chuck@tucc.UUCP (08/01/83)
Quadram QUADLINK
The Quadram QUADLINK (QL) board is a $680 card for your IBM
Personal Computer or XT that allows you to EMULATE an Apple ][+
computer. I have one of these cards in my XT and submit the
following report from my own experience.
Initial installation of the QL is not for the computer squeemish.
It requires total disassembly of your machine to get installed.
Basically, several of your computer's functions are re-routed
through the QL. These function are:
* Disk Drive Access
* Monitor Output
* Speaker Output
After installation, you have placed jumpers between your Disk
Controller, Monitor, and speaker to the QL board.
Operation is simple, you are supplied with an IBM DOS 1.1
program called QUADLINK.EXE that you start up, this program asks
you to insert a disk called "FILER" that is supplied with the QL
package. The QUADLINK program then reads FPBASIC and DOS 3.3
from the "FILER" disk into the memory on the QUADLINK card. Once
Loaded, it tells you to type CTRL-ALT-DEL to boot an Apple Disk
in drive A:. You insert your Apple Disk in Drive A: and away it
goes.
So far, the only noticeable difference between operation with
the QL and operation on an Apple ][+ is that disk access is
slower. I haven't compiled a percentage figure but I'd guess on
the neighborhood of 20% slower than Apple Disk Drives.
Once loaded, QL emulates the following:
* One Apple ][+ 48k with Language Card (for 64k total)
* Two Apple Disk ][ disk drives (in slot #6, if you have
two IBM Disk drive, I have an XT
so I can only have 1 drive)
* Printer in slot #1 (only if you have a parallel printer
on LPT1: on your PC)
* 40 Column text display
* LORES Graphics
* HIRES Graphics
* Game paddle connection (a socket just like the Apple's
is on the QL ready to accept
an Apple Joystick.)
Since the QUADLINK.EXE program reads a copy of Apple's FPBASIC
into the memory on the QL, you have an exact duplicate of the
APPLE ROMS in the machine. Therefore, the only programs that
won't run are those that require other hardware (such as modems,
80 column cards, etc.) and programs that are extreamly protected.
So far, I have been successful at running: UCSD P-system,
Fortran, DB Master, Applewriter ][, Visicalc, PFS: File, PFS:
Report, all DOS 3.3 programs.
So far, I haven't found any of my software that won't run because
of protection. A few won't run because it requires a Micromodem
or a Videx 80 column card.
It doesn't matter what other hardware you have in your PC (such
as serial boards, etc..) the QL will not allow you to access
them in Apple Emulation.
Also, the 64k that is on the QL is for the Emulation mode only.
This memory is not accessable by your PC if you're not using the
card. Likewise, when in Apple Emulation mode, you can't access
any of the other IBM PC memory.
The only feature of the QL that is available from IBM Mode is the
game paddle connection. Paddles connected to this port can be
accessed just like the IBM's Game Controller Adapter Card.
I hope that this helps some of you out... If you have any further
questions, feel free to drop me a line.
Charles McCurry (chuck)