Page 1 of 1

Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:51 am
by JonB
Hi, new user here.

I have recently acquired a QL for no apparent reason other than curiosity. I have a pretty varied collection of microcomputers, both 8 and 16 bits including some Speccys, Memotech and Acorn machines, and I fancied the QL, especially the look of it. The serial number starts D16 so I assume this is one of the later Samsung manufactured models, with properly sorted microdrives. I have not taken delivery yet but I know it is not working properly and I hope it is just a matter of the keyboard membrane; if not it'll be out with the soldering iron!

I've been doing a bit of reading up on this forum and other places and it looks like the most worthwhile upgrade is a Trump Card, so I will be keeping an eye out for one. I definitely don't want to have to rely on the microdrives. I have one for the Speccy and it did not take long for the first catastrophic failure (on the Sinclair welcome / demo cartridge, no less :cry: ). On the other hand, I do have quite a few old floppies and drives lying about...

My background is software engineering and I have been programming for over 30 years. I recall the anticipation at the announcement of the QL although of course I couldn't afford one at the time.

In case this story seems familiar, know that I am also active on stardot.org.uk and atari-forum.com as well as 6502.com where I go by the same username.

Looking forward to a voyage of QL discovery!

Cheers

JonB

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:13 pm
by vanpeebles
Hello and welcome to the forum! I think you will find the QL a very interesting and quirky machine :geek: You are right on the drives front though, you really need a floppy drive setup to get the best from it.

Any questions, don't be afraid to ask :)

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:37 pm
by JonB
Ok, thanks. Here's my second question: anyone got a disk interface to sell? :lol:

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:22 pm
by dex
pop in to SellMyRetro.com and check on the auctions. There is a Gold Card for £255, a maxed out Trump Card, £137.50

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:02 pm
by JonB
Sorry, I meant "not for silly money". Last one on eBay went for £40....

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:48 pm
by Dave
As the seller, I know it's silly money. I'm dropping the price a little over time because they're fundraising sales for new QL hardware development.

Part of the need for new hardware is to keep things affordable and reliable.

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:21 am
by JonB
Hi Dave

PM me with a price and I will be happy to consider it. Postage to UK though..

What hardware are you trying to finance? Something interesting?

Cheers

JonB

Re: Wotcha QL dudes

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 3:55 pm
by vanpeebles
If you saw a 768k trump card for £40 then that was a super bargain :)