ITEM: The QL is coming! We received a very attractive full color booklet from Sinclair Research that tells everything you’ve always wanted to know about the QL-except when it will be available. Much of the information has been published in T-S Horizons before but it does go into more detail on the word processing, database, spreadsheet, and graphics software. Announced future developments include a C compiler, a 68000 assembler, a terminal emulator to tie into mainframes, 0.5 Mb expansion, analog-to-digital converter, Winchester disk drive interface (what’s Clive got against floppy disks?), modems, and more. Also for $50 per year you can join QLUB (QL Users Bureau). Membership includes six newsletters per year, free updates to the four programs mentioned above, technical tips, etc.
Sinclair Research Limited USA
50 Staniford Street · Boston · MA 02114
Telephone 617-742 4826
Sinclair QL Technical Profile
System Configuration
Basic system for $499 (U.S. price only) includes two processors, two custom-designed control chips, 128K main memory (expandable), operating system, programming language, full-size 65-key QWERTY keyboard, twin QL Microdrives (100K-byte capacity each with 3.5 seconds average access time), four software programs on Microdrive cassette (word processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics), four blank Microdrive cassettes, power supply, connecting cables and adapters for TV, monitor and LAN.
Hardware
RAM: 128K, expandable externally to 640K (32K dedicated for screen bit map).
ROM: 48K, contains Sinclair SuperBASIC and Sinclair Qdos operating system (expandable via ROM cartridge to 64K).
CPU: MOTOROLA 68008, running at 7.5MHz, for all principal functions. (Architecturally the 68008 is a 32-bit processor with an 8-bit data bus. One megabyte of non-segmented address space is available.)
INTEL 8049, a second processor, controls keyboard, sound, RS-232C receive and real-time clock functions.
Custom Chips: Four Sinclair-designed ICs. The first controls display and memory; the second controls the Microdrives, the real-time clock, local area network and RS-232C transmission; the third and fourth provide analog functions required by the Microdrives.
Video: High-resolution graphics capability with color/monochrome monitor (or TV) in two modes; 512 x 256 pixels (4-color), 256 x 256 pixels (8-color).
Normal character display format up to 85 x 25 with choice of character sets available; TV format up to 60 columns depending on software.
Power Supply: 120 volts at 60Hz, 9v DC at 1.8 amps, 15.6v AC at 0.2 amps from transformer unit (19 watts to computer).
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions: 5⅜" x 1¾" x 18¾"
138mm x 46mm x 472mm
Weight: 3.055 lbs. (1388 gms.)
Software
Operating System: Qdos, developed by Sinclair. Key features include:
- single-user multiple tasking
- time sliced priority job scheduler
- display handling for multiple screen windows
- device-independent input-output
Language: Sinclair SuperBASIC. Key features include:
- procedure structuring
- extendability (including syntax)
- interpretation speed independent of program size
- clean machine code interface
- operating system facilities accessible from SuperBASIC
- equal capability for strings and arrays
Communications
Serial: Two standard RS-232C communications interfaces for printers, modems, etc. Transmission at rates from 75-19,200 baud or full-duplex transmit/receive at seven rates up to 9600 baud. (Note: a parallel printer interface is under development as an optional extra).
LAN: For up to 64 Sinclair QL computers; data transmission over the net at 100K baud
Expansion
Excluding RGB monitor and power sockets and the TV port, nine peripheral/expansion ports are provided; internal expansion (1 port), Microdrive expansion (1), ROM cartridge (1), serial (2), local area network (LAN) (2), joysticks (2). For serial and LAN, see Communications.
Memory: One megabyte of non-segmented address space is available for almost unlimited potential for expansion.
Microdrive: Enables a further six QL Microdrives to be attached. Four blank cartridges are supplied with each QL.
ROM Cartridge: Accepts one QL ROM cartridge up to 16K.
Joysticks: Provision for one or two for games or cursor control.
ITEM: Zebra Systems Bulletin Board has recently changed its phone number to (718)296-2229.
ITEM: Zebra Systems has several peripherals for Timex Computers which are not available from other sources. They have just announced their Graphics Tablet package for the 2068 (Koala Pad, Zebra-Painter Software, Zebra Graphics Interface, Manual, 90-Day Warranty) for $119.95. They are also the only source we know of for light pens, voice synthesizers, and more for both the TS1000 and 2068. Zebra Systems, 78-06 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven, New York 11421 Phone (212)296-2385.
ITEM: Inventory management software for the 2068. INVO-STAR uses cassette-based data storage and menu-driven operation, and prints lists and packing slips to the 2040 printer. $15 to Magic World Software, P.O.Box 1184, Olympia, Washington 98507. (206)786-1390.
ITEM: Down East Computers now has a TS 2068 version of their “VOTEM” Analog Interface. VOTEM allows your TS1000 or 2068 to measure, display and record real-world analog signals (pressure, light, temperature, etc.). Also can be used as a tape loading filter. For more information write: Down East, P.O.Box 3096, Greenville, North Carolina 27834.
ITEM: Memory Scope is a utility program for the TS1000/1500/ZX81, that allows you to view the “inside” of your computer. Memory Scope allows you to see any part of your computer’s memory from 0 to 64K. It allows you to modify machine code programs and even monitor the computer’s memory as the computer operates. For more information write to Bonnie & Clyde Software, P.O.Box 13651, Albany, New York 12212.
ITEM: We recently received a “key finder card” from Banta Software. It is a 3″ x 15″ reference card that fits above the 2068 keyboard to save time in locating all those keywords. It lists each keyword and symbol along with the key locations and shift keys required to use each one. $1.95, quantity discounts available. Banta, 8088 Highwood Way, Orangevale, California 95662, (916)722-4895.
ITEM: Mail Merge capabilities for 2068 word processor. VIEWord is a word processor for the TS2068, and two new programs are now available to allow printing of personalized form letters using names on a mailing list. The mailing list program is MAIList and the merging program is FORMail. All programs use the same menus and commands. Other programs available from J. Clatfelter, 646 Corwin Avenue, Glendale, California 91206.
ITEM: Bill Moreland, owner of Magic Castle Video in Columbus, Ohio, and former T/S Horizons columnist, no longer handles Timex Sinclair merchandise, as some back issue purchasers have discovered. However, if your looking for the best in home video, Magic Castle is still the place to go.