Sinclair QL

The Sinclair QL was the high-end counterpart of the ZX Spectrum and was meant to be a "Quantum Leap". It was aimed at serious home computer owners and businesses. However the launch was rather "quite late", and also overly rushed. When the QL was finally ready for the market, it had to compete against the Amiga or Atari ST, which had much more potent hardware.

I found this Sinclair QL at an online auction for a good price. The previous owner had a lot of expertise, so the set was fairly complete, including all Microdrive tapes, manuals, Minerva ROMs, and a Scart monitor adapter. Overall, this machine is in a very good shape, and does not needs to be much restauration. It came in the original package.

Configuration

• Built: Around 1984/1985
• Mainboard: Issue 1
• CPU: MC68008, 7.5 MHz
• RAM: 128 KB
• English keyboard layout

Known Issues

• The left microdrive motor has a damaged bearing, and needs replacement.
• The capacitors are the original ones, which might have dried out.
• The original 7805 is working at its load limit and needs a big heatsink. It should be replaced with a Traco Power TSR-2 DC/DC converter.

Restauration Works

• ROM port cover was missing, and was replaced by a 3D printed replica.
• Top case and keyboard was cleaned.
• Original keyboard membrane was brittle due to old age, and was replaced by a new replica one.
• Original UK style power plug has been replaced with a DIY European plug. I didn't trust the new plug, so I replaced it again with an European plug with a proper pull relief.

Fun Facts

• The QL had a palette of only 8 colors and no sound chip, making it even inferior to the Spectrum 128K regarding games.