View source for DISCiPLE

{{Original research|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox computer hardware
| name = DISCiPLE
| image = Disciple 01.jpg
| caption = Interface DISCiPLE, back and top view
| introduced = 1986
| discontinued = 
| cost = 
| processor = 
| frequency = 
| memory = 8[[Kilobyte|kB]]
| slots = 
| rom = 8[[Kilobyte|kB]]
| ports = [[Parallel port]], [[Shugart bus]], [[Atari joystick port]], 3.5mm [[mono jack|Phone connector (audio)]] [[ZX Interface 1]] [[computer network]] connector
| type = 
| color = Black
| dpi = 
| speed = 
| language = 
| power = 
| weight = 
| dimensions = 
}}

The '''DISCiPLE''' is a [[floppy disk]] [[Electrical connector|interface]] for the [[ZX Spectrum]] [[home computer]]. Designed by [[Miles Gordon Technology]], it was marketed by Rockfort Products and launched in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DISCiPLE Interface |url=https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/entry/1000117/Hardware/DISCiPLE_Interface |website=Spectrum Computing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://ia600604.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/1/items/World_of_Spectrum_June_2017_Mirror/World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror.zip&file=World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror/sinclair/hardware-info/d/DISCiPLEInterface_UserManual.pdf |title=THE DISCIPLE - The multi-purpose interface from Miles Gordon Technology for Rockfort Products - INTRODUCTORY MANUAL |publisher=Rockfort Products |year=1986}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Chris |date=November 6, 1986 |title=Hardware - This Disciple is no Judas |url=https://worldofspectrum.org/archive/magazines/popular-computing-weekly/45/5#22 |work=Popular Computing Weekly |pages=22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1987 |title=Hardware - Disciple with the right connections |url=https://worldofspectrum.org/archive/magazines/sinclair-user/60/0/1987/3/0#50 |work=Sinclair User |pages=50}}</ref>

Like Sinclair's own [[ZX Interface 1]], the DISCiPLE was a wedge-shaped unit fitting underneath the Spectrum. It was designed as a super-interface, providing all the facilities a Spectrum owner could need. In addition to floppy-disk, [[parallel port]] printer interface and a "magic button" (see [[Non-maskable interrupt]]), it also offered twin [[joystick]] ports, Sinclair ZX Net-compatible network ports and an inhibit button for disabling the device.<ref name="mgt_tech">{{Cite web |last=Bisti |first=Luca |date=January 30, 2004 |title=DISCiPLE/+D TECHNICAL GUIDE |url=http://ramsoft.bbk.org.omegahg.com/tech/mgt_tech.txt |website=Ramsoft |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090119/http://ramsoft.bbk.org.omegahg.com/tech/mgt_tech.txt |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

At the rear of the unit was a pass-through port for connecting further devices, although the complexity of the DISCiPLE meant that many would not work, or only if the DISCiPLE was "turned off" using the inhibit button.

The DISCiPLE was a considerable success but its sophistication (the device included 8[[Kilobyte|kB]] of [[Read-only memory|ROM]])<ref name="mgt_tech" /> meant that it was expensive and the plastic casing, located beneath the computer itself, was sometimes prone to overheating. These factors led to the development of MGT's later [[+D]] interface.

The DISCiPLE's [[disk operating system|DOS]] was named '''GDOS'''. MGT's later DOSs (''G+DOS'' for the +D, and ''SAM DOS'' for the [[SAM Coupé]]) were backwards-compatible with GDOS. In later years a complete new system called UNI-DOS was developed by SD Software for the DISCiPLE and +D interfaces.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.sinclair.hu/speccyalista/konyvtar/kezikonyvek/MGT_PlusD_Disciple_UniDos_Manual.pdf |title=UNI-DOS Manual |publisher=S. D. Software |access-date=2022-12-11 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721112654/http://www.sinclair.hu/speccyalista/konyvtar/kezikonyvek/MGT_PlusD_Disciple_UniDos_Manual.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In October 1993 "The Complete DISCiPLE Disassembly" was published in book form, documenting the "GDOS system 3d" version.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biesma |first=J.R. |date=November 2005 |title=The Complete +D Disassembly |url=https://www.biehold.nl/rudy/plusd/plusd.htm |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=www.biehold.nl}}</ref>

The popularity of the DISCiPLE led to the formation of a user group and magazine, INDUG, which later became [[Format Publications]]. Usergroups like INDUG/Format in the UK or DISCiPLE-Nieuwsbrief in the [[Netherlands]] produced enhancements such as extended printer support.

== See also ==
* [[Beta Disk Interface]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Microcomputers]]
[[Category:Home computers]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum]]
[[Category:Computer storage devices]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1986]]
{{Sinclair computers and clones}}


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