qlwiki:oscard [Sinclair QL Wiki]

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 ====== OScard ======
The OScard was supplied by [[qlwiki:Quest Automation Ltd]] and supplied the necessary memory switch and RAM capacity required in order to run their [[qlwiki:CPM 68K Operating System]].  The card pictured in their adverts is marked 'MPC Module' (Issue A) - however, we have also seen a similar looking card called 'OS Module' (Issue C) - so it is uncertain if these provided different functions or were one and the same (Quest never advertised an MPC Module so far as we know.


The OSCard only appears to contain a 1K RAM chip, plus lots of glue logic:



  * 7805 voltage regulator
  * 74LS133 13-input NAND gate
  * 74LS14 hex Schmitt trigger inverter
  * 74LS14 hex Schmitt trigger inverter
  * 7416 hex inverter buffer/driver with 15 V open collector outputs
  * 74LS133 13-input NAND gate
  * MOSTEK MK4801AN / MK4118A 1k x 8 SRAM
  * 74LS14 hex Schmitt trigger inverter
  * SN74LS74AN: Dual D Type Flip Flop
  * 74LS14 hex Schmitt trigger inverter
  * 74LS32 quad 2-input OR gate


The OScard could be used on its own (allowing you to run CP/M-68K from microdrive cartridge), or came pre-fitted inside the [[qlwiki:Quest Floppy Disk Drive]] interface.


Interestingly it appears to allow the [[qlwiki:CPM 68K Operating System]] to share some QDOS routines and facilities rather than re-writing the whole operating system.


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{{qlwiki:quest-oscard-interface.jpg?direct&240x169  |Quest Automation OSCard}}
Title: **OScard**\\ 
Interface Type: Memory Manager\\ 
Connection: Sinclair QL Expansion Bus\\ 
Through-Connector: No\\ 
Manufacturer: [[qlwiki:Quest Automation Ltd]]\\ 
Year First Sold: 1984\\ 
Original Price: £49.50\\ 
Reviews: Unknown\\ 
Download Manual: Unknown\\ 
Accompanying Software: None\\