Hello from a new user

[StevieB]

Hello everyone. Just to introduce myself, my name is Stephen, and have just taken ownership of my first ever Sinclair QL.

I was familiar with Sinclair devices from the early eighties onwards. My Dad introduced me to a ZX80 he built from a kit. Later we received a ZX81 at home, and then finally, I got my own 48K Spectrum pretty much as soon as it was released, whcih gave me the computer bug for life.

I do remember lusting after the QL when it was first announced, but never could afford it, and it kind of passed me by, but after a lifetime in IT I finally decided to grab one while I still could.

So anyway, I have just got a pretty much original boxed QL, along with the standard software suite, a bunch of 'unknown' microdrive cassettes, plus the user manual. The unit looks complete, and also came with a centronics serial dongle as well. The QL itself seems to be a fairly early one, I think it is an issue 5 board, and the user manual did have an insert at the beginning with some notes about the firmware eprom cartridge in the ROM slot, and a free gift for the early adopters (an RS232 lead, which is possibly the Centronics cable).

My plans so far are just to get it up and running initially and have a play, before perhaps tinkering with a few projects.

Overall, the unit seems to be complete and in pretty good condition, and looks well looked after. There were a couple of the usual faults. I initially ordered a RGB>Scart lead + Scart>HDMI box so I could hook it up to a screen. Once that arrived it powered up straight away to the initial F1/F2 prompt, but could go no further, and it was clear a new keyboard membrane was needed (it was obviously cracked when inspected). That has now been swapped out, and the only other fault seems to be Microdrive1 is not functioning (it just spins). Microdrive 2 is working, so I swapped them over temporarilly and managed to load all 4 Psion programs ok, which I was pretty pleased with.

I have a vdrive on order too, which I am hoping will mean I can manage without the 2nd Microdrive for now, although I do plan to repair that somehow. I'm not particularly great with a soldering iron however, so not sure what my next steps will be.

Regards

Stephen

[Sparrowhawk]

Welcome to the forums - the QL is great fun, and a really interesting machine - I'm sure you'll have plenty of good times learning all about it.

[vanpeebles]

Welcome!!

[dilwyn]

Welcome StevieB.

In case you haven't come across it yet, the QL Service Manual is as good a starting point as anything for any repairs. There's an online version at Urs Koenig's website:

https://www.sinclairql.net/srv/index.html