The Sinclair QL Forum

Hi,
I am finishing my process of updating my Q40 / Q60, I have installed a new case, a new modular Atx power supply, replaced classics HD with CF/SD readers, eliminated floppy and lastly I would like to update the ROM with the latest version of smsqe.

I have already created, using the compressed version of SMSQE by Wolfgang the LO and HI parts ready to be burned in the 2 eprom.

Now I need your help in find out the exact model of the eprom to use: M27C1024-xxx but what model/brand ? and where to find them (eBay) ? UV or OTP?
Can you suggest me which model of eprom programmer to buy and which model of UV lamp to cancel the eprom?
Can I reuse the existing Roms erasing and reprogramming them ?

Many thanks

Fabrizio

bixio60 wrote:Hi,
Now I need your help in find out the exact model of the eprom to use: M27C1024-xxx but what model/brand ? and where to find them (eBay) ? UV or OTP?
Can you suggest me which model of eprom programmer to buy and which model of UV lamp to cancel the eprom?
Can I reuse the existing Roms erasing and reprogramming them ?

1. I don't think the xxx (access speed) will make much of a difference, nor should the maker. UV erasable are probably more convenient.
2. Get one of the Chinese TL866 range programmers. They are pretty good and not that expensive. In fact, I might have one to sell you! Chinese small scale UV erasers are also pretty cheap.
3. Yes, if the existing ones have the little window you can erase and re-use them (probably an idea to save the data on them first).

Chr$ wrote:

bixio60 wrote:Hi,
Now I need your help in find out the exact model of the eprom to use: M27C1024-xxx but what model/brand ? and where to find them (eBay) ? UV or OTP?
Can you suggest me which model of eprom programmer to buy and which model of UV lamp to cancel the eprom?
Can I reuse the existing Roms erasing and reprogramming them ?

1. I don't think the xxx (access speed) will make much of a difference, nor should the maker. UV erasable are probably more convenient.
2. Get one of the Chinese TL866 range programmers. They are pretty good and not that expensive. In fact, I might have one to sell you! Chinese small scale UV erasers are also pretty cheap.
3. Yes, if the existing ones have the little window you can erase and re-use them (probably an idea to save the data on them first).

Thanks for the Help !

I will send a private message for the Eprom programmers to reach an agreement.

Fabrizio

bixio60 wrote:I am finishing my process of updating my Q40 / Q60, I have installed a new case, a new modular Atx power supply, replaced classics HD with CF/SD readers, eliminated floppy and lastly I would like to update the ROM with the latest version of smsqe.

Sounds very nice! I also wanted to rebuild my Q60 in a smaller case, but had too many ideas and in the end completed none of them.

bixio60 wrote:Now I need your help in find out the exact model of the eprom to use: M27C1024-xxx but what model/brand ? and where to find them (eBay) ? UV or OTP?

It does not matter which 27C1024, as long as they have 120ns or less access time.
You could also use the one you already have.

bixio60 wrote:Can you suggest me which model of eprom programmer to buy and which model of UV lamp to cancel the eprom?

Not really, I have a very old model. But normally, all programmers which have a >= 40 pin (!) socket should work.

bixio60 wrote:Can I reuse the existing Roms erasing and reprogramming them ?

Yes, but you need UV light to erase. If you do it seldom, even sunlight might be an option. Do blank check before trying to program.

Peter

Chr$ wrote:1. I don't think the xxx (access speed) will make much of a difference

I would be careful here. This is a 68060 of up to 80 MHz running directly from ROM, and I designed the bus timings for <= 120 ns.

Peter wrote:

Chr$ wrote:1. I don't think the xxx (access speed) will make much of a difference

I would be careful here. This is a 68060 of up to 80 MHz running directly from ROM, and I designed the bus timings for <= 120 ns.

Thanks Peter, I was hoping someone with more knowhow would confirm or deny that statement before the OP actually bought/did anything!

Hi,

I used to use a HiLo Systems ALL03A EPROM Programmer connected to a MSDOS 486 PC, to programme ST MC27C1024 120ns EPROMS, for the Q40, Q60.

The eproms require to be erased with a UV eraser.

I also have a Minipro TL866CS, which also can programme the MC27C1024/27C4096

I used to deliver a Q60 with SMSQ/E v3.10, as the binary got too big for the 1024 eproms.

Only now with compressed ROM images can we have up to date SMSQ/E operating systems that are not soft loaded.

This makes the Q60 boot up to SBASIC in seconds. Which sometimes was too fast for slow hard drives.

I have been building Q60 and Q40 into black Shuttle PC ITX cases, without the ridiculess PC Colling system. The Q60 runs cool enough with a standard CPU heat sink.

Chr$ wrote: Thanks Peter, I was hoping someone with more knowhow would confirm or deny that statement before the OP actually bought/did anything!

Have you got a Q60?

No, afraid not. (just a QXLII and Q68).

Are W274096-12 an option for the Q60? I personally prefer EEPROMs, just so much more convenient.