Updated:01.05.2009
QUANTA is the independent user group for Sinclair QL users. It was formed in 1983/4 with the aim of providing an independent source of support for and sharing information about the Sinclair QL. In time, it was to expand its brief to include compatible systems such as the ICL OPD (One Per Desk), CST Thor, Aurora and Q40, as well as emulators of the Sinclair QL running on other platforms.
Quanta is a non-profit organisation run by an elected committee of unpaid officials. Membership is by subscription (from 14 pounds in the U.K. - the membership fee has not changed for many years, although there is now the option of an email-only magazine at reduced cost for subscribers overseas because of the postage savings.). The subscription gets you a magazine several months of the year. (mostly compiled from members' articles and letters contributed on disk or by email to the editors), access to Quanta's large free QL software library, advice and help with QL-related matters, workshops (QL shows held in various areas) and support for local sub-groups. I have been a member for many years and would thoroughly recommend membership to all QLers even if I am biased through being on the committee myself.
Membership enquiries can be sent by email to membership@quanta.org.uk. You can join by sending the membership fee (cheques payable to Quanta) to the membership secretary:
John Gilpin,
Quanta,
181 Urmston Lane,
Stretford,
Manchester,
M32 9EH,
England
or by subscribing online at http://www.quanta.org.uk/subscriptions/index.asp.
At the time of writing, the Quanta committee consisted of the folowing individuals. Please note that Basil Lee is not, strictly speaking, a committee member, he only assists in dealing with magazine back issues requests.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Sarah Gilpin (Chairman) |
John Gilpin Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Magazine Editor |
Alison Southern (Secretary) |
Dan Abbott (Webmaster) |
| Email (Chairman) | Email
(Treasurer) Email (Membership) email (Editor) |
Email (Secretary) | Email (Webmaster) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Dilwyn Jones News Editor, Librarian and Helpline. Committee Member |
Keith Dunbar Committee Member |
Sample of the A5-format Newsletter | Basil Lee (Back Issues Requests) |
| Email
(News Editor) Email (Librarian) Email (Helpline) |
Email Keith Dunbar | Email (Back Issues) |
Quanta has a Web site - Click here to visit this site. The website is maintained by Dan Abbott for Quanta - see above for email address if you wish to contact him about the website. It has an online subscription page where you can join Quanta. Highly recommended...but then as a committee member myself I'm biased!
From time to time, Quanta organises small QL shows, called workshops, in various areas. Admission is free to members. QL traders and software authors usually attend these meetings, giving you the chance to meet them to discuss any problems or to see their products before you buy. It is also a good place to meet QL "experts" to sort out any QL-related problems you may have. Members can take their QL systems along with them to set up and spend an enjoyable day's QLing with like minded QLers.
Click here to see a selection of pictures taken at the Portsmouth QL2000 meeting by Urs König
Click here to see a selection of pictures taken at the Byfleet workshop 9/11/03
Click here to see 2005 Quanta AGM pictures
Click here to see QL Is 21 meeting in Portsmouth, 29/30 October 2005 pictures
Click here to see Quanta workshop and AGM in Manchester, 08/09 April 2006 pictures
Click here to see pictures from QL Is 25, on 18/19 April 2009
More show pictures can often be found on Tony Firshman's website.
There is usually a programme of talks and discussions on a wide variety of QL related subjects, such as new products, teach-in sessions, policy discussions, questions and answers and so on.
The dates and venues are advertised in Quanta newsletter and QL Today magazine, and can often be found on various QL users' Web sites as well, including my QL Shows page on this site.