The Sinclair QL Forum

Here's an obscure bit of QL Hardware:- a SPEM Digitiser, V2.0 according to the PCB inside. There is some software for it on Dilwyn's site called "LookShow_v2_13.zip". I've not tried it yet. I did find an article in QL World (Aug 1988 p26 onwards). The device has a ribbon connector for the QL ROM socket, a DIN plug for the monitor, a DIN socket for the QL monitor output and an RCA type plug for the video input (composite video I assume?).

Tips from anyone with experience using one or any other sources of further info gratefully received.

The software actually looks pretty self-explanatory, I suppose I'll connect it all up and simply give it a try with a video signal, perhaps a Spectrum (composite) video signal, and see what I can see.

This is what the Spem Digitiser looks like inside. On the right there is a secret black box daughter board attached to the PCB. It's innards have been completely sealed with epoxy. The wider ribbon connector connects to the QL ROM socket, but only has a few pins connected, namely: 5v, A14, ROMOEH, A15, D7, D6, GND, D1, D0, A0. No text appears on the F1/F2 screen to indicate an external ROM.

I connected it to a standard QL and after removing a solder bridge across the green and blue wires in the connector it seems to show the QL screen properly and the RGB adjustment sliders work. I was also able to switch to an external video source but the picture wasn't great. I'll try out the software soon.

Without an EPROM with firmware, it can hardly print anything at start-up.

RalfR wrote:Without an EPROM with firmware, it can hardly print anything at start-up.

I wondered if it might be an EPROM hidden in the secret box, but I suppose there aren't enough connections for it to be one.

Chr$ wrote:

RalfR wrote:Without an EPROM with firmware, it can hardly print anything at start-up.

I wondered if it might be an EPROM hidden in the secret box, but I suppose there aren't enough connections for it to be one.

Yes, you need at the very least D0-D7, A0-A10 and ROMOE for a very small ROM.

Hi Chris,

nice find! I like such old hardware.

Keep us updated whether its working or not.

Stephan

Chr$ wrote:The software actually looks pretty self-explanatory, I suppose I'll connect it all up and simply give it a try with a video signal, perhaps a Spectrum (composite) video signal, and see what I can see.

I remember from my analogue video days that while the Spectrum signal is fine for a direct feed to the monitor, it's not very stable when trying to catch it on a videotape. So you would be better of with a PAL signal with better sync pulses, from an old camera (VHS/DV) or the scart output of a mediabox.

BSJR