Running SMSQ/E

[robheaton]

Hi Rob, if this is the machine I think it is, then it's got the mplane backplane in it (https://qlwiki.qlforum.co.uk/doku.php?id=qlwiki:mplane), so it should fit in a small tower case or an old desktop case.

If you do decide to move it from it's current case, can I make a very odd request in true Hermit Crab Style - will you sell me the original one back?

That's an old rig of mine by the way

Yes this machine has the mplane backplane.

So my Aurora was once yours?!
I remember buying it about 4 years ago on eBay, was it you I got it from?
You are more than welcome to the case, where abouts are you?

[Pr0f]

I sold it to a guy in Godalming who collected old retro machines - I did tell him the hard disk was temperamental but he was just going to put it on display I think/

I'm in Reading - but will happily pay postage. Has it still got that funky 'Q' button on the front?

[robheaton]

Has it still got that funky 'Q' button on the front?

Sure does!

[Derek_Stewart]

I've decided it's time to rehouse my Aurora, it's current case is just far too small.

Can any case be used? - I've not stripped the machine down to have a proper look.

Hi Rob,

Any PC case will do, I tired to fit a mplane based system in a Black Shuttle case. the dimensions of the Shuttle case a re a little tight for the mplane.

If you need a case I have a Black Tower case with ATX power supply and Shuttle cases.

[robheaton]

Any PC case will do, I tired to fit a mplane based system in a Black Shuttle case. the dimensions of the Shuttle case a re a little tight for the mplane.

That is a shame about the Shuttle cases, I'm sure there is one sat in the workshop at work.
The plan is for a dual floppy setup, one physical 3.5" HD floppy and a Gotek drive.

How easy is it to modify the ATX PSU to power the board?

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi Rob,

An ATX power supply can be switched by making the PS_ON ( pin 14 ) on the PC ATX Connector connected to GND.

I usually connect Pin 14 to Pin 15 on the ATX PC Connector.

There maybe more subtle ways, like having a toggle switch to switch the lines. But I find this is the simplest way.

Is there a better way to switch the ATX power on with a switch?

[Derek_Stewart]

Thanks for all the help, I'll give this a go later today!

Does SMSQ/E need unzipping on the Aurora? Or can I unzip it in Windows?
As the binary download of SMSQ/E is too big for me to put on a floppy to transfer it.

You can unzip on Windows. The binary is normally not EXECed, so you can do without the header.

Actually that's not 100% true, there is a header and it is used by SMSQ/E to recognize another LRESPR of SMSQ/E, in order to prevent the boot loop rob has experienced.

Hi,

I have just installed SMSQ/E v3.36 Gold on my BBQL + Tetroid Supergold card.

SMSQ/E is loaded from Floppy Drive, bu I can get the system to bootup unless there is an IF statement checking for the VER$

How does this 'header' work as stated above?

[RalfR]

How does this 'header' work as stated above?

Seems SMSQ/E checks for "Gold" at a special place in memory to prevent endless BOOT loops.

[Derek_Stewart]

How does this 'header' work as stated above?

Seems SMSQ/E checks for "Gold" at a special place in memory to prevent endless BOOT loops.

Hi,

Thank you for the reply, but it does not work, I have to put the line:

Code: Select all

IF VER$<>"HBA": LRESPR "GOLD_BIN"

Otherwise, the QL loads SMSQ/E and reboots and goes into a boot loop.

[RalfR]

How does this 'header' work as stated above?

Seems SMSQ/E checks for "Gold" at a special place in memory to prevent endless BOOT loops.

Hi,

Thank you for the reply, but it does not work, I have to put the line:

Code: Select all

IF VER$<>"HBA": LRESPR "GOLD_BIN"

Otherwise, the QL loads SMSQ/E and reboots and goes into a boot loop.

Hmm, I have read this somewhere, but do not remember, where.

Well, in Norman's site it is told:

---------- snip ----------
If you are using SMSQ/E on the Gold Card or Super Gold Card, you should normally use the LRESPR command to start up the copy of SMSQ/E - if this is used in a boot program, if SMSQ/E is already loaded when the LRESPR command to load SMSQ/E is read, then it is ignored. If you use RESPR and LBYTES, then the boot would get into a loop - continually loading the operating system (unless you check VER$=’HBA’, although this will not work on QXL as SMSQ also reports VER$=’HBA’).
---------- snip ----------

There is also an comment on MK's site: https://www.kilgus.net/2016/03/17/smsqe-boot-sequence/ from David Westbury.