Now I have funds to push forward with several projects, with special thanks to two sponsors:- Doug LaVerne and Paul Holmgren, and to several other supporters and encouragers, including Tony Firshman and Rich Mellor. Due to another project, I also have additional funds so I am quite well funded to pursue some projects immediately and to completion.
I have started assembly of the (Super) Gold Card battery adaptors, which let you use a standard 2032 lithium cell on your (S)GC. I anticipate with various shipping delays, they will be available in four weeks from RWAP / SellMyRetro.com and myself.
Secondly, I am completing a batch of 50 MPlanes. These will likely be available in the same timeframe. I am also "playing with" a slightly revised design which will have five slots and an on-board PSU.
Third, I am nearly finished design verification testing of a multi-ROM card. This allows you to have two ROM images of your choice, plus the option of TK2. It uses a flash chip, and reduces the QL's power draw *significantly* and also greatly reduces the heat inside the case. It also provides battery backup for the clock. Two switches are provided at the back of the case. One enables or disables TK2 (in case you would like to use an alternate ROM image like ICE) and the other selects between the two ROM images. Examples are JS and Minerva 1.98, or MG and MGG (if you would like to use the same version but easily flick between languages.) Obviously, the QL will need to be reset for the new ROM image to become effective. This project will be open hardware.
Additionally, I have begun work on a 680X0 card to provide two simplified GC functions. It would provide a faster/wider CPU whilst extending memory. It would have a through connector so you can use your existing interface(s)...
I am working with another QLer, Petri Pellinen, to possibly bring ethernet to the QL. I could fund the production of a number of interfaces, but much needs to be in place to make things happen. Drivers need to be written, and the card really needs to be accessible from SuperBASIC. This is the most provisional of the projects, mostly because Petri has a huge workload right now, and there isn't a team put together to develop and test drivers.
I am happy to work with anyone in the QL community to make new hardware happen. If you have anything that's near completion and would be a true benefit, please contact me. I have funds to make hardware.
Finally, having checked the legalities, I have formed an entity under the 'Sandy' name, and will be releasing these items under the Sandy brand as a continuation of the product line of the original Sandy, where I was the first UK employee. My intent is not to make a profit, but to roll all proceeds into future projects for the benefit of the community.
Things are happening at last
