The Sinclair QL Forum

I have one final FDC problem

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of replacement memory IC's for a "PCML Q+ Floppy Controller" please?

The FDC I've picked up works ok (on a BBQL) but has no memory fitted in the 8 sockets (the whole board is socketed, so I won't need to try any soldering which is a rabbit hole I don't want to go down anymore) and if I try to use it with, for example QuintupLer, it disables the QuintupLer memory (Minerva shows 128Kb while FDC fitted). Also get Minerva memory faults if used with another working memory expansion

I'm wondering if a previous owner has stripped the memory IC's from the sockets, so would like to try fitting memory IC's to see what happens

Obviously it would only add 256kb, but at least it would be fully working (if it really is a 0kb board then I guess I'd need to flash a new eprom as well but would like to try memory first)

Any thoughts please?

I assume the original chips MAY of been 8 off similar to these: (I assume they are 32kb IC's to make 256kb)
But given my lack of knowledge on components I could be completely off here


I guess the alternative would be to try and get an eprom that's definitely for a 0kb board, but I don't have the equipment to make such a thing as yet

Many thanks

see https://www.theqlforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=4453

If your PAL is the RAM version it could do with being copied, over the years a few people have wanted this for 0K boards.

ones' complement wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 11:10 am see https://www.theqlforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=4453

If your PAL is the RAM version it could do with being copied, over the years a few people have wanted this for 0K boards.

Thanks. If I can find some chips, and it works, I'm happy to try and copy the PAL (assuming no copyright issues...)

I've no idea what chips to buy though (I've seen the ones in my image for sale, but too expensive for something that has limited use). Am hoping there's a similar chip more readily available.

Many thanks

Just normal 41256 drams (256kx1)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003452043347.html?

Feedback is positive, £6.22 for 10 (VAT+p/p included).

I might have some spare 41256 Tony.

Chr$ wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 11:57 am I might have some spare 41256 Tony.

Thanks Chr$, if you do have some could you PM me the cost please and I’ll sort payment

Many thanks

I only have 3 'fresh' ones, pulled from sockets. I do however have some PC SIMM sticks with 8 each on them.... if you fancy de-soldering (probably not)! 2 of those, so 16 chips, for £10.

Chr$ wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:38 pm I only have 3 'fresh' ones, pulled from sockets. I do however have some PC SIMM sticks with 8 each on them.... if you fancy de-soldering (probably not)! 2 of those, so 16 chips, for £10.

Hi Chr$

Don’t really fancy de-soldering so will leave it for now, thanks though

Have found some on eBay for a reasonable price so will give them a go first

Many thanks

t0nyt wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:42 pm

Chr$ wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:38 pm I only have 3 'fresh' ones, pulled from sockets. I do however have some PC SIMM sticks with 8 each on them.... if you fancy de-soldering (probably not)! 2 of those, so 16 chips, for £10.

Hi Chr$

Don’t really fancy de-soldering so will leave it for now, thanks though

Have found some on eBay for a reasonable price so will give them a go first

Many thanks

No problem. I thought I had more, but have no doubt used them up replacing dud RAM chips on other things.

Chr$ wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:56 pm

t0nyt wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:42 pm

Chr$ wrote: Wed May 29, 2024 1:38 pm I only have 3 'fresh' ones, pulled from sockets. I do however have some PC SIMM sticks with 8 each on them.... if you fancy de-soldering (probably not)! 2 of those, so 16 chips, for £10.

Hi Chr$

Don’t really fancy de-soldering so will leave it for now, thanks though

Have found some on eBay for a reasonable price so will give them a go first

Many thanks

No problem. I thought I had more, but have no doubt used them up replacing dud RAM chips on other things.

I just realised that my ExpandeRAM has all the chips socketed, so could steal 8 of them. But given my ham fisted history of extracting even socketed chips I'll wait for the eBay ones to arrive