The Sinclair QL Forum

Hi all
Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I recently got a QL up and running having always wanted one when I was a kid (back in the 80s)

Next I need to try and fix the Microdrives

Ian

Hello and welcome. Seems like there are quite a few people getting a QL for the first time and finding their way here, which is great.

Welcome to the forums - the main issue with microdrives is the felt pad on the cartridges themselves disintegrating.

Next to check is
a) the tape head - clean it with some tap head cleaner
b) the rubber roller on the left hand side of the slot - has this ridden up the metal post it is on (there should be a 0.2mm gap at the bottom - press it onto a piece of card and remove the card)
c) Has the rubber roller worn - normally the top half - if so, turn it upside down!
d) The microdrive ULA may be damaged - these are a real pain to replace!

I think its fans of retro computing like me finally getting the computer they wanted at school.

I am running a user group meeting in September and will have the QL on display so should get some people interested (that's if I ever get the Microdrive working!)

Details:
http://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/index. ... mber-2012/

Welcome to the Forum Ian!

Where in the North West are you? I'm over in Ormskirk.

Hello and a warm welcome!

Thanks for the tip on the Microdrive, the 2nd drive works some times and both seem to spin ok so I think the next thing to do is to clean the heads.

I am in Chorley so not to far from Ormskirk and the user group event is just off the a580 in Wigan, maybe you could come and bring your QL

Hi Ian from West Yorkshire!

Cheers,

Tim.