MicroDrivePico replacement for Microdrive units for Sinclair QL.

Do you have a Sinclair QL but your Microdrives doesn't work? Read bellow because it is your lucky day!

The Sinclair QL, has a big problem with its Microdrives units and cartridges. Thus Dr. Gusman developed a great solution based on a RaspBerryPi Pico, that emulate the original Microdrive and cartridges.

This solutions is a low cost and OpenSource Hardware/Software replacement for original Microdrives units and cartridge.

The original project have been modified by Popopo in order to get some improvements in order to plug & use. This is the version that you can buy here.

The system use a Micro SD cart to store files of MDVs images. Making it to behave like a Gotek system does. And just Plug & Play

Supported by a oLED Screen it allows to navigate for the file system in a much easier way.

The project is still getting improvements and new features. Please to read the whole information before buy a set.

The set of this system is composed by:

• A driver unit (the reader that is connected to the QL) version 1.4.d
  
• The cartridge (that you use to insert the micro sd Cart) black version 1.4.b
  or 1.4.c/d (small wings) PLEASE TO INFORM Which version you want when buying. Otherwise will be sent one version randomly from available versions.
  
• Screw separator (for free if needed) for second screw of the original driver.

Extra functionalities included in the firmware (Popopo version):

• MDP is completely programed.
• 2 screen modes to allows bigger fonts defined by the user in the CONFIG.CFG File.
• Autoload an image (file) when booting the QL up or inserting the cartridge. Defined in Config.cfg file.
  
• Fast forward browsing in the SD just holding pressed 'Next' button.
  

All components are fully tested and you get what is shown: Driver & cartridge. but NOT INCLUDED Micro SD card, nor Screws.

The photos shown could differ from the version that you are going to buy 1.4.b/c. That has shape improvements and new features.

But, at any case, please to read all the documentation about the original project at the site:

https://github.com/gusmanb/micropicodrive

With special attention about the tools that you can use at (if needed):

https://github.com/gusmanb/micropicodrive/releases/tag/V1.0.0.0

And the original user guide

https://github.com/gusmanb/micropicodrive/wiki

To get a better idea about what it does please to watch these videos showing up the project, how to use it and how to install it.

How to install it:

https://youtu.be/CpoAiAcQRLA

How it works:

https://youtu.be/yyiCoWN6E_A

Please, keep in mind those videos and photos shown previous versions but all functionality are the same even have been improved with last versions that you are going to buy here :)

Due to different case reasons, the EDGE socket need some profile works as described on the project site and videos. Those works are not done in the set that are provided here. Please, keep in mind that should be made by yourself for obvious reasons.

Notes

• You can combine original Microdrive unit with the new replacement MDP (MicroDrivePico) but only if MDP is placed in first position and MDV (original) in the second. Otherwise (as shown in the installing procedure video) that will not fit its place.
• The cartridges are supplied with SMD Leds, but if you prefer a TH Leds for retro feeling reasons please to tell in advance also.
• Firmware are continuously updating with new improvements and features. Please to contact me to get the last firmware in case you needed. You can get post-selling support contacting with me.
• As soon as possible there will be a User Guide available.
• Colors of cartridge could differ nowadays only black is available.
• Long Wings are more suitable and comfortable for manipulation, short ones can be housed into the box (see photos above).
• TH Leds version limited under demand. This limited edition increase the retro feeling.
  Write me after purchasing a set to make me know your you want it (if available).
  
  

Finally

The project is under constantly improvements. I am working on it as much as my time allows me. But there are now some working in progress to add more new features by upgrading the firmware (you don't need to change or buy new devices). Please contact me and keep in touch to get last updates, upgrades and news.

TODO:

• Bluetooth version cartridge to load images from your PC/MAC/Android. (this will require the use a different cartridge but the Driver will be the same).
• Sound system emulation. The boards have a primary sound module with soldered SMD components by default, but disabled till all test have been done and the core of the sound system into the Firmware will be completed. Understanding also that not everybody love the original sound :) but with a nice extra surprise (Midi player). (Working in progress)
  
• User manual with full description. (Working in progress)