QL PASCAL v1.8

[t0nyt]

But when I load the v1.4 ROM image in Q-emuLator and try to run Pascal it complains the ROM isn't present or is the wrong version

How do you load the ROM?
In QEmulator -> QL Configuration you must load the Metacomco ROM as "Back ROM" and set it to "Active"
I tested with v1.8 - there is no message that the ROM is loaded, but programs ED (editor) and Pascal (compiler) work.

Yes, other than being v1.4 that’s exactly what I’m trying

Many thanks

[t0nyt]

Hi,

Prospero Pascal is on tge QL Homepage, which the rom image v1.15 is included.

I loaded this into Q-emulator, which recognised the ROM in startup, and entering PRL loads the rom.

Have copied the ROM correctly?

It's Metacomco Pascal I'm trying to use

Many thanks

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

If you want to use SMSQ/E use the EPROM_LOAD command to load tge ROM file, I generally use DEV or SUB to map a psuedo MDV device to the compiler or use MDI or FDI to use a MDV or FLP image.

[Andrew]

Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

As far as I can see, tested with v1.8:
- it works as Back ROM
- it does not work as Ext ROM
- there is no PRL command
- in v1.8 the command is: ROM
- if the ROM is loaded as Back ROM then programs Ed and Pascal work even if the command ROM is not issued. (the programs start without any error message - but I have not tried to actually compile anything)

[t0nyt]

Hi,

The ROM image can sit in the Rom Port or Back image section in Qemulator. On power the ROM defines a command in S*BASIC this loads the ROM routines into memory. Check thd manual out on the QL Home Page,

As far as I can see, tested with v1.8:
- it works as Back ROM
- it does not work as Ext ROM
- there is no PRL command
- in v1.8 the command is: ROM
- if the ROM is loaded as Back ROM then programs Ed and Pascal work even if the command ROM is not issued. (the programs start without any error message - but I have not tried to actually compile anything)

Thanks Andrew

If I load v1.8 Rom then “ROM” works, but not with v1.4 Rom

I guess there may be a corruption in my v1.4 Rom or MDVs

Will try to re-read the MDVs they all came on

Many thanks

[t0nyt]

Reading the manual it seems highly likely my v1.4 ROM image is bad as it’s not recognising the ROM command

[t0nyt]

Yes!

I found the ROM image had a 12 byte header that shouldn't be there (to use as a ROM image) and it's working now

Should of realised that the file was 12 bytes too long

Many thanks all

[Coxy]

Well the original Metacomco Pascal MDV's arrived and they are v1.4 (my existing dongle is v1.8) and I was able to MDUMP them to mdv images

Fortunately the MDV's also came with a v1.4 ROM image

But when I load the v1.4 ROM image in Q-emuLator and try to run Pascal it complains the ROM isn't present or is the wrong version

I've not yet tried burning the ROM to an eprom to test on a real QL as yet though

But I was wondering if anyone has any other thoughts please?

Many thanks

Hi t0nyt,

I've dug out my QL and have upgraded it with Minerva, 512kb memory and a vDrive. I'm currently trying to recover microdrive cartridges using Cartridge Doctor. I've a copy of Metacomco QL Pascal Development Kit with a 1.8 ROM, you can identify it by typing ROM at the command line with it plugged in. I've recovered cartridge A Pascal Compiler, but completely failed on B Runtime/Editor.

Directory of A Pascal Compiler
pascal
pasa_ovl
pasb_ovl
pasc_ovl

Directory of B Runtime/Editor
paslink
install
graphics_codes_inc
graphics_codes
ed

Can you let me know where you managed to get the MDV's from as I wish to get copies of my corrupted files.

I'm also recovering Metacomco
Lisp - recovered but had one bad block, it runs and displays Evaluate prompt then hangs.
C - recovered but some bad blocks in key files need testing
BCPL - recovered, Ed(itor) works but haven't tested compilation yet

Thanks in advance.

[t0nyt]

Hi Coxy,

My Microdrives are version 1.4 (got from eBay IIRC), not 1.8 (my original dongle was v1.8)

Regards
Tony