The Sinclair QL Forum

The actual hardware inside the QL case. Network connectors, 5V power supply, video, mouse. No case modding

It is looking good Peter. Nice and neat at the back of the ql. Will be interested to see other views in the future.

Kevin

Maybe a peek into the QL case with the finished baseboard and Qzero plugged in.
Although it does not look like, it is actually possible to connect the QL keyboard directly. (USB-PS/2 combo keyboard also supported internally.)
Joystick not tested yet, as I don't own one. But the basics seem to work, including video, mouse and QL speaker support. Funny to use it with sampled sound
Still waiting for parts to attach the microdrive replacements.

Peter wrote:Maybe a peek into the QL case with the finished baseboard and Qzero plugged in.

qlbase_qlcase_inside.jpg
Although it does not look like, it is actually possible to connect the QL keyboard directly. (USB-PS/2 combo keyboard also supported internally.)
Joystick not tested yet, as I don't own one. But the basics seem to work, including video, mouse and QL speaker support. Funny to use it with sampled sound
Still waiting for parts to attach the microdrive replacements.

Wow ... ... How good does it look! Long live BBQL .

PD:
By the way, what is the function of that red connector?

Peter wrote:The actual hardware inside the QL case. Network connectors, 5V power supply, video, mouse. No case modding
qlbase_case_back.jpg

Amazing stuff! Great work

Great Stuff!
Are the ribbon keyboard connectors mounted vertically, on the left side of the board?

afx wrote:By the way, what is the function of that red connector?

It is a micromatch connector compatible to QL-SD. The bottom of the Qzero also has it, as an option to connect SD card sockets externally.
Since the Qzero has a MicroSD card socket onboard, this is not strictly required.

But if connected, a normal size SD card socket on the baseboard can be used (helpful if the baseboard is used outside the QL case).
Also it is needed to support the microdrive LEDs in the QL case, via the QL 6 pin connector.

Andrew wrote:Great Stuff!

Thank you. I'm still uncertain about using the module approach, which makes everything more complex.

Andrew wrote:Are the ribbon keyboard connectors mounted vertically, on the left side of the board?

I'm not sure what you mean. Yes, you see the QL matrix keyboard connectors on the left side.
I mount them with this method: Turn the QL case top 90 degree to the right. Then insert both cables straight, like into the SInclair motherboard. Then turn back the case top carefully and close it, giving the cables a 90 degree curve.

Peter wrote:I mount them with this method: Turn the QL case top 90 degree to the right. Then insert both cables straight, like into the SInclair motherboard. Then turn back the case top carefully and close it, giving the cables a 90 degree curve.

Wouldn't this create a lot of stress in the membrane's ribbon cables that would eventually generate cracks?

Andrew wrote:

Peter wrote:I mount them with this method: Turn the QL case top 90 degree to the right. Then insert both cables straight, like into the SInclair motherboard. Then turn back the case top carefully and close it, giving the cables a 90 degree curve.

Wouldn't this create a lot of stress in the membrane's ribbon cables that would eventually generate cracks?

If you're using an original 1980s membrane, this could definitely be problematic. I was working with an original membrane with my USB adapter, and the ribbon connectors had got quite brittle, and I had to trim damaged bits off the end several times. Eventually a crack appeared close to where the ribbons go around the metal plate to the top half of the case, and I had no choice but to order a new membrane. The new one seems a lot more flexible and durable, and I'd have no issue with it making a 90º turn. However, with the original one, I suspect it would put it under too much stress.
New membranes are relatively cheap, and budgeting one with this upgrade will hardly break the bank.