As mentioned in our last issue, IQLR will be sponsoring the second annual North American QL/QDOS get-together on Saturday the 14th of May 1994. All who were present at MIRACLE in NEWPORT 93 will attest that it’s much more than a computer show. It’s more i a happening, starting days before as people arrive and…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Quick Mandelbrot III is the latest upgrade to the program. Among the updates are an increase in maximum iterations to 511 (for Gold Card users), addition of Mode 4 operation, and some code changes in the interests of more speed.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
QBox-USA is a computer bulletin board system (BBS) set up by QL enthusiasts in the US for all QL enthusiasts in North America (although we welcome callers from anywhere). We maintain a link (Fidonet) with European BBS’s that carry QL related message areas. With QBox-USA North American QL users can keep in touch with our…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I’ve been asked to explain how to use your QL to call a bulletin board system (BBS). 1 had problems trying to follow a structured approach to explaining everything necessary to use your QL online. So, I decided to just ramble in a couple directions, explaining as I go. Hopefully you’ll get the information you…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Recently two products have come to our attention. The first is a high quality laser paper produced by WEYERHAEUSER named FIRST CHOICE. It is by far the best paper I have ever used, to the degree that I cannot tell the difference between a page printed on my DeskJet 500 or my LaserJet IIP, the…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
As the author of WinBack, | read with interest the review of version 2.20 by Don Walterman, in volume 3, issue 5 and would like to comment on his quibbles.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
THE LONELY JOKER was reviewed in IQLR Vol. 2 No. 2. Since then it has some major changes and a few minor ones. They have added 3 more games to double the original 3 games. This review is on Version 2.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This article sets out to explain the file structure of the PRINTER_DAT printer driver used by Quill, Archive and Abacus. A program is presented which prints to the screen all of the codes used in the driver and in so doing, shows how you can access the driver for use in your own programs, for…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
1 enjoyed Bill Cable’s recent article on using Windex to index a long Quill document. Every time I follow one of Bill’s programs, it acts as a tutorial on Archive programming.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Welcome to part 3 of the QL <–> MSDOS applications data transfer series. In this section, we will examine the transfer of data from QL Abacus/XCHANGE to MSDOS Lotus. This transfer is of spreadsheet data (both entered and calculted) only. Cell formulas are not transfered, but the result calculated by the formula is.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Having recently taken advantage of what I think is a good price on the HP DESKJET 500 printer, I then had the task of changing the printer drivers for the Psion software that I use with it.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
QINDEX, as the name applies is an indexing program. It will produce an index from either a Quill file or from an ASCII text file. Since I do not own Text 87 or Perfection, | cannot comment on its compatibility with their files. However, if neither of these type files work, you can always save…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
It’s that time of year again, this issue marks the completion of Volume III, on to Volume IV with more enthusiasm than we had when we launched Volume I. With all the shows taking place this year (including MIRACLE in NEWPORT II), with the release of MAJOR new hardware items and the promise of many,…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Before going ahead with the third installment of this tutorial, I would like to offer an apology to our readers of IQLR and Digital Precision Ltd., for failing to review one additional upgraded file included in the latest version of The Editor Special Edition software; the EDT_charset.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This column is designed to bring together new and/or changing developments within the QDOS community. The information contained here has been reported to IQLR by individuals and/or suppliers who desire to keep you informed as to their recent activities.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This issue of IQLR sees the launch of GT-Prolog, a new implementation of the Prolog language widely used within industry and academia for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and for symbolic programming generally. Although GT-Prolog isn’t the first Prolog system for the QL (that honour goes to Hans Lub’s QL Prolog, available from…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Recently two pieces of Public Domain Software have been sent to IQLR for the purpose of making them available to our readers. The first progam is titled “MERINO TIL” (sent to us by Salvadore Merino of Spain) which is intended as a Multimedia Database Language.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Recently two pieces of Public Domain Software have been sent to IQLR for the purpose of making them available to our readers. The first progam is titled “MERINO TIL” (sent to us by Salvadore Merino of Spain) which is intended as a Multimedia Database Language.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Squidgy Round the World Version 6.5 is a colourful QL arcade game with up to 50 locations written by Michael Crowe. As a character, Squidgy is introduced as a friendly being pursued by certain characters who would like to perform experiments on him. Why would these people want to do this to this poor little…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Hello everyone, we are Joachim and Nathan Van der Auwera from Professional and Graphical Software (PROGS). To be exact, we are not yet professional, because we are both still studying a 4-year computer science course in Belgium, our homeland. Nathan is in his last year, Joachim in his third. However we are doing our best…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This is your chance to ask the tough questions many QL’ers have been pondering. Or maybe you can respond to a question and help us all. Whatever the case this is your column. It depends on your input. This column is intended to be a forum where legitimate questions and responses can be aired for…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Have you ever looked at the customized label on a disk of commercial software that you just purchased and wish you could recreate it on the working copy of the disk? I have been using the following methods and programs to create customized labels for my disks rather than simply handwriting the title on a…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
LINEdesign modestly describes itself as “the vector-drawing package”. I’ve found it to be much more than that. LINEdesign is supplied on eleven disks. Ten of the disks contain fonts, borders and clip art.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This column is designed to bring together new and/or changing developments within the QDOS community. The information contained here has been reported to IQLR by individuals and/or suppliers who desire to keep you informed as to their recent activities.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
QD – What is it? In simple terms it is a pointer driven ASCII text file editor. It does not profess to be, nor has it ever claimed to be, a word processor in any way shape or form. So what is there about the program that makes it different from all the other text…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This program was written by Martin Head and is available from Quanta on disk UG_3. I had been wanting to burn eproms using my QL for a long time. The obvious choice was the QEP-3 programmer which has received very positive reviews. Since the QEP-3 ties up the expansion slot, it requires a dedicated QL.…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I’ve been a QL user since March 1987, when | bought a second hand 128Kb JM QL for 150 US Dollars. I then began improving my computer and at the moment I have four complete QL ia) systems, plus one bare 128K model as an emergency backup and test system.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This useful program converts PC clipart for use on the QL. It converts PC graphics from bit mapped “PCX” format to QL”_SCR” and “Page Designer” formats. The vast array of high quality clipart developed for the PC can now be used in your QL graphics and desktop publishing programs.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
1 would like to submit some thoughts regarding the article in the last issue of IQLR written by: John J. Impellizzeri “Improving The QL’s Sound”. It would be wise to insure that the amplifier and external speaker device be powered from a line transformer type of power supply. Some small and inexpensive amplifiers are line…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Open World converts graphics from other computers into the QL display format. It can generate MODE 4, MODE 8, or dithered two-colour screens which use patterns instead of shades of grey.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
IQLR will be sponsoring the second annual North American QL/QDOS get-together on Saturday the 14th of May 1994. The Salvation Army Building on Memorial Boulevard in Newport, Rhode Island will most likely be the center of activities. A large building that can easily hold 200 to 300 people with plenty of space for numerous supplier…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
With the great explosion of Public Domain software on the QL scene, we have asked Ron Dunnett of QUBBESoft P/D, the leading commercial supplier of PD software, if he would be willing to share some comments on his library. This is the first of what we hope will be an on going PD column.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
QUIZMASTER II is a recently upgraded program originally developed by Impact Entertainments in 1988. The program was upgraded in 1993 by Rich Mellor. It is similar to computerized quiz games found in pubs and clubs throughout the UK, but the questions are not at all limited to UK topics. The two modules, with a total…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This is IQLR’s second look at this valuable program. The first time it was reviewed, the hard disk being used was Miracle Systems. In this review, the hard disk is the JFC interface with Omti controller (versions of the JFC interface prior to 3.07 are not known to run with Winback).
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
n the first installment of this Editor series I explained how to write command files and outlined the Editor HELP files. I also mentioned that if you are an Editor user and wish to have hard copies of the PSION 4_hob’s or XCHANGE hob, you can use The Editor to do most of the work…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
No, this is a program to strip out control codes froma Quill _ DOC file leaving it with no end of line characters between paragraphs, turning it into a TRUE plain text file.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This column is designed to bring together new and/or changing developments within the QL community. The information contained here has been reported to us by individuals and/or suppliers who desire to keep you informed as to their recent activities.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
WINDEX is a collection of public domain programs to create a “word index” of any text file.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This is your chance to ask the tough questions many QL’ers have been pondering. Or maybe you can respond to a question and help us all. Whatever the case this is your column. It depends on your input. This column is intended to be a forum where legitimate questions and responses can be aired for…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
My affiliation with The Editor and Editor SE started in 1987. I had heard so much about this terrific program as being an excellent file and text editor – and yes, a word processor too. From several QL users in my local Timex/Sinclair computer club (LIST), I was advised that this was a program which…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Have you ever heard of Norway? If your answer is no, please take a look at a map. You will find Norway to the northeast of the British Isles. By the way, there are no ice bears in the streets as far as I know! As you can see, Norway is a very small country,…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
The Oracle isa pointer environment game for the QL that requires cleverness and cunning to solve an ancient puzzle. Itchy trigger fingers and fast reflexes are not needed. The object of the game is to set 72 tiles of various colors and containing different symbols on a playing board consisting of 96 squares while making…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Foto-DBase is a database of people with digitised photo. It requires a QL with at least 256 kbytes of RAM, and you can ’graphics epi to Epson and compatible printers (9 or 24 pin).
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I keep getting asked about the differences in more recent versions of QPAC2, so here is a list of changes, abbreviated from extensive notes I received from Tony Tebby.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
SCREEN DAZZLER loads and runs one of the many screen manipulation or graphical display programs included with the program. At the start of the timeout period, at random one of the six included programs is loaded from FLP1 ( as supplied ). There are some dazzling displays on the screen at this time. When you…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
My brother is an accountant and in the course of his work handles a great deal of confidential information about his client’s financial affairs. When he bought a new QI recently he asked me to provide him with a password system so that if the computer was stolen this confidential information would not fall into…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I’ve recently received Release 4.00, the lastest update to C68 for QDOS from Dave Walker. Dave informs me that although there was a long delay between Release 3.05 and Release 4.00, the next release (tentatively titled Release 4.10), will follow fairly quickly as there is already sufficient new facilities that are in the late stages…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
In this article I will describe a couple of ways to improve the sound output of the QL. While I haven’t yet figured out a way to add a PC Soundblaster type board to the QL, what it does have can be improved with a few small changes. These changes can be done to any…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
After purchasing the Gold Card, the next hardware upgrade I wanted was a hard disk. I bought the QL-HDD-Card at the ’Miracle in Newport’. The package I purchased included the HDD-Card, an Omti MFM 8 bit controller and a 90 degree adapter that folds the two cards up next to each other. I can’t praise…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
For a starting point in understanding the import/export file structure, refer to the INFORMATION section of the QL manual – it’s the last section of the manual. Page 1 and 2 of this section deal with importing and exporting data.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I came to the Gold Special Edition of PC Conqueror after using the older PC Conqueror for some time, mainly for editing and compiling of programs written in Turbo Pascal. I had used the original emulator for some time, and the new PC Conqueror ran the PC software I had I looked closely to see…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
If you are still using Quill, you probably have a huge wish list for improvements. What would you do if you could get all these wishes fulfilled (and more)? The authors of Perfection have obviously listened to the many complaints people have with the original Quill word processor. These complaints have all been addressed. Perfection…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Let me start with a few historical notes. During the development of the QL, much effort was devoted to keeping QDOS (and SuperBasic) as compact as possible. As a result, performance was not all it could have been, opening the way for system accelerators such as “Lightning”.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Let me start with a few historical notes. During the development of the QL, much effort was devoted to keeping QDOS (and SuperBasic) as compact as possible. As a result, performance was not all it could have been, opening the way for system accelerators such as “Lightning”.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
We have recently released our latest update to “PERFECTION SPECIAL EDITION’. This version has a massive 35 million megabyte file handling capacity, or put another way, 4 billion lines or paragraphs (seems just about the right size for IQLR).
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This was my first introduction to “Grey Wolf,” a World War II submarine simulation game. Upon boot, up you are asked three questions; if you want to hear engine noise, if you want a training mission, and the degree of difficulty 1-5 with 5 being the most difficult; the default to the first two questions…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Megatoolkit adds over 200 new extensions to SuperBASIC (226 by my count!) that can be roughly grouped into the following categories: channels, screen handling, system, system traps, devices, basic utilities and miscellaneous. These new commands and functions can be used to help make your computing life with the QL easier.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Some 1.44 Meg drives can be set by the jumper pins to NOT check for the additional hole that identifies the disk as a high density disk. I inadvertently set my drive that way, and find that it automatically formats regular (cheaper) 3 1/2″ 720K disks to 1.44 megs without any problems.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This is the first of several articles concerning the interchange of data between QL/QDOS applications programs and MSDOS applications programs. While I have both a QL and an MSDOS computer, by choice I do my work on the QL. Often it may involve either database information from a computer at work, or database information that…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
The Sidewriter documentation makes modest sounding claims: Sidewriter prints spreadsheet files (exported from Abacus to Quill) or plain text files in landscape print (sideways). Sidewriter offers options on fonts, output destination, 9 or 24 pin printer, print intensity via number of printing passes, paper width, file line width (sideways down the page), columns per inch…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
With the recent release of XCHANGE into the Public Domain (QL version only), and the lack of available documentation (at least in North America), it became apparent that QL users needed something in addition to their knowledge of QUILL. The following notes on XCHANGE have been extracted from the XCHANGE HELP and QUILL HELP files…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I have just rediscovered an old friend of mine, Psion Chess, thanks to Gunther Strube. Gunther has kindly made a new version of Psion Chess available to owners of the program. I just received my copy and am very pleased with it. Improvements include: no copy protection, no need for microdrives (this is great for…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
We have recently received the latest additions to the Quanta Library. The first four disks are in a compressed form. It’s all very easy, just run the boot program on each disk and follow the menu. The 4 disks translate into 10 NEW Quanta disks plus upgrades or additions to three others.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
With the approach of the fall and winter computing seasons and most of us back from our holiday/vacations we leave behind us what proved to be a very active QL summer. If only a third of the rumored NEW software and hardware actually sees the light of day, the months ahead could be one of…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.08.26
SERMouse is a software driver that allows you to connect a PC type serial mouse to one of the QL’s serial ports. No disassembly of the QL is necessary. The mouse can then be used to control the pointer if you’re using the pointer environment allowing much easier and faster control than the cursor keys.…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Somewhere in this issue of IQLR there should be a page with lots of dots on it; dots that seem to be a random pattern, with a pair of small hollow boxes along one edge. If you change your focus while looking at a RDS and allow the image processing computer in your brain to…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
In Part 1 of this Review, I covered Qmaths and Qfract. In this final portion, 1 propose to discuss the Surface Modeller, High Precision Calculator, and Mathematical Compendium, the last being a sort of mish-mash of items that may not have fit neatly into a previous category.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
1 have of late, as anyone who reads the Quanta magazine knows, been experimenting with the Pointer Interface, and writing about my experiences to boot. In the middle of learning and writing about programming under pointer in assembler a package arrived from the States containing Easy Pointer and a request to review it from that…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This was an idea that I hadn’t considered of interest to anyone until Tony Firshman commented on it at the “MIRACLE in NEWPORT” show. I have been using Jurgen Falkenberg’s external Keyboard-90 Interface for several years and use a QL keyboard top that has a blank plate in place of the keys. I cut a…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This kit is from Computer Technik /Jiirgen Falkenberg in Germany and lets you move your QL into a modern mini-tower case. You gain many advantages from this move: disk drives in the same cabinet as the computer, room for expansion cards in the same case, stable power supply, one power switch for the system, smaller…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
When I heard that Bob Dyl was organising a QL event in Newport, it seemed heaven sent, as I had just given up in the infamous ’free’ Hoover tickets! (Editor’s Note: Hoover had a promotion that offered free airline tickets if you purchased one of their appliances, it ended up badly.) There also appeared to…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Image Processor 2 from Dilwyn Jones Computing is a powerful program to aid in editing or creating QL screen pictures. It includes handy and powerful utilities such as converting from one screen mode to another, removing color, changing one color to another, adding text, enhancing images, block and window handling and the ability to zoom…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
There’s plenty of news to report starting with MIRACLE Systems announcement that the software for the QXL is near completion. Now any PC can Multi-Task, provided it has a QXL installed.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This review of text87 plus 4 is being written using text 87. I rarely turn on my QL without using text87 for something. This doesn’t mean I’m always writing letters. I also use text87 to find information. I have a 1.2 MByte file containing all the zip codes of cities in the United States. To…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
“QMATHS'” first appeared in DP’s ads around December 1991 (not having the Sept & Oct 91 QL Worlds, I can’t be more precise) as the “QMATHS MATHEMATICAL SYSTEM”. In June 1992, like an amoeba, the system split into two parts. It is Part One that will be reviewed here. I have no information at this…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Miracle Systems has announced 4 different configurations for their new QXL PC CARD. It will be offered as either Meg, 2Meg, 5Meg, or 8Meg boards with the sockets in place for future upgrade.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Xtricator is a ZX81 emulator for the QL, In other words it allows the QL to emulate or act like its older brother, the ZX81 (TS1000 in the US). You may be wondering why someone would want to emulate the old ZX or how do you get a 68000 series CPU to run Z80 CPU…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
A little more than a year ago, the Italian software house, Ergon Development started writing a program to emulate the Sinclair Spectrum 48K on the QL. The first version of the emulator was launched at the International QL meeting in Muenster – Germany, in March ’92. Other versions followed, with the very latest in January…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
After experiencing some problems with my QL’s disk drives and troubleshooting the problem, | wrote this account of what I found and what I did. Hopefully my experience will help someone else.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
To answer the first question, we are Marco Ternelli and Davide Santachiara and together we’re Ergon Development. Our interest like yours is in the QL/QDOS and we’re writing some really interesting programs (see our advert elsewhere in this issue) for this system. Now about us.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
All you need in one box, expandable yet affordable, with plenty of space for tinkering and upgrading. With the QL-2000 we are presenting a completely new concept for expansion of your QL system to a compact, professional reliable unit.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Many users have reported problems when attempting to use Albin Hessler’s Serial Mouse software. Frank Davis of Mechanical Affinity reports that most of the problems he has seen can be solved by following three basic steps: first, its necessary to make a small QL cable to hook to a serial mouse; the second, requires people…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
In the past, a number of articles have been written describing how to transfer files from a QL to a PC. These usually involved using terminal programs on both ends or writing some basic program to manage a file transfer. These methods are cumbersome at best. I will admit that I’ve always wished there was…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Friday February 26th fourteen of us depart from Great Britain for Eindhoven in the dreaded Quanta minibus, driven by Phil Borman (not that Phil’s driving is any reason to dread travelling in it!). Our destination was St Joris college, Eindhoven, for the latest International QL. Meeting, organised by the Dutch and German QL user clubs.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This issue marks the beginning of our THIRD year of operation, and we’d like to thank you, our readers for making it all possible. This is a BIG year for our community, with two International QL Meetings already behind us ( the 4th Italian QL Meeting , and the International QL Meeting held at Eindhoven…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Another year has come and gone, (time flies when your having fun) this issue marks the completion of Volume 2 of IQLR (time to RENEW your SUBSCRIPTION, we only mention it three times). Volume 3 of IQLR promises to be a great year for QDOS and the QL, starting with Miracle System’s new hardware, continuing…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Two major packages have just been released by the PROGS (note their adverts in this issue). The first is the long-awaited “Version 3 of DATADESIGN” (fully relational database) now offered in two configurations. The first section is the DATABASE and the second is DATADESIGN API (application Programming Interface) that allows the user to program DATADESIGN…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
At the 4th Italian QL Meeting held January 24th of this year, Miracle Systems unvailed their NEW PC card officially dubbed the “QXL”. Stuart Honeyball of Miracle Systems informed IQLR that it will operate on a PC XT or above (including clones). The operating system is SMSQ (a derivative of Tony Tebby’s SMS-2) and is…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
With all the interest in ED disks these days, it may seem odd to discuss 5 1/4″ drives. Well, I use both 3 1/2″ and 5 1/4″ drives on my systems. I like to be able to cope with any format that comes along. Advertisements for quad density 5 1/4″ (just called quad from now…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
In response to the column “OUR READERS SPEAK” in the last issue, we received a number of calls and letters. A large number of them dealt with what seems to be an increasing problem. With the increased sophistication of QL software, more and more packages require some type of configuration before the program can be…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
The CQVI video digitizer package consists of the CQV1 hardware, a 3.5″ disk and an 8 page manual. The CQV1 electronics are installed in a black plastic case, measuring 7″(18cm)x4-1/4″ (11cm)x2″(5.5cm). A male edge connector extends out of the front of the case to mate with the ROM Port at the rear of the QL.…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
In the last issue we looked at implementing some of the SuperBASIC maths functions and the majority of the memory manipulation routines, that are missing from FORTRAN 77 ie the PEEK and POKE functions and procedures. I also gave some insight as to what would be tackled next, namely the loop primitives, functions and procedures.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
If you happen to own a Miracle hard drive or the new ED (3.2 meg) drives you’re going to eventually be looking at making backups of the files you’ve configured and use. As anyone who has used a computer knows….there always comes a time when something goes wrong. This may be as simple as a…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
This article will introduce the C Programmer to the mathematical tools provided in the C math library (C68). The methods of working with floating point numbers in C is somewhat different than other programming languages. Most languages provide commands to perform such functions as: square root, logarithm, trigonometric functions, etcetera. However in C there is…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Many years ago when I decided my computer needed a home, I looked at the many different varieties of computer work stations available commerically. None were exactly what I wanted, so I built my own using Canadian Birch plywood and Eastern White Pine. The eagle you see everywhere is part of my family’s heritage, and…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
Every so often, a program comes along that is so useful you wonder how you ever managed without it. Printermaster is one of those rare programs.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
T’N’G is a program that fills a void between a word processor/text editor and desk top publishing software. It contains something for every QL user even though each of us use our QL differently. If you require single or multiple page fliers with a graphic illustration or perhaps an illustrated cover for a document or…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
With the soon to be released QXL (see cover photo) PC card, and work continuing on the long awaited GRAPHICS CARD and SCSI interfaces, we thought you’d like to meet the brilliant team leading us into the 21st century.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
A number of months ago my father purchased the game “LONELY JOKER’, and I’ve been playing the three different games ever since. The most difficult of the three is “NAPOLEON”, the documentation really doesn’t go far enough in explaining how to play. So, here is a simplified explanation of the way I play the game.
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
I recently received a disk from Don Walterman with the latest versions of Q.E.M. (v2.30), release 2 of Unzip (file decompression) and the Zmodem transfer protocol (rz and sz). This package represents a major advance in QL communications and makes it possible to easily take advantage of the many bulletin boards, (estimated to exceed 25,000)…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 02.08.26
As a gentle introduction, let me tell you how I came to write this article/note/letter, call it what you will! Earlier this year I received a phone call from, as he explained, Bob Dyl the publisher of IQLR concerning the QLEA ROM switch. Having got over the surprise of receiving a call from the U.S.A.,…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In today’s world, QPAC II is the QL’s “de facto” version of Windows 3, and has been since QRAM, (QPAC’s predecessor) first appeared. QPAC II’s history has been a little like Windows 1 and 2, for PC’s and compatibles. First of all, a revolutionary program was released, and a few people started using it on…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
As a veteran of some six years of using TASKMASTER as my multitasking control software in a gradually improving hardware environment, I have had many an occasion to be thankful for it’s fine characteristics. Among these, I would cite particularly the ease with which one can jump around amongst the four Psion programs. These have…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
This review is of the program Rock-Fall by Andrew Toone which is called a “Boulderdash Clone”. When I tried to find out what Boulderdash was I ran into a problem. I spent time in several bookstores and a library trying to find a reference to any program called Boulderdash. Finally I found a book that…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
You may have noticed that most software authors use filenames ending with “_BAS”, “_OBJ”, “_BIN”, or other three or four character endings, and wondered as to the significance.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
This program grew out of a want for neatly paged, dated, and identified file printouts. The original version handled only SuperBasic program files. However, when the basic (no pun intended!) similarities between SBasic and text (ASCII) files became obvious, the program was expanded to include text output. The primary difference is that an arbitrary range…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The Serial Port bulletin board has an active Timex/Sinclair SIG (Special Interest Group) area continuously since 1983. Recently, activity on the SIG has increased, matching the rebirth of the QL.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
PRINT_MAC is my first C program, while not very sophisticated, it prints MACINTOSH screen files (sometimes called ReadMac files – I think ReadMac is a Macintosh program) to an HP DESKJET printer. The program has minimal error checking, and has been compiled using C68 version 3.05.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In our last issue (Vol. 2 issue 4) a number of typo’s crept into the program listing. We inadvertantly interpreted two single quotes (‘ ‘) to be a double quote (“). We apologize the the author and our readers for any inconvience or frustration this may have caused.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
As the publisher of IQLR, I have the opportunity to hear from a large number of QL users worldwide. I’m constantly being renewed by the encouragement and enthusiasm of QLers. Their loyality and steadfastness in support of our little machines, is unmatched in the computer world (and they said the QL was dead).
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
SlowGold is a set of routines used to slow the QL down. It was intended for Gold Card users but it also works on a standard QL. Why would anyone want to slow their QL and/or Gold Card down?!? Most software runs much better on a Gold Card equipped QL. The problem is that some…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Up until now it has been “long time no C” for SuperBASIC programmers. But now through the aid of CPORT, SuperBASIC programmers can convert their code to C and take advantage of the speed and enhanced performance of compiled code. CPORT was developed by Charles Dillon, and sells for $179.00 U.S. Distribution is through Digital…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Two international QL meetings will be held soon in Europe, the first is the “4th Italian QL Meeting” organized by Ergon Development and QITALY Club it will be held at Reggio Emilia, Italy on the 24th of January 1993. The second meeting will be the “International QL Meeting” organized by the Dutch QL group SIN_QL_AIR…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
An error occurred when I printed the RAM Disk article reproduced in the Nov/Dec 92 issue of IQLR.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Some time ago, I was approached by my young daughter who wanted to produce banners on the QL. Unfortunately there was no easy way to do this and her request went unanswered. All that has now changed with a piece of software entitled “BANTER” which was written by Nick Ward and is available from DILWYN…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Some time ago, I was approached by my young daughter who wanted to produce banners on the QL. Unfortunately there was no easy way to do this and her request went unanswered. All that has now changed with a piece of software entitled “BANTER” which was written by Nick Ward and is available from DILWYN…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Miracle Systems are about to launch three new products, the long awaited GRAPHICS CARD, the PC CARD, and a SCSI INTERFACE. The GRAPHICS CARD is much more than its name’implies, in our last issue I stated that it was more like a new computer when married to the Gold Card. From the information I have,…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
An interesting piece of mail arrived recently, it was a disk version of DILWYN JONES COMPUTING catalog. We thought it a novel way to deliver a catalog, as a matter of fact we like it so much, that we are willing to pass it on to anyone who sends a formatted disk and postage cost.…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
I’m often asked how to make a backup copy of a program when the user only has one disk drive. The simplest answer is to make a copy on a microdrive cartridge, then copy it back to the disk drive, onto another diskette. But what happens when the files are to large to fit on…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Andrew Lavrov and Anatoly Tishin, both from Russia, are planning to design and manufacture a very powerful Sinclair QL clone as soon as possible. The machine they have in mind will not only be able to clone the QL, but should be capable of cloning any other MC680xx-based computer as well (Atari ST, Commodore Amiga,…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The Intergroup Freeware Exchange (IFE) library has at last count, grown to over 145 disks of Public Domain software. This library, (available on 31/2″ disks only), maintained by Franz Herrmann of Germany is a virtual treasure trove of programs, (many of which are commercial grade) from all over the world. Without a doubt this library…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
DISK Mate is a menu driven disk utility for files and disks, by Pal Monstad of NASA Computing, Norway. The program requires at least 512K and ToolKit II.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
There are times when a program needs to access disk-based storage systems. Text files or data is normally stored or retrieved from a floppy or hard drive. On the QL, data files can also be transferred across the serial ports, in the same manner as a floppy drive. The subject of this article is the…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
After recently adding a GOLD CARD to my QL system | began to think about taking advantage of the ability to use the new EXTRA HIGH DENSITY (ED) disk drives. Armed with my back issues of IQLR, I picked up a couple of computer magazines and started looking at ads that featured the 2.88 MB…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In the first issue of IQLR, eighteen months ago, we encouraged QL users to support a new group being organized by Dr. Sohail S. Bhatti, to be known as the QL Advancement Working Group (QLAW). The stated goal of this group was to create a SuperQL by pooling resources. Included with the announcement was a…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Until three years ago, there had never been a QUANTA subgroup in the Eastern counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. A couple of abortive attempts to start a group were made, but it was Geraint Jones who finally managed to get a nucleus of interested QL owners to meet monthly at Thetford, a small town on…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The following constitute miscellaneous thoughts on how to (or, perhaps, not to) do things. I consider the first example to be an exercise in dangerous living, a disaster waiting to happen. I believe it is appropriately named. All that is required is some glitch just after the DELETE and all is lost! (I have actually…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
If you have just a few files on, say, flpl, a quick and dirty hard copy of the directory could be obtained by OPEN #3, SER1: STAT #3: WSTAT #3. Unfortunately, for more than about 25 to 30 files, the result is distinctly un-neat. Whence, the following effort to get a mite better organized.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Growing Up With Sinclair Computers I’m not very good writing in English. Well enough for you to understand my technical manuals, but definitely not for curriculum vitae. Anyway, you should understand what I’m talking about, and if not, condemn the German education system for being unable to teach proper English. The most interesting year was…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Another holiday season is at hand, and we at IQLR, wish you a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS New Year.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Parts I and II implicitly assumed a 40-track disk being used on an 80-track drive. Examining the boot record will be primarily useful in determing whether this is, in fact, the case. All the MSDOS disks I have so far examined have been the 40_track (720 sector) type but others are possible. In fact, there…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
3D Terrain, written by Ian Thompson and Rich Mellor, is a well thought out, addictive program, that takes data from Abacus and presents it in a 3 Dimensional form ED Note: Unlike some utility programs that generate 3D bar graphs or pie charts, this program produces a topigraphical 3 dimensional landscape presentation of the data)..…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The following diagrams illustrate the pinouts for the two connectors required for assembling a serial to printer/modem cable. The parts are available at any Radio Shack (Tandy) store.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Screen Snatcher is a powerful utility which has one purpose, to save a copy of the current screen display to disk, microdrive or RAM disk. This program may not appear to be of value to everyone using a QL, however, if you have ever wanted to save a copy of text mixed with some foreign…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Strings are a means of storing and manipulating text, such as names and sentences. In C, strings are not a formal data type but an array of type “char”. When you think about a string in C, it is a series of characters, formed into an array. In other programming languages strings are also treated…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Mechanical Design Analysis Consultants (MeDAC) has decided to market their Statistical Analysis System. This system was designed by our Chief Design Analyst (Glen E. Smelcer) after 12 years working in the Design Analysis Department of INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER CO. and 15 years working in the Reliability Design Analysis Department of the JOHN DEERE Dubuque Works.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The QL ROM Switching Board is a small circuit board, produced by members of the QLEA Quanta sub-group in England. This board allows you to install both a Minerva EPROM plus an original Sinclair ROM into the QL. Either of the two ROMS can be selected by means of a switch and a reset of…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
If you have ever created an array in SuperBasic you may have run into a slight problem. How do you save it? The manual is of no help, At least I couldn’t find instructions there. Even Jan Jones excellent book was, in this area, totally lacking. The program that follows will show the procedures to…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
A POTTED HISTORY OF MY COMPANY AND I! My involvement with Sinclair computers goes back to the very early days when I wrote some books on programming the ZX81/TS1000 and Spectrum/TS2068. After writing a great deal of BASIC programs in the first few years of the QL, | eventually wrote what were my first large…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The DISK DRIVE CABLE EXTENDER is a product that came about out of necessity. After hasseling with the tight cable and cramped working conditions when changing drive cables on the Gold Card (works equally well on the Trump Card), and frequently pulling the Gold Card loose from the edge connector, we decided that what was…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With this issue, we begin a new feature entitled “MORE THAN A NAME”. Along with a picture on the front cover, will be an auto-biography. We intend to highlight those people/companies that you have heard of over the years, but probably know very little about. These are people who have, and are contributing much to…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
I thought this might be a good time to bring you up to date on the status of the International Computer Glossary, especially to those that worked so hard to provide input and resolve discrepancies.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The Lonely Joker is an excellent implementation of the card game Solitaire (Patience). When used with a mouse, this version is certainly equal to or better than the ones bundled with “Windows” for the IBM or commonly found on the Macintosh.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
A growing number of our North American readers have written us concerning SPARE PARTS and/or QL REPAIRS. We find that this is a worldwide concern of many QLer’s. Therefore the reason for this article,
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
As the name implies, FLIGHTDECK is a flight simulation program for the QL. The cost of the program including shipping and handling is 15 Pounds Sterling.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Part I contained a brief description of the MSDOS disk organization. Table 1, below, expands on that description to include placement of clusters. The tabular form should allow visualization of interrelations among the disk parameters superior to any verbal description. For instance, the expressions in Procedure trsise should be fairly readily derivable from the Table.…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
This article is intended for QL users who have access to Usenet or any other means to receive such conferences or forums. Intl.QI is an international area to discuss anything related with the QL. It originates from the QBOXnet, an independent private network of bulletin boards (Fido) which run on QLs or compatible machines.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
eFORTH is the name of a FORTH model designed to be portable between a large number of the newer and more powerful processors existing now, or becoming available in the near future. FORTH for the QL is a version 32 bits absolute address and 32 bits stack.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
rovided your printer is set to ignore the MSB (Most Significant Byte) of byte values sent to it, (many are shipped with this as a default setting and normally this can be changed by a DIP switch inside the printer or from software), it is possible to send control codes by using CHR$(155) from the…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The QL’s second processor, the Intelligent Peripheral Controller (IPC 8049), handles sound and the serial port, as well as keyboard input. The code in the present 8049 suffers from a number of problems.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Following up a hint in a previous issue, boot programs do not have to be manually typed in to add line numbers. You can, of course, load them into an editor and manually add line numbers, but it is much easier to let the QL do it automatically.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
I wrote the program that follows to overcome the difficulty of generating QL characters on my CGP-220 (an older Radio Shack/Tandy printer, which I believe to be one of the first color ink-jet printers). With a little tinkering you can get this program to work with any dot matrix printer.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Most cataloguing methods applied to collections of items, be they books or chapters in a book, involve relatively complex indexing techniques such as alternating between numerals (Arabic or Roman) and alphabetical characters. On the other hand, it is generally simpler, and often preferable, to use a straightforward numerical order when dealing with collections of closely…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
We have all had the experience of receiving 2 or 3 copies of the same catalog each with a slightly different version of our address on it. Mail order companies buy address databases from many sources and often the same address may be in more than one in a slightly different form. This fools the…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
QSPREAD a spreadsheet for the 1990’s is now being shipped. Written by Oliver Fink a highly respected guru of the Pointer Environment, QSPREAD can be completely driven by the mouse or the keyboard.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Miracle is now shipping their re-designed DISK ADAPTER (allows the use of up to 4 disk drives with Trump or Gold Cards), and they are presently re-designing their QL CENTRONICS interface, we’ve been told that the new version will fit under the hood of a Centronics male connector and eliminate the need for the box.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With the approach of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, comes a wealth of NEW products for the QL. Some like HERMES, a new co-processor, and QSPREAD, a new spreadsheet are major developments (see the articles pertaining to them in this issue).
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In the previous issue, I mentioned that I wanted to write an article explaining how I was using my 3.2 Meg drive as a mini hard drive. As luck would have it, I had just about completed setting up my first “Master Disk”, when COWO ELECTRONIC came out with an upgrade to QTOP (the front-end…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
After we had gone to press with this issue, I had two telephone conversations, the first with Phil Borman Chairperson of QUANTA, and the second with Stuart Honeyball the genius of MIRACLE SYSTEMS.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
TKII improves file maintenance procedures in two ways. First, the existing commands COPY, DELETE, and DIR now use the default directories and secondly,the addition of wild card and overwrite operations significantly ease file handling.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
TOOLKIT II is most likely, the widest held product ever developed for the QL. It can be found on disk interfaces, on ROM, and a configurable version on disk. It surely is a “must have” product, as it makes life a whole lot easier. As with most good things, there is something lacking, in this…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Тһе QL was the first affordable computer to allow multitasking. It’s one of the many features that still sets it apart from the herd, and yet, is one of the most difficult to control satisfactorily on a standard machine. It is also one of the areas that most interests “Tinkerers’ like myself.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
А couple of exciting new products have emerged from Jochen Merz; the first is “SER MOUSE'” a software driver which allows you to connect a MS-DOS serial mouse to one of the serial ports of the QL.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
“Thank you for your review of our database program DATAdesign. As DATAdesign is constantly being improved and developed, we would like to point out the improvements made since the release of the reviewed copy.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
We are happy to announce that IQLR has made special arrangements with C.G.H. Services of the UK, and author Simon Goodwin, to offer the D-I-Y TOOLKIT of QL World fame, as a group buy, in its entirety at a bargain price.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
It has just been reported to IQLR, that QL WORLD has been SOLD by the people who purchased it from the collapsed Maxwell Empire. The new publishers are reported to be a company named ARCWIND, and we believe that Helen Armstrong will remain as editor. The May 1992 issue will be late by a couple…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Recently we’ve released a number of new software packages, and a major upgrade for WINBACK (our hard disk backup software), The following is a short description of each item.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The Internet is a loose collection of worldwide computers and networks, connected by some sort of physical and logical link. One of the more well-known portions of the Internet is the Defense Data Network (DDN). Access to Internet is available through gateways provided by many commercial networks such as CompuServe, MCI Mail, Sprint Mail, and…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The original impetus for this article came from having a few Shareware disks lying about, gathering dust. Inevitably, I wondered about the feasibility of reading Big Blue’s efforts on the QL.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
“Why is an RGB monitor better than a composite monitor”? This question has been asked over and over again. In simple terms – a composite signal from a computer has every video element that RGB signals have. They are: Red, Blue, & Green video signals, Horizontal or Composite sync and Vertical sync signals which are…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Occasionally, you run across a program that has an unlistable BOOT program. Attempts to list it to the screen results in it executing. The easiest way to get around this is to use the command; “COPY Кірі Boot TO SCR”. This will display the listing to the screen. You can then copy down the program…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
My last article on Pointers and Structures demonstrated the way pointers are used to access data within a C Program. This article will relate the concepts of pointers and structures to another mechanism, the linked list. The concept of the linked list is not unique to the CProgramming Language, it is also used in Pascal,…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In the early days of the QL, Sinclair released a number of third party software packages under the Sinclair banner. One of the best was a terrific financial software package entitled “QL-HOME FINANCE “, written by BUZZ SOFTWARE.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The 21st March 1992 saw the International QL Meeting in Germany, organized by the Sinclair QL User Club e.V. Munster-Roxel, NW Germany was the location, and QL/QDOS enthusiasts from several countries gathered in a school hall to see, try out and discuss everything to do with the QL. I was part of a contingent of…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With so many new hardware upgrades, I find that I am changing or remounting chips with increasing frequency. Just recently I mounted two Gold Card chips (version changes), an upgraded MINERVA ROM and the Keyboard Interface, which required lifting the 8049 chip. Some people have no problems slipping chips in and out of their QLs,…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Recently I have been engaged in a project to collect temperature data to analyze the thermal properties of homes. This project will eventually lead to the development of a microprocessor controlled thermostat. However, to begin work, data must be collected and analyzed to understand the thermal properties of a home in a quantitative manner.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Having been introduced to computers at the hoary age of sixty plus, my first experiences were with the Timex 2068 computer (the American version of the Spectrum). In 1984, I decided to upgrade to the QL, and I distinctly remember buying my first one from my good friend, Bob Dyl, at the lofty price of…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Miracle Systems have announced a tremendous reduction in the price of their GOLD CARDS. The export price for delivery outside the UK is now 200 Pounds Sterling.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
It can be difficult to insert a peripheral device (i.e. Trump or Gold Card) into the expansion slot of the QL while they are both horizontal. If you stand the the QL on it’s end with the expansion slot up, you will find that the device will slide in or out without snagging any of…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
ArcED is the new professional TEXT-EDITING-SYSTEM for programmers of all QDOS compatible computers, written by Steen Kastoft Hansen of Denmark. Not just another editor, ArcED offers you a complete new dimension in editing. Itis a configurable full screen Text-Editor, with over 35 direct key commands including user definable function keys. Its inbuilt command line interpreter…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Work continues on Miracle System’s GRAPHICS CARD. No release date has been announced. Qview and TF Services of the UK are working on a replacement for the QL’s coprocessor, the 8049 chip. This chip controls the QL’s keyboard and serial ports. The advantages of using a 8749 or equivalent chip would be increased speed and…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With this issue, we begin our second year of publication. We’ve received many encouraging letters with your subscription renewals, and we’ll endeavor to continue providing you with a timely, quality publication. We would also like to welcome the many new readers who have joined us. During the past year you’ve received advanced information on the…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The following program demonstrates how to set up a procedure for printing text you’ve written, so that your choice of characters per line will be printed while still looking neat.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With the advent of the C-68 “C” Compiler (available from IQLR), an entire library of QDOS functions are available. However, there may be times when you need a special purpose routine that isn’t available in this library, or if you use the Metacomco QLC which only comes with an all purpose QDOS trap function.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
This article is intended to emphasize the importance of pointers and structures in order to gain a better understanding of the C Programming Language. It is important to have a through understanding of this topic since many of the operations in C use these facilities.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Unbranded Sony 3.5″ diskettes can be purchased in bulk at prices far below the retail price of the disks with Sony’s name imprinted on them.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
With the recent collapse of Robert Maxwell’s publishing empire, and most if not all of its operations scheduled for the auction block, there was real concern for the fate of “QL World”. We are happy to report, that we have been informed, the employee’s of MCPC Ltd. have purchased the group publishing “QL World” along…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Awhile back, IQLR subscriber Kenton Garrett of Lansing, Kansas, USA raved about a company he’d found in Florida that manufactured dust covers for computers and their peripherals. Kenton had them make a few special covers for him, and to his surprise, the prices were quite reasonable. To quote him, “custom covers at standard item pricing”.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
The QL HDD-CARD is an interface board for the QL’s expansion port that allows you to connect a standard PC-hard drive controller of either the MFM (controller type OMTI 5520 or WD 1002A-WX1), or RLL hard drive (controller type OMTI 5527, WD 1602-27X or 1002A-27X) to the Sinclair QL. The driver for the new device…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Once in a great while, a product comes along that is a MUST, the FLP/RAM Level 2 EPROM Replacement Chip from Jochen Merz of Germany is just such a product.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Issue #5 : in Doug Dewey’s article “What Use Is The QL In Education“, the program “DBTUTOR” was mentioned. We apologize for not mentioning that this program was written by Bill Cable (a frequent contributor to IQLR), and could be purchased from Bill.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
From the Italian QL Show held in January, comes information on the Miracle Graphics Card. It will have two NEW modes. The first, will be an enhanced mode 4 with as many as 256 colors and will be usable with standard QL monitors. The second will be a High Resolution mode of 1024 pixels x…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Almost from the beginning, QL’ers realized the need for bus expansion. A company by the name of QUEST was the first to advertise a bus expansion system that included additional memory, disk drives and an OS-9 type operating environment. I’ve never seen one in person, but have been told only a small number were sold…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
On Saturday the 21st of March 1992, the Sinclair QL User Club of Germany will be hosting the “INTERNATIONAL QL MEETING” in the city of Munster-Roxel in northwestern Germany, at the Tilbecker Strasse 24, from 8 am until 10 pm. This meeting is dedicated entirely to a discussion of current QL/QDOS developments.In addition, there will…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
This issue completes Volume One of IQLR, and we look forward to our second year of publication. You, our subscribers and readers have made IQLR a voice in the International QL Community, for this, we owe you our thanks. This past year has established or reestablished lines of communications. No longer are NORTH AMERICANS isolated…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
Two new products have made their way onto the QL scene, the long awaited TEXT87 PLUS4 wordprocessor (see News Release in this issue). It is a major rewrite of their TEXT 87, and we look forward to reviewing it. Jurgen Falkenberg has released his “Hard Disk Interface” (Gold Card version due this spring). This interface…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
We recently received a flyer from COWO ELECTRONIC, in Sursee, Switzerland expressing their continued support of the THOR range of personnel computers. COWO Electronic are the authors of THOR-DESK which was to have been incorporated into the Thor XVI system.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
I am a big fan of PSION’s ARCHIVE Database and a promoter of the use of databases in general. Bob Dyl recently loaned me a copy of DATAdesign by PROGS (PROfessional and Grafical Software – programmers Joachim & Nathan Van der Auwera) of Belgium to review. To my knowledge, the QL only had ARCHIVE and…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26
In the last issue of IQLR (#4) there was a typographical error in the Assembly Language listing in Will Horton’s article on “LINKING ASSEMBLER INTO C PROGRAMS“.
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 02.07.26