qlwiki:tandata_modem [Sinclair QL Wiki]

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 ====== Tandata Modem ======
The Tandata QL modem consisted of a three-stack set of devices, originally designed and marketed in 1985 by [[qlwiki:OE Limited]] of Cumbria as 'QCOM' (OE Limited had previously developed and sold the Prism VTX 5000 modem for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) - when that company folded, despite suggestions that [[qlwiki:Sinclair Research Ltd]] would rescue the modem (as it was to be the Sinclair approved QL Modem), the rights to the modem were eventually purchased by [[qlwiki:Tandata Marketing Limited]] and relaunched as the Tandata Modem stack.


The modem was made up of three modules which stacked on top of each other - the Q-Connect module for connecting to the QL (required) and the optional Q-Mod (modem) and Q-Call (automated dialling unit).  The QL power unit plugged into the back of the Q-Connect module, which then had a flying lead to power the QL.



 =====Q-Connect =====

Q-Connect connects to the QL SER2 port allowing the computer to be used with virtually any asynchronous modem from 75 up to 9,600 baud, with full two-way buffering and flow control. Q-Connect was supplied with software on microdrive cartridge to support this and the other two modules.  The software also supports both Prestel/videodata/videotext and VT100 emulation, as well as user-to-use communications.


Q-Connect not only provides the interface for the remainder of the Tandata modem stack, but also provides an industry standard 25 way D-pin RS232 port.


This was originally called Q-Con when marked by [[qlwiki:OE Limited]].


Original price of Q-Con as at December 1984: £79.95


 =====Q-Mod =====

Q-Mod was a manual dial V23 modem operating at 1200/75 baud and 1200/1200 baud half duplex.


Original price of Q-Mod as at December 1984: £79.95


 =====Q-Call =====

Q-Call provided traditional pulse/loop disconnect auto-dial and auto-answer.  The auto-answer facility permitted incoming calls to be accepted automatically and to trigger pre-programmed activity from the QL.


Original price of Q-Call as at December 1984: £49.95


The software to drive the interface and operate the phonebook, was [[qlwiki:QConnect]] and was provided on microdrive cartridge.


Although the three modules were available separately, Tandata suggested that by using all three as a complete matched system full advantage could be taken of the integrated features of the Q-Connect's software.


The Tandata units were popular with QLers in the 1980s for use with the Prestel service and for Bulletin Board System connection.  There was even a special database area set aside for QLs on the Prestel Microcomputing Service (QNET)


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{{qlwiki:tandata_modem.jpg?direct&240x320  |Tandata Modem Stack}}
Title: ** Tandata Modem**\\ 
Interface Type: Modem and Fast Serial Transfer\\ 
Connection: QL Serial Ports\\ 
Through-Connector: No\\ 
Manufacturer: [[qlwiki:OE Limited]] and [[qlwiki:Tandata Marketing Limited]]\\ 
Year First Sold: 1984\\ 
Original Price: £209.85 (complete)\\ 
Reviews: QL User (August 1985), QL World (September 1985) \\ 
Download Manual: Unknown\\ 
Accompanying Software: [[qlwiki:QConnect]]. \\