The Sinclair QL Forum

We have the Emulators CD-ROM available which can be put "on a stick" to plug in USB port and run on Windows without installing. Ql-Users group is looking to do the same for Linux.

I am deeply interested in this, as I am considering doing a uQLx on ARM embedded linux distribution.

Just thinking about it.

You need to get in on the Ql-Users group. See
http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm

I'm on ql-users - it's how I found here

Ok enough thinking, can it be done?

Although initially I wanted to get a QL system up an running on a Linux based computer, what has now made this even more significant is the possibility of an auto booted QL system based around the RaspberryPI (if it comes to fruition in the not too distant future)


One of my IT guys at work may be able to help as I was mentioning to him about it. (he's on hols at the moment)

Incidentally the acronym QOALS sounds like the QL version of Goals which could be a metaphor for something to reach for or achieve

Or secondly QOALS could be pronounced like QUALS which in academic terms is short for Qualifications, something to be achieved or gain after a perod of hard work ( ooooo der der den den der der den den - eerie twilight zone music)

Mr_Navigator wrote:Although initially I wanted to get a QL system up an running on a Linux based computer, what has now made this even more significant is the possibility of an auto booted QL system based around the RaspberryPI (if it comes to fruition in the not too distant future)
One of my IT guys at work may be able to help as I was mentioning to him about it. (he's on hols at the moment)
Incidentally the acronym QOALS sounds like the QL version of Goals which could be a metaphor for something to reach for or achieve:)
Or secondly QOALS could be pronounced like QUALS which in academic terms is short for Qualifications, something to be achieved or gain after a perod of hard work ( ooooo der der den den der der den den - eerie twilight zone music)

At first, I was reluctant to go this way. However, once the QOALS (oh dear, I wish I'd looked at the abbreviation before mentioning it ) is setup it could quickly become a starter device for such projects I suppose. I'll try asking the Q-Celt (Darren) if he could help with this as a way to entice him back to more active QLing (I know he lurks on the mailing list for example).

dilwyn wrote:A few people offered to help me get this done (I have no knowledge of Linux).

Yes indeed, I was one of them.

dilwyn wrote:Sadly, nobody came up with a finished package. Which is sad, because I keep getting asked for a "QL On A Linux Stick" or whatever else it might be called.

I'd add a "yet" in there Dilwyn. I haven't forgotten, I do intend to do it (RaspberryPi not withstanding!) and I will do it as and when I get the time. Sorry about the delay and sorrier for not letting you know what was going on. Head hanging in shame!

Cheers,
Norm.

NormanDunbar wrote:

dilwyn wrote:A few people offered to help me get this done (I have no knowledge of Linux).

Yes indeed, I was one of them.

dilwyn wrote:Sadly, nobody came up with a finished package. Which is sad, because I keep getting asked for a "QL On A Linux Stick" or whatever else it might be called.

I'd add a "yet" in there Dilwyn. I haven't forgotten, I do intend to do it (RaspberryPi not withstanding!) and I will do it as and when I get the time. Sorry about the delay and sorrier for not letting you know what was going on. Head hanging in shame!

Cheers,
Norm.

He he, I didn't want to name names
You weren't the only one, though. And I know that people do these things in their spare time usually (or in your case, lunch breaks). (and when not bee-keeping)

Gents,
well: Been there, tried it. Failed.
Current uQLX doesn't seem to run (yes, it does build) on ARM Linux. (I have a Genesi Arm Smartbook, a fine (and particularily affordable) piece of ARM hardware, that I intend to use as portable QL replacement.
I got uQLX to come up with an initial screen, but as soon as that's displayed, it crashes.
I've tried to find out where, but, to be honest, the code is a mess viewed by today's standards.

Unfortunately, Richard, the original author, was prepared to sacrifice maintainability in favour of fast code (Maybe he had to, considering how "fast" PCs were some years ago compared to today.) The downside is: If you try to compile uQLX with a non 3.3-gcc (i.e a more recent one), it won't run, not even on x86 Linux. And decent ARM Linuxes come with gcc >4.x
I have to dig a bit deeper into that, when I have more time, probably during the holidays starting mid August.

Cheers,
tofro