Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Any 680x0 based information, repairs, images, upgrades and other cool stuff that is not Atari and Amiga based but based on the Motorola 68K range of processors
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PhilC
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Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by PhilC »

I always fancied a Sinclair QL back in 1984 I think when the adverts appeared but never got round to having one until now that it.

It’s a bit grubby and has a couple of keys missing and no PSU and no idea if it’ll even work.

70BA75EB-5402-4EB9-8B81-974966BFAC00.jpeg
70BA75EB-5402-4EB9-8B81-974966BFAC00.jpeg (422.91 KiB) Viewed 1825 times

I do know they need 9v DC and also 15VAC? Does anyone know if I can get it to boot with just the 9VDC? Guess I’ll find out shortly :D
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by stephen_usher »

Looking at the schematic, it should be safe.

The Microdrives won't run. I can't see +9V, +12V or -12V going to any of the main chips.

http://www.sinclairql.net/srv/qlsm1.html
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by Icky »

Welcome to the 68008 club @PhilC
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PhilC
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by PhilC »

Thanks for the info @stephen_usher. I’ve done a bit of Googling and it looks like you need +12v for the video circuit? And as you say -12v for the micro drives.

I’m not too worried about this QL looking standard, so I’m going to see if I can make up a new PSU or maybe get a meanwell one that’ll do the +9, +12 and -12v required.

Can anyone spot a slight issue with the keyboard membrane? Nothing some scissors won’t cure.

B96C6530-5A52-4529-AD65-5E28116793D6.jpeg
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by Badwolf »

PhilC wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 6:49 pm I always fancied a Sinclair QL back in 1984 I think when the adverts appeared but never got round to having one until now that it.
A sucker for Sir Clive in a scarf, eh? ;)

Looks a beaut. Good luck!

I know nought about using a QL but like the fact they had a better expansion system than all the 'wedge' ST range.

BW
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by PhilC »

Icky wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:36 pm Welcome to the 68008 club @PhilC
Thanks Icky, it’s another one crossed off my list.
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by PhilC »

Badwolf wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:51 pm
I know nought about using a QL but like the fact they had a better expansion system than all the 'wedge' ST range.

BW
That makes two of us :lol:
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by Icky »

PhilC wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:52 pm
Icky wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:36 pm Welcome to the 68008 club @PhilC
Thanks Icky, it’s another one crossed off my list.
Am sure between @rubber_jonnie, @stephen_usher and myself we can get you buying all the modern add-ons.
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Icky wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 8:10 pm
PhilC wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:52 pm

Thanks Icky, it’s another one crossed off my list.
Am sure between @rubber_jonnie, @stephen_usher and myself we can get you buying all the modern add-ons.
Oh boy, do we have a spending spree for you :)
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800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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Re: Sinclair QL - wanted one since 1984

Post by stephen_usher »

PhilC wrote: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:50 pm Thanks for the info @stephen_usher. I’ve done a bit of Googling and it looks like you need +12v for the video circuit? And as you say -12v for the micro drives.

I’m not too worried about this QL looking standard, so I’m going to see if I can make up a new PSU or maybe get a meanwell one that’ll do the +9, +12 and -12v required.

Can anyone spot a slight issue with the keyboard membrane? Nothing some scissors won’t cure.


B96C6530-5A52-4529-AD65-5E28116793D6.jpeg
I feel the need for a purchase from RWAP Software via Sell-My-Retro or maybe eBay coming on. (Keyboard membrane)

You could get a replacement PSU from here https://www.keelog.com/sinclair-ql-psu- ... y-uk-plug/
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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