The Sinclair QL Forum

Andrew wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:54 pm

t0nyt wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:28 pm But when I load the v1.4 ROM image in Q-emuLator and try to run Pascal it complains the ROM isn't present or is the wrong version

How do you load the ROM?
In QEmulator -> QL Configuration you must load the Metacomco ROM as "Back ROM" and set it to "Active"
I tested with v1.8 - there is no message that the ROM is loaded, but programs ED (editor) and Pascal (compiler) work.

Yes, other than being v1.4 that’s exactly what I’m trying

Many thanks

Derek_Stewart wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:51 pm Hi,

Prospero Pascal is on tge QL Homepage, which the rom image v1.15 is included.

I loaded this into Q-emulator, which recognised the ROM in startup, and entering PRL loads the rom.

Have copied the ROM correctly?

It's Metacomco Pascal I'm trying to use

Many thanks

Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

If you want to use SMSQ/E use the EPROM_LOAD command to load tge ROM file, I generally use DEV or SUB to map a psuedo MDV device to the compiler or use MDI or FDI to use a MDV or FLP image.

Derek_Stewart wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 7:08 pm Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

As far as I can see, tested with v1.8:
- it works as Back ROM
- it does not work as Ext ROM
- there is no PRL command
- in v1.8 the command is: ROM
- if the ROM is loaded as Back ROM then programs Ed and Pascal work even if the command ROM is not issued. (the programs start without any error message - but I have not tried to actually compile anything)

Andrew wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 7:30 pm

Derek_Stewart wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 7:08 pm Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

As far as I can see, tested with v1.8:
- it works as Back ROM
- it does not work as Ext ROM
- there is no PRL command
- in v1.8 the command is: ROM
- if the ROM is loaded as Back ROM then programs Ed and Pascal work even if the command ROM is not issued. (the programs start without any error message - but I have not tried to actually compile anything)

Thanks Andrew

If I load v1.8 Rom then “ROM” works, but not with v1.4 Rom

I guess there may be a corruption in my v1.4 Rom or MDVs

Will try to re-read the MDVs they all came on

Many thanks

Reading the manual it seems highly likely my v1.4 ROM image is bad as it’s not recognising the ROM command

Yes!

I found the ROM image had a 12 byte header that shouldn't be there (to use as a ROM image) and it's working now

Should of realised that the file was 12 bytes too long

Many thanks all

t0nyt wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:28 pm Well the original Metacomco Pascal MDV's arrived and they are v1.4 (my existing dongle is v1.8) and I was able to MDUMP them to mdv images

Fortunately the MDV's also came with a v1.4 ROM image

But when I load the v1.4 ROM image in Q-emuLator and try to run Pascal it complains the ROM isn't present or is the wrong version

I've not yet tried burning the ROM to an eprom to test on a real QL as yet though

But I was wondering if anyone has any other thoughts please?

Many thanks

Hi t0nyt,

I've dug out my QL and have upgraded it with Minerva, 512kb memory and a vDrive. I'm currently trying to recover microdrive cartridges using Cartridge Doctor. I've a copy of Metacomco QL Pascal Development Kit with a 1.8 ROM, you can identify it by typing ROM at the command line with it plugged in. I've recovered cartridge A Pascal Compiler, but completely failed on B Runtime/Editor.

Directory of A Pascal Compiler
pascal
pasa_ovl
pasb_ovl
pasc_ovl

Directory of B Runtime/Editor
paslink
install
graphics_codes_inc
graphics_codes
ed

Can you let me know where you managed to get the MDV's from as I wish to get copies of my corrupted files.

I'm also recovering Metacomco
Lisp - recovered but had one bad block, it runs and displays Evaluate prompt then hangs.
C - recovered but some bad blocks in key files need testing
BCPL - recovered, Ed(itor) works but haven't tested compilation yet

Thanks in advance.

Hi Coxy,

My Microdrives are version 1.4 (got from eBay IIRC), not 1.8 (my original dongle was v1.8)

Regards
Tony