Hi,
The quickest way to archive Microdrive Cartridges, is to get the actual Cartridge re-felted so that the cartridge data can be reliably read, then consider the possible backup solution available.
Personally I would get a Disk Interface, like a Trump Card, with a reliable disk interface, and a Gotek drive with Flash Floppy firmware installed, the Microdive can be backed up to FLoPpy Disk image on the Gotek USB drive. The FLP images are readable on most QL emulators.
Serial data transfer on a QL is slow and as Trofo indicated prone to error, but worth a try, you just need a QL to Serial converter/NULL Modem lead and software to transfer the Microdrive data.
Archiving data off QL MD to PC
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Derek_Stewart
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martyn_hill
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Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Good morning Martin!
Whilst I suspect you have sufficient other options at your disposal now, depending upon your setup and 'appetite', it might prove helpful to know about an alternative to the SERial type connection you originally considered (and, as said below, doable, but with some caveats/complications) - namely using the inbuilt NETwork port on the back of all QLs, connected to a device where you can more readily preserve the cartridge contents, such as a PC running a QL Emulator.
In order to connect a PC/Emulator to the QL Network, you'd require something like the QLUB Adapter (you can find further info and downloads elsewhere on this Forum). This is a cheap device to build yourself, connects to a spare USB socket on your laptop/PC, and, with the firmware and software posted on the Forum, effectively transfer files easily between real QLs and the PC/Emulator.
If that option sounds appealing, search for 'QLUB' on the Forum and feel free to ask questions here - as the designer of that open-sourced device, I'd be happy to assist.
Warm regards,
Martyn Hill
Whilst I suspect you have sufficient other options at your disposal now, depending upon your setup and 'appetite', it might prove helpful to know about an alternative to the SERial type connection you originally considered (and, as said below, doable, but with some caveats/complications) - namely using the inbuilt NETwork port on the back of all QLs, connected to a device where you can more readily preserve the cartridge contents, such as a PC running a QL Emulator.
In order to connect a PC/Emulator to the QL Network, you'd require something like the QLUB Adapter (you can find further info and downloads elsewhere on this Forum). This is a cheap device to build yourself, connects to a spare USB socket on your laptop/PC, and, with the firmware and software posted on the Forum, effectively transfer files easily between real QLs and the PC/Emulator.
If that option sounds appealing, search for 'QLUB' on the Forum and feel free to ask questions here - as the designer of that open-sourced device, I'd be happy to assist.
Warm regards,
Martyn Hill
Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Thanks very much both of you - yes I'm interested in looking into QLUB that sounds fun.
Sorry one side related question - I'm getting some errors reading some files on the the MD carts despite replacing the felt pads. I don't want to run them too much in case use makes them fail, but are there utilities that will recover as much as possible and allow a backup to another microdive if I get some better ones?
Sorry one side related question - I'm getting some errors reading some files on the the MD carts despite replacing the felt pads. I don't want to run them too much in case use makes them fail, but are there utilities that will recover as much as possible and allow a backup to another microdive if I get some better ones?
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Derek_Stewart
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Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Hi
I have some QLUB PCBs to build in a nice case.
The QLUB will connect a QL with Toolkit 2, via the QL Network to a PC USB port, to a QL emulator: QPC2, Q-emulator, SMSQmulator, sQLux, uQLux, with some software by Martyn, that allows the emulator to be a file server or network node.
For use on QPC2 and Q-emulator under Linux which uses WINE, needs the comm port to added to the WINE registry asdetsiled in the WINE manual.
I should of had this released and sold but I suffered a little demotivation. Which maybe sorted out now.
I have 4 QLUB units nearly ready to go, with another 13 PCBs to be made. But I can get more if required. Also need some cases 3D Printed.
I have a small waiting list, so will try and get it all made and available.
I have some QLUB PCBs to build in a nice case.
The QLUB will connect a QL with Toolkit 2, via the QL Network to a PC USB port, to a QL emulator: QPC2, Q-emulator, SMSQmulator, sQLux, uQLux, with some software by Martyn, that allows the emulator to be a file server or network node.
For use on QPC2 and Q-emulator under Linux which uses WINE, needs the comm port to added to the WINE registry asdetsiled in the WINE manual.
I should of had this released and sold but I suffered a little demotivation. Which maybe sorted out now.
I have 4 QLUB units nearly ready to go, with another 13 PCBs to be made. But I can get more if required. Also need some cases 3D Printed.
I have a small waiting list, so will try and get it all made and available.
Regards,
Derek
Derek
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martyn_hill
- QL Wafer Drive
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Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Hi again Martin!
Ok, so readable MDV carts are your first step.
There are utilities out there to help, but they can't do miracles with ageing tape quality.
The best in my experience is Daniele Terdina's 'MDump v2' but to run that you need an upgraded QL (e.g. with a Gold or SuperGoldCard fitted) with a well working MDV unit.
I'd happily try to create images from your stock of MDVs for you (as I'm sure would others here) - where are you based? Feel free to PM me (assuming the Forum already allows you to).
Warm regards,
Martyn.
Ok, so readable MDV carts are your first step.
There are utilities out there to help, but they can't do miracles with ageing tape quality.
The best in my experience is Daniele Terdina's 'MDump v2' but to run that you need an upgraded QL (e.g. with a Gold or SuperGoldCard fitted) with a well working MDV unit.
I'd happily try to create images from your stock of MDVs for you (as I'm sure would others here) - where are you based? Feel free to PM me (assuming the Forum already allows you to).
Warm regards,
Martyn.
Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Thanks very much for the kind offer. That would be great please, I'll send you a message.martyn_hill wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2024 3:48 pm Hi again Martin!
Ok, so readable MDV carts are your first step.
There are utilities out there to help, but they can't do miracles with ageing tape quality.
The best in my experience is Daniele Terdina's 'MDump v2' but to run that you need an upgraded QL (e.g. with a Gold or SuperGoldCard fitted) with a well working MDV unit.
I'd happily try to create images from your stock of MDVs for you (as I'm sure would others here) - where are you based? Feel free to PM me (assuming the Forum already allows you to).
Warm regards,
Martyn.
Re: Archiving data off QL MD to PC
Hi Martyn, I think mdump should also work on an unexpanded QL (with disk interface or other device to output the resulting image).martyn_hill wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2024 3:48 pm 'MDump v2' but to run that you need an upgraded QL (e.g. with a Gold or SuperGoldCard fitted) with a well working MDV unit.