QL-SD Headache

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jurdie
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QL-SD Headache

Post by jurdie »

I've fitted the new Sinclair QL-SD card that I bought from SellMyRetro from the Seller Paulveltjens.

However I wish to edit the SD card image called QL_BDI.BIN. In the manual it states that you can create/edit these BIN images using a tool called 'MakeImage.exe' on the PC. But does not state where this tool can be downloaded from, and I've tried various Google searches with no joy :(

On top of that, I'm struggling to create sub-directories on the SDC1 card:-
Tried the normal command 'MAKE_DIR SDC1_GAMES_'. But all I keep getting is BAD NAME. I have tried contacting Paul via SellMyRetro, no reply as yet. Any help you chaps can offer me will be appreciated :D
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Ralf R.

Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by Ralf R. »

Seems to be easy: Neither the firmware on your Sandy disk I/F nor the Toolkit 2 in these versions support the Level 2 device drivers. You have to make an upgrade.

Just ask Rich.


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vanpeebles
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by vanpeebles »

Ah ha, so you got the other one :) I've not tried making directories on mine, I'll find out what happens tonight :D I'm using a trump card v1.28.


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vanpeebles
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by vanpeebles »

Just to add, the manual states "As QL-SD comes with a fully fledged Level 2 device driver, you can use „real“ directories provided you are using at least TK2 (Which normally comes with the QL-SD ROM)."

I thought the ROM that comes with the QL-SD provides the level 2 access? My question is the manual says the sd card comes with software on it but all I had was the bin file :)


Ralf R.

Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by Ralf R. »

With the trumpcard it is easy as there is an update Rom with Level2 Drivers. About Sandy I/F I do not know.

And...no chance to fool your System by taking a TK2, which inhibits the Level 2 keywords. This does not work, if the Level 2 driver ain't there, you always get an ERR.BP after a "MAKE_DIR", even if it recognizes the keyword. I know, because I have tried that long ago... :D


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vanpeebles
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by vanpeebles »

"If you don’t have a proper MAKE_DIR command, the images on the supplied SDHC card have a
binary that implements MAKE_DIR and can be loaded into any QL." is also stated in the manual but I've not tried anything for myself just yet :)


Ralf R.

Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by Ralf R. »

Hmm, I do not believe that the SD Driver supply a separate Level 2 Driver.


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tofro
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by tofro »

All,

the QL-SD driver actually is a level 2 device driver implementing every necessary function (on trap level). So using TK2 with a MAKE_DIR command will work.

What's missing is (to save ROM space, because most of the Toolkits already come with MAKE_DIR) the S*Basic extension supplying the MAKE_DIR command.

If your set-up doesn't provide a MAKE_DIR command, it can be implemented using the attached extension (simply unzip and LRESPR from your BOOT file and Bob's your uncle)
make_dir.zip
(421 Bytes) Downloaded 156 times
This seems to be missing from some SD-Card images for some reason.

Regards,
Tobias


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vanpeebles
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by vanpeebles »

What software should be on the card as well as the .bin file? :)


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tofro
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Re: QL-SD Headache

Post by tofro »

vanpeebles wrote:What software should be on the card as well as the .bin file? :)
Erm?

In order to make MAKE_DIR work? Nothing except the _bin file. A BOOT file, maybe. But that should be enough.

Tobias


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