The Sinclair QL Forum

Hi all,

After wanting one for a while, I've finally bagged a QL! On inspection it appears to be a very early model (no serial number stamped, ZX83 marked PCB 1983, issue 2).

Not sure of exact manufacture date, but it had 'D?0' stickers inside. It also had some stickers dated 13.02.1984, and the membrane was dated 16.01.1984.

The case and keyboard is in pristine condition (it was dirty but gave it a thorough clean). On the micro processor chip there was a label with 'Blown' written on it, so hopefully this is the only thing wrong!)

It looks like it has the 48k ROM, I know the early ones had a dongle - Intel part numbers D72128-3 - would anyone be able to advise?

Do you mean issue 5? I don't think there was an issue 2.

And the ROM, is it a D27128-3? With a window and usually tape stuck on it? If so, that's a normal UV erasable EPROM.

Post some pics. That should make it clearer. Lack of serial no. doesn't necessarily mean it's an early one as I think they were known to sometimes use bottom cases with no serials numbers and sometimes just a sticker.

Thanks for the reply, pictures attached

Wow, it is an issue 2! I've never seen one. Is indeed very early.

What does the CPU and chip next to it look like?

Extra photos attached, just waiting for a scart cable to arrive to see if it all works (my TV would not tune in to the RF).

Impressive stuff! Welcome!

Welcome, MetroZodiac. Good luck getting it all up and running.

Thank you all for your kind comments.

I am looking at purchasing the Vdrive QL from Vretro (I've no idea if the microdrives work anyway), I have been looking at a raspberry Pi installed but to get all the components etc seems a faff (and will probably cost about the same as the Vdrive anyway). Also, I'd like to upgrade the RAM, and potentially the ROM. Is the Minerva ROM the best bet?

I've seen a video on youtube of the miracle super gold card fitted https://youtu.be/eYoTSGvWf78

Does anybody know where I could find one? Or could I build one myself (I am competent in soldering). It looks the business with this installed!

Personally I think that early QL is so collectable that it should be left exactly how it is (and in an ideal world, sold to me) .

I wonder if that ZX8302 is actually number 35.

The top case part, at the back on the microdrive side, does it lack the vent holes that were added later for cooling?

MetroZodiac wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 10:50 am I've seen a video on youtube of the miracle super gold card fitted https://youtu.be/eYoTSGvWf78
Does anybody know where I could find one? Or could I build one myself (I am competent in soldering). It looks the business with this installed!

The only new ones now are made by Tetroid in Russia. He makes several interfaces, including some with compact flash card support. Things are currently a bit difficult (but possible) with him being in Russia of course. Search for some of his posts here on the Forum.
Tetroid has shared his email address in the signature of his posts recently, so I guess it's OK for me to share it here.
He's made several QL interfaces, and sold them through SellMyRetro.com in the past (always worth checking there and eBay in case someone is selling second hand).
The email address for Teroid is: tetroid AT inbox DOT ru