 4
Views: 1800

Re: QL still looks so modern

How can there be any new fashion or state of cool when every possible shape and colour has been done? Perhaps because everything is flat these days a bit of shape was a shock. :lol:
by Ruptor
Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Help for New Users
Topic: Minerva ROM hangs on start up
Replies: 10
Views: 7520

Re: Minerva ROM hangs on start up

Pr0f wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:56 pmPossibly nothing to do with the issue, but there is no red in your picture - which seems a little odd.
Yes and looking at the picture there are white pixel columns so doesn't that suggest a ram issue that would affect processor operation & screen?