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Archive for the ‘Retro Computers and other stuff…’ Category

A new Sinclair QL Membrane from RWAP Software

January 21st, 2010 No comments

Replacement the Sinclair QL membrane and reassemble the Keyboard.

source: rwapsoftware.co.uk

Sinclair QL

January 21st, 2010 No comments
Sinclair QL

Autopsy:

from Wikipedia:

The Sinclair QL (for Quantum Leap), was a personal computer launched by Sinclair Research in 1984, as the successor to the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. The QL was aimed at the hobbyist and small business markets, but failed to achieve commercial success.

The QL was originally conceived in 1981 under the code-name ZX83, as a portable computer for business users, with a built-in ultra-thin flat-screen CRT display (similar to the later TV80 pocket TV), printer and modem. As development progressed, and ZX83 became ZX84, it eventually became clear that the portability features were over-ambitious and the specification was reduced to a conventional desktop configuration.

Based on a Motorola 68008 processor clocked at 7.5 MHz, the QL included 128 KB of RAM (officially expandable to 640 KB) and could be connected to a monitor or TV for display. Two built-in Microdrive tape-loop cartridge drives (first seen as a peripheral for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) provided mass storage, in place of the more expensive floppy disk drives found on similar systems of the era.

Interfaces included an expansion slot, ROM cartridge socket, dual RS-232 ports, proprietary QLAN local area network ports, dual joystick ports and an external Microdrive bus. Two video modes were available, 256×256 pixels with 8 RGB colours and per-pixel flashing, or 512×256 pixels with four colours (black, red, green and white). Both screen modes used a 32 KB framebuffer in main memory.

The hardware was capable of switching between two different areas of memory for the framebuffer, thus allowing double buffering. However, this would have used 64 KB of the standard machine’s 128 KB of RAM and there is no support for this feature in the QL’s original firmware. The alternative and much improved operating system Minerva does provide full support for the second framebuffer.

source: wikipedia

Commodore VC-1010 (VIC-1010) Expansion Module

January 15th, 2010 No comments
Commodore VC-1010 (VIC-1010) Expansion Module

Autopsy:

from Bo Zimmerman Homepage:

The VIC-1010 is an optional expansion to the VIC-20 manufactured by Commodore UK. It plugs into the VIC-20′s game/expansion/bus port, providing 6 more such ports along the top.

The rest of the unit sits behind and a bit off to the right of the machine, preventing any obstruction of the VIC’s other ports. Built into the 1010 is a 220V power supply to supplement the computer’s supply.

source: zimmers.net

 

Texas Instruments (Clementoni) Grillo Fonillo SuonaParla

January 14th, 2010 No comments
Texas Instruments (Clementoni) Grillo Fonillo SuonaParla

Autopsy:

from Datamath:

This funny synthesizer based product from Texas Instruments generates a lot of different sounds and stores them into internal memory. Compared with earlier products of the Speak & line this one uses a quite simple technology.

This educational toy is very similar to the Speak & Music but uses an Italian speaking language.

source: datamath.org

Eprom Test Board and RS232C Interface for Commodore 64

January 2nd, 2010 No comments
RS232c Interface and Eprom test Board for Commodore 64

Autopsy:

Description:

  • On the left: RS232c Interface for Commodore 64 (KIT: LX719 from Nuova Elettronica)
  • On the right: Test Eprom Board cartridges.

3½ Floppy Disk Notcher (720k to 1.44Mb)

January 2nd, 2010 No comments
Disk Notcher 720k to 1.44Mb

A disk notcher used to convert 3½ Floppy Disk 720k/800k to 1.44Mb HD.

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