This file contains the archives of the rec.games.vectrex NetNews group for the month of Dec-1995 (This date range is approximate as article dates are determined based on arrival time and not the date in the article header). The Vextrex archives, which include game code, technical specifications, the rec.games.vectrex archive and a host of additional information, is available at: ftp://ftp.csus.edu/pub/vectrex/ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!olivea!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!swrinde!sdd.hp.com!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!jussieu.fr!unilim.fr!cict.fr!news From: alvarez@gate.didac-mip.fr (Julian Alvarez) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Looking for Vectrex carts and controler and what is the MultiCartriges ? Date: 1 Dec 1995 10:05:29 GMT Organization: Didacthèque Régionale Lines: 14 Message-ID: <49mk19$5ak@news.cict.fr> Reply-To: alvarez@didac-mip.fr NNTP-Posting-Host: pc-dix.didac-mip.fr Mime-Version: 1.0 I'm livingin France and I have a Vectrex... Today it's very difficult to find some people who's sending games for Vectrex... Does somebody here sell any games ? What is the multiCartridges ? If some one want to make me some offers or explain me what's the Multi-cartriges and the others goodies you can still buy for Vectrex : Adress : alvarez@didac-mip.fr Thanks Julian ALVAREZ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!unogate!news.intelenet.com!news.sprintlink.net!news.wwa.com!pool1-060.wwa.com!user From: benburch@miso.wwa.com (David B. "Ben" Burch) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Cartridges for sale Date: Sat, 02 Dec 1995 10:07:31 -0600 Organization: Oganization? Are you kidding? Lines: 16 Distribution: usa Message-ID: References: <49dgq4$hkc@decaxp.harvard.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: pool1-060.wwa.com X-Newsreader: Yet Another NewsWatcher 2.0 I would be interested in; >Star Trek (no overlay) >Berzerk >Star Castle (sob, hate to give this up) >Armor Attack What would you consider to be a fair price? Thanks! -- David B. "Ben" Burch "Love is the law, love under will." benburch@miso.wwa.com "I speak for myself only, and nobody else speaks for me." + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!udel!gatech!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!usenet From: rri0202@ibm.net Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: I got lucky at the flea market myself... Date: 3 Dec 1995 14:08:46 GMT Organization: Florida Atlantic University Lines: 10 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <49sb1e$1kam@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net> Reply-To: greg@cybernet.cse.fau.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: slip37-229-90.ibm.net X-Newsreader: IBM NewsReader/2 v1.03 ============================================================================== Gregory Pius | greg@cybernet.cse.fau.edu | "I haven't lost my mind. http://pineal.math.fau.edu/~guest/ | I've got it backed up Looking for roadkill on | on tape somewhere." the Information Superhighway | ============================================================================== + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!udel!gatech!psuvax1!uwm.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!usenet From: rri0202@ibm.net Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: I got lucky at the flea market myself... Date: 3 Dec 1995 14:19:54 GMT Organization: Florida Atlantic University Lines: 32 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <49sbma$1kam@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net> Reply-To: greg@cybernet.cse.fau.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: slip37-229-90.ibm.net X-Newsreader: IBM NewsReader/2 v1.03 ..(Please ignore the last post, it was this rotten mailer acting flaky again) My wife owns a consignment shop, so every so often we go down to the Thunderbird Swap Shop here in Ft. Lauderdale to look for antiques. Well I found mine; a Vectrex unit that looked to be in pristine condition. It was sitting amongst several TV monitors, so I don't think the guy knew what it was. Anyway, he asked US$20 for it, I offered US$15, and he took it. Unlike Mr. Numan, I was not confronted by another collector as I left the flea market. Unfortunately, I don't believe I'm quite as lucky, because when I got the thing home and plugged it in, I got nothing. The unit appears to be dead. After several seconds, a white dot appears in the lower-middle of the unit's screen. I opened the thing up and re-seated all the chips. Nothing. I twiddled with the X-Y adjustment knobs and the dot moved around a little. I checked all the power leads with my trusty multimeter to ensure that it wasn't getting an undervoltage or the fuse wasn't blown. Proper voltages registered across all the wires. And the fuse, although it took me a while to find the filament, looked intact. I can only assume one of the chips have gone bad, but which one? I don't see a FAQ for this newsgroup here; would one of you kind souls please give me a hand with this and tell me what could possibly be the problem? ============================================================================== Gregory Pius | greg@cybernet.cse.fau.edu | "I haven't lost my mind. http://pineal.math.fau.edu/~guest/ | I've got it backed up Looking for roadkill on | on tape somewhere." the Information Superhighway | ============================================================================== + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: bushwick@ix.netcom.com (Pete Rittwage) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Plans for constructing multicarts? Date: 3 Dec 1995 21:59:59 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <49t6kv$op5@ixnews6.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: atl-ga11-27.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Sun Dec 03 1:59:59 PM PST 1995 X-Newsreader: News for Windows NT X1.0-73 I already have plenty of soldering experience, an EPROM reader/writer, the game imagtes, and some free time (occasionally). Are there any plans already in existence if I wish to build my own multicart? Pete + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: ulm@ix.netcom.com (Brian Ulm) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: ** 3D Imager & Carts / Light Pen Carts for Sale Date: 4 Dec 1995 06:10:41 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 28 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <49u3d1$ic1@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv1-21.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Sun Dec 03 10:10:41 PM PST 1995 ********************************************************************** I would like to auction off the following Vectrex accessories (just in time for Christmas... ********************************************************************** 3-D Imager in excellent shape (used about 4 times) with 3D CrazyCoaster and 3D MineStorm cartridges. I have the instructions for the Imager, but I do not have it's orginal box or the boxes or instructions for the cartridges. All work fine and I want to sell these items together as one unit. I also have the following cartridges for use with the Vectrex light pen for sale individually: - AnimAction, - MelodyMaster - ArtMaster Sorry - but no boxes or instructions for these cartridges. Buyer pays for shipping on all items (don't include in bid). I will accept bids up until 12/13. Thanks - Brian Ulm (ulm@ix.netcom.com) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!dragonfly.wri.com!usenet From: cwikla@wri.com Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Emulator Date: 4 Dec 1995 18:13:27 GMT Organization: Wolfram Research, Inc. Lines: 25 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> Reply-To: cwikla@wri.com NNTP-Posting-Host: morrison.wri.com Summary: Vectrex Emulator? Keywords: vectrex, emulator X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.0 #7 (NOV) Ok, I just got a vectrex again, have some games, am getting more, and have it set up in my office for everyone to play... So after searching the web for all the vectrex stuff, I was wondering if anyone was working on a Vectrex emulator? If not, anyone want to? I could do the graphics emulation (under X, possibly Win95). I'm not quite up to par to doing any 68A09 programming. Of course if we did this then we all could write more games... We could make it shareware, where either a) you already have to have a Vectrex in which case it's free b) you have to donate cash to a local charity Plus anyone got one of those super duper multicarts for sale? With the menus and pause etc? -- o John L. Cwikla o o o X Programmer o I'm not in a bad mood. o o Wolfram Research, Inc. o I'm always like this. o o cwikla@wri.com (217) 398-0700 o o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla o o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla/widget o The Widget FAQ o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla/xlopedia o The Xlopedia o + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!news.dra.com!news.mid.net!news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.physics.uiowa.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!news.ais.net!usenet From: rlange19@starnetinc.com (Bob Lange) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: Tue, 05 Dec 1995 11:15:32 GMT Organization: American Information Systems, Inc. Lines: 24 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a19f5$7dl@news.ais.net> References: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp197.starnetinc.com X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 cwikla@wri.com wrote: > Ok, I just got a vectrex again, have some games, am getting more, and >have it set up in my office for everyone to play... > So after searching the web for all the vectrex stuff, I was wondering >if anyone was working on a Vectrex emulator? In all fairness to the rest of the people here, this has been discussed in the past AND discarded as not possible. (I'd really like to see it though.) +--------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+ | Bob Lange | Now by a secret pathway we | e-mail (order of pref) | | | proceed, Between the walls, | rlange19@starnetinc.com | | | that hem the region round, | bob.lange@aquila.com | | | and the tortured souls: my | r.lange7@genie.geis.com | | | master first, I close behind | | | | his steps. "Virtue Supreme!" | | +--------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!news.cerf.net!pagesat.net!netserv.com!aimnet.com!news.sprintlink.net!saims.skidmore.edu!usenet From: Scott Cherven Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Value of Vectrex/Carts Date: 5 Dec 1995 19:46:14 GMT Organization: Skidmore College Lines: 13 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a27i6$fmf@saims.skidmore.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: dgreen.skidmore.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1N (Macintosh; I; PPC) X-URL: news:rec.games.vectrex I have a Vectrex w/ over 20 cartridges (in Original Boxes),Light Pen, Original Vextrex CarryBag & Dust Cover & so on. Where do I find approximate values For these?? Also have a bit of Microvision Stuff Can anyone help?? Thank You, Scott Cherven + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!xmission!imci2!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!nntp.coast.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@csd.uwo.ca (John MacDonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.3do,rec.games.video.advocacy,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.arcade.collecting Subject: Re: !!!HOT HOT HOT!!! Date: 6 Dec 1995 01:01:32 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a2q1c$k48@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> References: <4a2dds$6qt$13@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: gus.csd.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3870 rec.games.video.3do:67294 rec.games.video.advocacy:31273 rec.games.video.arcade:95707 rec.games.video.arcade.collecting:19010 In article <4a2dds$6qt$13@mhadg.production.compuserve.com>, Trov <103020.1551@CompuServe.COM> wrote: >24 hours a day >-- >809-474-2729---Hot, Horny Girls want you now! >809-474-2603---Gay, Bi, Bi-curious ?? Live, Hot and Ready !! >809-474-8350---The Nations Sexiest College Co-ed Hotline !! Why would I want to phone these numbers when I have a Vectrex to play with. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!news.Cerritos.edu!news.Arizona.EDU!math.arizona.edu!noao!ncar!gatech!newsjunkie.ans.net!merlion.singnet.com.sg!lantana.singnet.com.sg!ebooks From: majordomo@singnet.com.sg Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: * Free Newsletter on Passion & Romance * Date: 5 Dec 1995 22:45:55 GMT Organization: PassionFRUIT Lines: 23 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4a2i33$f34@lantana.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: ts900-2114.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: News Xpress Version 1.0 Beta #4 =================================================================== Introducing * PassionFRUIT * ... ... =================================================================== First Online Newsletter Dedicated to Passion & Romance ... ... Distributed Fortnightly FREE includes:- - how to meet your dream partner - how to get that all important first date - What to do on dates -- how to make your dates sizzle ... - how to keep your dates coming - how to build a deeper & more intimate relationship - how to make YOU an Attractive person & lots of other love tips 1 SIZZLING love tip per fortnightly issue - delivered to Your Mailbox FREE on 1st & 15th monthly! To subscribe, simply e-mail to majordomo@singnet.com.sg -- In the body/content, type SUBSCRIBE PASSIONFRUIT. It's as simple as that! * Serving the Network Community Since 1980 * ------------------------------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!nntp.coast.net!torn!hone!informer1.cis.McMaster.CA!church.dcss!hwfn!james!af329 From: af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Scott Nudds) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 6 Dec 1995 07:06:21 GMT Organization: Hamilton-Wentworth FreeNet, Ontario, Canada. Lines: 16 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a3fdd$9j6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: james.freenet.hamilton.on.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2-HWFN] Never seen any Vectrex source code, but I presume the CPU executes some kind of display list - driving the CRTC to various positions manually, and between setting the coords, sitting around twiddling its thumbs, or if the vectors are set via an interrupt, doing other game processing such as scanning the joystick or playing sound. An interrupt driven display list might be possible to emulate. Perhaps even a software polled one, but you would have to also emulate the hardware delays to keep the game running at a constant speed. It seems to me that there is two different mechanisms for displaying vector graphics on the Vectrex. What are they? -- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!worldlinx.com!news1.sympatico.ca!news.worldlinx.com!news From: tremblet@zone.ca (Eric Tremblay) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Anyone with overlays for sale??? Date: Tue, 05 Dec 1995 23:48:19 GMT Organization: WorldLinx Telecommunications Inc. Lines: 5 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a2log$224@news.worldlinx.com> Reply-To: tremblet@zone.ca NNTP-Posting-Host: zac001p06.zone.ca X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 I'd like to buy some. No particular title. Even the Minestorm overlay could interest me. Thanks! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!news.intelenet.com!news.sprintlink.net!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WTB: Multicart (Menu Driven) Date: 6 Dec 1995 22:56:40 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 9 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a5olo$ck8@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Hello, If you have a multicart (newer menu driven model with pause, please) that you would like to sell, please message me. I also have a few 2600 carts that are rare. I might possibly add some $ to these 2600 games for a multicart. Thank You, Michael Kelley + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!news.tc.cornell.edu!newsstand.cit.cornell.edu!news.kei.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Value of Vectrex/Carts Date: 6 Dec 1995 21:49:22 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 3 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a5kni$aut@newsbf02.news.aol.com> References: <4a27i6$fmf@saims.skidmore.edu> Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com The value of carts for the Vectex really has dropped since the multicarts have arrived. I only see people paying higher prices for mint carts in boxes with manuals. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!news.tc.cornell.edu!newsstand.cit.cornell.edu!newsfeed.cit.cornell.edu!cornellcs!rochester!rocksanne!jsstone From: jsstone@wrc.xerox.com (john swan stone) Subject: Re: I got lucky at the flea market myself... Message-ID: <1995Dec6.142544.10013@news.wrc.xerox.com> Sender: jsstone@yipu (john swan stone term 00/00 yipu) Organization: Xerox References: <49sbma$1kam@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net> Distribution: usa Date: Wed, 6 Dec 1995 14:25:44 GMT Lines: 47 Greg, In regard to the possible problem with your Vectrex system. In my opinion it could either be the vectoring driver circuit which is refusing to move the electron beam about your screen, OR possibly something which tells the vectoring ciruit what to do is hosed. At power up the Vectrex should emit a distintive tone of the pattern da-d-da. If you don't here this tone then something may be wrong with the CPU, PROM, clock generator, Address decode logic, etc... If you do hear this tone, then the problem is probably in the vectoring driver circuit. Does anyone out there have the schematics and/or parts list for this game? If you don't hear the tone you should check to be sure that the CPU, PROM, and other chips related to the digital portion of the computer are receiving power and are properly grounded. If they are then you would need a logic probe to tell you if there is any activity on the CS (chip select) of the PROM, the clock line on the CPU, all address and data pins, etc... If you do hear the tone, then the problem becomes more difficult since I know nothing about how the vector driving circuits work. You could check for voltages to the base of the CRT (Be careful, very high voltages here). We are looking for the voltages which should be moving the electron gun around the screen. If they are present (and varying) then something in the CRT is dead, otherwise you'll have to reverse engineer the digital driver ciruit which uses a +5V control signal to the switch the high voltage CRT signals. (Without the schematics this is going to be tough, unless you get lucky and spy some sort of distinctive chip which turns out to do this). Since you didn't mention the tone, I would assume that the digital portion of the computer is malfunctioning and I think that you would have a better shot at fixing (and getting replacement parts) that portion than the CRT circuit. Good luck, let us know how it turns out. John. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!news.tc.cornell.edu!newsstand.cit.cornell.edu!news.kei.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: ulm@ix.netcom.com (Brian Ulm) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: ** AUCTION UPDATE AND LIGHTPEN ADDED! ** Date: 7 Dec 1995 04:38:48 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 40 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a5r4o$5mo@cloner3.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv4-19.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Wed Dec 06 8:38:48 PM PST 1995 Hi all, This is an update to my original 3D Imager & Carts post. Basically, I tore my home apart and found some lost Vectrex items (like my manuals and my LightPen) from my last move. So, please READ ON to see the updated list of items and bids! 1) 3D IMAGER! This is 'like-new' and works perfectly. Included is the Imager, the carts 3D MineStorm and 3D CrazyCoaster along with ALL instructions (yes, I found them), color wheels etc. The only part showing its age is the foam rubber forehead pad, that now gives off a black smudge from the age of the rubber. CURRENT BID: $200.00 (S. Scallen) 2) LIGHTPEN! I also have a virtually unused LightPen, without so much as a scratch on its silver logo. Of course it works and it comes with the carts AnimAction, ArtMaster and MelodyMaster and all manuals. Once again, no original boxes. 3) SPIKE CART: I think this was the first/only (?) Vectrex cart with speech. Listen in awe as your machine says "Eeeek, Help Spike!", "Oh No Molly!" and "Darnit!". Definitely worth the price of admission. Complete with all manuals and overlay. 4) COSMIC CHASM "PIECES": I have a Cosmic Chasm overlay and manual. NO I have no idea where the cartridge is! This will no doubt be a major bid item! :) All items are working, but are used and sold without warranty (other than working when you get it out of the box). Buyer pays shipping (i.e. don't include it in the bid). I will not split up any of the groupings above and sorry, but no trades (Brian needs the CA$H for Xmas)! I will stop taking bids on 12/15 to have time to get these to people who want them by Xmas. Good Luck ! Brian Ulm ulm@ix.netcom.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!news.tc.cornell.edu!newsstand.cit.cornell.edu!news.kei.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!skypoint.com!not-for-mail From: rsteiner@skypoint.com (Richard Steiner) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 7 Dec 1995 01:48:40 -0600 Organization: SkyPoint Communications, Inc. Lines: 25 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> <4a19f5$7dl@news.ais.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: mirage.skypoint.com X-Newsreader: Yarn 0.84 with YES 0.20 and TDE 3.2a X-Info: PC Yarn is a freeware SOUP-packet threaded offline newsreader, YES is the Yarn Editor Shell, a freeware utility for Yarn, and TDE is the Thomson-Davis Editor, a *wonderful* PD text editor! Here in rec.games.vectrex, rlange19@starnetinc.com (Bob Lange) spake unto us, saying: > cwikla@wri.com wrote: > > >So after searching the web for all the vectrex stuff, I was wondering > >if anyone was working on a Vectrex emulator? > > In all fairness to the rest of the people here, this has been > discussed in the past AND discarded as not possible. (I'd really like > to see it though.) I just got done running LITTLE BRICK OUT in Stop The Madness (Mac-based Apple II emulator) under Executor/DOS v1.99p6 (a 68LC040 Mac emulator) in a VDM (Virtual DOS Machine - DOS emulation) under OS/2 Warp, and that worked. So a lot of things are "possible". :-) The main problem is likely the reproduction of the vector screen on a PC in a way that is fast enough to work correctly. But if a 68LC040 can be emulated on my 486DX4/100, surely a 6809 can. -- -Rich Steiner >>>---> rsteiner@skypoint.com >>>---> Bloomington, MN Written offline using PC Yarn + Yes + TDE in a Warp VDM 1024x768x256? That's one MEAN woman!! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: turrican@ix.netcom.com(Turrican ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Oracle of Man Date: 7 Dec 1995 00:04:57 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a5b39$lh5@ixnews5.ix.netcom.com> References: <4a3oev$brh@shell01.ozemail.com.au> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-pas10-03.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Wed Dec 06 4:04:57 PM PST 1995 Dammit! And I was thinking "AWRIGHT! Some awesome unreleased cart called Oracle of Man! Wow! Is someone gonna put it on a multicart?" Oh well... -Turr + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!news.intelenet.com!news.sprintlink.net!gatech2!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl14.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 7 Dec 1995 08:24:55 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a74gn$b1t@crl14.crl.com> References: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> <4a19f5$7dl@news.ais.net> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl14.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Richard Steiner (rsteiner@skypoint.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >The main problem is likely the reproduction of the vector screen on a >PC in a way that is fast enough to work correctly. But if a 68LC040 >can be emulated on my 486DX4/100, surely a 6809 can. The problem is not emulating the CPU. The problem is emulating the hardware. Just look at the Activision 2600 emulator... most of its time is spent emulating the TIA chip, which is made harder because it's locked in sync with the CPU. It just begins to get tolerable on a DX2-66. And the Vectrex display circuity has analog components that need to be emulated. Fortunately, I've heard that most games made use of BIOS calls in the Vectrex ROM itself instead of writing to the display hardware, so this can make emulation easier. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!syscube.ccs.csus.edu!sandhoff From: sandhoff@csus.edu (John F. Sandhoff) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Availability of schematics Date: 7 Dec 1995 19:30:11 GMT Organization: California State University Sacramento Lines: 35 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4a7fc3$his@news.csus.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: @syscube.ccs.csus.edu Keywords: archives, schematics Originator: sandhoff@syscube.ccs.csus.edu john swan stone writes: > Does anyone out there have the schematics and/or parts list for > this game? This is an FAQ if there ever was one... TIF scans of the original Vectrex service manual are available on the Vectrex archive site. Check out ftp://ftp.csus.edu/pub/vectrex/manual/README for details. Now and then one of us makes a run by the local copy center to crank out copies of the manual, too (yes, there's a few originals out there!) In fact, there used to be a person that made copies for free without even asking for reimbursement of his expenses! I'd need to dig thru the list archives to find his name, but I don't know if he's still around... (side note: IMHO, if someone sells you a copy at a substantial profit, they're ripping you off. I would hope that the people on this list are willing to assist each other instead of taking advantage of each other. One of the list contributors even loaned me his light pen for an extended period of time, on the condition that I publish the schematics. [No, I have not yet held up my end of the deal, I'm afraid to say. Haven't ever gotten the diagram clean enough to reasonably scan. HONEST, someday I'll do it. Really!] My point is, he trusted me with a collector's item, in order to benefit the group. No money, just trust was exchanged). Oh yeah.. check ftp://ftp.csus.edu/pub/vectrex/FAQ for the FAQ!!! -- John John F. Sandhoff, University Network SUpport California State University Sacramento sandhoff@csus.edu + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!news.cs.utah.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!news1.toronto.fonorola.net!theglobeandmail.com!news.north.net!worldlinx.com!newbridge.com!woodward From: woodward@Newbridge.COM (Mark Woodward) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 6 Dec 1995 15:48:23 GMT Organization: Newbridge Networks Corporation Lines: 24 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a4e07$ov3@kannews.ca.newbridge.com> References: <4a3fdd$9j6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: vangelis.ca.newbridge.com In article <4a3fdd$9j6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca>, Scott Nudds wrote: > Never seen any Vectrex source code, but I presume the CPU executes some >kind of display list - driving the CRTC to various positions manually, The CRTC may seem to have be manipulated at times but I doubt a vectrex is involved :> {Canuk in joke} > > It seems to me that there is two different mechanisms for displaying >vector graphics on the Vectrex. What are they? > Go back to linear math... What is the definition of a vector? Thats how the vectrex works. Except it 'cheats' for dots :> Mark -- Mark C.R Woodward woodward@newbridge.com Relax, Dont worry... Load up Linux Real computers dont run MS-DOS + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!spool.mu.edu!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!gatech2!gt-news!prism!prism!not-for-mail From: gt8100a@prism.gatech.edu (James Milford Rogers) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 7 Dec 1995 15:51:08 -0500 Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology Lines: 19 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a7k3s$72p@acmex.gatech.edu> References: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> <4a19f5$7dl@news.ais.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: acmex-prism.gatech.edu rsteiner@skypoint.com (Richard Steiner) writes: >The main problem is likely the reproduction of the vector screen on a >PC in a way that is fast enough to work correctly. But if a 68LC040 >can be emulated on my 486DX4/100, surely a 6809 can. I don't see how speed would be a problem - B&W lines are the easiest things to draw next to dots. I havn't seen a vectrex in years, but I would say emulating the sound is practically impossible. The vectrex probably does it by successive writes to an address range that controls a custom sound chip. Of course you could just digitize the sound, but then you wouldn't be emulating. Another drawback is the overlays. Again I havn't played a Vectrex in years but I wouldn't think it would be much fun without the overlays. -- Jim Rogers (gt8100a@prism.gatech.edu) | Wanted: Vectrex stuff, SA cable boxes, http://acme.gatech.edu:8001/~gt8100a | Ms. Pac Man board, Pole Pos. 2 Senior CmpE undergraduate/guitarist | board, Space Invaders board + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!pravda.aa.msen.com!nntp.coast.net!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk!ard12 From: ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk (A.R. Duell) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: I got lucky at the flea market myself... Date: 7 Dec 1995 16:53:46 GMT Organization: University of Cambridge, England Lines: 105 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <4a766q$4rp@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> References: <49sbma$1kam@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net> <1995Dec6.142544.10013@news.wrc.xerox.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: tw100.eng.cam.ac.uk jsstone@wrc.xerox.com (john swan stone) writes: >Greg, >In regard to the possible problem with your Vectrex system. In my >opinion it could either be the vectoring driver circuit which is >refusing to move the electron beam about your screen, OR >possibly something which tells the vectoring ciruit what to do >is hosed. I think that the digital side is probably malfunctioning (as there was no mention of the tones on power-up, as you noticed). That should be quite easy to fix. The fact that a dot appeared on the screen implies that the EHT system and the CRT are working at least partially (and probably correctly). Also, as the dot was not central, the LM379 amplifier is probably OK (You pray that chip never fails - they're impossible to find). >At power up the Vectrex should emit a distintive tone of the >pattern da-d-da. If you don't here this tone then something >may be wrong with the CPU, PROM, clock generator, Address >decode logic, etc... If you do hear this tone, then the problem >is probably in the vectoring driver circuit. >Does anyone out there have the schematics and/or parts list for >this game? A scanned copy of the service manual is on the ftp site. It includes the schematic. >If you don't hear the tone you should check to be sure that the >CPU, PROM, and other chips related to the digital portion of the >computer are receiving power and are properly grounded. If they >are then you would need a logic probe to tell you if there is any >activity on the CS (chip select) of the PROM, the clock line on >the CPU, all address and data pins, etc... First check the +5V and -5V supplies to the logic board. If they're missing nothing will work. If they're present, then look for activity on the CPU address bus with a scope or logic probe first - if that's present then the CPU is clocking (the clock generator is internal to the CPU on the vectrex, although Xtal could fail), and then, as you say, look for activity on the CS* pin of the ROM and the RAM. If the ROM is being selected (as it should be), then unfortunately you need a logic analyser to go much further, as you need to trace out the program code it's executing on power up. However, if the CPU is running, and the ROM is being selected and you don't have a logic analyser, it may be worth replacing the 2 2114 RAM chips, which in my experience are very unreliable devices. You might also want to look for activity on the inputs to the DAC chip to see if the thing is trying to move the beam about... >If you do hear the tone, then the problem becomes more difficult >since I know nothing about how the vector driving circuits work. The CPU drives one DAC (8 bit) which is demultiplexed to drive the X,Y and brightness signals. These are fed to the analogue board where the X and Y signals drive an LM379S amplifier chip that drives the yoke, and the brightness signal controls a 2-transistor video amplifier, which drives the CRT cathode. A logical first place to start is by looking at the X,Y and brightness signals with an oscilloscope. If they're present (note, they're pretty random-looking), then the digital board is probably OK. You then need to trace them through the drive amplifiers to the yoke. >You could check for voltages to the base of the CRT (Be careful, >very high voltages here). We are looking for the voltages which >should be moving the electron gun around the screen. If they are The Vectrex tube is electromagnetically deflected, like a TV tube. The signals on the base pins are a few hundred volts for the accelerating anodes, the grid bias from the brightness control, the cathode drive from the video amplifier, and the heater supply. If there's a dot on the screen, then most of those are present. >present (and varying) then something in the CRT is dead, otherwise >you'll have to reverse engineer the digital driver ciruit which The schematic of the analogue board is in the service manual as well... >Since you didn't mention the tone, I would assume that the >digital portion of the computer is malfunctioning and I think that >you would have a better shot at fixing (and getting replacement >parts) that portion than the CRT circuit. Actually, the only hard part to find is the LM379S amplifier. Everything else can be obtained, I think. The analogue side is easier to troubleshoot with a simple 'scope - to sort out the CPU side really needs a logic analyser and a lot of luck. If any of the chips are socketed, you might try swapping them out, _after_ checking the +5V line! >Good luck, let us know how it turns out. >John. -- -tony ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WTB: Repair/Service manuals for Vectrex Date: 8 Dec 1995 21:09:30 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 8 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aar4q$52j@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Hello, I would very much like to get copies of the Repair/Service manuals for the Vectrex. I would gladly pay a good price for photocopies, or for the actual books. Please message me if you can help, Thank You, Michael Kelley + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!news.dra.com!news.mid.net!news.ksu.ksu.edu!lazrus.cca.rockwell.com!cacd.rockwell.com!newsrelay.iastate.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.yab.com!legacy.yab.com!schmen From: schmen@legacy.yab.com (Ken Kuhns) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex for sale Date: 8 Dec 1995 16:18:20 GMT Organization: Legacy LPMud Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a9ogc$fsq@news.yab.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ts1.yab.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] I have a Vectrex with 1 controller (both in perfect condition) and the following carts: Blitz, Heads-up Soccer, and Armor Attack. Unfortunately, neither the games nor the Vectrex come with boxes, overlays or manuals. I would like to sell this for at least $110.00+shipping. (I won't be making any profit on this...considering what I had to PAY for the darn thing...) I just want to get this unit back out into the vectrex loving community. Please respond via email - first response gets it. Thanks. -- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ken Kuhns schmen@legacy.yab.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!nnrp.info.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: ulm@ix.netcom.com(Brian Ulm) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: ** AUCTION UPDATE 12/9/95 ** Date: 9 Dec 1995 18:27:11 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 48 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4ackdv$drj@ixnews7.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv1-12.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Sat Dec 09 10:27:11 AM PST 1995 Following is an auction update. Someone asked about minimum "upping". Sorry - I am new at this. How about $10 minimum ups for items 1 & 2 and $5 minimum ups for items 3 & 4. Following are the bid updates and repeats of item descriptions: =================> 12/15 IS FINAL DAY TO BID ! 1) 3D IMAGER! This is 'like-new' and works perfectly. Included is the Imager, the carts 3D MineStorm and 3D CrazyCoaster along with ALL instructions (yes, I found them), color wheels etc. The only part showing its age is the foam rubber forehead pad, that now gives off a black smudge from the age of the rubber. HIGHEST BID: $240.00 (S. Scallen) 2) LIGHTPEN! I also have a virtually unused LightPen, without so much as a scratch on its silver logo. Of course it works and it comes with the carts AnimAction, ArtMaster and MelodyMaster and all manuals. Once again, no original boxes. HIGHEST BID: $100.00 (P. Witek) 3) SPIKE CART: I think this was the first/only (?) Vectrex cart with speech. Listen in awe as your machine says "Eeeek, Help Spike!", "Oh No Molly!" and "Darnit!". Definitely worth the price of admission. Complete with all manuals and overlay. HIGHEST BID: $25.00 (D. Levine) 4) COSMIC CHASM "PIECES": I have a Cosmic Chasm overlay and manual. NO I have no idea where the cartridge is! This will no doubt be a major bid item! :) HIGHEST BID: All items are working, but are used and sold without warranty (other than working when you get it out of the box). Buyer pays shipping (i.e. don't include it in the bid). I will not split up any of the groupings above and sorry, but no trades (Brian needs the CA$H for Xmas)! I will stop taking bids AFTER 12/15 to have time to get these to people who want them by Xmas. Good Luck ! Brian Ulm ulm@ix.netcom.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!world!mv!barney.gvi.net!redstone.interpath.net!mercury!jav From: jav@mercury.interpath.net (Joe Venturelli) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 6 Dec 1995 14:24:30 GMT Organization: Interpath -- Providing Internet access to North Carolina Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4a492u$2hq@redstone.interpath.net> References: <4a3fdd$9j6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: mercury.interpath.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Scott Nudds (af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca) wrote: : Never seen any Vectrex source code, but I presume the CPU executes some : kind of display list - driving the CRTC to various positions manually, : and between setting the coords, sitting around twiddling its thumbs, or : if the vectors are set via an interrupt, doing other game processing such : as scanning the joystick or playing sound. : : An interrupt driven display list might be possible to emulate. Perhaps : even a software polled one, but you would have to also emulate the : hardware delays to keep the game running at a constant speed. : : It seems to me that there is two different mechanisms for displaying : vector graphics on the Vectrex. What are they? Just when you thought this thread had been milked for every possible angle.... ITS BACK!! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@csd.uwo.ca (John MacDonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.misc,alt.games.video.classic,misc.forsale.non-computer Subject: Vectrex multi-cartridges for sale or trade Date: 10 Dec 1995 07:20:17 GMT Organization: The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. Canada Lines: 21 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4ae1nh$so5@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: det.csd.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3890 rec.games.video.classic:34823 rec.games.video.marketplace:49287 rec.games.video.arcade:96419 rec.games.video.misc:30642 alt.games.video.classic:9458 misc.forsale.non-computer:23804 Multi-Cartridges dip-switch $45 all games released except Animaction comes with Dark Tower cartridge ( Epromed ) Shipping to North America $5 Photocopied manuals of all Vectrex cartridges released. $12 ( This just covers costs ) Shipping to North America $2 john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 473-2369 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech2!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk!ard12 From: ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk (A.R. Duell) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: WTB: Repair/Service manuals for Vectrex Date: 10 Dec 1995 16:41:12 GMT Organization: University of Cambridge, England Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4af2j8$q5a@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> References: <4aar4q$52j@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: club.eng.cam.ac.uk mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) writes: >Hello, > I would very much like to get copies of the Repair/Service manuals >for the Vectrex. I would gladly pay a good price for photocopies, or for >the actual books. Please message me if you can help, If you can make do with a scanned-in copy, then you can download most of the service manual from the ftp site (ftp.csus.edu I think). It's a collection of tiff files.... The pages of user instructions are missing (no great loss), one of the pages of the parts list in incorrect (a duplicate of another page), and the schematics are not that readable (but OK if you can check things agains the vectrex you're repairing). What you do get is a set of schematics, test cartridge info, dismantling and reasembling the vectrex, and setting it up. Sometime, I'm going to redraw the vectrex schematics (I assume that would be legal under the agreement by which all the opther vectrex stuff is distributed) and submit them to the ftp site as .gif files.... But I've got a lot to do at the moment... >Thank You, >Michael Kelley -- -tony ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!netnews.nwnet.net!news.nodak.edu!plains!comstock From: comstock@plains.nodak.edu (Clay Comstock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Controller Date: 10 Dec 1995 22:28:41 GMT Organization: North Dakota Higher Education Computing Network (NDHECN) Lines: 27 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4afmup$82i@daily-planet.nodak.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: plains.nodak.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] It has been quite some time since I got my vectrex and haven't played it much. The reason I haven't played it that much is because the controller got broke. Does anyone know where I can get a controller? Thanks Clay Comstock ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ____________ /| /| "The Necker Cube / |_________/_| Reminds Us, That /__/________/ | All Situations | / | / Can Be Viewed |/ | / From Two Different Perspectives" |__________|/ Clay Comstock Dickinson State University Dickinson, ND 58601 e-mail comstock@plains.nodak.edu homepage http://murphy217.math.dsu.nodak.edu/dsu/comstock.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!udel!gatech2!swrinde!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!news.math.psu.edu!hudson.lm.com!usenet From: oleniacz@telerama.lm.com (Tangent) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: 9 Vectrex cartridges for sale $70 Date: Sun, 10 Dec 95 20:46:50 PST Organization: Telerama Public Access Internet, Pittsburgh, PA Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4ag2j3$j56@hudson.lm.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: oleniacz.slip.lm.com Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.93.02 9 Vectrex Cartridges for Sale with overlays in original Boxes Spinball Fortress of Narzod Blitz! Action Football Spike Clean Sweep Heads Up Action Soccer Star Trek The Motion Picture Bedlam Cosmic Chasm $70 including shipping OBO by Dec 17 reply to oleniacz@telerama.lm.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!udel!gatech2!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@csd.uwo.ca (John MacDonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.misc,alt.games.video.classic Subject: Survey: Vectrex owners please reply Date: 11 Dec 1995 01:51:28 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Lines: 83 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4ag2r0$nfg@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: gus.csd.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3894 rec.games.video.classic:34882 rec.games.video.marketplace:49403 rec.games.video.arcade:96531 rec.games.video.misc:30657 alt.games.video.classic:9465 Hi, If you own a vectrex, I would appreciate you replying to these questions. There are at least two ROM revisions, and I am trying to figure out if there are more, and what the distribution of the ROM versions is. 1. What is the model number of your Vectrex. a. HP 3000 b. 3000-C1 c. other _____________ 2. What are the first four digits of the serial number? This assumes that there are 7 digits. If you have more or less than 7, please indicate how many digits are in the serial number. 3. When you first turn on the Vectrex, what do you see? a. Vectrex Entertaining New Ideas b. Vectrex c. other_______ 4. When it switches to the minestorm game what is the copywrite? a. c GCE 1982 b. c MB 1982 c. other________ 5. What is the new ship on Minefield 2? a. Fireball Mine ( fires, but doesn't follow ) b. Magnetic Mine ( follows, but doesn't fire ) c. other________ If you can't answer the next ones, please send in the survey anyways. 6. Have you experienced the Minefield 13 bug? a. no b. don't know, don't care? c. machine crashes after minefield 13 d. machine works fine, goes to minefield 14 7. If you have the test cartridge, what is the checksum? a. B796 b. 7931 c. other______ 8. If you have the test cartridge, in the deflection protect section does your Vectrex a. Start the image with a medium size box? b. start the image from a small point and enlarge smoothly? c. other______ Thanks for taking the time to read through this survey. When I get some replies back, I will post whatever information that I find. If you have more than one Vectrex, feel free to send a survey for each. Thanks, john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 473-2369 X-----Please cut here and send only the the following with your results----X To: magundi@uwo.ca Subject: Vectrex survey 1. Model number 2. 1st four digits of serial number 3. Startup screen 4. Copywrite holder and date 5. New ship type minefield 2 6. Minefield 13 bug? 7. ROM checksum 8. Deflection protect box. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!ames!cronkite.cisco.com!cronkite!billw From: billw@puli.cisco.com (William ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Emulator Date: 11 Dec 1995 07:26:34 GMT Organization: cisco Systems, Inc. Lines: 4 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <49vdo7$sik@dragonfly.wri.com> <4a19f5$7dl@news.ais.net> <4a7k3s$72p@acmex.gatech.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: puli.cisco.com In-reply-to: gt8100a@prism.gatech.edu's message of 7 Dec 1995 15:51:08 -0500 I don't suppose source code (for on the onboard roms) is one of the things that was "released" to the public? BillW + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!bcm.tmc.edu!news.tamu.edu!centris-3.tamu.edu!user From: user@nodeid.domain (WCCC Mac User) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: IS ANYONE INTERESTED in Vectrex for sale Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995 14:23:14 +0100 Organization: Texas A&M University Lines: 23 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: centris-3.tamu.edu Vectrex w/box 2 controllers 1 light pen and Art Master controller 16 games- all have original manuals- as follows: 2 Scrabble 2 Cosmic Chasm 1 Armor Attack 1 Bedlam 1 Clean Sweep - with screen cover 1 Fortress of Narzod 1 Starhawk - with screen cover 1 Solar Quest 1 Star Treck 1 Blitz 1 Bezerk 1 Space Wars - with screen cover 1 Web Wars 1 Rip Off - with screen cover Everything works great! This post is just to get an initial response. Will update on Tues. evening the 12th Dec. For more info call Mike at (409)268-0618 or email to mkm0030@acs.tamu.edu will take best offer for everything or sell seperately. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!news.math.psu.edu!hudson.lm.com!usenet From: oleniacz@telerama.lm.com (Tangent) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: 9 Vectrex cartridges for sale $70 UPDATE/CORRECTION Date: Mon, 11 Dec 95 19:01:07 PST Organization: Telerama Public Access Internet, Pittsburgh, PA Lines: 28 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aigp9$96h@hudson.lm.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: oleniacz.slip.lm.com Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.93.02 >>>My apologies to all that sent offers, I cannot find the overlay to Spike. >>>I triple-checked all my carts but it's nowhere to be found. >>>I did verify that all other carts have their overlays. >>>All carts boot AOK on my machine, have manuals, and original boxes >>>To all that sent offers, please feel free to modify your offers. 9 Vectrex Cartridges for Sale with overlays(except as noted),manuals, and original boxes Most games have only 1 or 2 plays on them. Spinball Fortress of Narzod Blitz! Action Football Spike (no overlay) Clean Sweep Heads Up Action Soccer Star Trek The Motion Picture Bedlam Cosmic Chasm $70 including shipping OBO by Dec 17 >>>(Best offer so far is $110 + shipping but may change because of missing overlay) reply to oleniacz@telerama.lm.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!usenet From: zacketh@ibm.net (Zachary Ethridge) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Anyone need a 3D goggle schematic? Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 20:08:07 -1100 Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: slip37-249-83.ibm.net Hey gang! I finally got myself a 3D goggle set, yahoo! Now that I've opened it up and seen for myself what's inside, is there anyone out there who needs a schematic? It's a fairly simple circuit; the problem in reproducing the unit would be in finding replacement plastic pieces, the motor, color wheels, etc. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!spcuna!newton.texel.com!usenet From: pcjohn@texel.com Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Pinouts Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995 04:00:30 GMT Organization: TexelNet Internet Services Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aljlr$g1t@newton.texel.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: pcjohn.texel.com X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Is this the correct pinout information for the cart connector on the Vectrex ? This view is looking at the cartridge port on the side of the machine, with the front of the monitor facing left. 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 Thanks, JD + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!btnet!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!rbkcmail.demon.co.uk From: Ian Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Multicarts for Vectrex Date: Wed, 13 Dec 95 15:19:00 GMT Organization: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Lines: 18 Message-ID: <18492@rbkc.gov.uk> X-NNTP-Posting-Host: rbkcmail.demon.co.uk X-Mailer: IMail version 1.0.0 Content-Type: text Is anyone currently selling multicarts that will fit a UK Vectrex? A friend here is looking for one. Answers by mail please, I dont get to read news more than once a week or so. Thanks, Ian +------------------,---------------------------------------------------+ | ,-~,/ Senior VM/VSE/CICS/Unix/ / | | _ ___/ /\| Network systems programmer, (/-__ ___ | | ,:`( )__, ) ~ Senior games developer __/ \###\__\ | | // // '--; /---\ == \ / \ | | ' \ | ~ Atari 2600,7800,Lynx collector \__/ ---- \__/~~~~~ | +---------~----~-------------------------------------------------------+ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!warwick!yama.mcc.ac.uk!thor.cf.ac.uk!wdrdsw From: wooding@cf.ac.uk (David Wooding) Subject: Re: Anyone need a 3D goggle schematic? Message-ID: Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995 16:36:23 GMT Distribution: inet References: Organization: University of Wales College at Cardiff Lines: 21 zacketh@ibm.net (Zachary Ethridge) writes: >Hey gang! I finally got myself a 3D goggle set, yahoo! Now that I've >opened it up and seen for myself what's inside, is there anyone out there >who needs a schematic? It's a fairly simple circuit; the problem in >reproducing the unit would be in finding replacement plastic pieces, the >motor, color wheels, etc. Might not be such a problem. If some can reproduce them on a CAD system, then I *may* be able to get them made from resin on a rapid protyping machine. We would need an order of around 50 though. I bet other people have access to such machines. Dave. -- Dr.David Wooding (wooding@cardiff.ac.uk) UWCM, Cardiff, Wales, UK ------------------------------------------------------------------ The MC list: subscribe mornington-crescent to majordomo@mono.org + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!panix!usenet From: davegan@panix.com (Dave Stein) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IS ANYONE INTERESTED in Vectrex for sale Date: 13 Dec 1995 18:04:24 GMT Organization: Combined Effort Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4an4j8$p9j@news1.panix.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: davegan.dialup.access.net > user@nodeid.domain (WCCC Mac User) writes: > Vectrex w/box > 2 controllers > 1 light pen and Art Master controller > 16 games- all have original manuals- as follows: > 2 Scrabble I was unaware of text based games for the Vectrex. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: osiinc@aol.com (OSI Inc) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: test, don't read Date: 13 Dec 1995 13:04:36 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 1 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4an4jk$c1p@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: osiinc@aol.com (OSI Inc) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com ... + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!nnrp.info.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: osiinc@aol.com (OSI Inc) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex system & carts 4 Sale Date: 13 Dec 1995 13:08:06 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 36 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4an4q6$c4s@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: osiinc@aol.com (OSI Inc) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Complete Vectrex system for Sale Now accepting reasonable offers on the following:: 2-Vectrex Game consoles both w/Mine Storm overlays and manuals Misc. carts as listed below Everything is in good working order. Cart contents are listed with each cart. I would prefer to sell them as a lot, but I will break it up if I have to. I am accepting reasonable offers on everything..Figure minimums to be around $75 per console (with overlays and instructions, and $10-$15 per cart. Bulk offers will obviously get better deals. Thanks, Gene Title Comment Armor..Attack Box, overlay & manual Bedlam Box, overlay & manual Berzerk Box, overlay & manual Clean Sweep Box, overlay & manual Cosmic Chasm Box, overlay & manual Multicart ver. 1.3 cart and manual Scramble Box, overlay & manual Star Hawk Box, overlay & manual Star Trek Box, overlay & manual Web Wars Box, overlay & manual -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --> I Buy and Sell PEZ and PEZ Related Items.<-- --> Send me your wants and sell lists!! <-- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!news1!news From: Mike Cline Subject: vectrex for sale X-Nntp-Posting-Host: ts04-ind-09.iquest.net Message-ID: Followup-To: mikec@iquest.net Sender: news@iquest.net (News Admin) Reply-To: mikec@iquest.net Organization: IQuest Internet, Inc. X-Newsreader: SPRY News 3.03 (SPRY, Inc.) Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 04:23:42 GMT Lines: 15 I have one working Vectrex with working controller and the following 2 games: Berzerk Hyperchase This was the only Item that I didn't sell with the rest of my classic collection, but now am in need of some cash. No reasonable offers denied. Jeremy Cline mikec@iquest.net + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!news.azstarnet.com!not-for-mail From: mercury@azstarnet.com (Mercury Hess) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IS ANYONE INTERESTED in Vectrex for sale Date: 14 Dec 1995 05:35:41 GMT Organization: Arizona Daily Star - AZSTARNET Lines: 19 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aod3d$o46@news.azstarnet.com> References: <4an4j8$p9j@news1.panix.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: web.azstarnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [UNIX 1.3 950824BETA PL0] Dave Stein (davegan@panix.com) wrote: : I was unaware of text based games for the Vectrex. Dang! You found out! We were keeping it a secret from you! :) -- Things overheard: "I don't mind being beat up. You get used to it after a while"-Grateful Scott, Homeless guy living on the beach in Fort Bragg, CA. Looking for Atari 2600/7800 and Vectrex carts!! I am the OFFICIAL keeper of the Taco Bell FAQ! Write me if you want it! Want to help stop SPAMMING???? Flame the hell out of them!!! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: ulm@ix.netcom.com(Brian Ulm) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: ** AUCTION NEARING CLOSE / UPDATE ! ** Date: 14 Dec 1995 05:58:18 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 50 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aoedq$muc@ixnews2.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv3-22.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Wed Dec 13 9:58:18 PM PST 1995 Following is an auction update. Remember that Friday (12/15/95) is your LAST DAY TO BID! Following are the bid updates and repeats of item descriptions: =================> 12/15 IS FINAL DAY TO BID ! 1) 3D IMAGER! This is 'like-new' and works perfectly. Included is the Imager, the carts 3D MineStorm and 3D CrazyCoaster along with ALL instructions (yes, I found them), color wheels etc. The only part showing its age is the foam rubber forehead pad, that now gives off a black smudge from the age of the rubber. I do not have the original boxes. HIGHEST BID: $260.00 (M. Hess) 2) LIGHTPEN! I also have a virtually unused LightPen, without so much as a scratch on its silver logo. Of course it works and it comes with the carts AnimAction, ArtMaster and MelodyMaster and all manuals. Once again, no original boxes. HIGHEST BID: $100.00 (P. Witek) 3) SPIKE CART: I think this was the first/only (?) Vectrex cart with speech. Listen in awe as your machine says "Eeeek, Help Spike!", "Oh No Molly!" and "Darnit!". Definitely worth the price of admission. Complete with all manuals and overlay (but no box). HIGHEST BID: $25.00 (D. Levine) 4) COSMIC CHASM "PIECES": I have a Cosmic Chasm overlay and manual. NO I have no idea where the cartridge is! This will no doubt be a major bid item! :) HIGHEST BID: $3 (T. Brunner) All items are working, but are used and sold without warranty (other than working when you get it out of the box). Buyer pays shipping (i.e. don't include it in the bid). I will not split up any of the groupings above and sorry, but no trades (Brian needs the CA$H for Xmas)! I WILL STOP TAKING BIDS AFTER 12/15 to have time to get these to people who want them by Xmas. Good Luck ! Brian Ulm ulm@ix.netcom.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!news.mtu.edu!msunews!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news.u.washington.edu!saul2.u.washington.edu!howald From: William Howald Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: My Color Vectrex project-need Schematic! Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 01:41:01 -0800 Organization: University of Washington Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: saul2.u.washington.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII NNTP-Posting-User: howald I think the subject line says it all... I need the main logic board shematic mostly(but would love a complete one); specifically,the section that converts the digital brightness info to an anlog signal... I can pay a reasonable price for it... Aaron Howald, Tinkerer (What else would I do??) howald@u.washington.edu + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!CTCnet!news.math.psu.edu!chi-news.cic.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!usenet.cis.ufl.edu!usenet.ufl.edu!cybernet.cse.fau.edu!cybernet!greg From: greg@cybernet (Gregory Pius) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: I got lucky at the flea market myself... Date: 14 Dec 1995 16:32:36 GMT Organization: Cybernet, Boca Raton, Florida. Lines: 42 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <4apjj4$9pg@cybernet.cse.fau.edu> References: <49sbma$1kam@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net> <1995Dec6.142544.10013@news.wrc.xerox.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cybernet.cybernet.cse.fau.edu john swan stone (jsstone@wrc.xerox.com) wrote: : Greg, : At power up the Vectrex should emit a distintive tone of the : pattern da-d-da. If you don't here this tone then something : may be wrong with the CPU, PROM, clock generator, Address : decode logic, etc... If you do hear this tone, then the problem : is probably in the vectoring driver circuit. That tone is not present. That's the one that plays when Minestorm comes up, right? Kinda like a rip-off of the Asteroids music. That doesn't play. : Does anyone out there have the schematics and/or parts list for : this game? The schematics are available at http://www2.ecst/csuchico.edu/~gchance/ Vectrex/Stuff/manual.html. I'm going to download them today. : If you don't hear the tone you should check to be sure that the : CPU, PROM, and other chips related to the digital portion of the : computer are receiving power and are properly grounded. If they : are then you would need a logic probe to tell you if there is any : activity on the CS (chip select) of the PROM, the clock line on : the CPU, all address and data pins, etc... I suspect the digital portion fo the computer. Are replacement chips available and cheap? : Good luck, let us know how it turns out. : John. Thanks for the help! Gregory My hysterical rantings are my own, not my employer's_______________________ Gregory Pius | Automated Business Corporation | I haven't lost my mind. Computerized Body Shop Solution Specialists | It's backed up on Beautiful, sunny, Ft. Lauderdale, FL | tape somewhere. "Crunch all ya want, We'll make more!"_______|______________________________ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!intac!sailboar!michael.lang From: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: NEW VECTREX OWNER!!! Message-ID: <8B6E2F4.011B000090.uuout@sailboard.com> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 95 12:36:00 -0500 Distribution: world Organization: The SailBoard BBS * Ringwood, NJ, USA * (201)831-8152 Reply-To: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.22 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.20 Lines: 15 Yippe! I got me a Vectrex! O-boy, o-boy, o-boy, o-boy, o-boy! She's a beaut, in the box, with 21 games in the box, and extra controller in the box and a light pen in the box!!! I'll post the story later, but for now, can someone e-mail me an FAQ for the Vectrex? I would appreciate it! Sincerely, Michael Lang michael.lang@sailboard.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!intac!sailboar!michael.lang From: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Anyone need a 3D gogg Message-ID: <8B6E30C.011B000092.uuout@sailboard.com> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 95 13:00:00 -0500 Distribution: world Organization: The SailBoard BBS * Ringwood, NJ, USA * (201)831-8152 Reply-To: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) References: X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.22 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.20 Lines: 21 DW>>Hey gang! I finally got myself a 3D goggle set, yahoo! Now that DW>I've >opened it up and seen for myself what's inside, is there anyone DW>out there >who needs a schematic? It's a fairly simple circuit; the DW>problem in >reproducing the unit would be in finding replacement DW>plastic pieces, the >motor, color wheels, etc. DW>Might not be such a problem. If some can reproduce them on a CAD DW>system, then I *may* be able to get them made from resin on a rapid DW>protyping machine. We would need an order of around 50 though. I really doubt that RPM resin will be durable enough. However, who says they have to be exact copies? There is more than one way to reverse engineer a product! I would be willing to help on this one. Sincerely, Michael Lang michael.lang@sailboard.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!yama.mcc.ac.uk!liv!rgu.ac.uk!scms.rgu.ac.uk!usenet From: Arthur Gill Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Availability of schematics Date: 14 Dec 1995 08:47:20 GMT Organization: The Robert Gordon University Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aooao$mh3@roadkill.scms.rgu.ac.uk> References: <4a7fc3$his@news.csus.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: @arthur.rgu.ac.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.2b4 (Windows; I; 16bit) I downloaded the tiff files and was unable to read them. Does anyone have an equivelant set of files in jpeg format??? Please e-mail me directly if you do ! Thanks. Arthur. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl11.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Availability of schematics Date: 14 Dec 1995 20:51:58 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aqute$kr2@crl11.crl.com> References: <4a7fc3$his@news.csus.edu> <4aooao$mh3@roadkill.scms.rgu.ac.uk> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl11.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Arthur Gill (a.gill@rgu.ac.uk) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >I downloaded the tiff files and was unable to read them. Does anyone have >an equivelant set of files in jpeg format??? >Please e-mail me directly if you do ! Did you remember to set binary mode in ftp before downloading them? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.chnt.gtegsc.com!news.kreonet.re.kr!news.dacom.co.kr!newsfeed.internetmci.com!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl11.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IS ANYONE INTERESTED in Vectrex for sale Date: 14 Dec 1995 20:28:54 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 10 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aqti6$kce@crl11.crl.com> References: <4an4j8$p9j@news1.panix.com> <4aod3d$o46@news.azstarnet.com> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl11.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Mercury Hess (mercury@azstarnet.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >Dave Stein (davegan@panix.com) wrote: >: I was unaware of text based games for the Vectrex. >Dang! You found out! We were keeping it a secret from you! :) Yep, the Vectrex version of It's Only Rock 'N Roll, the ColecoVision smash hit by Xonox! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!intac!sailboar!michael.lang From: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: New Owner! Message-ID: <8B6F1AB.011B000096.uuout@sailboard.com> Date: Fri, 15 Dec 95 07:07:00 -0500 Distribution: world Organization: The SailBoard BBS * Ringwood, NJ, USA * (201)831-8152 Reply-To: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.22 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.20 Lines: 10 I have received the Vectrex FAQ I requested. No more please. Thank You, Michael Lang michael.lang@sailboard.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!delmarva.com!udel!rochester!rocksanne!jsstone From: jsstone@yipu.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (john swan stone term 00/00 yipu) Subject: Ram Cartridge / Development system Message-ID: <1995Dec14.173128.5427@news.wrc.xerox.com> Sender: jsstone@yipu (john swan stone term 00/00 yipu) Organization: Xerox Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 17:31:28 GMT Lines: 31 Hey all, It's been a few months, what is the news on the Ram Cartridge/Development System? Also, while browsing through the archive, I came upon a file: .../text/indic.txt which contains a message to Jeff Woolsey from (I guess) one of the orginal developers of the Vectrex. He mentioned that he had the "Source, hex, released, hacked, and unreleased -- including the original source to the executive ROM, and a few other goodies ... Since I wrote VID (Vectrex Interactive Debugger), I also have all the source to it. There is one catch... I had my S-100 system stolen about a year ago. I have no 8" drives, and therefore, all this magnetic gold-pile of archaic information is slowly going the way of all magnetic flux -- bye-bye..." Hey, hey, has anyone got on this? We can't loose all of this great stuff! Jeff (if your listening) tell us the outcome... did you get the disks? Have you copied them into safe keeping? Are you going to put these goodies in the archive? Let us all know. Regards, John Swan-Stone + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.dacom.co.kr!nntp.coast.net!news.sprintlink.net!ican.net!news From: robertd@ican.net (Robert Dibenedetto) Subject: Re: Anyone need a 3D goggle schematic? Sender: news@ican.net (Newsmaster) Message-ID: Date: Fri, 15 Dec 1995 12:49:04 GMT X-Nntp-Posting-Host: tor1-158.ican.net References: Organization: Internet Canada Corporation, Toronto, Canada X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Lines: 26 wooding@cf.ac.uk (David Wooding) wrote: >zacketh@ibm.net (Zachary Ethridge) writes: >>Hey gang! I finally got myself a 3D goggle set, yahoo! Now that I've >>opened it up and seen for myself what's inside, is there anyone out there >>who needs a schematic? It's a fairly simple circuit; the problem in >>reproducing the unit would be in finding replacement plastic pieces, the >>motor, color wheels, etc. >Might not be such a problem. If some can reproduce them on a CAD system, >then I *may* be able to get them made from resin on a rapid protyping >machine. We would need an order of around 50 though. >I bet other people have access to such machines. >Dave. >-- >Dr.David Wooding (wooding@cardiff.ac.uk) UWCM, Cardiff, Wales, UK >------------------------------------------------------------------ >The MC list: subscribe mornington-crescent to majordomo@mono.org I'd be interested. Count me as 1. ....robert + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!ican.net!news From: robertd@ican.net (Robert Dibenedetto) Subject: Re: My Color Vectrex project-need Schematic! Sender: news@ican.net (Newsmaster) Message-ID: Date: Fri, 15 Dec 1995 12:52:11 GMT X-Nntp-Posting-Host: tor1-158.ican.net References: Organization: Internet Canada Corporation, Toronto, Canada X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Lines: 18 William Howald wrote: >I think the subject line says it all... >I need the main logic board shematic mostly(but would love a complete one); >specifically,the section that converts the digital brightness info to an >anlog signal... >I can pay a reasonable price for it... >Aaron Howald, Tinkerer (What else would I do??) >howald@u.washington.edu I hope you get the schematics. Seems that there are some service manuals kicking around which may have them. I think I understand what you want to do. However, you won't be able to use the existing CRT. Are you going to output to external video? If you get this working, I would love to see it. ....Robert + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!van-bc!news.rmii.com!newsjunkie.ans.net!gatech!newsfeed.internetmci.com!swrinde!cssun.mathcs.emory.edu!nntp.msstate.edu!night.primate.wisc.edu!sdd.hp.com!hp-pcd!news1.boi.hp.com!hpax!ken From: ken@cup.hp.com (Ken Sumrall) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: My Color Vectrex project-need Schematic! Date: 15 Dec 1995 00:02:55 GMT Organization: Hewlett Packard Cupertino Site Lines: 16 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4aqdvf$mjs@hpax.cup.hp.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: p51.cup.hp.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2.2] William Howald (howald@u.washington.edu) wrote: >I think the subject line says it all... >I need the main logic board shematic mostly(but would love a complete one); >specifically,the section that converts the digital brightness info to an >anlog signal... >I can pay a reasonable price for it... > Why not get it free from the Vectrex FTP site at ftp.csus.edu. The service manual contains complete schematics for the Vectrex. I printed them and taped them together to make a continuous piece of paper. It's much easier to read that way. | Ken Sumrall HP Cupertino Systems Lab ken@cup.hp.com | | "He who will not reason, is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; | | and he who dares not is a slave." -- Sir William Drummond | + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!news.cais.net!sen.ca.gov!sen.ca.gov!nntp Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: vectrex test post Message-ID: <1995Dec15.114620.282@sen.ca.gov> From: james.truesdale@sen.ca.gov Date: 15 Dec 95 11:46:20 -0800 Distribution: world Nntp-Posting-Host: 165.107.133.137 X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1 (Windows; U; 16bit) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Lines: 6 Um, This is a test. Vectrexes are cool. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.akorn.net!news.his.com!news.cais.net!sen.ca.gov!sen.ca.gov!nntp Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Oh good, now that I know that works... Message-ID: <1995Dec15.162016.287@sen.ca.gov> From: james.truesdale@sen.ca.gov Date: 15 Dec 95 16:20:16 -0800 Distribution: world Nntp-Posting-Host: 165.107.133.137 X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1 (Windows; U; 16bit) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Lines: 6 I have a friend who is working on an interface between the Vectrex and a laser controller. Who knows if it will ever happen, but WOW!, imagine playing Vectrex on the side of a six story building! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!intac!sailboar!michael.lang From: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Questions... Message-ID: <8B70341.011B00009D.uuout@sailboard.com> Date: Sat, 16 Dec 95 13:53:00 -0500 Distribution: world Organization: The SailBoard BBS * Ringwood, NJ, USA * (201)831-8152 Reply-To: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.22 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.20 Lines: 33 Hi folks, I just got a Vectrex a few days ago and have a few questions... 1) The unit does not seem to be coming on correctly when I first turn it on. The graphics at first are not at all visible (the brightness setting is the same as as when I last played it.) If I turn up the brightness I get a poor display (trails become visible as the vector scans to the various objects through out the screen, the graphics, most noticably text, are not proporerly defined, but instead smeared). I turn it on and off a few times, and even unplug and replug it into the wall. Then, at some point (I haven't tied it down to a single event, although unplugging and replugging into the wall MAY have an effect), the display comes up perfectly! All the while I am getting music tones, and can hear the game running its course when the screen is "bad". In fact, if I turn up the brightness I can "play", but the grahics are screwy as stated. Any suggestions? 2) Star Castle says you can play 2 players simultanueously. I have 2 joysticks, but have been unable to play 2 player SIMULTANEOUSLY (can take turns and have 2 players). Any suggestions? Thank You, Michael Lang michael.lang@sailboard.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!nw003.infi.net!news.infi.net!usenet From: youngf@norfolk.infi.net (Randy) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: I thought I was alone in the world... Date: 17 Dec 1995 05:24:08 GMT Organization: Customer of InfiNet Lines: 5 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b09ho$em5@news.infi.net> Reply-To: youngf@norfolk.infi.net NNTP-Posting-Host: h-hanuman.norfolk.infi.net Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.99.3 Amazing! I thought I was the only person in the world with a Vectrex until I found this news group! I got mine when I was around 10 years old and I've never heard of anyone with one...So what do you do on here except talk about 'em? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!news.cs.utah.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk!ard12 From: ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk (A.R. Duell) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Questions... Date: 17 Dec 1995 16:40:02 GMT Organization: University of Cambridge, England Lines: 48 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b1h52$1bg@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> References: <8B70341.011B00009D.uuout@sailboard.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: club.eng.cam.ac.uk michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) writes: >Hi folks, >I just got a Vectrex a few days ago and have a few questions... >1) The unit does not seem to be coming on correctly when I first turn it >on. The graphics at first are not at all visible (the brightness >setting is the same as as when I last played it.) If I turn up the >brightness I get a poor display (trails become visible as the vector >scans to the various objects through out the screen, the graphics, most >noticably text, are not proporerly defined, but instead smeared). I >turn it on and off a few times, and even unplug and replug it into the >wall. Then, at some point (I haven't tied it down to a single event, >although unplugging and replugging into the wall MAY have an effect), >the display comes up perfectly! >All the while I am getting music tones, and can hear the game running >its course when the screen is "bad". In fact, if I turn up the >brightness I can "play", but the grahics are screwy as stated. >Any suggestions? Well, as the music plays correctly, the PSU and digital side are almost certainly working correctly. Just pray that I'm wrong, but this sounds like a classic case of low EHT. This can be caused by a defective flyback transformer (by far the most like cause, I'm afraid, and I'm not sure where you could get a replacement from nowadays), or problems around the 555 time and driver transistor on the analogue board. You need an EHT meter, and probably an oscilloscope to sort this one out. Remember that there should be high voltages on the final anode (of the order of 10kV), so if you've got no experience in TV repair, I'd recomend asking a TV repairman for advice... >Thank You, >Michael Lang -- -tony ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk The gates in my computer are AND,OR and NOT, not Bill + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!skypoint.com!not-for-mail From: rsteiner@skypoint.com (Richard Steiner) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: I thought I was alone in the world... Date: 17 Dec 1995 18:28:24 -0600 Organization: SkyPoint Communications, Inc. Lines: 26 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <4b09ho$em5@news.infi.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: mirage.skypoint.com X-Newsreader: Yarn 0.84 with YES 0.20 and TDE 3.2a X-Info: PC Yarn is a freeware SOUP-packet threaded offline newsreader, YES is the Yarn Editor Shell, a freeware utility for Yarn, and TDE is the Thomson-Davis Editor, a *wonderful* PD text editor! Here in rec.games.vectrex, youngf@norfolk.infi.net (Randy) spake unto us, saying: > Amazing! I thought I was the only person in the world with a Vectrex > until I found this news group! I think it's kinda fun to see reactions like this from people when they first find this newsgroup. No, I'm afraid you're not the only person in the world. Some of the folks here are game collectors, but some of us are original owners who have played on 'em off and on for years and years. My Vectrex kept me same during finals weeks all through college . > I got mine when I was around 10 years old and I've never heard of > anyone with one...So what do you do on here except talk about 'em? You can also buy a/o sell stuff (like cartridges, nifty things known as "multicarts" that have almost all games on a single cartridge, controllers, etc). I've purchased a multicart and two brand new controllers for my Vectrex from folks here. -- -Rich Steiner >>>---> rsteiner@skypoint.com >>>---> Bloomington, MN Written offline using PC Yarn + Yes + TDE in a Warp VDM And now for something completely different... + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news.u.washington.edu!saul2.u.washington.edu!howald From: William Howald Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: I thought I was alone in the world... Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 22:48:41 -0800 Organization: University of Washington Lines: 16 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <4b09ho$em5@news.infi.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: saul2.u.washington.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII NNTP-Posting-User: howald In-Reply-To: On 17 Dec 1995, Richard Steiner wrote: > Here in rec.games.vectrex, youngf@norfolk.infi.net (Randy) > spake unto us, saying: > > Amazing! I thought I was the only person in the world with a Vectrex > > until I found this news group! > I think it's kinda fun to see reactions like this from people when they > first find this newsgroup. > > No, I'm afraid you're not the only person in the world. Some of the > folks here are game collectors, but some of us are original owners who > have played on 'em off and on for years and years. My Vectrex kept me > sane during finals weeks all through college . And some of us modify them into color!(I hope) I love mine! Aaron + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: ulm@ix.netcom.com(Brian Ulm) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: * AUCTION RESULTS * Date: 18 Dec 1995 06:54:13 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 10 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b336l$skq@cloner3.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv6-24.ix.netcom.com The auction results are in: 1) 3D Imager & carts --> $341 B. Zandrew 2) LightPen & carts --> $100 P. Witek 3) Spike cart --> $25 D. Levine 4) Cosmic parts --> $ 4 E. Tremblay Thanks to all who took part ! Brian + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: rnickell@ix.netcom.com(Robert Hagan Nickell ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Mint console and games for sale Date: 18 Dec 1995 00:49:43 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 34 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b2dr7$9lk@cloner3.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-lex2-13.ix.netcom.com I have 2 Vectrex game consoles that are like new, they were only opened once about 10 years ago to verify that they worked and had all the parts and manuals and then they were put in storage. I also collected at least 2 complete sets of all 21 games that were released (excluding the 3d and light pen games.) These are mint in the box, never used. I also have 2 mint light pens in the box with the art master cart. I also have 4 new control panels mint in the box. All of these were purchased new from stores and mail order and as I said the consoles were only tested to verify that they worked and all have been in storage since. The list of games are: Scramble Clean Sweep Solar Quest Space Wars Spinball Bedlam Blitz Polar Rescue Heads Up Soccer Star Castle Hyper Chase Spike Starhawk Cosmic Chasm Berzerk Rip-Off Armor Attack Pole Position Star Trek Web Wars Fortress of Narzod If there is anyone who is interested in making an offer on a complete set please let me know. I am not interested in breaking up a set but I will sell each set with at least 1 extra control panel and light pen. Please reply with serious offers only as a good part of my life 10/12 years ago was spent in this pursuit. Thank You, Robert Nickell rnickell@ix.netcom.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl4.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Mint console and games for sale Date: 18 Dec 1995 08:26:54 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 13 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b44oe$410@crl4.crl.com> References: <4b2dr7$9lk@cloner3.netcom.com> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl4.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Robert Hagan Nickell (rnickell@ix.netcom.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >I have 2 Vectrex game consoles that are like new, they were only opened >once about 10 years ago to verify that they worked and had all the >parts and manuals and then they were put in storage. I also collected Wow. Can you tell us how much you paid for all this back then? :) Did you get them at closeout prices, or normal retail? I presume you got another set for yourself, of course! It would seem pretty silly to get all this stuff, then not play any of it! :) :) :) Enquiring minds want to know! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!chi-news.cic.net!dragonfly.wri.com!usenet From: cwikla@wri.com Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: Games for sale Date: 18 Dec 1995 22:01:17 GMT Organization: Wolfram Research, Inc. Lines: 24 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b4obd$pma@dragonfly.wri.com> Reply-To: cwikla@wri.com NNTP-Posting-Host: morrison.wri.com Summary: Games for sale X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.0 #7 (NOV) Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3932 rec.games.video.marketplace:50415 Following games for sale (or I'll trade some for a controller), no overlays or instructions: (2) Armor Attack Berzerk (2) Scramble (2) Star Trek Blitz! Rip Off Spike Heads Up Soccer Solar Quest Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm $8 a piece, or all for $100. -- o John L. Cwikla o o o X Programmer o I'm not in a bad mood. o o Wolfram Research, Inc. o I'm always like this. o o cwikla@wri.com (217) 398-0700 o o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla o o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla/widget o The Widget FAQ o o http://www.wri.com/~cwikla/xlopedia o The Xlopedia o + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: rnickell@ix.netcom.com(Robert Hagan Nickell ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Enquiring minds Date: 19 Dec 1995 05:40:52 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b5j94$40m@cloner2.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-lex1-08.ix.netcom.com I bought my first vectrex christmas 83 for my 3 year old son (uh-hum) for around $200. The games were $30 to $40. It was probably late 84 when I first saw them at Childrens Palace for $48. I bought 3 more, one more to play and 2 to store. The games if you could find them were selling for $4 to $5 dollars. I managed to get 3 complete sets and part of a 4th but I had to send off for the ones that were hard to find, and they were not cheap. I spent about a year scrounging and traveling to different cities, calling toy stores every week to see what they had. I just traded the 3d mask and games earlier this year and realize I got screwed on that deal, after seeing the auction here. I had a lot of fun doing it and my wife thought I was crazy but I knew it was way ahead of its time and that I was not the only nut out there. Well that is my vectrex story, would like to know if anyone else got bit like I did. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Enquiring minds Date: 19 Dec 1995 10:33:54 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 14 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b6m12$au1@newsbf02.news.aol.com> References: <4b5j94$40m@cloner2.ix.netcom.com> Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Yes, I remeber the closeout too. I bought a Vectrex for $59, brand new, in the box from Children's Palace in mid-1984. At the time, I was 17, and had a bad habit of listening to an old girlfriend who thought I should "grow up!". She saw the thing and flipped, and said "You better take that damn thing back! Why would you spend your $$ on something like that!!" Sadly, I listened to her and took it back, before I even opened the box. Well, I am married now to a wonderful wife who at least tolorates my addiction. I just paid $130 in a recent auction for a "perfect condition vectrex", and I have a Berzerk, a Frenzy, and Donkey Kong uprights in my dining room that I meticulously rebuilt and restored. - All's well that ends well! Michael + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!swrinde!sgigate.sgi.com!uhog.mit.edu!news.mtholyoke.edu!amanazer From: amanazer@mtholyoke.edu (Aman M. Anazerik) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: My Vectrex has no SOUND! Date: 19 Dec 1995 15:45:56 GMT Organization: Mount Holyoke College Lines: 4 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b6mnk$40@mudraker.mtholyoke.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: mhc.mtholyoke.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL0] Does anyone know why I cant get any sound out of my vectrex??? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!antelope.demon.co.uk From: Mark Green Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WANTED: 6809 instruction set details Date: Tue, 19 Dec 95 22:22:46 GMT Organization: The Dark Side of the M00se! Lines: 10 Message-ID: <819411766snz@antelope.demon.co.uk> Reply-To: Mark@antelope.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: antelope.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: antelope.demon.co.uk Or 68A09, or whatever it is. If you have this info, or know where it is, please mail me details. Please note: I can't do the web. After several hours annoyed searching, if you send me a http:// address, I'm liable to do something I'll regret to my system. ;) Mg -- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!europa.chnt.gtegsc.com!news.kreonet.re.kr!news.dacom.co.kr!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!murdoch!usenet From: jap5r@virginia.edu (Joseph Pellettiere) Subject: Light Pen Questions X-Nntp-Posting-Host: lanrover1-gilmer-a3.acc.virginia.edu Message-ID: X-Posted-From: InterNews 1.0.8@ara-mac-203.itc.virginia.edu Sender: jap5r@watt.seas.virginia.edu Organization: Univ. of Virginia X-Authenticated: jap5r on POP host watt.seas.virginia.edu Date: Wed, 20 Dec 1995 01:34:17 GMT Lines: 8 I have a light pen original for a C=64. Does anyone here know the pinouts on this device or if it could be made compatible with a Vectrex. If I don't have time to try to adapt it, is anyone interested in it? Joe jap5r@virginia.ed http://watt.seas.virginia.edu/~jap5r + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!interaccess!usenet From: ZeroRyoko Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: (FS) Vectrex and cartridges Date: 20 Dec 1995 08:02:51 GMT Organization: InterAccess, Chicago's best Internet Service Provider Lines: 16 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b8fvb$jqn@nntp.interaccess.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: d129.loop.interaccess.com Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.2 (Windows; U; 16bit) For Sale: Vectrex w/ Minestorm overlay and manuals In good working condition, a little dusty from storage, sorry no box Second Controller Joystick springs shot, still works 5 Cartridges all w/ overlay, manual, box Ster Trek, Berzerk, Scramble, Hyper Chase, Space Wars $125.00 Will UPS to continental U.S. Karl Kochvar masakir@interaccess.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!netnews.nwnet.net!news.microsoft.com!news From: doriang@microsoft.com (Dorian Garson) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: 19 Dec 1995 19:37:46 GMT Organization: Microsoft Corporation Lines: 15 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: 157.55.69.170 Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.93.14 I got my very own Vectrex a few weeks ago, and have decided to keep it for another 50 years. What sorts of things do I need to do to make sure it survives? One thing I'm worried about is EPROM degradation. Isn't there a chance that the firmware in the little beast could get wiped out over time -- say in another 5-10 years? EPROMs weren't designed to hold their charge forever... -Dorian -- The opinions expressed in this message are my own personal views and do not reflect the official views of Microsoft Corporation. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl9.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: 21 Dec 1995 07:34:44 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 15 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl9.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Dorian Garson (doriang@microsoft.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >One thing I'm worried about is EPROM degradation. Isn't there a chance >that the firmware in the little beast could get wiped out over time -- say >in another 5-10 years? EPROMs weren't designed to hold their charge >forever... Who says they used EPROMs? They are an expensive proposition for anything manufactured in significant quantities. Much cheaper to use mask-programmed ROM chips, which is what all but the rarest of classic cartridges use. In those, the chip is custom manufactured with the data on it. (There are also PROMs, which have little micro-fuses in the chip, but those aren't used much because EPROMs are cheaper and more convienent in the long run when you plan to program them multiple times.) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!news.kreonet.re.kr!news.dacom.co.kr!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!nntp.coast.net!torn!nott!bcarh189.bnr.ca!crchh327.rich.bnr.ca!woodcock From: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: My Vectrex has no SOUND! Date: 21 Dec 1995 15:26:31 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 11 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bbub7$59s@crchh327.rich.bnr.ca> References: <4b6mnk$40@mudraker.mtholyoke.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: carphc21.rich.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Aman M. Anazerik (amanazer@mtholyoke.edu) wrote: > Does anyone know why I cant get any sound out of my vectrex??? It is all done through the sound chip; perhaps you should try replacing the General Instruments AY-3-8192 chip... -- THANX...Gregg day 214.684.7380 night UNLIST/PUBL TEXAS NOT CANADA! woodcock@bnr.ca or woodcock@nt.com or bn202@cleveland.freenet.edu *CLASSIC VIDEOGAME COLLECTOR BUY/SELL/TRADE NON-COMPUTER (ARCADE/HOME)* "If you quote me on this I'll have to deny it; I won't remember because I have such a bad memory. Not only that, but my memory is *terrible*." + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!usenet From: zacketh@ibm.net (Zachary Ethridge) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Wanted: Clean Sweep overlay and Star Hawk book Date: Thu, 21 Dec 1995 18:51:03 -1100 Lines: 4 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: slip37-249-82.ibm.net Subject says it all. My daughters greeted me at the door tonight with scared expressions and the fragments of my Clean Sweep overlay. Can we get them out of hot water? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: My Vectrex has no SOUND! Date: Fri, 22 Dec 95 01:43:58 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 29 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <819596638snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <4b6mnk$40@mudraker.mtholyoke.edu> <4bbub7$59s@crchh327.rich.bnr.ca> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk In article <4bbub7$59s@crchh327.rich.bnr.ca> woodcock@bnr.ca "Gregg Woodcock" writes: > Aman M. Anazerik (amanazer@mtholyoke.edu) wrote: > > Does anyone know why I cant get any sound out of my vectrex??? > > It is all done through the sound chip; perhaps you should try > replacing the General Instruments AY-3-8192 chip... Not quite all - it's possible to use the (8bit) DAC in the vectrex to produce sound as well. If you have a test cartridge, try running the sound test - it tests both the AY-3-8912 and the DAC method of producing sound. If only the former fails then it's likely the AY-3-8912 has failed. Do the buttons on the controllers work normally? They're handled by the I/O port on the AY-3-8912, so if they work then that chip is doing something. Also, do you get any sound at all (including background noise) from the Vectrex? If not, then the fault is probably arround the audio amplifier or the speaker. These are much easier to find and cheaper than the AY-3-8912 chip. The audio amplifier is on the analogue board, and the schematic is in the service manual. It's pretty straightforward. Let me know if you want me to talk you through it. > THANX...Gregg day 214.684.7380 night UNLIST/PUBL TEXAS NOT CANADA! -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,alt.sys.perq,alt.sys.pdp11,alt.sys.pdp8 Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: Fri, 22 Dec 95 01:55:14 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 51 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <819597314snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3945 alt.sys.perq:2194 alt.sys.pdp11:1357 alt.sys.pdp8:1753 In article <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> doriang@microsoft.com "Dorian Garson" writes: I've cross-posted this to some old-computer newsgroups, as the issues in preserving a vectrex are similar to those of preserving any other computer system. > I got my very own Vectrex a few weeks ago, and have decided to keep it for > another 50 years. I don't want to flame you, but I can't understand the sort of person who buys an old computer (or video game) and then doesn't use it. I have all sorts of old computer hardware, including some 'classics', but I run them. Of course I intend to keep them running for as long as possible (decades at least). > > What sorts of things do I need to do to make sure it survives? > > One thing I'm worried about is EPROM degradation. Isn't there a chance > that the firmware in the little beast could get wiped out over time -- say > in another 5-10 years? EPROMs weren't designed to hold their charge > forever... Correct. Actually a Vectrex is not too much of a problem here, as the ROM images are available on an FTP site. I think we can safely assume that there will be come kind of EPROM available in 50 years time, and we can use a small section of such a device to repair a vectrex. I'd advise copying the ROM images onto some reliable storage media that will be able to be read in n years time. Really serious fanatics use paper tape (!) as it can (in an emergency) be read by eye, and the listing typed into a suitable machine. Then again, a mechanical paper tape reader (although slow) is pretty solid and likely to still be running in 50 years time. You will probably want to keep a 'working' copy of the ROMs on a magnetic disk, which you should back up every few years. The first priority is to go through the EHT set-up procedure in the service manual using a good 'scope and EHT meter. This will prolong the (active) life of the flyback transformer (very difficult to find) and the EHT generator transistor. Check the power rails are correct as well, and clean any dust out. Keep the device at as constant a temperature as possible to reduce thermal stress on the chips (especially the AY-3-8912 and the LM379S, both of which are hard to find now). > > -Dorian -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: Fri, 22 Dec 95 02:00:27 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 33 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <819597627snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk In article <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> btomlin@aol.com "Bruce Tomlin" writes: > Who says they used EPROMs? They are an expensive proposition for > anything manufactured in significant quantities. Much cheaper to use > mask-programmed ROM chips, which is what all but the rarest of classic > cartridges use. In those, the chip is custom manufactured with the data > on it. Yes, but even mask-programmed ROMs can fail. Any chip can fail. I would keep a backup of any programmed device (mask, fusible link, EPROM, EEPROM, whatever) that I wanted to still be able to read in 50 years time. > > (There are also PROMs, which have little micro-fuses in the chip, but > those aren't used much because EPROMs are cheaper and more convienent in > the long run when you plan to program them multiple times.) Actually, fusible link devices are considerably faster than EPROMs and were used for address decoders, control store ROMs, etc until quite recently. They're still easily availble. Using them for microprocessor program storage is not common nowadays (although I have a machine on my desk (a DEC PDP11/44) where the console control program for an 8085 is stored in fusible link PROMs) One problem that was found with some of the earlier ones is that the fuses 'grew back' with time and bits were dropped. I don't know if that occurs with more recent devices. > -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!world!mv!barney.gvi.net!redstone.interpath.net!mercury!jav From: jav@mercury.interpath.net (Joe Venturelli) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: My Vectrex has no SOUND! Date: 21 Dec 1995 21:28:41 GMT Organization: Interpath -- Providing Internet access to North Carolina Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bcji9$8dr@redstone.interpath.net> References: <4b6mnk$40@mudraker.mtholyoke.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: mercury.interpath.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Aman M. Anazerik (amanazer@mtholyoke.edu) wrote: : Does anyone know why I cant get any sound out of my vectrex??? What? I'm sorry I can't hear you. (giggle) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!newsfeed.internetmci.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!psgrain!nntp.teleport.com!usenet From: vx@teleport.com (V-X) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Anybody Want a Lynx? Date: Fri, 22 Dec 1995 13:02:21 GMT Organization: Teleport - Portland's Public Access (503) 220-1016 Lines: 26 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <30daaafe.189352179@news.teleport.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ip-bend1-10.teleport.com X-Newsreader: Forte Agent .99c/16.141 I've got a Lynx II with seven cartridges and an carrying case. I pretty much never play with it. What I'd *really* like is a Vectrex. Anybody with some spare Vectrices and cartridges want to combo trade/sell? Or is there someone out there going "Man, I'd really like to get a Lynx and get rid of this old Vectrex...?" Just thought I'd check before I knuckle down after two years of scouring thrift stores, pawn shops, and flea markets, and pay full collector's price... cc any replies to rlee@eidetic.com, if you don't mind--that's my work account, and that's where I am on weekdays, pretty much. Visit the WWW Jack Chick Archive at http://dig.netcentral.net/vx ------"...And through thick woods one finds a stream astray,------ So secret that the very sky seems small-- --------------I think I will not hang myself today."-----GKC------ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.com!intac!sailboar!michael.lang From: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Manual Wanted Message-ID: <8B75597.011B0000B5.uuout@sailboard.com> Date: Thu, 21 Dec 95 23:51:00 -0500 Distribution: world Organization: The SailBoard BBS * Ringwood, NJ, USA * (201)831-8152 Reply-To: michael.lang@sailboard.com (MICHAEL LANG) X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.22 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.20 Lines: 9 I would like to get a copy of the Vectrex Repair Manual. Where can I get a copy or an image? Thank You, Michael Lang michael.lang@sailboard.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl13.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: 22 Dec 1995 23:16:02 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 12 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bgabi$g40@crl13.crl.com> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> <819597627snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl13.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Tony Duell (ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >Yes, but even mask-programmed ROMs can fail. Any chip can fail. I would >keep a backup of any programmed device (mask, fusible link, EPROM, EEPROM, >whatever) that I wanted to still be able to read in 50 years time. The difference is that the other types of chips don't lose their contents through an inherent part of their design. An EPROM will eventually leak its stored charges over a decade or two, which is actually NOT a failure of the chip. You should still be able to erase and reprogram an EPROM that has suffered from bit rot. It's like saying that an unrefreshed DRAM chip has failed when it leaks its stored data, only over a few orders of magnitude longer period of time. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: supercltr@aol.com (SUPER CLTR) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WANTED: Polar Rescue Date: 24 Dec 1995 00:03:19 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 3 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bimun$mff@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: supercltr@aol.com (SUPER CLTR) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Please let me know if you have this game. I will buy or trade. Thanks! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news.fla.net!usenet From: Jeff Rothkopf Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: (no subject) Date: 24 Dec 1995 23:17:58 GMT Organization: Internet Providers of Florida Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bkn36$ftt@ipof1.fla.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp188-54.fla.net Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1N (Macintosh; I; 68K) X-URL: news:rec.games.vectrex I have a spare working Vectrex with controller. I'm looking for $115 + shipping. Will also consider a really good trade offer. E-mail me at JeffGamer@ipof.fla.net if interested! Oh, and happy holiday to all! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!sdd.hp.com!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: Sun, 24 Dec 95 23:46:34 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <819848794snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> <819597627snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> <4bgabi$g40@crl13.crl.com> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk In article <4bgabi$g40@crl13.crl.com> btomlin@aol.com "Bruce Tomlin" writes: > Tony Duell (ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > >Yes, but even mask-programmed ROMs can fail. Any chip can fail. I would > >keep a backup of any programmed device (mask, fusible link, EPROM, EEPROM, > >whatever) that I wanted to still be able to read in 50 years time. > > The difference is that the other types of chips don't lose their contents > through an inherent part of their design. An EPROM will eventually leak I would call it an inherent _misfeature_. Nobody _wants_ EPROMs that loose their data after 10 years, and if it was possible to make EPROMs that did not depend on a stored charge on a floating gate, then I'm sure such things would be made. This is unlike DRAMs where it is possible to make RAMs that don't need refresh - they're called static RAM. The advantage of DRAM is (of course) a much higher bit density. A quick check of the chips I've replaced recently (and I service a lot of older computer equipment) has revealed that not one EPROM has died or suffered bit-rot. I've had fusible link devices fail, and I've had mask-programmed devices fail. If you're attempting to preserve a machine it makes sense to keep a back up of any programmable device whether the likely failure mode is loss of charge (as in an EPROM) or failure of the chip. It doesn't really matter if the old chip can be reprogrammed - the blanks are cheap and easy to get. It's finding the data that's often hard. -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!swrinde!news.uh.edu!jerich From: jerich@cs.uh.edu ( James E. Rich ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Manual Wanted Date: 25 Dec 1995 01:11:20 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Main Campus Lines: 24 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4bktno$3ja@masala.cc.uh.edu> References: <8B75597.011B0000B5.uuout@sailboard.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: hermes.cs.uh.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 (PGP) PL2] MICHAEL LANG (michael.lang@sailboard.com) wrote: : I would like to get a copy of the Vectrex Repair Manual. Where can I : get a copy or an image? : Thank You, : Michael Lang : michael.lang@sailboard.com I think there is something like that in the archive.. to be found at ftp.csus.edu .. in a directory like /pub/vectrex or something similar. Good luck, James -- ---------------------------------------------- Recently, Orville Redenbacher died, RIP. Has anyone questioned the Jiffy-Pop folks whose once dominant product became virtually extinct after Orville's emergence? Just a thought... ---------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!worldlinx.com!news.worldlinx.com!news From: tremblet@zone.ca (Eric Tremblay) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Happy Hollidays to all Vectrex fans!!! Date: Mon, 25 Dec 1995 08:04:52 GMT Organization: WorldLinx Telecommunications Inc. Lines: 2 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4blllb$2si@news.worldlinx.com> Reply-To: tremblet@zone.ca NNTP-Posting-Host: zac001p03.zone.ca X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 And I'm serious when I say that !!! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!newshub.csu.net!usc!chi-news.cic.net!nntp.coast.net!news.kei.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news.fla.net!usenet From: Jeff Rothkopf Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: (no subject) Date: 24 Dec 1995 23:17:58 GMT Organization: Internet Providers of Florida Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bkn36$ftt@ipof1.fla.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp188-54.fla.net Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1N (Macintosh; I; 68K) X-URL: news:rec.games.vectrex I have a spare working Vectrex with controller. I'm looking for $115 + shipping. Will also consider a really good trade offer. E-mail me at JeffGamer@ipof.fla.net if interested! Oh, and happy holiday to all! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!library.ucla.edu!ucsbuxb.ucsb.edu!nntp.ucsb.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Preserving a Vectrex? Date: Sun, 24 Dec 95 23:46:34 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <819848794snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <4b74aa$i38@news.microsoft.com> <4bbuqk$jtq@crl9.crl.com> <819597627snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> <4bgabi$g40@crl13.crl.com> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk In article <4bgabi$g40@crl13.crl.com> btomlin@aol.com "Bruce Tomlin" writes: > Tony Duell (ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > >Yes, but even mask-programmed ROMs can fail. Any chip can fail. I would > >keep a backup of any programmed device (mask, fusible link, EPROM, EEPROM, > >whatever) that I wanted to still be able to read in 50 years time. > > The difference is that the other types of chips don't lose their contents > through an inherent part of their design. An EPROM will eventually leak I would call it an inherent _misfeature_. Nobody _wants_ EPROMs that loose their data after 10 years, and if it was possible to make EPROMs that did not depend on a stored charge on a floating gate, then I'm sure such things would be made. This is unlike DRAMs where it is possible to make RAMs that don't need refresh - they're called static RAM. The advantage of DRAM is (of course) a much higher bit density. A quick check of the chips I've replaced recently (and I service a lot of older computer equipment) has revealed that not one EPROM has died or suffered bit-rot. I've had fusible link devices fail, and I've had mask-programmed devices fail. If you're attempting to preserve a machine it makes sense to keep a back up of any programmable device whether the likely failure mode is loss of charge (as in an EPROM) or failure of the chip. It doesn't really matter if the old chip can be reprogrammed - the blanks are cheap and easy to get. It's finding the data that's often hard. -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!library.ucla.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!swrinde!news.uh.edu!jerich From: jerich@cs.uh.edu ( James E. Rich ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Manual Wanted Date: 25 Dec 1995 01:11:20 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Main Campus Lines: 24 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4bktno$3ja@masala.cc.uh.edu> References: <8B75597.011B0000B5.uuout@sailboard.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: hermes.cs.uh.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 (PGP) PL2] MICHAEL LANG (michael.lang@sailboard.com) wrote: : I would like to get a copy of the Vectrex Repair Manual. Where can I : get a copy or an image? : Thank You, : Michael Lang : michael.lang@sailboard.com I think there is something like that in the archive.. to be found at ftp.csus.edu .. in a directory like /pub/vectrex or something similar. Good luck, James -- ---------------------------------------------- Recently, Orville Redenbacher died, RIP. Has anyone questioned the Jiffy-Pop folks whose once dominant product became virtually extinct after Orville's emergence? Just a thought... ---------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!overload.lbl.gov!news.kreonet.re.kr!news.dacom.co.kr!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!meaddata!newsjunkie.ans.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!usenet From: zacketh@ibm.net (Zachary Ethridge) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex 3D goggle info Date: Wed, 27 Dec 1995 20:59:28 -1100 Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: slip37-249-106.ibm.net Well gang, as I said the 3D goggle schematic is traced and turned into a GIF. The GIF and accompanying text file with signal diagrams will be uploaded to ftp.csus.edu just as soon as 'archives@csus.edu' gives me permission. The file names will be 3DGOGGLE.GIF and .TXT. Hope it gives y'all something to think about. Enjoy! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Date: 28 Dec 1995 00:16:29 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 12 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Hello, I have a Vectrex in pretty good shape. Everything seems to work fine, but I get this unusual high pitched whinning buzz through the speaker. The sound seems to match the picture, and changes when the graphics on the screen change. The volume knob on the Vectrex console has no effect - the Vectrex is still making the buzzing sound. Can anybody help me repair this? I would really appreciate any help! Thank You, Michael Kelley + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!in-news.erinet.com!not-for-mail From: cshamis@erinet.com (C Shamis) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Are Multi-Carts still being made by anyone? Date: 28 Dec 1995 06:09:05 GMT Organization: erinet.com Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4btca1$ok3@eri.erinet.com> Reply-To: cshamis@erinet.com NNTP-Posting-Host: ddlp34.erinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [UNIX 1.3 BETA-950824-color PL0] Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew if Mark Woodward was still manufacturing multi-carts for the Vec? (I waited a week for a FAQ, but I havn't seen one, and my web searches have all been off-target.) -- C. Shamis / This space intentionally / CShamis@erinet.com / left blank. / + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl13.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Date: 28 Dec 1995 07:20:03 -0800 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 11 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4bucj3$h9@crl13.crl.com> References: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl13.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] MK DUD (mkdud@aol.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > I have a Vectrex in pretty good shape. Everything seems to work fine, >but I get this unusual high pitched whinning buzz through the speaker. Gee, my Vectrex does this too. And so does everybody else's. It's supposedly possible to fix it, but it's still normal. (Of course I had the advantage of knowing someone with two of 'em back around 1984, so I've known it was normal for a long time now.) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!gail.ripco.com!darkstar From: darkstar@ripco.com (Darkstar) Subject: Vectrex Stuff Auction X-Nntp-Posting-Host: foley.ripco.com Message-ID: Sender: usenet@rci.ripco.com (Net News Admin) Organization: Ripco Internet BBS, Chicago X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Date: Thu, 28 Dec 1995 23:03:35 GMT X-Ident-Sender: darkstar Lines: 47 I have the following vectrex items for Auction.. A Vectrex with controller: This vectrex has seen better days the unit has a few sctratches on the tube A name etched into the case, a controller that will not center on 1 axis (spring is gone) Picture sometimes will not come on requiring some fiddling with the brightness control in the back. the unit is in poor shape.. A sean kelly multicart: This works fine, has all the games Except for animaction, and has pause Control.. I am auctioning the vectrex and multicart Together as a package with the understading that the vectrex is AS-IS.. Min Bid $70 Vectrex light pen complete with Box! This has the plastic moulding that goes in the box holding the pen, and the cartridge Melody Master. Also has all instructions. the pen even has a Little Plastic bag that it goes in.... Min Bid $100 Auction will go to Midnight 1/11/96 Payment will be Pre-Pay Money order only. Buyer pays shipping Marty + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!peer-news.britain.eu.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: IBM-PC joystick -> Vectrex interface Date: Fri, 29 Dec 95 03:47:55 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 22 Distribution: world Message-ID: <820208875snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk Greetings I am currently designing an interface to allow the use of IBM-PC type joysticks on a Vectrex. So far, I've breadboarded a prototype, and should be soldering it up in the next couple of days. It uses a couple of cheap Op-amp chips, 2 transistors and a handful of resistors. I'll post the schematics when I've actually soldered it up and tested it completely (so far, it's only been tested with the Joystick Test in the Test ROM). A quick question. Most PC joysticks have only 2 buttons which I was intending to connect as 3 and 4. I'll put a couple of push-switches on the interface box (like on my CoCo joystick interface), but I am told that some PC joysticks have 4 buttons. Are these wired to the 2 button inputs for the second joystick (pins 10 and 14 on the 15 pin plug) ? If so I can link them up trivially. Or, can anyone recomend a _cheap_ and easy-to-get 4-button PC joystick that I can dismantle and investigate ? -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.texas.net!dnet051.sat.texas.net!user From: wolfgang@texas.net (wolfgang) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: VECTREX-MAS Date: 29 Dec 1995 05:22:27 GMT Organization: Texas Networking, Inc. Lines: 2 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: dnet051.sat.texas.net X-Newsreader: Value-Added NewsWatcher 2.0b22.0+ Sweet Lord in heaven! I got a Vectrex with a multicart for XMAS (and you can barely hear its buzzing noise!). + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!news.u.washington.edu!saul3.u.washington.edu!howald From: William Howald Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Date: Thu, 28 Dec 1995 23:00:47 -0800 Organization: University of Washington Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <4bucj3$h9@crl13.crl.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: saul3.u.washington.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII NNTP-Posting-User: howald In-Reply-To: <4bucj3$h9@crl13.crl.com> On 28 Dec 1995, Bruce Tomlin wrote: > MK DUD (mkdud@aol.com) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > > I have a Vectrex in pretty good shape. Everything seems to work fine, > >but I get this unusual high pitched whinning buzz through the speaker. > > Gee, my Vectrex does this too. > > And so does everybody else's. It's supposedly possible to fix it, but > it's still normal. > > (Of course I had the advantage of knowing someone with two of 'em back > around 1984, so I've known it was normal for a long time now.) You know whats funny though...back in '82 was the first time I saw a vectrex in a Sears store, running armour attack. I don't remember this unit buzzing at all! In any case, I am trying to work a simple hack to rid the buzz from my Vectrexes (Vectri?) one and for all Happy (Almost) New Year, Aaron H. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!hone!informer1.cis.McMaster.CA!church.dcss!hwfn!james!af329 From: af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Scott Nudds) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IBM-PC joystick -> Vectrex interface Date: 29 Dec 1995 07:20:06 GMT Organization: Hamilton-Wentworth FreeNet, Ontario, Canada. Lines: 27 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4c04r6$si7@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> References: <820208875snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> NNTP-Posting-Host: james.freenet.hamilton.on.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2-HWFN] Tony Duell (ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk) wrote: : Greetings : I am currently designing an interface to allow the use of IBM-PC type joysticks : on a Vectrex. So far, I've breadboarded a prototype, and should be soldering it : up in the next couple of days. It uses a couple of cheap Op-amp chips, 2 : transistors and a handful of resistors. I'll post the schematics when I've : actually soldered it up and tested it completely (so far, it's only been tested : with the Joystick Test in the Test ROM). : A quick question. Most PC joysticks have only 2 buttons which I was intending : to connect as 3 and 4. I'll put a couple of push-switches on the interface box : (like on my CoCo joystick interface), but I am told that some PC joysticks have : 4 buttons. Are these wired to the 2 button inputs for the second joystick (pins : 10 and 14 on the 15 pin plug) ? If so I can link them up trivially. Or, can : anyone recomend a _cheap_ and easy-to-get 4-button PC joystick that I can : dismantle and investigate ? : -tony From what I am told, some PC'sjoysticks use linear taper pots and some not. -- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!hone!informer1.cis.McMaster.CA!church.dcss!hwfn!james!af329 From: af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Scott Nudds) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: VECTREX-MAS Date: 29 Dec 1995 07:57:57 GMT Organization: Hamilton-Wentworth FreeNet, Ontario, Canada. Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c0725$1b6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: james.freenet.hamilton.on.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2-HWFN] wolfgang (wolfgang@texas.net) wrote: : Sweet Lord in heaven! I got a Vectrex with a multicart for XMAS (and you : can barely hear its buzzing noise!). Are you sure it is working? -- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!van-bc!news.cyberstore.ca!math.ohio-state.edu!usc!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.texas.net!dnet088.sat.texas.net!user From: wolfgang@texas.net (wolfgang) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: VECTREX-MAS Date: 29 Dec 1995 14:07:23 GMT Organization: Texas Networking, Inc. Lines: 13 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <4c0725$1b6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: dnet088.sat.texas.net In article <4c0725$1b6@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca>, af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Scott Nudds) wrote: > wolfgang (wolfgang@texas.net) wrote: > : Sweet Lord in heaven! I got a Vectrex with a multicart for XMAS (and you > : can barely hear its buzzing noise!). > > Are you sure it is working? > > -- Heck yeah, it's working. This one must have slipped past the factory worker in charge of making sure every Vectrex whined really loud. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!worldlinx.com!news.worldlinx.com!news From: tremblet@zone.ca (Eric Tremblay) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IBM-PC joystick -> Vectrex interface Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 16:10:12 GMT Organization: WorldLinx Telecommunications Inc. Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c13jf$5gv@news.worldlinx.com> References: <820208875snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> Reply-To: tremblet@zone.ca NNTP-Posting-Host: zac001p05.zone.ca X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 The Gravis GamePad has four button and has almost the same shape than the Vectrex controler. I think it could replace it very well. (But I don't know about the pins connector things...) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!in-news.erinet.com!not-for-mail From: cshamis@erinet.com (C Shamis) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Date: 29 Dec 1995 18:38:29 GMT Organization: erinet.com Lines: 28 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c1cj5$7c5@eri.erinet.com> References: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <4bucj3$h9@crl13.crl.com> Reply-To: cshamis@erinet.com NNTP-Posting-Host: ddlp37.erinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [UNIX 1.3 BETA-950824-color PL0] William Howald (howald@u.washington.edu) wrote: : > (Of course I had the advantage of knowing someone with two of 'em back : > around 1984, so I've known it was normal for a long time now.) : You know whats funny though...back in '82 was the first time I saw a : vectrex in a Sears store, running armour attack. I don't remember this : unit buzzing at all! In any case, I am trying to work a simple hack to : rid the buzz from my Vectrexes (Vectri?) one and for all : Happy (Almost) New Year, : Aaron H. Yeah, I have a Vectrex, purchased it at Childrens Palace, 4 months before GCE went under. It has approx, 30 hours total playing time on it, and it makes a noise too... always has... not very loud, but its definatly there... Perhapse, adding a Capacitor to the +speaker lead? Or maybye just block the speaker with a few resistors, you might have to turn up the volume, but you might "threshold-out" the buzz... Oh, the reason I only have about 30 hours of playing time on my vectrex, is, well since gce went under,... and I only had one other game... you know how old Cosmic Chasm and Minestorm get when thats all you have.. :) (I need a multicart) -- C. Shamis / This space intentionally CShamis@erinet.com / left blank. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!newshub.csu.net!newshub.sdsu.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!gail.ripco.com!darkstar From: darkstar@ripco.com (Darkstar) Subject: Vectrex Auction Update X-Nntp-Posting-Host: foley.ripco.com Message-ID: Sender: usenet@rci.ripco.com (Net News Admin) Organization: Ripco Internet BBS, Chicago X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 21:37:29 GMT X-Ident-Sender: darkstar Lines: 55 This is an update to the auction I have the following vectrex items for Auction.. A Vectrex with controller: This vectrex has seen better days the unit has a few sctratches on the tube A name etched into the case, a controller that will not center on 1 axis (spring is gone) Picture sometimes will not come on requiring some fiddling with the brightness control in the back. the unit is in poor shape.. A sean kelly multicart: This works fine, has all the games Except for animaction, and has pause Control.. I am auctioning the vectrex and multicart Together as a package with the understading that the vectrex is AS-IS.. Min Bid $70 Vectrex light pen complete with Box! This has the plastic moulding that goes in the box holding the pen, and the cartridge Melody Master. Also has all instructions. the pen even has a Little Plastic bag that it goes in.... Bid is at $100 Auction will go to Midnight 1/11/96 Payment will be Pre-Pay Money order only. Buyer pays shipping Marty + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IBM-PC joystick -> Vectrex interface Date: Fri, 29 Dec 95 19:29:27 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 157 Distribution: world Message-ID: <820265367snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <820208875snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk Here, as promised is the schematic and notes for the IBM PC joystick to Vectrex interface. I hope this is of use to some of you. -tony PC Joystick 1 )--+ | 8 )--+ | 9 )--+ Vectrex | 15)--+----------------------------------------------------------------- R --( 7 +5v 2902(a) 75k |\ 6 )----/\/\/---+--------|+\ | | > --+-------------------------------------- Or --( 6 | +------|-/ | Pot 1 | | |/ | | | | | +---/\/\/-----+ | | 10k | \ | / 15k | \ 20k +--/\/\-----+ | / | | | | 2902(d) | |\ | | | |\ +----|-\ | | | +----|+\ 10k | | >---+------------- Y --( 5 | | | | >---+---/\/\/---+ +-|+/ Pot 0 | | | +-|-/ | | |/ | | | | |/ | | 2904(a) | | | +--------+ | 75k | | | | 3 )-----/\/\/--)-)---+--------------------------)--------+ | | | | 4 )--+ +-)----------------+ | | | | | | | 5 )--+-------+---+----------------)-------------+--------)------------ Bk --( 8 | | | | Gnd 12)--+ | | | | | | | | / | | | 10k \ | | | / +--------------)----------+ | | \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2902(b) | | 2902(c) | | | | |\ / | |\ / | +-----+-----|+\ |/ 2N3904 +--|+\ |/ | | | >--| | >--| 2N3904 | | +-----|-/ |\ +--|-/ |\ | | | |/ V | |/ V | / | | | | | 1k1 \ +-------------+ +----------+ | / | | | \ / / | | \ 15k \ 15k | | / / | | \ \ | | | | | | | | | +-----+-------------------------+------------------------ Gy --( 9 | -5V | +----+-------+ | | / \ 1 <==/ \==> 2 / o o \ | | | | 14)-------+------)---------------------------------------------------- W --( 1 | SW0 | 10)--------------+--------------------------------------------------- Bu --( 2 SW1 7 )------------------------------------------------------------------ Gn --( 3 SW2 2 )------------------------------------------------------------------ Br --( 4 SW3 Theory of operation -------------------- The buttons of both an IBM PC joystick and a Vectrex controller simply connect the input pin to ground. Thus the 2 button inputs from the IBM joystick connector (pins 2 and 7) are connected directly to the SW3 and SW2 inputs on the Vectrex. Since most IBM PC joysticks only have 2 buttons, 2 extra switches are fitted on the interface and connected to SW0 and SW1. However, these signals are also connected to pins 14 and 10 on the IBM PC joystick connector to allow the use of 4 button PC joysticks. The analogue inputs of a PC and a Vectrex are quite different. The PC joystick acts as a variable resistor from 0 to 150k with one end connected to +5V, while the Vectrex requires a varying voltage between about -4V and +4V. The interface also has to reverse the direction of the X axis, so the 2 channels are somewhat different in operation. The simpler Y channel will be described first. This channel consists of 2 main sections : a constand current sink to convert the changing resistance into a changing voltage and a *1.5 amplifier to convert the signal level to the correct one for the Vectrex. The +ve (non-inverting) input of section (b) of the 2902 is maintained at -4.5V by the potential divider consisting of the 10k and 1k1 resistors. The action of the op-amp thus maintains the -ve (inverting) input at the same potential and hence stabilises the current through the 15k resistor at 0.5/15 = 1/30 mA. This same current flows through the collector circuit of the 2N3904 (since the base current is negligable), and thus maintains a 2.5V drop across the 75K resistor. The collector circuit is completed by the 150k variable resistor between the joystick. Thus, the joystick drops between 0V (When the resistance is 0) and 5V (when the resistance is 150k), and hence the collector voltage of the 2N3904 varies from +2.5V to -2.5V respectively. This signal is amplified by section (a) of the 2902 (which is connected as a standard non-inverting amplifier with a gain of 1.5) and connected to the Pot 1 input on the Vectrex. The X axis channel operates in a similar way, and consists of a constant current sink, a *1 buffer amplifier and a *-1.5 amplifier to convert the signal level to that required by the vectrex. Section (c) of the 2902 and its associated components form a current sink indentical to the one described above. The output voltage on the collector of the 2N3904 transistor is buffered by section (d) of the 2902, which is connected as a standard voltage follower (unity-gain amplifier). The output of this stage is connected to section (a) of the 2904, which is connected as a standard inverting amplifier with a gain of -1.5. The output of this section is connected to the Pot 0 input on the Vectrex Notes ----- 1) Layout is not critical, and any standard construction method will work. 2) The Op-amp chips used (2902 (quad) and 2904 (dual)) may be difficult to obtain. The circuit will also work with the more common LM324 (to replace the 2902) and LM358 (to replace the 2904) 3) Since the power and ground connections to the joystick are identical to those used in a PC system, any autofire circuits in the joystick should still work. 4) The joystick connector is a standard DA15 socket, and the vectrex connection can be made using the cable from a Sega controller. The wire colours are those found in the cable I used, and are not standard. 5) The op-amp power connections are made to the +5V and -5V rails. 6) This schematic and the documentation are Copyright 1995 A.R.Duell. However, distribution for the benefit of Vectrex owners is encouraged, provided no profit is made. Feel free to upload this document to ftp sites, etc. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!p850ug1.demon.co.uk From: Tony Duell Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: IBM-PC joystick -> Vectrex interface Date: Fri, 29 Dec 95 22:27:38 GMT Organization: P850 User Group Lines: 39 Distribution: world Message-ID: <820276058snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> References: <820208875snz@p850ug1.demon.co.uk> <4c04r6$si7@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> Reply-To: ard@p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-NNTP-Posting-Host: p850ug1.demon.co.uk X-Newsreader: Demon Internet Simple News v1.29 X-Mail2News-Path: p850ug1.demon.co.uk In article <4c04r6$si7@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca "Scott Nudds" writes: [...] > From what I am told, some PC'sjoysticks use linear taper pots and some not. Interesting. That's what I _hate_ about PC-compatable hardware. There's so much of it, and it is incompatable in subtle and annoying ways. Still, a few thoughts : The most important postition to get right on a joystick is the centre (obviously). Now, the IBM Technical Reference Manual specifies 150k variable resistors (they're not strictly pots as only 2 terminals are brought out to the connector), and implies that the resistance in the centre will be 75k. That's what I assumed when I designed the interface. I've now soldered up a prototype, and posted the details, _and_ it worked first time using that assumption with the cheapest PC joystick I could find in the local electronics shop. With the 'trim' controls on the joystick in the centre, it was better centred on the test cart than my offical Vectrex controller. Of course, I've only fixed 3 points (75k in the centre, about 0 at one end and 150k at the other). It's very possible to be non-linear between them. I don't think that would matter to much - it shouldn't have any greater effect than it does on PC games. Anyway, the interface _does_ work with at least 1 PC joystick... > > > > > -- > -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!newshub.csu.net!news.Cerritos.edu!news.Arizona.EDU!math.arizona.edu!noao!news.eas.asu.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Date: 29 Dec 1995 23:52:30 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 8 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c2gie$ikd@newsbf02.news.aol.com> References: Reply-To: mkdud@aol.com (MK DUD) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Hello, Does anybody know if there is a Zanen kit available for the Vectrex? (Replacement capacitor kit) Thank You, Michael Kelley + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!sacsa3.mp.usbr.gov!borcore.usbr.gov!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!munnari.OZ.AU!news.mel.connect.com.au!news.syd.connect.com.au!warrane.connect.com.au!news.gil.com.au!news From: rsteel@gil.com.au (Rod Steel) Subject: Re: Please Help with "buzzing" Vectrex? Sender: news@gil.com.au Message-ID: Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 06:23:22 GMT X-Nntp-Posting-Host: cs4p6.ipswich.gil.com.au Reply-To: rsteel@gil.com.au References: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Organization: Global Infolinks Internet Server, Ipswich Qld Australia X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Lines: 20 Once upon a time (well, 28 Dec 1995 00:16:29 -0500 to be exact), MK DUD tapped away thus: >Hello, > I have a Vectrex in pretty good shape. Everything seems to work fine, >but I get this unusual high pitched whinning buzz through the speaker. >The sound seems to match the picture, and changes when the graphics on the >screen change. The volume knob on the Vectrex console has no effect - the >Vectrex is still making the buzzing sound. > Can anybody help me repair this? I would really appreciate any help! Sounds like the filter capacitors in the power supply are dying... Replaced the ones in mine, and it's now much better. It still buzzes slightly though... but then again, they always did. CYa, Rod. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!newshub.csu.net!usc!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!server2.ols.net!usenet From: stuntboy@ols.net (chris georgoulias) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Large Collection For Sale Date: 30 Dec 1995 15:00:08 GMT Organization: online south Lines: 59 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c3k5o$ksh@server2.ols.net> References: <4bt97d$ouo@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <4bucj3$h9@crl13.crl.com> <4c1cj5$7c5@eri.erinet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: 205.139.152.57 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: Text/Plain; charset=US-ASCII ATTENTION VECTREX COLLECTORS The following items are from my personal collection. All items were bought in retail stores by me way back when, and none of it is flea market junk. This sale is geared towards collectors who want items that are in excellent shape and are after boxes with plastic inserts and manuals. All overlays are in the original white paper sleeve and are in excellent shape. Only two have alot of light surface scratching, none of which have removed the coloration though. All boxes are still crisp and glossy just like the day I bought them. The price stickers are still affixed. The game system itself is excellent and the box has the styrofoam inserts, both cardboard inserts, and all the original manuals. It is fully functioning with no problems whatsoever. Buyer pays shipping. Priority goes to those who order multiple items. These prices reflect those auction and sale prices that i have observed over the past couple of years on this group. I believe them to be fair and representative of the items offered. Please send all replies to Chris Georgoulias Big Stuff Vectrex system (w/box,inserts, manuals, overlay) $190 Light Pen (pen only, non-working-----a project for you technogurus) $30 Loose Items Fortress of Narzod (NO BOX, scratched overlay, torn manual) $30 Art Master (cartridge only) $20 Boxed Games (crisp boxes w/insert, manual, and overlay w/ paper sleeve) Star Trek $22 Clean Sweep $22 Scramble $22 Berzerk $22 Bedlam (overlay is scratched) $22 Armor Attack $22 Rip Off $22 Space Wars $23 Solar Quest $23 Blitz $23 Spinball $26 Starhawk $26 Hyperchase $26 Heads Up $30 Cosmic Chasm $32 Spike $36 Star Castle $45 Web Wars $55 Animaction $50 Melody Master $50 Or some big-spending soul can be the envy of the neighborhood and take it all for $750. That's a $144 savings. Thanks..... -chris + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!hone!informer1.cis.McMaster.CA!church.dcss!hwfn!james!af329 From: af329@freenet.hamilton.on.ca (Scott Nudds) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: VECTREX-MAS Date: 30 Dec 1995 11:54:16 GMT Organization: Hamilton-Wentworth FreeNet, Ontario, Canada. Lines: 11 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4c3998$irp@main.freenet.hamilton.on.ca> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: james.freenet.hamilton.on.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2-HWFN] : > : I got a Vectrex with a multicart for XMAS (and you : > : can barely hear its buzzing noise!). : > : > Are you sure it is working? : Heck yeah, it's working. This one must have slipped past the factory : worker in charge of making sure every Vectrex whined really loud. Must have been the day inspector 12 defected to Hanes. -- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!news1.digital.com!uunet!in2.uu.net!hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!murdoch!usenet From: jap5r@virginia.edu (Joseph Pellettiere) Subject: FS: Vectrex X-Nntp-Posting-Host: ara-mac-218.itc.virginia.edu Message-ID: X-Posted-From: InterNews 1.0.8@lanrover2-gilmer-a8.acc.virginia.edu Sender: jap5r@watt.seas.virginia.edu Organization: Univ. of Virginia X-Authenticated: jap5r on POP host watt.seas.virginia.edu Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 16:14:20 GMT Lines: 11 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3987 rec.games.video.marketplace:51620 Working Vectrex with one controller and a Sean Kelly Multicart, includes 1 overlay (Berzerk), with original box (a little beat up on one corner). Price: $160+shipping (partial trades considered see my webpage for more info) Joe jap5r@virginia.edu http://watt.seas.virginia.edu/~jap5r + - - - - End of Archive File - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +