This is almost like an infomercial, as it is meant to acquaint QL users with some of the products that have come on the QL scene over the last year. These products are available from Di-Ren in the UK and from FWD COMPUTING in North America. Specifications are liable to change without prior notification.
“GENERAL” General System Information
Amadeus Interlink is a Token Ring Local Area Network system designed to link, at low cost, different types of computers and I/O interfaces. It is possible, without fuss, to connect up to 255 interfaces to the system. The interfaces come as a series of modules connected via special leads and connectors. The modules are housed in small, smart black enclosures that measure about 110x60x30 mm.
Interfaces are of two types: Controller interfaces and I/O interfaces. Controller interfaces specifically link computers to the system. At least one Controller must be attached to the system. I/O Interfaces can be anything from Centronics and RS232 serial ports to sound recorders.
“INTERFACES” Interfaces currently available
QL Controllers
Centronics Controllers
Centronics Interfaces
Ama Sound Interfaces
“QL CONTROLLER”- DPR100/1 & DPR100/2
Designed to link Sinclair QL’s to the Amadeus system, this device connects to the QL’s ROM Port thus facilitating high speed communication. Two versions are available:
DPR100/2, includes a “ROM through port” that enables devices already occupying the ROM Port to continue to function.
DPR100/1, does not include this facility but is cheaper. It is possible to upgrade to a “Through Port” version if required.
The system may be powered directly from the QL. It is STRONGLY recommended however that your QL is fitted with a 2 Amp regulator (especially if Gold Card is fitted and/or Ama-Sound is connected to the system). Suitable regulators with fitting instructions can be obtained FREE OF CHARGE with each QL interface purchase. Alternative power supply arrangements are available in the form of a 3.5 mono socket fitted to the ROM port adapter board where a regulated 5 Volt (+/- 10%) DC power supply should be applied.
QL ROM ports. Some hardware, notably some hard disk drive Controllers, although not physically plugged into the ROM port, ‘maps’ the address lines used by the port making it unusable by Amadeus (and any other plug-in ROM device). In short, if you can plug a ROM device into the ROM port, and it works, so will Amadeus.
Miracle 40Meg hard disc drive: No problems.
QUBIDE Interface: If it is possible to configure the access address to anything other than 0C000h, Amadeus will work. At last report there was a minor problem in this area.
QL Computer cases
A special QL controller is available (same price) for fitting in cases if required. This requires a clearance height of 12cm above the QL’s ROM port. Due to it’s design it is not at present possible for the QXL to directly access Amadeus Interlink hardware on PC’s.
“CENTRONICS CONTROLLER”
This interface is designed to link computers, running the appropriate software, to the network via their Centronics Port (usually the printer port), thus facilitating high speed communication. The port requires to be configured to the full Centronics standard as normally found on PC’s. A 3.5 mono socket is provided on this interface for the application of a +5 volt (+/- 10%) regulated power supply if required. It should be noted that the network cannot be powered from this interface. Connection to the computer is via a standard 25 Way ‘D’ type socket.
Network linking software is currently available for PC’s. Other machines will follow.
“AMA SOUND”
Records and plays back sound via your computer! This device employs 12 bit sampling and benefits from the high audio quality of the ADPCM algorithm. Ama-Sound employs state-of-the-art technology. The same family of LSI’s used in this interface are widely to be found in arcade machines. Recording/Play-back times are subject only to the limits of host computer software. Recorded files may be edited, stored and replayed. They may also be transferred between different machine types. Sample data is supplied in 4 bit packages. Sample speeds range between 4khz – 8khz (*4 bits) and are selectable from software. 3 bit sampling may optionally be selected.
Ama-sound comes complete with speaker, microphone, software and full instructions. Volume and recording level controls are fitted as well as an extra audio input. Both QL and PC software options are available.
“CENTRONICS INTERFACE”
This interface can be configured in software to act in two distinct ways. Firstly, as a fully implemented Centronics printer interface (parallel printer interface), and secondly as a bi-directional net-link type interface. Connection is via a standard 25 way D socket. Lines functional as per Centronics standard:
Strobe 8 * Data Acknowledge Busy Paper out Ready Printer error Reset Automatic line feed Printer Select
Printer option: The on-board micro Controller automatically controls printer output and returns error codes (status lines) as required. Reset, Automatic line feed and Printer Select are easily set in software. As with most other modules, any number of these may be connected to the system and accessed by any linked computer.
Netlink option: Requires the use of a specially configured Lap-Link type cable. 5 input and 5 output lines are catered for. I/O ports may be directly read/altered. Data stream on-board software can also be invoked. This option is completely software controlled and should suit most applications. Supplied complete with QL or PC software as required. Suitable Parallel printer leads: XPR002.
“LINKING” Network linking/Cables
Network linking cables are not supplied with interfaces and should be ordered as required. All interfaces must be connected in a loop, i.e., the output of one interface is connected to the input of the next. It therefore follows that if you have two interfaces, you require two network linking cables, three interfaces require three cables and so on. In most cases the interface modules will be stacked on top of one another. The cables required in these instances will be:
2 stacked units:
2 short leads – DPR400
3 stacked units:
2 short leads – DPR400
1 longer lead – DPR401
4 stacked units:
3 short leads – DPR400
1 longer lead – DPR401
If you do not plan to stack the units on top of one another, order the cable lengths required to connect your system.
Some interfaces require extra cables:
DPR102 Centronics Interface requires: XPR002. This cable connects the 25 way D socket on the interface to the 36 way Centronics connector on the printer.
DPR101 Centronics Controller requires: XPR003. This cable connects the 25 way D type socket on the interface to the 25 way D type socket usually found on PC’s.
The maximum recommended network cable length is 10 metres (30 ft). Longer runs under optimum conditions is possible.
Where the distance between interfaces is between 10-50 metres, low cost line drivers must be fitted at both ends of the cable. Line drivers are available in 3 types, RX (transmit) only, TX (receive) only and dual RX/TX options.
Dual RX/TX (TRX) line drivers are useful where cables to and from remote locations run parallel. Single line drivers are used where cables do not run parallel.
Cable connections to line drivers are via screw terminals thus allowing flexible installation. Full instructions are provided.
Line driver PCB’s are not supplied in housings. Suitable plastic ABS boxes are available separately if required. Single and dual wall sockets and socket mounting boxes are available for permanent cable installations.
The cable used on this system is very much cheaper than conventional networking cable. As a result, maximum cable run lengths are restricted. It is anticipated however that the 50 metre maximum with line drivers will satisfy most applications. If you require shielded cable, expect to operate the system in an exceptionally electrically noisy environment or wish to install cable runs exceeding 50 metres, contact us for further assistance.
Ordering Example 1 – You wish to connect Ama-Sound to your QL.
Requirements:
1 QL Controller – DPR100 + QL software
1 Ama-Sound Interface – DPR115 + QL software
2 short network leads – DPR400
At a later date you wish to add a Centronics (printer) interface.
Extra requirements:
1 Centronics Interface- DPR101 + QL software
1 4 Unit Network link lead – DPR401
1 Printer cable – XPR002
Ordering Example 2 – You only wish to connect a Centronics Interface to your QL for the purposes of controlling a printer.
Requirements:
1 QL interface – DPR100 + QL software
1 Centronics interface – DPR101
2 short network leads – DPR400
1 printer cable – XPR002
Ordering Example 3 – You wish to connect your PC, QL and two Centronics printer interfaces, and implement communication between the QL and PC.
Requirements:
1 QL Controller – DPR100 + QL software
2 Centronics Interfaces – DPR101 + PC & QL Software
1 Centronics Controller – DPR102 + QL software
3 short link leads – DPR400
1 4 Unit link lead – DPR401
1 printer cable – XPR002
1 Centronics Connecting cable – XPR003
Network cable ordering
Standard cable lengths with plugs fitted at both ends for immediate connection to interfaces are used for most applications. DPR400-DPR403 cover lead lengths up to 1 metre.
For cable lengths over 1 metre, where connection is between interfaces and/or wall sockets (not through line drivers), specify length required and that plugs require fitting at both ends of the cable (order code DPR404).
If a cable is to be directly connected between an interface and line driver (remember line drivers have screw terminal connections), specify the length required and that a plug should be fitted to one end of the cable (order code DPR404).
Cables connected between line drivers do not require plugs as connection at both ends is via screw terminals (order code XPR005).
Wall sockets are fitted with screw terminal connections on the inside and standard FCC 8C8P connectors on the outside (same as interfaces).
An all purpose specialised tool (order code XPR009) that strips, cuts and fits 8C8P plugs to cables is available if you wish to make up your own cables.
“SYSTEM” System Specifications & Power supplies
Network Type Token Ring - Continuous loop
Token Cycle 2us per interface approx.
Net throughput rate Approx. 2.5Mbps - no degradation
Network Control Micro controller - 20 MHz (5Mips)
Cabling Flat IPC 8 core
Max. cable length Approx. 10 metres without line drivers
Approx. 50 metres with line drivers
Plugs Modular FCC68 8C8P
Power requirement Regulated 5 Volts DC +/- 10%
Minimum Voltage 4.5 Volts
Max. network power load 1 Amp
System usage rating Continuous
RFI Not shielded
System Power Supplies
The system must be provided with a +5 volt (+/- 10%) regulated DC power supply. Controller interfaces are fitted with 3.5 mono sockets suitable for power application as are TRX and TX line drivers. The QL is capable of providing suitable power. We are soon to introduce suitable PSU’s. If in the meantime you are unable to acquire a suitable PSU locally, contact us for help.
“SOFTWARE GENERAL” System Software – General Software
All interfaces and controllers are supplied with suitable software. System Software supplied with Controller interfaces links the computer to the system and provides drivers to communicate with other Controllers. These drivers do not however provide file-server type access.
One piece of system software is supplied with each interface. In some cases, there may be more than one software option available for a particular interface. Take for instance Ama-Sound. Software for both PC’s and QL’s is currently available for this interface, hence, you must specify whether you require the PC or QL version. If you have PC’s and QL’s linked to the system and wish to access Ama-Sound from both machines, obviously you will require both PC and QL software. This will mean purchasing the other machine specific version.
These are all products that can extend the usefulness of your QL computer and show that there is still work being done to advance their use. Contact FWD COMPUTING or DI-REN for further information and to place orders. FWD COMPUTING was formerly known as Mechanical Affinity.