Best way to identify a QL (with out opening case)?

[vanpeebles]

What is the best way to identify a QL? From the outside what is best to look for and are there any lines of code that will identify the rom version etc.

I'm about to do a stock take of my collection and I don't want to open them up if I don't need too

[XorA]

print VER$

[prime]

And certainly German / Samsung QLs are easy enough to spot as they have the standard 9 pin connectors for Joystick / Serial ports, instead of those crappy BT style connectors.

Cheers,

Phill.

[1024MAK]

The serial number also may help, the first part gives the so called build standard. The service manual gives details.
However, machines modified or serviced since leaving Sinclair may not have any exterior indications that they have had any work done. Then the build standard information indicated by the serial number may be inaccurate. But, if you compare the results returned by VER$ and the build standard, if they don't tally, you know that the ROM's / EPROM's have been changed (upgraded hopefully).

Mark

[Derek_Stewart]

On SMSQ/E:
VER$(-2) : Returns Start of System Variables.
VER$(0) : Returns HBA
VER$(1) : Returns SMSQ/E version

On anything other than SMSQ/E, VER$(0) or VER$() or VER$ give the QL Rom version.

[dex]

standard 9 pin connectors for Joystick / Serial ports

where "standard serial port" means "connected as in ZX Interface 1".

CTRL ALT ESC 4 turns keyclick on, if there is Hermes inside (otherwise it is standard 8049).

[vanpeebles]

That's a good one anyway to count the ram? I know one of mine has an internal 512 can't remember if it tells you on screen.

[prime]

standard 9 pin connectors for Joystick / Serial ports

where "standard serial port" means "connected as in ZX Interface 1".

Well I actually meant that the D9 is a standard connector which the BT like thingy is not The QL is the only place i saw them used apart from on phone equipment.

Cheers.

Phill.

[dex]

That's a good one anyway to count the ram?

Minerva shows it directly.
Toolkit II has the FREE_MEM function.
Or use PRINT SYS_VARS($20) - (HEX("20000"))
(see http://www.theqlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=322)

[Mr_Navigator]

That's a good one anyway to count the ram? I know one of mine has an internal 512 can't remember if it tells you on screen.

There is a significant delay on a 512 ram upgrade you should be able tell just by switching on