This file contains the archives of the rec.games.vectrex NetNews group for the month of Oct-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!uop!pacbell.com!decwrl!news1.digital.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!simtel!news.sprintlink.net!news.azstarnet.com!not-for-mail From: mercury@azstarnet.com (Mercury Hess) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Fun with Vectrex.. Date: 1 Oct 1995 06:40:20 GMT Organization: Arizona Daily Star - AZSTARNET Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44ld4k$3t0@news.azstarnet.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: web.azstarnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [UNIX 1.3 950824BETA PL0] Eli Goldberg (eg1n+@andrew.cmu.edu) wrote: : doing pseudo 3-D...and all I could think of was..."Hey, neat!!! That's : just like...umm... what my Vectrex did...err...13 years ago!" Exactly. Only it costs more. :) This sig STILL under construction...... I'm lazy as hell...... + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!nntp-hub2.barrnet.net!nntp-ucb.barrnet.net!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!news.sprintlink.net!in2.uu.net!news.iag.net!oo.com!oo.com!nin From: nin@oo.com (nin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Magic:TG for A Vectrex Date: 2 Oct 1995 23:26:43 GMT Organization: Online Orlando Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44psfj$ggo@civ.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: oo.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Okay I have an obscene amount of Magic cards and i really would like a Vectrex and some games. I am willing to trade an equal worth of Magic cards for a Vectrex and games. I Have lots of OOP cards as I have been in Magic since the start. I would prefer 5 or more games. I will also consider trading cards for games if you have some games you could trade. nin@oo.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!nntp-hub2.barrnet.net!nntp-ucb.barrnet.net!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!in2.uu.net!solaris.cc.vt.edu!swiss.ans.net!good.freedom.net!news.pepboys.com!netaxs.com!unix2.netaxs.com!vsp From: vsp@unix2.netaxs.com (have clue--will travel) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Fun with Vectrex.. Date: 3 Oct 1995 05:19:26 GMT Organization: The Pile of Obsolete Technology Lines: 21 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44qh4u$nkg@netaxs.com> References: <44ld4k$3t0@news.azstarnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: unix2.netaxs.com In article <44ld4k$3t0@news.azstarnet.com>, Mercury Hess wrote: >Eli Goldberg (eg1n+@andrew.cmu.edu) wrote: >: doing pseudo 3-D...and all I could think of was..."Hey, neat!!! That's >: just like...umm... what my Vectrex did...err...13 years ago!" > >Exactly. Only it costs more. :) > Heh. Original price, perhaps... but if you can get me the Vectrex goggles for less than I can get a Virtual Boy for, let me know; I will fly there immediately. jeff. under my own power, if necessary -- --- If you look very, very closely, you can see Edward R. Murrow. --- http://www.netaxs.com/~vsp/ -- the usual array of cartlists and crap. "We came / We peed / We conquered / You'll bleed" -- JB/L "HELLO KITTY gang terrorizes town, family STICKERED to death!" -- BG + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!IntGame!internetMCI!newsfeed.internetmci.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!news.xnet.com!skelly From: skelly@flood.xnet.com (Sean Kelly) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: FS: TONS OF GREAT Vectrex stuff!!! Date: 4 Oct 1995 09:02:46 GMT Organization: XNet - A Full Service Internet Provider - (708) 983-6064 Lines: 258 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44tijm$8a2@flood.xnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cyclone.xnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3629 rec.games.video.classic:29422 rec.games.video.marketplace:40360 Vectrex For the Masses! ----------------------- Included in this posting are: - Loose Instruction Manuals - Loose Boxes - Loose Overlays - NEW carts - Vectrex System - Vectrex System BOX! - ORIGINAL Service Manual - Boxed Light Pen! - Boxed 3D Imagers! The following is a list of Vectrex items I currently have for sale! Most items are for sale at the prices listed while others listed as "Best Offer" will be sold to the highest bidder. There is a TON of stuff here inlcuding many of the hardest-to-find Vectrex stuff there is! NEW Carts --------- These carts are "NEW" just as the title says. The overlays are not scratched, and manuals are not bent or deformed in any way. The boxes may be worn from storage but are in excellent shape overall. There are more than one of a couple of these. Bedlam................ $30 Berzerk............... $15 Blitz................. $15 Space Wars............ $25 Star Hawk............. $30 Web Wars.............. Best Offer COMPLETE Used Carts ------------------- These carts come complete with all original components - box, instructions, and overlay (where applicable). They are all used but in good to excellent condition. AnimAction............ Best Offer Heads Up Soccer....... $35 Melody Master......... Best Offer Solar Quest........... $15 Spike................. $25 NOT COMPLETE Carts ------------------ These carts include the components listed next to each title. All are used but in good condition. There are more than one of several of these. 3D Crazy Coaster...... $50 Cart Only 3D Crazy Coaster...... Best Offer Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL 3D Minestorm.......... $45 Cart Only 3D Narrow Escape...... Best Offer Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL Art Master............ $30 Cart Only Bedlam................ $20 Cart Only Heads Up Soccer....... $25 Cart Only Polar Rescue.......... $60 Cart Only Pole Position......... $50 Cart Only Space Wars............ $17 Cart Only Spike................. $17 Cart Only Spinball.............. $25 Cart Only Star Castle........... $35 Cart Only Star Hawk............. $20 Cart Only Web Wars.............. $30 Cart Only MISCELLANEOUS! -------------- As many of you know, I am the guy making the Vectrex multi-carts. Due to the fact that I need an original Vectrex cartridge case to put the multi-cart in to, I have MANY original circuit boards and cartridge labels that I have saved over the years. The circuit boards listed are original and just what their description implies - bare circuit boards. The games play perfectly, but they are not in cases. The labels have all been removed very carefully, in excellent condition, and on waxed paper. What would you do with labels you ask? Wallpaper you room, stick them to your forehead and frolick around the neighborhood, replace a label on a cart you have with a bad label, who knows. Quit asking me stupid questions! 8-) Labels ($2 each) ----------------- There are more than one of all of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek Loose Circuit Boards ($2 each) ------------------------------ There are dozens of most of these. Armor Attach Berzerk Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek LOOSE Instructions ------------------ There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack.......... $3 Art Master............ $6 Berzerk............... $3 Blitz!................ $3 Clean Sweep........... $3 Fortress of Narzod.... $6 Heads Up Soccer....... $6 Hyperchase............ $3 Polar Rescue.......... $8 Pole Position......... $8 Rip Off............... $3 Scramble.............. $2 Solar Quest........... $3 Spike................. $6 Spinball.............. $6 Star Castle........... $8 Star Trek............. $2 LOOSE Overlays -------------- There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack.......... $3 Berzerk............... $3 Blitz!................ $3 Clean Sweep........... $3 Cosmic Chasm.......... $3 Fortress of Narzod.... $10 Hyperchase............ $3 Minestorm............. $2 (small corner missing) Minestorm............. $3 Pole Position......... $10 Pole Position......... $5 (small crack) Rip Off............... $3 Scramble.............. $3 Solar Quest........... $3 Space Wars............ $5 Star Castle........... $10 Star Trek............. $2 LOOSE Boxes (ALL $3 each) ------------------------- There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz! Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Solar Quest Star Trek I've also got some complete NEW sets of Scramble and Star Trek boxes, docs, and overlays. I've only got a few of these left now! I'm selling them for $3 each complete set. Now if you're purchasing a cartridge that's listed in the loose section as "cart only", and notice that additional components are also available, you can have the associated box, docs, or overlay for half the price listed. For example, I've got a loose Spike cart listed at $17 but also have the instructions listed at $6. You could get the instructions for $3 if you also are purchasing the cartridge. ORIGINAL Service Manual ----------------------- I only know of three people that actually own one of these and I'm one of them! Next to the Test Cartridge itself, it's probably THE most difficult Vectrex item to find. Mine is in PERFECT condition and I'm entertaining offers on it. This has been my prized Vectrex posession for a number of years now and I'll simply keep it if the offers are not good enough. Vectrex System -------------- I've only got one available. It comes packaged with one of my multi-carts and will sell QUICK at $150 plus shipping! LIGHT PEN --------- Only one available and it's GREAT shape! It's in it's original BOX and includes docs and Art Master - everything it originally came with. I'm looking for the Best Offer on it. Vectrex System BOX ------------------ The original box that the system came in along with the styrofoam and all. It's in good condition and I'm looking for the Best Offer. Please note that in shipping this item to it's buyer, I highly doubt I'll be able to find a box large enough to put it inside of so it will be wrapped with several layers of newspaper and finally covered with brown paper. The box is currently not damaged in any way. I will not be responsible for any damage caused in shipping it. 3D Imagers! ----------- Believe it or not, I've got a pair of 3D Imagers available! There MAY be a problem with them that I'll explain real quick. I've had them for roughly 3 years now and have used them maybe 4 times and they've been stored since then. Before I listed them here, I pulled them out to test them and make sure everything was still working. For whatever reason, when I turn the system on with a 3D game inserted, the goggles start spinning the disc, but the game never comes on. The problem is that my Vectrex system has been acting real flaky lately and I don't know if the problem is my system or the goggles. As I said though, they worked the last time I used them so I can't see what could have happened to them. Anyway, they come packaged IN THE BOX, which is in excellent condition by the way, and include everything they were originally sold with - instructions, 3D Minestorm, Color Wheel, and 3D Minestorm instructions. They are being sold AS-IS and I'll take the Best Offer on them. MULTI-CARTS! ------------ As stated above, I am the guy making the multi-carts you've been reading about in the newsgroups from time to time. I am still making them and they include the following: - Games are selected from an ON-SCREEN MENU - Every game ever released for the Vectrex, except for AnimAction, in it's complete original form resides on this single cartridge! - It's packaged in an original Vectrex cartridge case - 8 Demos are included in addition to all the original games - A pause feature is included to let you pause any of the games! - Delivered in approximately 2 weeks! Price is $70 including shipping anywhere in the US. Notes About "Best Offer" items ------------------------------ These carts aren't neccessarily being "auctioned" but I would like to give anyone interested an opportunity to make an offer on any particular title. I have a general price in mind for each title and may snag the first close offer. However, it's more likely that I will leave them open to offers for at least a few days. In the event that the offers do not reach the price range I'm looking for, I will remove the items from this list and keep them for myself. Now that I've worn my fingerprints off typing this up, I'm FINALLY done! Email me at skelly@xnet.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!amdahl.com!amd!decwrl!genmagic!sgigate.sgi.com!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uknet!dcs.gla.ac.uk!scms.rgu.ac.uk!usenet From: Arthur Gill Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: PROBLEM GETTING MANUALS Date: 4 Oct 1995 07:54:21 GMT Organization: The Robert Gordon University Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44tejd$r2r@roadkill.scms.rgu.ac.uk> 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) As above. I have tried downloading the repair manuals but when I try and access the tiff file, I get and error with the image files. Could someone tell me where I can get then as jpg or bmp??? Thanks Arthur + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!decwrl!nntp.crl.com!crl11.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: PROBLEM GETTING MANUALS Date: 4 Oct 1995 06:26:21 -0700 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44u21t$ggq@crl11.crl.com> References: <44tejd$r2r@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: >As above. >I have tried downloading the repair manuals but when I try and >access the tiff file, I get and error with the image files. >Could someone tell me where I can get then as jpg or bmp??? Did you remember to set binary mode with your FTP and your downloading software? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.iag.net!newsboy.utelfla.com!news.sprintlink.net!news.xnet.com!skelly From: skelly@flood.xnet.com (Sean Kelly) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: FS: TONS OF GREAT Vectrex stuff!!! Date: 5 Oct 1995 02:59:08 GMT Organization: XNet - A Full Service Internet Provider - (708) 983-6064 Lines: 241 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <44vhls$ch4@flood.xnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: monsoon.xnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3632 rec.games.video.classic:29461 rec.games.video.marketplace:40460 Here's an update to my Vectrex sale posting particularly for those items that I am taking offers on. Everything listed here is still available as of 10pm October 4th. Vectrex For the Masses! ----------------------- Included in this posting are: - Loose Instruction Manuals - Loose Boxes - Loose Overlays - NEW carts - Vectrex System BOX! - ORIGINAL Service Manual - Boxed Light Pen! - Boxed 3D Imagers! The following is a list of Vectrex items I currently have for sale! Most items are for sale at the prices listed while others listed as "Best Offer" will be sold to the highest bidder. There is a TON of stuff here inlcuding many of the hardest-to-find Vectrex stuff there is! NEW Carts --------- These carts are "NEW" just as the title says. The overlays are not scratched, and manuals are not bent or deformed in any way. The boxes may be worn from storage but are in excellent shape overall. There are more than one of a couple of these. Bedlam................ $30 Star Hawk............. $30 Web Wars.............. Best Offer $50 best so far COMPLETE Used Carts ------------------- These carts come complete with all original components - box, instructions, and overlay (where applicable). They are all used but in good to excellent condition. AnimAction............ Best Offer $30 best so far Melody Master......... Best Offer No Offers Spike................. $25 NOT COMPLETE Carts ------------------ These carts include the components listed next to each title. All are used but in good condition. There are more than one of several of these. 3D Crazy Coaster... $50 Cart Only 3D Crazy Coaster... Best Offer $15 best so far Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL 3D Minestorm....... $45 Cart Only 3D Narrow Escape... Best Offer No Offers Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL Art Master......... $30 Cart Only Bedlam............. $20 Cart Only Heads Up Soccer.... $25 Cart Only Polar Rescue....... $60 Cart Only Pole Position...... $50 Cart Only Space Wars......... $17 Cart Only Spike.............. $17 Cart Only Spinball........... $25 Cart Only Star Castle........ $35 Cart Only Star Hawk.......... $20 Cart Only Web Wars........... $30 Cart Only MISCELLANEOUS! -------------- As many of you know, I am the guy making the Vectrex multi-carts. Due to the fact that I need an original Vectrex cartridge case to put the multi-cart in to, I have MANY original circuit boards and cartridge labels that I have saved over the years. The circuit boards listed are original and just what their description implies - bare circuit boards. The games play perfectly, but they are not in cases. The labels have all been removed very carefully, in excellent condition, and on waxed paper. What would you do with labels you ask? Wallpaper your room, stick them to your forehead and frolick around the neighborhood, replace a label on a cart you have with a bad label, who knows. Quit asking me stupid questions! 8-) Labels ($2 each) ----------------- There are more than one of all of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek Loose Circuit Boards ($2 each) ------------------------------ There are dozens of most of these. Armor Attach Berzerk Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek LOOSE Instructions ------------------ There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack.......... $3 Art Master............ $6 Blitz!................ $3 Clean Sweep........... $3 Rip Off............... $3 Scramble.............. $2 Solar Quest........... $3 Star Trek............. $2 LOOSE Overlays -------------- There are more than one of some of these. Berzerk............... $3 Minestorm............. $2 (small corner missing) Pole Position......... $5 (small crack) Scramble.............. $3 Star Trek............. $2 LOOSE Boxes (ALL $3 each) ------------------------- There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz! Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Star Trek I've also got some complete NEW sets of Scramble and Star Trek boxes, docs, and overlays. I've only got a few of these left now! I'm selling them for $3 each complete set. Now if you're purchasing a cartridge that's listed in the loose section as "cart only", and notice that additional components are also available, you can have the associated box, docs, or overlay for half the price listed. For example, I've got a loose Spike cart listed at $17 but also have the instructions listed at $6. You could get the instructions for $3 if you also are purchasing the cartridge. ORIGINAL Service Manual ----------------------- I only know of three people that actually own one of these and I'm one of them! Next to the Test Cartridge itself, it's probably THE most difficult Vectrex item to find. Mine is in PERFECT condition and I'm entertaining offers on it. This has been my prized Vectrex posession for a number of years now and I'll simply keep it if the offers are not good enough. *** $125 Best Offer So Far Vectrex System -------------- I've only got one available. It comes packaged with one of my multi-carts and will sell QUICK at $150 plus shipping! SOLD! LIGHT PEN --------- Only one available and it's GREAT shape! It's in it's original BOX and includes docs and Art Master - everything it originally came with. I'm looking for the Best Offer on it. *** $40 best offer so far Vectrex System BOX ------------------ The original box that the system came in along with the styrofoam and all. It's in good condition and I'm looking for the Best Offer. Please note that in shipping this item to it's buyer, I highly doubt I'll be able to find a box large enough to put it inside of so it will be wrapped with several layers of newspaper and finally covered with brown paper. The box is currently not damaged in any way. I will not be responsible for any damage caused in shipping it. *** $12 best offer so far 3D Imagers! ----------- Believe it or not, I've got a pair of 3D Imagers available! There MAY be a problem with them that I'll explain real quick. I've had them for roughly 3 years now and have used them maybe 4 times and they've been stored since then. Before I listed them here, I pulled them out to test them and make sure everything was still working. For whatever reason, when I turn the system on with a 3D game inserted, the goggles start spinning the disc, but the game never comes on. The problem is that my Vectrex system has been acting real flaky lately and I don't know if the problem is my system or the goggles. As I said though, they worked the last time I used them so I can't see what could have happened to them. Anyway, they come packaged IN THE BOX, which is in excellent condition by the way, and include everything they were originally sold with - instructions, 3D Minestorm, Color Wheel, and 3D Minestorm instructions. They are being sold AS-IS and I'll take the Best Offer on them. *** $75 best offer so far MULTI-CARTS! ------------ As stated above, I am the guy making the multi-carts you've been reading about in the newsgroups from time to time. I am still making them and they include the following: - Games are selected from an ON-SCREEN MENU - Every game ever released for the Vectrex, except for AnimAction, in it's complete original form resides on this single cartridge! - It's packaged in an original Vectrex cartridge case - 8 Demos are included in addition to all the original games - A pause feature is included to let you pause any of the games! Price is $70 including shipping anywhere in the US. Notes About "Best Offer" items ------------------------------ These carts aren't neccessarily being "auctioned" but I would like to give anyone interested an opportunity to make an offer on any particular title. I have a general price in mind for each title and may snag the first close offer. However, it's more likely that I will leave them open to offers for at least a few days. In the event that the offers do not reach the price range I'm looking for, I will remove the items from this list and keep them for myself. Now that I've worn my fingerprints off typing this up, I'm FINALLY done! Email me at skelly@xnet.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!nntp-hub2.barrnet.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!dispatch.news.demon.net!demon!sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk!dcs.gla.ac.uk!scms.rgu.ac.uk!usenet From: Arthur Gill Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: PROBLEM GETTING MANUALS Date: 5 Oct 1995 07:51:45 GMT Organization: The Robert Gordon University Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4502qh$kcp@roadkill.scms.rgu.ac.uk> References: <44tejd$r2r@roadkill.scms.rgu.ac.uk> <44u21t$ggq@crl11.crl.com> 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 get the file ok. I unzip it ok. It becomes a xxxx.tif ok When I try and access it using ANY of the packages available here (YEP the do support .tif!) I get error with file messages... I am using netscape to download so it is all pretty well automatic! HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP~~~ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.ultranet.com!zombie.ncsc.mil!simtel!news.sprintlink.net!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: vga2000@ix.netcom.com (Michael J. Novak Jr. ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.misc Subject: FS/T: Video game systems and games Date: 5 Oct 1995 09:40:59 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 25 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45097b$73c@ixnews7.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-clv1-16.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Thu Oct 05 2:40:59 AM PDT 1995 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3634 rec.games.video:51492 rec.games.video.marketplace:40496 rec.games.video.misc:28346 If you are interested in buying/selling/trading video game and/or cartridge based computer systems and games, you can either visit my WWW site, or send e-mail for my current lists. Over 45 different systems including: Classic, Older 8 & 16 bit, Current 8 & 16 bit, and Next Generation video game systems and games. Also classic cartridge based computer systems and games. In addition to the FS/T lists, the WWW site contains my want lists, system FAQ files, screen shots of games, video game related WWW links, and game ratings/reviews. Michael -- Michael J. Novak Jr. !! BUYING/SELLING/TRADING: 3DO, Atari Lynx, Atari Video Game Advantage !! Jaguar, NES, Nintendo Game Boy, Super Nintendo, 6861 Anthony Lane !! Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Sega 32X, Parma Hts., OH 44130 !! Sega Game Gear, SMS, Sony Playstation, Turbo (216) 843-8815 Voice !! Duo, Classic systems, and 8-bit computers! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ** Over 2 years on the Internet! ** Now on the WWW at http://www.io.com/~vga2000/ For current list, or to be placed on my e-mail list, please leave E-Mail at: VGA2000@ix.netcom.com OR VGA2000@io.com OR dw901@cleveland.freenet.edu + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!nntp-hub2.barrnet.net!venus.sun.com!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.xnet.com!skelly From: skelly@flood.xnet.com (Sean Kelly) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: FS: TONS OF GREAT Vectrex stuff!!! Date: 5 Oct 1995 23:02:09 GMT Organization: XNet - A Full Service Internet Provider - (708) 983-6064 Lines: 252 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <451o5h$sfr@flood.xnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cyclone.xnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3635 rec.games.video.classic:29511 rec.games.video.marketplace:40561 Yet another update to my Vectrex sale posting. Several of the items I've been accepting offers on are being bid on very aggressively! The following is still available as of 5:30pm October 5th. NEW ITEMS ADDED! ---------------- I've added a couple new items that I've scrounged up since my original posting. I've got two new overlays - Space Wars & Blitz! and three extra controllers! The last batch of overlays sold out in about two hours so these aren't going to hang around too long. Vectrex For the Masses! ----------------------- Included in this posting are: - Loose Instruction Manuals - Loose Boxes - Loose Overlays - NEW carts - Vectrex System BOX! - ORIGINAL Service Manual - Extra Controllers! - Boxed Light Pen! - Boxed 3D Imagers! The following is a list of Vectrex items I currently have for sale! Most items are for sale at the prices listed while others listed as "Best Offer" will be sold to the highest bidder. There is a TON of stuff here inlcuding many of the hardest-to-find Vectrex stuff there is! NEW Carts --------- These carts are "NEW" just as the title says. The overlays are not scratched, and manuals are not bent or deformed in any way. The boxes may be worn from storage but are in excellent shape overall. There are more than one of a couple of these. Bedlam................ $30 Star Hawk............. $30 Web Wars.............. Best so far $50 COMPLETE Used Carts ------------------- These carts come complete with all original components - box, instructions, and overlay (where applicable). They are all used but in good to excellent condition. AnimAction............ Best so far $30 Melody Master......... Best so far $70 Spike................. $25 NOT COMPLETE Carts ------------------ These carts include the components listed next to each title. All are used but in good condition. There are more than one of several of these. 3D Crazy Coaster... $50 Cart Only 3D Crazy Coaster... Best so far $70 Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL 3D Minestorm....... $45 Cart Only 3D Narrow Escape... Best so far $70 Box, Docs, NO COLOR WHEEL Art Master......... $30 Cart Only Bedlam............. $20 Cart Only Heads Up Soccer.... $25 Cart Only Polar Rescue....... $60 Cart Only Pole Position...... $50 Cart Only Space Wars......... $17 Cart Only Spike.............. $17 Cart Only Spinball........... $25 Cart Only Star Castle........ $35 Cart Only Star Hawk.......... $20 Cart Only Web Wars........... $30 Cart Only MISCELLANEOUS! -------------- As many of you know, I am the guy making the Vectrex multi-carts. Due to the fact that I need an original Vectrex cartridge case to put the multi-cart in to, I have MANY original circuit boards and cartridge labels that I have saved over the years. The circuit boards listed are original and just what their description implies - bare circuit boards. The games play perfectly, but they are not in cases. The labels have all been removed very carefully, in excellent condition, and on waxed paper. What would you do with labels you ask? Wallpaper you room, stick them to your forehead and frolick around the neighborhood, replace a label on a cart you have with a bad label, who knows. Quit asking me stupid questions! 8-) Labels ($2 each) ----------------- There are more than one of all of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek Loose Circuit Boards ($2 each) ------------------------------ There are dozens of most of these. Armor Attach Berzerk Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Hyperchase Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek LOOSE Instructions ------------------ There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack.......... $3 Art Master............ $6 Blitz!................ $3 Clean Sweep........... $3 Fortress of Narzod.... $6 Rip Off............... $3 Scramble.............. $2 Solar Quest........... $3 Star Trek............. $2 LOOSE Overlays -------------- There are more than one of some of these. Blitz!................ $3 Space Wars............ $5 Star Trek............. $2 Scramble.............. $3 LOOSE Boxes (ALL $3 each) ------------------------- There are more than one of some of these. Armor Attack Berzerk Blitz! Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Star Trek I've also got some complete NEW sets of Scramble and Star Trek boxes, docs, and overlays. I've only got a few of these left now! I'm selling them for $3 each complete set. **** Only one or two Star Trek's left - several Scramble's though. ORIGINAL Service Manual ----------------------- I only know of three people that actually own one of these and I'm one of them! Next to the Test Cartridge itself, it's probably THE most difficult Vectrex item to find. Mine is in PERFECT condition and I'm entertaining offers on it. This has been my prized Vectrex posession for a number of years now and I'll simply keep it if the offers are not good enough. *** $200 Best Offer So Far Vectrex System -------------- I've only got one available. It comes packaged with one of my multi-carts and will sell QUICK at $150 plus shipping! SOLD! LIGHT PEN --------- Only one available and it's GREAT shape! It's in it's original BOX and includes docs and Art Master - everything it originally came with. I'm looking for the Best Offer on it. *** $90 best offer so far Vectrex System BOX ------------------ The original box that the system came in along with the styrofoam and all. It's in good condition and I'm looking for the Best Offer. Please note that in shipping this item to it's buyer, I highly doubt I'll be able to find a box large enough to put it inside of so it will be wrapped with several layers of newspaper and finally covered with brown paper. The box is currently not damaged in any way. I will not be responsible for any damage caused in shipping it. *** $20 best offer so far 3D Imagers! ----------- Believe it or not, I've got a pair of 3D Imagers available! There MAY be a problem with them that I'll explain real quick. I've had them for roughly 3 years now and have used them maybe 4 times and they've been stored since then. Before I listed them here, I pulled them out to test them and make sure everything was still working. For whatever reason, when I turn the system on with a 3D game inserted, the goggles start spinning the disc, but the game never comes on. The problem is that my Vectrex system has been acting real flaky lately and I don't know if the problem is my system or the goggles. As I said though, they worked the last time I used them so I can't see what could have happened to them. Anyway, they come packaged IN THE BOX, which is in excellent condition by the way, and include everything they were originally sold with - instructions, 3D Minestorm, Color Wheel, and 3D Minestorm instructions. They are being sold AS-IS and I'll take the Best Offer on them. *** $200 best offer so far MULTI-CARTS! ------------ As stated above, I am the guy making the multi-carts you've been reading about in the newsgroups from time to time. I am still making them and they include the following: - Games are selected from an ON-SCREEN MENU - Every game ever released for the Vectrex, except for AnimAction, in it's complete original form resides on this single cartridge! - It's packaged in an original Vectrex cartridge case - 8 Demos are included in addition to all the original games - A pause feature is included to let you pause any of the games! Price is $70 including shipping anywhere in the US. EXTRA CONTROLLERS ----------------- I've only got four of them at the moment and they're going to go fast. I'm not accepting offers on them - first-come-first-served at $40 apiece! Notes About "Best Offer" items ------------------------------ These carts aren't neccessarily being "auctioned" but I would like to give anyone interested an opportunity to make an offer on any particular title. I have a general price in mind for each title and may snag the first close offer. However, it's more likely that I will leave them open to offers for at least a few days. In the event that the offers do not reach the price range I'm looking for, I will remove the items from this list and keep them for myself. Now that I've worn my fingerprints off typing this up, I'm FINALLY done! Email me at skelly@xnet.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!news1.digital.com!ames!cronkite.cisco.com!cronkite!billw From: billw@puli.cisco.com (William ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Fun with Vectrex.. Date: 02 Oct 1995 06:33:16 GMT Organization: cisco Systems, Inc. Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <44ld4k$3t0@news.azstarnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: puli.cisco.com In-reply-to: mercury@azstarnet.com's message of 1 Oct 1995 06:40:20 GMT : doing pseudo 3-D...and all I could think of was..."Hey, neat!!! That's : just like...umm... what my Vectrex did...err...13 years ago!" Exactly. Only it costs more. :) Sounds like window95 (vs MacOS) BillW + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!enews.sgi.com!lll-winken.llnl.gov!venus.sun.com!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netnews From: simon17@ix.netcom.com (Carl Mueller) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: FS: Vectrex/Box/Instr + Multicart + DarkTower $200 FIRM. Date: Sun, 08 Oct 1995 13:34:30 GMT Organization: Netcom Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <458mqt$7h0@ixnews4.ix.netcom.com> Reply-To: simon17@ix.netcom.com NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-war-mi3-14.ix.netcom.com X-NETCOM-Date: Sun Oct 08 7:22:21 AM PDT 1995 X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 This package includes: Vectrex system w/ one controller, in perfect operation. Vectrex owner's manual Minestorm instructions and overlay Vectrex box Sean Kelly's multicart (all Vectrex games except Animaction + DEMOS) . Dark Tower board w/ instructions. This is a great package and in great condition as well. Please contact me if interested. I also MAY consider trading for a 2x32 60ns SIMM or a fully loaded Jaguar system (must have at least T2000 and DOOM). Carl + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!in1.uu.net!panix!news.eecs.umich.edu!newshost.marcam.com!Empire.Net!news.net99.net!news!md From: md@goodnet.com (Mike Denton) Subject: How to Get Free Cable Premium TV .. LEGIT Message-ID: Organization: GoodNet Date: Sat, 7 Oct 1995 12:16:01 GMT Lines: 33 First I want to say I am sorry that this has nothing to do with the topic of this group. You may see this message in other newsgroups, the reason is I am subscribed to those too so please don't flame me. I have been posting and reading to this group for a while. I just wanted to let you people out know there is a way to get Cable TV for FREE. I recieve this letter in the mail from a friend that had told me it works. I gave this to one of my friends and he had free cable in his house within 20 mins. I have not tried this method yet but may soon try if my cable goes up in price. If anyone would like a copy send the following to the address below. Address Envelope to: FreeStuff 9393 N. 90th St. Suite 102-289 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Enclose in the envelope: Send... $1.00 U.S MONEY *** NO COINS *** NO CHECKS *** inside a sheet of carbon paper or construction paper, and send a *self-addressed*,*stamped* envelope to the address above. Thanxs, Just think if you pay 30$ + a month. 1$ will save you 359 + dollars a year. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!mv!news-dnh.mv.net!usenet From: dac@melrose.mv.com Subject: Vectrex "Mystery Games" Message-ID: Nntp-Posting-Host: melrose.mv.com Sender: usenet@jade.mv.net (System Administrator) Organization: MV Communications, Inc. Date: Mon, 9 Oct 1995 11:23:17 GMT X-Newsreader: SPRY News 3.03 (SPRY, Inc.) Lines: 10 Hello everyone in Vectrex land...while looking over my manuals, I noticed the last page of every manual has an overlay order form. Has anyone tried to order overlays from this address recently? Also, some of the overlay order forms for the newer games (1984=new) has overlay requests for Pole Position, Polar Rescue and Dark Tower. Now obviously, I know about Pole Position, but I have never seen nor heard of the other two. Can someone out there tell me what these 2 games are/were about and tell me if they are worth getting and where I can get them?? Do I ask too many questions? :) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!news.uoregon.edu!cuhknntp!hpg30a.csc.cuhk.hk!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!solaris.cc.vt.edu!swiss.ans.net!prodigy.com!panix!usenet From: davegan@panix.com (Dave Stein) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: Jeff Cates Update Date: 10 Oct 1995 14:28:34 GMT Organization: Combined Effort Lines: 36 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45dvui$6vh@news1.panix.com> References: <45dccm$ae0@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: davegan.dialup.access.net X-Newsreader: SPRY News 3.03 (SPRY, Inc.) Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3648 rec.games.video.classic:29779 > macguitar@aol.com (Mac Guitar) writes: > Holy Lameness Batman, > > I cannot believe that you are so obsessed with this. There are more > important problems going on in the world to be so concerned with a Smoosh > cartridge. Doesn't anyone else care to speak out about how ridiculous > this is?! > > I know it's the principle, but legal intervention!? Im a successful > developer in the video game industry and I'm happy with my life, and if > you got screwed, too bad....Caveat Emptor-Let the buyer beware.....What > are you used to ALWAYS GETTING YOUR WAY!? Welcome to life. > > Also, your legal threats are lame. I will bet any amount that you will > not win, as my minor in college was law. It was a contract, yes, but even > though he accepted your money, the original concept of his offer was an > auction, and it was done via mail. There are too many technicalities to > consider it a firm offer. > As a lawyer, I disagree that there are too many technicalities to consider a bid in an auction a firm offer. From what Jerry describes there was a meeting of minds, a writing by the party to be charged, etc. etc. and there is a legally binding contract. It would actually be a fun breach of contract case to try. I think it may be going a bit far to call the cart stolen property, and I think there would be no criminal claim against an innocent third party purchaser with no notice of Jerry's rights. However, that is a bit too much to discuss here and now. Personally, I would not have gone as far as Jerry has-I have too much else in life to deal with. However, I applaud Jerry for deciding he has had enough of the duplicitous dealing around here and in making a sincere effort to do something about it. I wish him success in his efforts to bring Mr. Cates to justice and in his efforts to obtain the elusive Smoosh cart (whatever that may be. This naive collector has never heard of it, but of course I now need ^k^k^k^k want one.) Dave + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!news.uoregon.edu!premier3.premier.net!news.jmls.edu!chi-news.cic.net!uwm.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sesqui.net!rice!usenet From: SPIKE the Percussionist Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: Jeff Cates Update Date: 10 Oct 1995 19:35:41 GMT Organization: *#(^%#)%!)(&$ Lines: 22 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45ehud$rbs@larry.rice.edu> References: <45dccm$ae0@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <45dvui$6vh@news1.panix.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: speyek.rice.edu 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:45dvui$6vh@news1.panix.com Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3651 rec.games.video.classic:29790 kill him jerry! hang him in the shower and wire up a couple of sponges to a car battery. then give him a sponge bath. and to anyone else jerry seems to be a nice guy. he always is quick to respond to my zaps. he shouldn't have to deal with such jerks. also has anyone ever dealt with: he puts up postings claiming to have a bunch of atari stuff but when i tried to get something sent C.O.D. he got flakey. pillage and destroy! SPIKE the Percussionist ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + http://es.rice.edu/~speyek/SPIKE.HTML + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!pagesat.net!news.uoregon.edu!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!netline-fddi.jpl.nasa.gov!sec396-news.jpl.nasa.gov!news From: wernst@deltanet.com (Warren 'Llama' Ernst) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Why's the "Jeff Cates" crapola in our Vectrex group? Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 22:30:02 GMT Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45es94$8ne@lo-fan.jpl.nasa.gov> Reply-To: wernst@deltanet.com NNTP-Posting-Host: llama.jpl.nasa.gov X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3657 rec.games.video.classic:29810 What is the deal with this "Jeff Cates" crapola? Did the incident involve Vectrex carts? Doesn't sound like it, judging from the "Smoosh" cartridge in question. Someone end the crossposting and keep it out of rec.games.vectrex. Virtually, Warr /----------------------NEW E-MAIL & WWW ADDRESS!----------------------\ | Warren Ernst \ Computer Consultant/ "Illiterate? Write me for | | Fullerton, CA \ Technical Writer / more information..." | | wernst@deltanet.com\ Graphic Artist / Author, "Using Netscape" | | Will Write for Food \ Nerd / Que Computer Publishing, $19.95| | WEB SURF AND REAL-TIME CHAT @ http://www.deltanet.com/users/wernst/ | \----------------------NEW E-MAIL & WWW ADDRESS!----------------------/ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!usenet.kornet.nm.kr!news.kreonet.re.kr!news.dacom.co.kr!news.netins.net!solaris.cc.vt.edu!swiss.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!news.bctel.net!holly.softwords.bc.ca!freenet.victoria.bc.ca!vifa1!toh From: toh@freenet.Victoria.BC.CA (Marc Sira) Subject: questions on Vectrex addenda Message-ID: <1995Oct9.193700.8363@freenet.victoria.bc.ca> Sender: news@freenet.victoria.bc.ca (News Manager) Organization: Victoria Freenet Association Date: Mon, 9 Oct 1995 19:37:00 GMT Lines: 40 I recently became the owner of a 3D imager for my Vectrex (another thank you to the person with whom I traded for it), but I don't have any instructions for the thing. Given this, any advice on care and feeding would be appreciated. Looking through Greg Woodcock's FAQ, I noticed the following: * White 5.5"x3" manuals for the Light Pen and 3D Glasses * White 3"x4" 3D Imager addendum describing how to work the color disk latch * White 3.5"x4.5" 3D Crazy Coaster addendum telling how to survive underpasses Could anyone give me a distillation of the less obvious points from the above? I've noticed that the latch is a bit tricky; the wheel seems to require some small force to remove or insert it (not currently a big deal since alas, I only have the CC/NE one). I've also figured out that there's a little springloaded brake lever which is only in place when the door is closed (makes sense), and that one shouldn't move one's head too quickly while wearing the goggles (angular momentum and all that). And as far as Crazy Coaster goes, it seems that the passenger's hands just have to be down to go through an underpass. Is that about it? On the whole, I'm really impressed with the imager - it significantly adds to the playability of the Vectrex for me. 3D-Minestorm seems to be the best of the games even with weird colours (in part just because it improves on the gameplay of the original), but they're all fun. I had thought that the 3D effect would be the main thing and the colour a secondary benefit, but if anything it's the other way around. As someone noted a while ago, the prospect of a completed 3D Pole Position is tantalising. I believe there's a slot in my SK multicart for it. :) Oh yeah, I also noticed the following in the FAQ: * White 4"x6" Minestorm addendum (P/N 140028-1) describing wave 13 bug * White 2.5"x2.5" addendum to the Star Trek manual describing self-play bug What are these bugs? -- Marc Sira | {ub675,toh}@freenet.victoria.bc.ca | "Your god drinks...p-p-peach nectar!" {aa,xx}382@freenet.carleton.ca ' + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!newsserver.sdsc.edu!acsc.com!kaiwan.kaiwan.com!news.uoregon.edu!news.emf.net!overload.lbl.gov!agate!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!elvis.delphi.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!news.xnet.com!skelly From: skelly@flood.xnet.com (Sean Kelly) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: FS: Vectrex & Multi-Cart! Date: 10 Oct 1995 21:37:57 GMT Organization: XNet - A Full Service Internet Provider - (708) 983-6064 Lines: 5 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45ep3l$lof@flood.xnet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cyclone.xnet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] I picked up another Vectrex system and am packaging with a multi-cart and selling it for $175. First-come-first-served. It won't be here long! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!pa.dec.com!nntpd2.cxo.dec.com!mtnrun!tewalt From: tewalt@mtnrun (Tim Tewalt) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex FAQ? Date: 11 Oct 1995 22:21:13 GMT Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation Lines: 24 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45hg0p$qlu@nntpd2.cxo.dec.com> Reply-To: tewalt@peaks.enet.dec.com NNTP-Posting-Host: mtnrun.cxo.dec.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Hello, I've been lurking in this newsgroup for several weeks now and haven't heard any mention of a FAQ. Does one exist? I've never heard of a Vectrex until I read on r.g.v.a.c. where someone (I think it was Warren E.) brought one to an auction a few weeks back. It sounds like an amazing little game platform that, despite an ingenious concept, didn't seem to catch on with the masses. I want one. Tim -- Tim Tewalt tewalt@peaks.enet.dec.com Digital Equipment Corporation Colorado Springs, CO The answer my friend, is blow it out your ass - Mike Nelson, MST3K + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!nntp.teleport.com!ip-pdx11-27 From: luna@teleport.com (Chris.Hanks) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: FS: Vectrex "3D Crazy Coaster" Date: Thu, 12 Oct 95 15:21:52 GMT Organization: Teleport Internet Services Corp. Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45jmb5$src@maureen.teleport.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ip-pdx11-27.teleport.com X-Newsreader: News Xpress Version 1.0 Beta #3 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3671 rec.games.video.marketplace:41405 I have a Vectrex "3D Crazy Coaster" cart for sale. Will not work without the 3D goggles. Best reasonable offer gets it. E-mail me if interested. Thanks, -- Chris. luna@teleport.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!ukma!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!netline-fddi.jpl.nasa.gov!sec396-news.jpl.nasa.gov!news From: wernst@deltanet.com (Warren 'Llama' Ernst) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex FAQ? Date: Thu, 12 Oct 1995 20:01:13 GMT Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Lines: 44 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45js84$ds4@lo-fan.jpl.nasa.gov> References: <45hg0p$qlu@nntpd2.cxo.dec.com> Reply-To: wernst@deltanet.com NNTP-Posting-Host: llama.jpl.nasa.gov X-Newsreader: Forte Agent .99a.107 tewalt@mtnrun (Tim Tewalt) wrote: >I've been lurking in this newsgroup for several weeks now and >haven't heard any mention of a FAQ. Does one exist? > >I've never heard of a Vectrex until I read on r.g.v.a.c. where >someone (I think it was Warren E.) brought one to an auction a >few weeks back. It sounds like an amazing little game platform >that, despite an ingenious concept, didn't seem to catch on >with the masses. > >I want one. Well, if you watch this group, you will occasionally see one for sale (sometimes for several hundred $$$$), although the preferred method is to haunt thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales until you find one for sale for $20. The preferred multicarts are available from Sean Kelly, and have every game in one cart controlled via an on-screen menu. They go for $70, last time I saw. From the faq: Q. Where is the Vectrex ftp archive and what is there? The ftp Vectrex information archive is at ftp.csus.edu (130.86.90.1) and is maintained by John F. Sandhoff . I would assume that the faq is there, but you can also get it from one of my web pages/ftp sites for a while: http://llama.jpl.nasa.gov/anon/, or just ftp into llama.jpl.nasa.gov. Good luck in finding one - searching is half the fun. And yes, it was me who brought a Vectrex to an arcade game auction. Virtually, Warr /----------------------NEW E-MAIL & WWW ADDRESS!----------------------\ | Warren Ernst \ Computer Consultant/ "Illiterate? Write me for | | Fullerton, CA \ Technical Writer / more information..." | | wernst@deltanet.com\ Graphic Artist / Author, "Using Netscape" | | Will Write for Food \ Nerd / Que Computer Publishing, $19.95| | WEB SURF AND REAL-TIME CHAT @ http://www.deltanet.com/users/wernst/ | \----------------------NEW E-MAIL & WWW ADDRESS!----------------------/ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!news.Cerritos.edu!news.Arizona.EDU!math.arizona.edu!noao!ncar!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.flinet.com!news1.inlink.com!usenet From: range@inlink.com (M.C.Sumner) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WTB: Vectrex System Date: 10 Oct 1995 22:19:17 GMT Organization: inlink Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45erh5$he7@news1.inlink.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: slip162.inlink.com X-Newsreader: AIR News 3.X (SPRY, Inc.) Wanted Vectrex & Multicart Good condition sought, with well-functioning controller, but I'm buying this to play, not collect. I'm not interested in paying a fortune, I'm just after some fun. -Mark + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!IntGame!news-out.internetmci.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!redstone.interpath.net!mercury!jav From: jav@mercury.interpath.net (Joe Venturelli) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: Jeff Cates Update Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Date: 11 Oct 1995 22:46:16 GMT Organization: Interpath -- Providing Internet access to North Carolina Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45hhfo$jcj@redstone.interpath.net> References: <45dccm$ae0@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <45dvui$6vh@news1.panix.com> <45ehud$rbs@larry.rice.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: mercury.interpath.net X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3677 rec.games.video.classic:29962 I say take him to court. My prediction: The judge will order him to pay you $20.00 in damages and order you to pay court costs for wasting the courts time. Get your $20 back and be done with it. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: rodb29@aol.com (RODB29) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Need Controller Date: 14 Oct 1995 04:10:32 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 3 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45nr9o$86d@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: rodb29@aol.com (RODB29) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com I am Interested in getting an extra controller for my vectrex? Rod Brown EMail Rodb29@aol.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!uunet!in2.uu.net!newshub1.wanet.net!ucsnews!rohan!leeg From: leeg@rohan.sdsu.edu (lee) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex FAQ? Date: 13 Oct 1995 23:24:40 GMT Organization: San Diego State University Computing Services Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45msfo$hv8@gondor.sdsu.edu> References: <45hg0p$qlu@nntpd2.cxo.dec.com> <45js84$ds4@lo-fan.jpl.nasa.gov> NNTP-Posting-Host: 130.191.143.100 X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL0] Warren 'Llama' Ernst (wernst@deltanet.com) wrote: : tewalt@mtnrun (Tim Tewalt) wrote: : >I've been lurking in this newsgroup for several weeks now and : >haven't heard any mention of a FAQ. Does one exist? : Well, if you watch this group, you will occasionally see one for sale : (sometimes for several hundred $$$$), although the preferred method is : to haunt thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales until you find (I snipped a bunch of stuff) Don't forget to put WTB ads in your local Recycler (free ads) or whatever they call it. I received a call just the other day for an almost NIB Vec with couple of carts. I paid quite a bit, $75 but felt sorry for them since they paid $300 from an...get this....antique dealer about a year ago. It's cool, I 've got a shiny box with all the pkging and docs, oh and a couple of carts. Gaymond Lee + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!gordius!news-out.internetmci.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!nott!bcarh189.bnr.ca!bcarh8ac.bnr.ca!nrchh52.rich.nt.com!crchh327.rich.bnr.ca!woodcock From: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: [Vectrex] FAQ Date: 14 Oct 1995 01:38:15 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 1031 Distribution: inet Expires: 01 Nov 1995 Message-ID: <45n4a7$rqd@crchh327.rich.bnr.ca> Reply-To: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) NNTP-Posting-Host: carphc21.rich.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3680 rec.games.video.classic:30027 Sorry this is late again; I am at home with my 2nd daughter who was just born! +-----------+ |Vectrex====| | +-------+ | Vectrex "Frequently Asked Questions" List! Created: 9/1/92 | | # + *| | version 3.91 Copyright worldwide (c) 1994 | | : X | | Created and maintained by Gregg Woodcock (woodcock@bnr.ca) | | : . .| | | | A <=>| | This list will be reposted on the first day of every month. | | . | | | | X + | | @@@ | | * x | | @@ @@@ | +-------+ @@@ +---@----+ | ### # Q@@ / ! oooo / | ### OO | +--------+ +-----------+ This file is copyrighted (c) 1994 by Gregg Woodcock but may be distributed in part or in whole by anyone for any purpose (commercial or otherwise) provided proper credit is given to me and the individual contributors. If you do use the FAQ, I would appreciate it if you send me a copy of whatever you are doing with it. My plan is to have a 'newbie' part and a 'techie' part. I still need some more information about the following questions for it: Can a pause switch be built? (YES) Can the overlays be reproduced (MAYBE) Can a 3D color disk be made? (MAYBE; try using "shrinky-dinks") How does the light pen work and can one be built? (YES) How does the 3D imager work and can a Sega imager be converted? (MAYBE) =========================================================================== Q. What is Vectrex? Here it is in layman's terms: Vectrex is one of the most inspired video game machines ever produced (but similar things were said about the Edsel and Titanic). Its point of distinction is the fact that it uses vector "line" graphics (as opposed to raster "pixel" graphics). This is the same type of screen used in such arcade classics as Space Wars, Asteroids, Battlezone and Tempest. The machine has a 9 x 11 inch black and white screen and comes with a built-in Asteroids clone called Minestorm. The games come with plastic overlays that slide over the screen to cut down on flicker and give some illusion of color. It uses one of the most advanced 8 bit processors, the 68A09 (6809 with 1.5MHz clock speed), and a popular and excellent sound chip, General Instruments AY-3-8192, which can produce a wide range of noises. Also included is a 1.5 inch, self-centering, joystick with 4 buttons on the right. It uses an analog/potentiometer system allowing differing degrees of directional input. The machine's footprint takes up a little less than a square foot of a desk (in fact, it quite resembles a jet black Macintosh SE sans mouse and keyboard), and can be operated easily in that area. The joystick is connected via a springy telephone-like cord and can be folded into the base of the machine for portability. The machine is moderately transportable and very well constructed but, alas, very much extinct. It made its debut late in 1982 and was quite scarce by the end of 1984 due to the Great Video Game Depression of '82 which forced Milton Bradley (who bought the rights to the Vectrex from General Consumer Electronics (GCE)) to discontinue production due to to poor sales. After this, the rights to the Vectrex and all related materials were returned to the original developers, Smith Engineering. Smith Engineering has graciously condoned the not-for-profit circulation of any duplicatable materials including games and manuals and is happy to see it is still 'alive' in certain circles. Here are some more detailed snippets from the service manual: As a general description, the HP3OOO is a self-contained video game system intended for home use. The system includes its own 9" B&W monitor screen and 3" permanent magnet speaker. Plug-in ROM type cartridges are available offering arcade type video and sound game play. No external TV receiver hookup is needed or provided for. A front panel storable controller allows control over the game via joystick and push button action switches. For two player operation a second controller identical to the single player controller is available as an accessory product. Both controllers attach to the main game console through nine wire coiled telephone style cables. There is a consumer power switch/volume control on the front panel as well as a game reset button. A consumer adjustable brightness control is located on the main console rear housing. For the technical description which follows, the reader is encouraged to refer to the block diagram and schematic [not included here]. The HP3OOO is a microprocessor based, vector scan system using a standard 9" black & white CRT as its video display device. The microprocessor (MPU) is the Motorola 68A09 device. The MPU operates at 1.6 MHz from a 6 MHz external Xtal. An internal divide by 4 circuit generates the MPU 1.6 MHz "E" clock signal used in the system. Program memory is stored in the 8K x 8 bit 2363 type ROM. This ROM contains common subroutines, the "executive" or assembler instructions plus one complete game. Two 1K x 4 bit 2114 type static RAMS provide storage locations for data indicative of locations of objects, game status, and various other information needed by the microprocessor during game operation. Peripheral Interface Adaptor (PIA) Chip, has two 8 bit peripheral ports which interfaces the MPU with peripheral devices and external signals. One of the PIA ports interfaces the General Instrument AY-3-8912 sound-I.O. chip with the MPU and also drives the digital to analog converter chip MC1408. The other PIA port is used as control lines for the sound chip, selector control for the multiplex chip and as a means to read the A/D comparator that's used in the joystick successive approximation circuitry. Sound is either MPU generated directly or by use of the AY-3-8912 sound chip. The AY-3-8912 sound chip is a programmable sound generator containing 3 tone generators and wave shaping circuitry. This chip also has a single 8 bit I.O. port used to read the status of each of the hand controller's 4 action switches. The standard TTL device types 74LS00 and 74LS32 are used as control line decoders to allow the MPU to select the appropriate circuit element to be addressed at any particular time. The analog processing section includes digital to analog converter (DAC) chip type MC1408, dual 4 channel multiplexer/demultiplexer chip type CD4052, and dual channel op-amps types LF353 and LF347. DAC chip MC1408 receives an 8 bit word at data terminals D0-D7. DAC output (pin 4) is current source. One section of IC LF353 is used to change this current to a voltage representative of the 8 bit digital word received by the DAC chip. The LF353 voltage is applied to an input of the dual 4 channel multiplexer (MUX) chip CD4052. This same voltage (designated "DAC" on the schematic) is the X-axis drive signal. The CD4052 MUX chip serves two purposes: it selectively couples, under MPU control, the output of the DAC current/voltage converter to one of 4 places and is used to selectively couple the inputs from the joystick pots to the voltage comparator IC LF353. =========================================================================== Q. What games were released or on the drawing board before Vectrex died? Production # Name (Notes) [Size or NR=Not Released] ------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- VT 3000 Minestorm (built-in game; Asteroids clone) [4K] VT 3101 Cosmic Chasm (1st home game ported to arcade) [4K] VT 3102 Rip Off (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3103 Scramble (Konami arcade port) [4K] VT 3104 Solar Quest (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3105 Space Wars (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3106 Starhawk (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3107 Star Trek (AKA Star Ship in Europe) [4K] VT 3108 Web Wars (AKA Web Warp in ?????) (best game?) [8K] VT 3109 Star Castle (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3201 Hyperchase (very bad driving game) [4K] VT 3202 Blitz! Action Football [8K] VT 3203 Heads-Up Action Soccer (AKA Soccer in Europe) [8K] VT 3204 Spinball (AKA Flipper in Europe) (has PAUSE!) [8K] VT 3205 Pitcher's Duel -OR- Batter Up Action Baseball [NR] VT 3206 Pole Position (Atari/Namco arcade port) [8K] VT 3301 Armor Attack (Cinematronics arcade port) [4K] VT 3302 Berzerk (Stern arcade port; high levels crash)[4K] VT 3303 Clean Sweep (Pac-Man clone) [4K] VT 3304 Fortress of Narzod (great shooter) [8K] VT 3305 Bedlam (Tempest clone) [4K] VT 3306 Spike (It talks! Originally called Buster?) [8K] VT 3307 Dark Tower (ONLY 1 KNOWN TO EXIST!!!) [12K=8K+4K] VT 3308 Polar Rescue (Good subhunt game) (has PAUSE!) [8K] VT 3600 Light Pen (Hardware; required for 360X games) VT 3601 Art Master (light pen) (pack-in game) [4K] VT 3602 Melody Master (light pen) [8K] VT 3603 Mail Plane (light pen) (100% completed) [NR] VT 3604 Animaction (light pen) [8K+2K RAM] VT 3630 3-D Imager (Hardware; required for 363X games) VT 3631 3-D Pole Position (3-D) (completed?) [NR] VT 3632 3D Minestorm (3-D) (pack-in game) [8K] VT 3633 Narrow Escape (3-D) (same color disk as CC) [8K] VT 3634 Crazy Coaster (3-D) (same color disk as NE) [8K] VT ???? Test Cartridge (issued to repair centers only)[4K] VT ???? Tour de France (100% completed) [NR] VT ???? HangMan (touchscreen) (pack-in game; complete)[NR] The following games and accessories were planned but never released: Cartridges: Art Master II Art Master III Art Master IV Basic Science Create-A-Game/Maze Exploring the Solar System Flipout Hangman (game developed for use with Touch Screen) Pitcher's Duel Pole Position (for 3D imager) Power Trip Sock It Accessories: Touch-Sensitive Screen (prototype known to exist) Computer Adaptor with BASIC (prototypes rumored to exist) Computer Keyboard Printer Disk Driver/Wafer Tape Drive Modem Computer Software: Create Your Own Video Game Music Maestro Art Program in LOGO Basic Science Solar System Word Processing A company called Roy Abel & Associates also commercially exploited the Vectrex by using it as a text terminal (which is about the worst thing it can do) to perform the "Luscher Color Test" after you put a quarter into a coin device which activated the unit. You would pick colors in the order that they appealed to you (again, why did they use a black and white display for this job?), and it would tell you about your personality. Actually, no matter what you picked it would tell you something that you could identify with; all of the statements were pretty vague. The guy that programmed it did not understand the hardware; the text scrolled up the screen, but lines popped on at the bottom and disappeared near the top instead of scrolling on and off from offscreen. Roy had GCE's permission and blessing to do the project. In fact, Lee Chaden (big guy at GCE) was at his facility. =========================================================================== Q. What miscellaneous Vectrex items might my collection be missing? Here is a list of most of the extra stuff that isn't a cart, overlay, box or regular manual... * Orange 5"x3.75" sheet notifying us of GCE's change of address * "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" addendum to Owner's Manual (No. 98722-072). This listed 17 things you shouldn't do * Canadian addendum to Onwer's Manual for warranty info (pg 11/12) * Manual for the Control Panel (Joystick) * White 5.5"x3" manuals for the Light Pen and 3D Glasses * White 3"x4" 3D Imager addendum describing how to work the color disk latch * White 3.5"x4.5" 3D Crazy Coaster addendum telling how to survive underpasses * White 4"x6" Minestorm addendum (P/N 140028-1) describing wave 13 bug * White 2.5"x2.5" addendum to the Star Trek manual describing self-play bug * A catalog of games (same size as regular manuals) from "Triton" * A catalog of games (same size as regular manuals) called "Passport" * A 7.5"x3.5" pamphlet listing HW and games called "High Performance Machine" * Vectrex unit warranty registration card (and Owner's Club form) * Electronic Games Magazine subscription form (44% off for Vectrex players) * Custom Designed Accessories for your Vectrex Arcade System order form listing a collapsable carrying case ($14.95) and a vinyl dust cover ($5.95). * carrying case for the Vectrex * protective dust cover for the Vectrex * Service Manual * Test Cart * The first (and only?) issue of the Owner's Club magazine "Passport" =========================================================================== Q. Where is the Vectrex ftp archive and what is there? The ftp Vectrex information archive is at ftp.csus.edu (130.86.90.1) and is maintained by John F. Sandhoff . There are binary listings (2 flavors; pure binary from the ROMs, and Motorola "S-format" dumps) for most of the games along with instructions on how to burn Eproms. There are several commented examples of code demonstrating how to write both music and graphics. There is also a copy of the service manual and much more. Almost all of the stuff is bundled into a compressed file called "vectrex.tar.Z". There are plenty of experiments to keep an eager hacker busy. Recently, some GIF/JPEG files were added showing some of the screen overlays (there are also GIFs of the 2 color wheels). Also, text files of the manuals for most, if not all, of the games are there. David Wright will be putting the vectrex stuff up his email server. If you don't have FTP access, this may work for you. If you want to try and get at it, the email server is at "impinfo@Prism1.COM". If your site doesn't like that, try "prism1!impinfo@NCoast.ORG". To receive a list of the files available place "send vect.index" in the message body. You can also add "send help" to get a complete set of instructions. Be aware that some of these files are huge and may push you over your mailbox or disk space quota immediately. =========================================================================== Q. Isn't copying the games by burning EPROMs stealing or violating a copyright? If the system is "dead" then no money is lost by making copies of something which otherwise would never be available. Even so, it is a fuzzy matter and technically the answer should probably be, "YES." Fortunately, Smith Engineering has given Usenetters permission to make copies of all Vectrex related materials (manuals, games, overlays, etc.) as long as it is for distribution to members of the group and as long as it is not for profit. =========================================================================== Q. I ordered a multi-cart from Mark Woodward well over a year ago and paid him in advance. I am having trouble getting hold of him and I still haven't received my cart. Did I get ripped off? Here is everything I know. The multi-carts came back from the fabricator shortly after everybody got their orders in and Mark built them and started sending them out. It turns out that there are 2 different hardware designs for the Vectrex and Mark had the less common version. Unfortunately this first multi-cart design is incompatible with the most common version of the Vectrex hardware and most of the multi-carts had to be sent back to Mark for repair (and he stopped sending the originals out, also). Mark then had to do several expensive and time consuming things; he had to locate and purchase one of the other versions of the Vectrex, he had to redesign the PCB and find a way to make the new design backward compatible with the old design so that he could reuse the PCBs, he had to rewrite the software which meant he had to unsolder the EPROMs (since they weren't socketed) and erase them, reprogram them, and solder them back on. He then has to upgrade the PCB by cutting several traces and soldering on several jumpers. As you can see, fixing all these PCBs takes a LONG time and a lot of effort (and money since he has to pay double-shipping for all the carts that did go out). To complicate matters, Mark changed email addresses (and jobs?), and was blessed with the birth of a new baby creating a large drain on his "free" time. I am not excusing his tardiness and I agree that even considering these circumstances the delay is still too long to excuse. I am just trying to give you all some background as to how a good idea went very wrong. I talked to Mark sometime around the beginning of September and he told me that as of that date all international orders had been filled and that there were exactly 15 USA orders left to be retrofitted. I offered to do the retrofits for him and he agreed to send the materials to me. He decided to send the stuff to be fixed immediately and it arrived sometime around Halloween and I have been working on them ever since. I have completed all repairs several times only to have a couple of other neccessary repairs creep up. At the beginning of December I got MOST of the carts working (all of the 15 except 3) and sent them out to people the 1st week in December and sent the 3 screwy ones back to Mark. By the end of Decmeber, he had them all working and sent them to the owners. So it boils down to this, if you paid for a cart and didn't get one, you are out of luck because there are no more. You need to contact Mark and work something out with him. =========================================================================== Q. Do I have to make my own multi-cart; can't I just buy one from somebody? No; I mean, Yes, err... There are several people making multi-carts for resale on the net but the best ones (by far) were being made by Mark Woodward. He has sold out of the original batch and it was such a headache that he will not be doing it again. Instead, I have taken over the project and am working on getting the images to some unreleased, yet completed games. They are Tour de France and Mail Plane (and perhaps another "goodie" that isn't really a game but a silly in-house project never meant for release). Until I get those images (should be soon now), I will not be building any multicarts because I don't know how big the images are (the recently discovered Dark Tower image, for example, is 12K). The reason this matters is because I am going to be rewriting Mark's menu code to acount for files of flexible length (right now it just uses 8K boundaries and wastes a large hunk of the EPROM) and I will also need to redesign the hardware. I plan on using Xilynx chips and reduce the design to essentially 4 chips so that the PCB will be able to fit inside a canabalized cartridge case. The carts will allow you to select the games via a menu on the Vectrex screen instead of by flipping dip switches as most others do. The carts will support the RAM for Animaction and include a 'pause' button allowing you to pause any of the games. They will contain all the released games plus the Test Cart and 2 hacked versions of Minestorm (infinite lives and more shots) and any other goodies I can fit (which after the redesign should be most of what is at the archive). The estimated price breakdown is as follows... $30 PCB + S/W selection $20 EPROM (unless you can send me one) $20 Xilynx LCA chips $10 Donation to charity of your choice $5 RAM (Optional) $5 Misc parts (solder, switches, etc.) --- $90 Complete, ready-to-play multicart ($10 to charity, $80 to me) If I build it for you then there will be a $5 charge for miscellaneous parts and you will be obligated donate $10 to a local charity to cover my time. This is in the spirit of the Smith Engineering agreement for 'not-for-profit' duplication. The only 'profit' I will get is from the s/w selection code which I deserve and am entitled to because I licensed the 100% original code from Mark who wrote (owns) it. The games have been generously donated by Smith Engineering and the parts will be sold at cost (with a little to cover shipping). The PCBs are made at a professional manufacturer and include plated through holes, etc. No hack and slash job here :> If you want to build it yourself I will provide you with the PCB, a programmed EPROM (or image if you can blast your own) and a parts list. At this point, I am not ready to accept orders but if you want to get on the waiting list, email me your name, address and telephone number and I'll let you know when I begin making them again; hopefully this will be in the next few months but it all depends on when I get the new games and how long it takes me to redesign the HW/SW. This FAQ will be updated as the situation changes. =========================================================================== Q. How do I play ? Simple, read the manual. WHAT; you don't have a manual? OK then, read the screen overlay (it lists the functions of all the buttons). You don't have the screen overlay either? In that case most (maybe all by now) of the manuals have been transcribed into text files and made available via ftp. YOU DON'T HAVE FTP EITHER? OK, I'll tell you what; in the spirit of Smith Engineering's generosity, I will volunteer my services as Vectrex copy shop. I have all of the overlays and manuals (as well as some extra stuff like the service manual, "Passport" magazine, the "Triton" and "Passport" catalog pamphlets, and the "High Performance Machine" pamphlet) and am willing to make copies for free to anybody that is willing to play by my "rules". You must send a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (SASE) along with a listing of everything that you want photocopies of (black and white copies only; if you want color overlay copies, send $2.50 for each one since color copies cost $$$). You will receive double sided copies unless you specifically request single sided ones. I will fill the orders only about once a month so don't hold your breath for a quick return. Please note that these will not be replicas in any particular sense. I will be copying them as you would a book (I WILL NOT REMOVE THE STAPLES TO REPLICATE THE SHEETS TO FACILITATE MAKING EXACT DUPLICATES). If you want exact duplicates, you will need to modify the copies I send you (I am trying to keep my effort to a minimum). If I need to fold something to fit it in your SASE, then I will, so keep that in mind if you want unfolded stuff. The amount of postage is left up to you to figure out; I am just going to copy, stuff, and send; I will not verify sufficient postage. Tips are appreciated (particularly if you are asking for a *lot* of copying) but not neccesary nor required; this is a free service. Send SASE to: Gregg Woodcock 2930 Dukeswood Drive Garland, TX 75040-8770 U.S.A P.S. If you take advantage of either of these services, it would be nice if you would "pay the community back" by transcribing at least one document that is not currently at the ftp site and uploading it (or emailing it to me and I will get it there). I am pretty sure none of the "extra" stuff I have has been transcribed yet. P.P.S. If you have an original service manual, please contact me so I can get an copy of it (or buy it from you). The copy I have is Nth generation and is very hard to read... =========================================================================== Q. Is there a way to make a Vectrex joystick perhaps with autofire capability? Brian Holscher has designed a flexible way to convert a Sega Genesis controller for use with the Vectrex. He will build one for you for a small fee or if you check the archives, you will find a file describing how to build one yourself (it is more complex than you will probably be expecting). Here is the first part of that file: This information including schematics is copyright 1994 by Brian Holscher. This information is free for distribution as long as its not used for commercial purposes. Using Sega Controllers with Vectrex (Revision 2.0a) This Section explains: 1. How to convert a Sega Controller to work with Vectrex. 1. How to make a Sega Controller to Vectrex Adaptor. 2. Where to purchase a converted Sega Controller. 3. Where to purchase a Sega to Vectrex controller adapter. BACKGROUND Since my Vectrex controller is flaky, I bought a cheap Sega Controller and converted it to work on the Vectrex. From there I added some nice features like autofire and re-programmable buttons. I decided to post schematics for those who want to make Vectrex controllers. After talking with others on the net, I decided to build a Sega to Vectrex adapter. This is a little harder than converting controllers, but I got one to work. This posting includes info and schematics for both. For those who don't want the hassle of making your own controllers, I'm offering converted controllers and adapters for sale. I'm also offering a preprogrammed micro-controller for sale. LIMITATIONS The Sega Controller is a digital controller. The Vectrex control panel is an analog controller. Games like Minestorm don't look at the analog values of the joystick and only look to see what direction the joystick is moved. Games like Minestorm work with these converted Sega controllers. Games like HyperChase look at how far the joystick moves in a direction and are not fun to play with these converted controllers. All (known) games work with these converted controllers and adaptors with 2 exceptsion. Hyperchase (all game variations) and Starhawk (game variation #2 only) are completely unplayable due to the need for analog controller data. FEATURES This design incorporates a micro-controller for additional functionality. The micro-controller allows the user to program which Sega Controller button maps to which Vectrex button. This is useful since the 4th button (called Start) on the Sega Controller is a smaller and inconveniently located since it is normally reserved for starting games on Sega systems. The micro-controller even allows reprogramming of the button assignments in the middle of a game. Another feature is auto-fire. Any button can be set to auto-fire. This means that the micro-controller presses the button over and over again instead of the player. CONTROLLERS VRS ADAPTERS Adapters give you the advantage of using any Sega Controller with Vectrex and still be able to use it on the Sega system. If you don't have a Sega controller, a converted controller is less cost than an adaptor plus the cost of a Sega controller. Another slight advantage is that the LED thats informs the user during button reprogramming and auto-fire is easier to see on a converted controller. The micro-controller is optional if you are converting your own Sega controller. However, the micro-controller is required for the adapter. BUYING CONVERTED CONTROLLERS If your don't want to convert a controller or make an adapter yourself, you can purchase them from me. You can also purchase a preprogrammed micro-controller from me. Sourme Code for Micro-controller ------- Free if you ask nicely. Preprogrammed Micro-controller -------- $20 (The includes Xtal and Xtal capacitors) Converted Sega Controller ------------- $45 Sega to Vectrex Adaptor ------------- $45 Shipping is included. Send email to brianh@ichips.intel.com and we will work out the details. =========================================================================== Q. How can I make a copy of a screen overlay? With the advances made in the past 2 years in color scanners, copiers and priners, it is now possible to make a near exact duplicate with the push of a (few) button(s). 0. First you need an original overlay, prefereably one with little fading. 1. If you want a "rough" copy, simply get a good high end color photocopy onto acetate (those overhead projector plastic sheets). 2. If you want a better copy, you scan the image, preferably in color. I think 150 dpi is okay though some people may want to go for maximum resolution. 3. Then you need a good paint program, I used Adobe Photoshop to do some preliminary clean-up work, but I have a feeling it would take quite a bit of work to make a perfect overlay. 4. Prining--the critical part. You need a color printer that can do acetate (animation cel) printouts. Unfortunately, no color printer can work on thick sheets, which brings us to 5. 5. You need go to to a hobby shop and get a piece of .045 thick clear sheet of [poly]styrene. Its prtty cheap. 6. The only part I haven't worked out, bonding the acetate overlay to the styrene. It is probable that there are some mucho expensive color printers that professional print shops use that can print onto any thickness sheets but I haven't done much looking. Thanks to Noel for this info. =========================================================================== Q. My Vectrex is very noisy; is there anything I can do to make it any quieter? Here is what Daniel A Muntz said helped him: The noise isn't digital in nature and it closely follows the video. It also isn't a power supply problem; isolating the audio input of the amplifier from the sound circuit revealed no noise at all. It seems the noise is generated in two ways: 1: By induction; Moving the audio cable around makes the noise less or more prominent. It is at minimum when the cable is placed in its original manufactured groove. Good design since that's farthest from the CRT yoke. 2: By ground impedance; Although all supplies are clean the hum is still present in the modulated dc difference between the two boards. A definite improvement can be achieved by doing the following: 1: Rewiring the ground between the digital and video board. 2: Shielding audio circuit and changing cable to volume pot to a better shielded one. =========================================================================== Q. My joystick wont auto-center anymore; can I fix it? (A.K.A. How do I get inside or open up my joystick?) You can't make it "good-as-new", but you can repair it so that is is usable again. You must first get past the sticker on the top of the joystick to get at the 5 screws that hold it together (4 are about 3/8" in from the sides and 1/2" from the top/bottom ahd the last is about 1/2" tot hte right of the cable). Just feel around and you should be able to find where the holes are. You can either try to peel off the sticker (difficult to do without damaging it but possible if you are careful) or simply punch 5 holes in it so you can remove the screws (leaving most of the sticker intact). Now that you have the joystick open, remove the broken spring that used to center the joystick. Use the core from the largest available guitar string to replace the spring you just removed. If you snip off one end you can remove the (usually gold) wire wrapped around a core wire by pulling on the gold wire. Credit goes to Dan Muntz once again for this clever solution and to Mike Packard for details about the screws. =========================================================================== Q. Are there tricks or cheats for any Vectrex games? YES! (Vectrex had cheats back when they were still known as bugs): ARMOR ATTACK: If you crank the brightness all the way up, you are able to see the helicopter's position as soon as you hear it (even thought it is off the screen). BEDLAM: You can see a special author title screen that proclaims, "PROGRAMMED BY WILLIAM HAWKINS GT 1982" if you follow the instructions found in the "STAR CASTLE" entry below. I discovered this by trying the "original" Star Castle trick on other games that I knew Bill wrote. This screen is different from all the similar ones in that it plays music too! You are treated to the melody line that accompanies the lyrics "Oh I wish I was from the land of cotton". The screen ends when the tune finishes and releasing buttons has no effect. BERZERK: The hunt for this egg began thanks to Pete Rittwage who first reported it but could not reproduce it. Even after confirming the trick with Chris King, the author of the game, nobody was able to find it because Chris had forgotten exactly what was required to activate it! Then along came net.hero Fred Taft with the answer after disassembling the object code. Before your man stops flashing when you kill your last man, press and hold down only the 1, 3, and 4 buttons on the player 1 control panel. When the "GOT YOU HUMANOID" summary screen appears with your socre, there will be the author's initials in the lower right corner ("CMK"). This screen will stay for about 90 seconds before going back to the game select screen and you cannot get out of it by pressing buttons. BLITZ!: If you get a 1st and inches (1 and 0 to go), as long as you stay on the 0 yd line, you keep getting first downs. Thanks to Adam Fox for this one. COSMIC CHASM: You can see a special author title screen that proclaims, "PROGRAMMED BY WILLIAM HAWKINS GT 1982" if you follow the instructions found in the "STAR CASTLE" entry below. I discovered this by trying the "original" Star Castle trick on other games that I knew Bill wrote. FORTRESS OF NARZOD: If you can somehow manage to kill the "Mystic Hurler" (you know, the BossAtTheEndOfTheWave guy that looks like a gorilla) at the same time he kills you, your lives remaining will turn into the infinity sign (oo) and you will have 255 lives. It is not known for sure if your lives in reserve value has to be zero for this to work (probably so since this bug is most likely due to an accidental underflow from 0 to -1 which assumably would trigger the software to be in virtual infinite play mode to aid play/beta testing). The author takes credit for this one! MINESTORM: The brightness trick allows you to see the "invisible" mines. RIPOFF: You can see a special author title screen that proclaims, "PROGRAMMED BY WILLIAM HAWKINS GT 1982" if you follow the instructions found in the "STAR CASTLE" entry below. I discovered this by trying the "original" Star Castle trick on other games that I knew Bill wrote. SPACE WARS: Either ship is invincible after being hit, while pieces are in the air. This may not sound like much, or maybe this was intentional, but I've played against people who make this their entire strategy. They skim the edge of the Star in the middle, just to knock off a tail section or something, and then while they are invincible, they fly right into you. Not nice, but it works very well. The time window is surprisingly long. SCRAMBLE: A quote from Paul Allen Newell, developer of the game: I remember going thru long discussions with management about giving the programmers credit on the games. Western Technologies and/or GCE didn't approve it and most of the programmers hide their names somewhere in the games. My "Easter Egg" can be located in "Scramble" by doing the following. If you have two controllers with joystick and buttons, put them both in; otherwise, use the single one in the usual position. While "Scramble" is displaying its "game # player #" section, move the joystick so it is "down". When "Scramble" starts, keep it in this down position so your plane crashes on the floor BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS START. Do this for all you ships, DO NOT PUSH ANY BUTTONS TO FIRE BOMBS OR BULLETS. When it is over, the display "end" will come up. WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY BUTTONS, unplug the main controller and move it to the "player two" plug (if you have two controllers, this step is not necessary). Then, with the "player two" controller, PUSH ALL FOUR BUTTONS SIMULTANEOUSLY. They must all go down at the same time. Repeat until you get all four down at the same time. You'll know when you see the word "end" change into something else. This is the first time I have documented the method, having only mentioned it to friends or hinted to others. Enjoy! (Thanks a LOT to Stefan Herr for digging up this one-of-a-kind jem). SPIKE: If you position the door ALMOST all the way to the right of the screen, then jump into it, so as to be jammed between the door, and the little space that is left; the game freaks out, you will be pushed forward about 47,000 points, and the difficulty will be increased proportionally. STAR CASTLE: This is the most extravagant egg of all the Vectrex games. The designer put in his own title screen which brazenly proclaims "PROGRAMMED BY WILLIAM HAWKINS GT 1983". A quick caveat; this only works on a cold restart (i.e. the first time you turn the game on) and will not work if you start the game over by pressing the reset button. However, it will work with the software selectable muticarts if Star Castle is the first game you select after turning the game on. To get the screen to appear you must push the 1, 2, and 4 keys on the player 1 control panel before the Star Castle title screen music finishes playing. If those 3 buttons are down when tune ends, the author title screen will appear. It will last for about 2 seconds or until you release one of the buttons. It is my guess that the GT stands for Georgia Tech and the 1983 is the year the software was written. (MANY thanks to Fred Taft for discovering this after disassembling the object code). WEB WARS: You can see a special author title screen that proclaims, "PROGRAMMED BY WILLIAM HAWKINS DUNCAN MUIRHEAD PATRICK KING GT 1983" if you follow the instructions found in the "STAR CASTLE" entry above. I discovered this by trying the "original" Star Castle trick on other games that I knew Bill wrote. This screen is different from all the similar ones in that the font size is about 3 times as big. =========================================================================== Q. What is the history of the Vectrex? A. Thanks a lot to Stefan Herr for the following information he dug up while researching an article for a European gaming magazine. If you have any additions or corrections, please contact both of us. Thanks also to Chris King who sent me personal email to fill some gaps. VECTREX TIMETABLE ----------------- End 1980/Spring 1981: The development of Vectrex starts with an idea by Jay Smith, head of Western Technologies/Smith Engineering, and his talented staff for a small, vector scan table top game they call "Mini Arcade". It is possible that the real inspiration for the product may have actually come from Gerry Karr and/or John Ross. Spring 1981: The Vectrex idea is optioned to Kenner (known for their "Star Wars", "Care Bears", "Batman" and "Batman Returns" figures). Vectrex planned to have a 5" black and white tube. 06/1981: Paul A. Newell is hired by Western Technologies to join the "Atari reverse engineering project" group (aim: be able to write games for the VCS 2600) which at that point consisted of Mark Indictor and John Hall. 07/1981: Kenner declines to pursue the Vectrex. 08 or 09/1981: The Vectrex concept is licensed by GCE (General Consumer Electronics). GCE's president Ed Krakauer had the vision to see the great potential of the system. To enhance its appeal, GCE asks that the screen be increased to 9-inches. Autumn 1981: The Atari project is cancelled and the three Atari people (M.I., P.N., J.H.) start work on the Vectrex project. John Ross designs the hardware, Gerry Karr works together with John Hall on the system ROM (called "The Executive"). In the beginning it is planned to use a 6502 processor which turns out to be too slow. For this reason the 6809 is used finally. Jan 1982: Bill Hawkins and Chris King join the Western Tech. They were both students at Georgia Tech at the time and are hired by Ed Smith as "Cooperative Education" students. They are supposed to work for three months and then go back to school. Duncan Muirhead joins a week or two afterwards. He had just dropped out of a Physics PHD program at UCLA. ??: A strict timetable demands that the first 12 games and the hardware should be ready in June 1982. ??: John Hall later exclusively works on "Mine Storm" while Gerry Karr works on The Executive alone. Gerry starts over from scratch and changes the name to the RUM (Run Time Monitor). In the end, a number of people contribe to the RUM, most notably Duncan Muirhead who handled most of the heavy trig stuff. 04/1982: Paul Newell finishes "Scramble". Mine Storm, Bezerk, Scamble, Rip Off, and Star Trek were all completed at the same time. 06/1982: The Vectrex is introduced to the public on the Summer-CES in Chicago. Summer 1982: Mark Indictor, John Hall and others are directly hired by GCE to write more games. Paul Newell and Duncan Muirhead leave Western Technologies to join Simutrek, a company developing arcade laser disc games ("Cube Quest"). Chris King leaves 6 months later. Noah Anglin (former vice president of Atari) was hired by GCE as a consultant to watch over the development of Vectrex. It was a good deal for him since he recruited the core of the software guys for his new company, Simutrek, from Western Technologies. Unfortunatly, this wasn't enough. Simutrek died on the vine. ??: Mark Indictor and his family move about two hours out of Los Angeles and he writes games in the seclusion of a pine forest at 5,000 ft. He even has an NBC news crew come up and interview him for a news show on weird computer hackers and their life styles. Late summer 82: Start of mass production. 11/1982: Vectrex is available in the USA for $199. Very positive reviews in the magazines. Paul Newell's "Scramble" gets the "Arcade Award" of the "Electronic Games" magazine for the best "Mini-Arcade game" (a category which is founded exclusively for the Vectrex). Spring 1983: GCE is acquired by Milton Bradley (MB). 03/1983: Vectrex is announced in the German "Telematch" magazine for the first time in Germany. Summer 1983: Distribution begins in Germany and many other west European countries by Milton BradleyB (German office located in Fuerth). 1983: Several efforts fail in developing a color Vectrex. One obvious project is to use a color TV tube; however, this is always too expensive. Another is to use a projection TV with three vector scan tubes. It works well but is commercially impractical. Yet another effort is to use two layers of color phosphor on a black and white type TV tube. By varying the high voltage level, the electron beam would excite the bottom layer or the top layer. However the high voltage cannot be changed rapidly enough to keep up with the scan. 02/1984: "Artmaster Lightpen", "Star Castle", "Polar Rescue", "Animaction" and "Pole Position" presented on the "Nuernberger Spielwarenmesse" (Germany's most important show for the toy industry). around 02/84: 3D-Imager is presented at the Winter-CES in Las Vegas. 31/03/1984: End of Vectrex in Germany: MB in Fuerth announces stop of sales on this date. Rest of 1984: Vectrex is phased out as Hasbro buys Milton Bradley and video game fever comes crashing down (probable reason: home computer fever). Rummage sales in Germany (mainly in stores of the METRO-chain, which had bought the rest of MB's stock) close out Vectrex equipment at bargain prices. 1988: Western Technologie/Smith Enginerring tries to resurrect Vectrex as a handheld unit. It is to be based on the Sinclair flat TV tube, which has fast static deflection at low power consumption and low cost. However, the impending introduction of GameBoy causes the idea to be scrapped. 10/1993: A feature about the 10th anniversary of the Vectrex is published in the German "Video Games" magazine. Contains technical descriptions, pictures of Jay Smith and Mark Indictor, a Vectrex history and a list of games and accessories. The article is based on information collected by the author (Stefan Herr) from the Usenet Vectrex newsgroup, various FTP archives, many emails from several former Vectrex developers and a historical overiew about the development by Jay Smith. There is not very much evidence of the existance of a computer keyboard with a BASIC cartridge (or something similar) for the Vectrex. The only known hints are from an article in an old issue of "Creative Computing" magazine (in the first couple of pages they do a ranking of computers' speed based on some simple benchmark. There is an entry for the Vectrex in it using Vectrex basic) and an article about new computers starting on page 114 of the October, 1983 issue of Popular Science. A chart in the article indicates that the keyboard was to include 16K of RAM, expandable to 64K. The article goes in to great detail about the computer add-on. Thanks to Joshua See who can be reached at SMTC474@uoft02.utoledo.edu. It is the issue that reviewed the original Macintosh (1984?). LIST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE VECTREX DEVELOPMENT --------------------------------------------------- Lenny Carlson Musician hired to write game sounds and title tunes Did finishing touches to Bedlam Jeff Corseglia Main game desginer (titles unknown) John Hall (*) Worked on The Executive Author of Mine Storm Bill Hawkins Author of 3-D Minestorm Author of 3-D Crazy Coaster Author of Bedlam Author of Cosmic Chasm Author of Lenny Carlson's Greatest Bits (never intended for release) Author of Rip Off Author of Star Castle Author (with 2 others) of Web Wars Mark Indictor (*) First duties during development: Software for communication with the ICE (In-Circuit-Emulator) Star Trek Games: for Western Technologies: Star Trek for GCE Spinball Polar Rescue Mail Plane (not published, for use with Lightpen) Tour de France (not published) Gerry Karr Took over The Executive project after John Hall concentrated on Mine Storm Chris King Author of Berzerk Author of Hyperchase Patrick King (*not* related to Chris) Author (with 2 others) of Web Wars Ronald J. Logsdon Author of Melody Master Kim Martin Digitized the Scramble landscapes Beta-tester (mainly for Scramble) Richard "the mouse" Moskowski Programmed games (titles unkonwn) Designed game watches prior to Vectrex Duncan Muirhead Joined WT at the end of 1981 (or beginning of 1982) Author of Armor...Attack Author (with 2 others) of Web Wars Walter Nakano Model builder; co-designed the external case 1-2 years before the Macintosh! Paul Allen Newell (*) Sole author of Scramble Gary Niles Executive Officer of some kind Mike Purvis "Hardware Tech" (responsibilities unknown) John Ross Developer of the hardware Tom Sloper Main game desginer (titles unknown) Went on to work high up at Activision but has left for now. Ed Smith (Jay's brother) Manager of enginerring during early development Before Vectrex, he worked at Harris in Orlando and frequently used GA Tech Co-ops Hired a bunch of ex-Harris guys to work at a new Wester Technologies branch office in Orlando where a number of games were written Jay Smith Founder and president of Western Technologies/Smith Engineering Colin Vowels Model builder; co-designed the external case 1-2 years before the Macintosh. (*): These persons worked on the "Atari reverse engineering" project. Only one of the three games that were created by that group was released (the one written by Paul Newell). Anyway, the whole project was cancelled later because the competition (e.g. Activision) was too big. Other people involved (this list does not claim to be complete) were David Blair, Alan Cobb, Jeff Corsiglia, Ed Faris, Joel Hassell, Don Herndon, Ed Horton, Bill Hudson, Kevin Hudson, Nolan Johnson, Steve Marking, Lori Pearsall, and Bob Rutowski. Sources: Electronic mails from Mark Indictor, Paul Newell, Chris King, Ronald J. Logsdon, Bill Hawkins, personal letter from Jay Smith, several articles from "Electronic Games" magazine (provided by Paul Newell), article from "Creative Computing" magazine (provided by Dion Dock). =========================================================================== Send corrections, suggestions, additions, ect. to woodcock@bnr.ca -- 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!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: rodb29@aol.com (RODB29) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Controller Date: 14 Oct 1995 09:22:06 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 4 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45odhv$kdk@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: rodb29@aol.com (RODB29) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com I am interested in buying an extra controller for my vectrex system, can anyone help? Rod Brown EMail Rodb29@aol.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!nntp.teleport.com!ip-pdx05-61 From: luna@teleport.com (Chris.Hanks) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: FS: Vectrex carts Date: Mon, 16 Oct 95 17:49:04 GMT Organization: Teleport Internet Services Corp. Lines: 15 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45ugf6$b3g@maureen.teleport.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: ip-pdx05-61.teleport.com X-Newsreader: News Xpress Version 1.0 Beta #3 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3685 rec.games.video.marketplace:41883 I have the following rarish Vectrex carts for sale. I'm selling CARTS ONLY -- no manuals, boxes, overlays, color wheels, etc. Vectrex Carts ------------- 3D Minestorm 3D Crazy Coaster Art Master I'm asking for US $20 each or better offer. NO TRADES, please. Please e-mail me if interested. Thanks! -- Chris. luna@teleport.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!news.cerf.net!news-relay.eworld.com!news.sprintlink.net!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netcom.com!javrunin From: javrunin@netcom.com (Joliet Jake) Subject: Looking for Vectrex System Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest) X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] Date: Mon, 16 Oct 1995 19:13:54 GMT Lines: 18 Sender: javrunin@netcom8.netcom.com Hello all-- I am new to this newsgroup, but have read the faq and feel well prepared to ask this question :-). First of all, I've used vectrex's before.... I am a CIT at Computer-Ed High Tech Camp and we had the good fortune of having 3 of them. Unfotunately, the displays on them slowly died out. But, I would like to have one for myself. From what I understand, multicarts are cartridges with all the games written on one cartridge. I haven't been able to figure out what Anim-Action is though. But the point of this, is that I am looking for a vectrex system. I really don't want to spend too much. I am not looking for collector's item quality, but I want a system that works. Please e-mail me if you have any offers Thanks JolietJake + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!chi-news.cic.net!simtel!swidir.switch.ch!scsing.switch.ch!news.belwue.de!news.uni-ulm.de!rz.uni-karlsruhe.de!rzstud2.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de!ub2f From: ub2f@rzstud2.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de (Ralph Kimmlingen) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: rom images needed Date: 16 Oct 1995 16:31:53 GMT Organization: University of Karlsruhe, Germany Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <45u1dq$k66@nz12.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de> NNTP-Posting-Host: rzstud2.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit NNTP-Posting-User: ub2f Hello Folks, I recently finished successfully the construction of a Vectrex development system (30K usable RAM) and I`m looking for the following rom images: - Spike ) not on website - Darktower ) - Rip Off ) code from website doesn`t work - Clean Sweep ) I would really appreciate it, if someone could send them to me. Regards, Ralph -----------------------------> Oins geht noch <------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!news.intelenet.com!news.sprintlink.net!in1.uu.net!spstimes.sps.mot.com!newsdist.sps.mot.com!newsgate.sps.mot.com!seneca!jeffh From: jeffh@oakhill-csic.sps.mot.com (Jeff Hunsinger) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex for sale Date: 17 Oct 1995 19:06:34 GMT Organization: Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector Lines: 13 Distribution: world Message-ID: <460urq$12d3@newsgate.sps.mot.com> Reply-To: jeffh@oakhill-csic.sps.mot.com NNTP-Posting-Host: seneca.sps.mot.com I have a Vectrex for sale. No auction silliness: Vectrex in good condition with two controllers Controller 1 doesn't have spring return in the X direction Controller 2 doesn't have spring return in the Y direction I have a few cartridges, including Scramble (I forget what the rest are). $75 + shipping COD cash Jeff + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!sacsa3.mp.usbr.gov!borcore.usbr.gov!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Afraid to use it...:( Date: 18 Oct 1995 14:39:53 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 18 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <463hlp$231@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com This may sound pretty stupid, but given the volatility and limited lifespans of Vectrex monitors, I'm afraid to turn the thing on. Is there a method for repairing one of these units should the screen get burnt out? I mean, I'd love to play the damn thing, but I don't want to lose it in the process. Any idea how long these screens last? Thanks, TK3DOFORUM AOL.com , "HEY! We're not ALL bad :) " NEO GEO Saturn 3DO Jaguar PSX Staff Writer GameWire Unashamed user of Bass Ale Classics owned: Colevision, Vectrex, Intellivision, FairChild Channel F, Bally Arcade, Microvision, Atari 5200, Atari 400, Atari 800 XL, Atari 2600, still looking for more... + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!enews.sgi.com!sgigate.sgi.com!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk!ard12 From: ard12@eng.cam.ac.uk (A.R. Duell) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Afraid to use it...:( Date: 18 Oct 1995 22:41:26 GMT Organization: University of Cambridge, England Lines: 49 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <463vqm$7gl@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> References: <463hlp$231@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: club.eng.cam.ac.uk tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) writes: >This may sound pretty stupid, but given the volatility and limited >lifespans of Vectrex monitors, I'm afraid to turn the thing on. Is there a >method for repairing one of these units should the screen get burnt out? This is a problem for all people who collect classic computers - should you use them or not. IMHO, the only reason for owning such a machine is to use it (play it, program it, hack it, whatever), so I do use mine. The CRT is not likely to fail. In any case, it's a standard TV tube, and could probably be replaced. The main problem areas in the vectrex are : 1) The ROM, although a dump/source is on the ftp site, I think. If not, I think the current rules would allow one to be distributed - should one be uploaded sometime. 2) Other chips on the digital board - the AY-3-8912 sound chip is very difficult to find now, and may fail someday. IMHO, the life of low power digital chips is not significantly shortened by using them 3) The EHT transformer. The Vectrex's EHT is produced by a flyback circuit, similar to that used in a lot of TVs. I _think_ the transformer was a standard one from a TV of the time, but I guess it's hard to find now. Does anyone know of a suitable replacement? Mind you, I've never heard of a vectrex EHT transformer failing. 4) The LM379S chip. Some people claim this was custom-made for the Vectrex - it wasn't - it was a standard 6W stereo amplifier chip used here to provide the X and Y defelection drives. These are _very difficult_ to find now - I had to replace one in a hard disk earlier this year, and was very lucky to find a replacement. I suspect, however, that the vectrex could be modified to use more modern audio amplifier ICs if it ever failed. >I mean, I'd love to play the damn thing, but I don't want to lose it in >the process. Any idea how long these screens last? No idea as to life, but I'll keep on playing mine. As a service manual is available, I think it will always be possible to repair them. >Thanks, >TK3DOFORUM AOL.com , "HEY! We're not ALL bad :) " -tony + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!olivea!decwrl!pa.dec.com!rock.enet.dec.com!huber From: huber@rock.enet.dec.com () Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: The Silent Vectrex... Date: 19 Oct 1995 20:08:09 GMT Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation Lines: 19 Distribution: world Message-ID: <466b79$qij@usenet.pa.dec.com> Reply-To: huber@tribe.enet.dec.com (Joe Huber) NNTP-Posting-Host: rock X-Newsreader: mxrn 6.18-32 A question for the gurus... I managed to find a second Vectrex, and quickly decided I preferred it - it was quieter, and the screen was a bit better. Then, suddenly, it got _much_ quieter. 90% of the time when I turn it on, I get _no_ noise. So... Any hints on how to fix this? I suspect a loose connection, but don't have the time I'd like to just go digging, so some general pointers would be most appreciated... Thanks, Joe + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!pagesat.net!news.erinet.com!ragnarok.oar.net!malgudi.oar.net!infinet!rbatina From: rbatina@infinet.com (Robert Batina) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: -=< Vectrex & Multicart FS >=- Date: 19 Oct 1995 00:57:29 GMT Organization: InfiNet Lines: 21 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4647pp$2gq@horus.infinet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: rigel.infinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] As much as I don't wanna do this, I have to sell my Vectrex and "fresh off the assembly line" Multicart. The Vectrex itself is in great shape, as is the controller. It self centers just fine and checks out good on the test program included on the multi-cart. I am selling because I need funds for my drum kit, and possibly a PSX purchase. Classic is good, but hey... ya can't play Destruction Derby on a Vectrex. The Multicart is the new menu driven one, btw... I will accept the best offer of $165 or greater. That will include shipping, which is quite a bit, and if you want to be informed of the highest offer, please let me know. Thanks, Rob Batina -- _____________________________________________________________________ | | |_ | Robert J Batina | Also known as 'Roberto' around the net. | | |---------------------| Please take the time to check my web pages at | | | rbatina@infinet.com | http://www.infinet.com/~rbatina | | |_____________________|_______________________________________________| | |_____________________________________________________________________| + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!in1.uu.net!ulowell.uml.edu!jupiter.cs.uml.edu!rbarbaga From: rbarbaga@jupiter.cs.uml.edu (Ralph Barbagallo) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Afraid to use it...:( Date: 19 Oct 1995 14:48:32 GMT Organization: UMass-Lowell Computer Science Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <465og0$ld2@ulowell.uml.edu> References: <463hlp$231@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <463vqm$7gl@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> NNTP-Posting-Host: jupiter.cs.uml.edu If don't use your Vectrex because you think the monitor will blow out on you, then you should have no problem stuffing it up on the shelf once it eventually goes dead anyway. -- Ralph A. Barbagallo III --- rbarbaga@cs.uml.edu --- Only AMIGA makes it URL: http://www.cs.uml.edu/~rbarbaga "Escom. ESCOM?!" * Possible...* R.I.P. Jay Miner: June 20th 1994 Father of the 2600, Atari 8bit, Amiga -=-=-=-=-="Orange Lazarus will rise again, Slushmaster!"-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!uunet!in2.uu.net!skypoint.com!not-for-mail From: rsteiner@skypoint.com (Richard Steiner) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Afraid to use it...:( Date: 19 Oct 1995 01:23:20 -0500 Organization: SkyPoint Communications, Inc. Lines: 15 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <3VchwoHpvqrS084yn@skypoint.com> References: <463hlp$231@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: mirage.skypoint.com In article <463hlp$231@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) wrote: > This may sound pretty stupid, but given the volatility and limited > lifespans of Vectrex monitors, I'm afraid to turn the thing on. FWIW, I've been using mine off and on since I bought it in 1982, and it doesn't seem to care... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Rich Steiner >>>---> rsteiner@skypoint.com >>>---> Bloomington, MN Written offline using PC Yarn .84 under OS/2 Warp Warning: I've seen Fieldata Fortran V *and* I know how to use it! :-) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.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: tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Afraid to use it...:( Date: 19 Oct 1995 12:45:13 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 13 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <465vap$5fu@newsbf02.news.aol.com> References: <463vqm$7gl@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk> Reply-To: tk3doforum@aol.com (TK3DOFORUM) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Thanks for the info, Tony. Regards, TK3DOFORUM AOL.com , "HEY! We're not ALL bad :) " NEO GEO Saturn 3DO Jaguar PSX Staff Writer GameWire Unashamed user of Bass Ale Classics owned: Colevision, Vectrex, Intellivision, FairChild Channel F, Bally Arcade, Microvision, Atari 5200, Atari 400, Atari 800 XL, Atari 2600, still looking for more... + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!news1.ucsd.edu!usenet From: lordrex Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: VECTREX FOR SALE Date: 19 Oct 1995 10:39:02 GMT Organization: The University of California at San Diego Lines: 8 Message-ID: <4659s6$38n@news1.ucsd.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: rhayes.extern.ucsd.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.22 (Windows; I; 16bit) I HAVE TO GET RID OF MY VECTREX.I'M IN NEED OF CASH..SO MY LOSS IS YOUR GAIN! I HAVE A VECTREX,GOOD SHAPE, TWO CONTROLERS ALSO FORTESS OR NARZOD CART /W OVERLAY. VECTREX WORKS FINE, NITHER VECTREX NOR CART HAVE BOX, BUT BOTH IN FINE WORKING ORDER. NOW I DONT WANT TO HAGLE, I DONT WANT TO DEAL WITH A AUCTION I JUST WANT TO SELL FOR 150$ SHIPPED, AS I SAID NO HAGLING NO "OR BEST OFFERS" ALSO YOU MUST LIVE IN THE U.S.(SHIPPING COST) SO THATS ABOUT IT...IF YOU WANT IT ...COME GET IT! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netcom.com!msherman From: msherman@netcom.com (Mike Sherman) Subject: FS: Scramble for the Vectrex Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest) Distribution: usa Date: Fri, 20 Oct 1995 09:01:17 GMT Lines: 10 Sender: msherman@netcom7.netcom.com Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3699 rec.games.video.marketplace:42307 I have Scramble for the Vectrex for sale. The game includes the original box, overlay and instruction manual and is in excellent shape. Asking $18.50 shipped / bo. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You know you are addicted to Mike Sherman No-Doze when you have to pop three just to get to sleep. msherman@netcom.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!malgudi.oar.net!infinet!rbatina From: rbatina@infinet.com (Robert Batina) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,misc.forsale,misc.forsale.non-computer,oh.forsale,cmh.forsale,osu.for-sale Subject: Re: -=< Vectrex & Multicart FS >=- Date: 20 Oct 1995 00:02:12 GMT Organization: InfiNet Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <466ou4$r8r@horus.infinet.com> References: <4647pp$2gq@horus.infinet.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: rigel.infinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3701 misc.forsale:169539 misc.forsale.non-computer:19798 oh.forsale:1953 cmh.forsale:6858 In case that "best offer" part scared any of you away, let it be known that I will sell my Vec and multi for the first offer of $165, which will include *insured* shipping in the US. Vectrex unit with 1 controller and a menu style multi-cart (w/pause) -- _____________________________________________________________________ | | |_ | Robert J Batina | Also known as 'Roberto' around the net. | | |---------------------| Please take the time to check my web pages at | | | rbatina@infinet.com | http://www.infinet.com/~rbatina | | |_____________________|_______________________________________________| | |_____________________________________________________________________| + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.texas.net!millenium.texas.net!news From: paranoid@millenium.texas.net (Brian Leonard) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: shipping costs? Date: 20 Oct 1995 18:51:27 -0500 Organization: Texas Networking, Inc. Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <469clv$48l@millenium.texas.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: millenium.texas.net About what would it cost to ship a vectrex from, say CA to TX? -- Brian Leonard paranoid@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu / paranoid@texas.net + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!in2.uu.net!news.compuserve.com!news.production.compuserve.com!news From: Michael Mize <102531.2212@CompuServe.COM> Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: FT:Vectrex for other used systems Date: 20 Oct 1995 11:52:36 GMT Organization: CompuServe, Inc. (1-800-689-0736) Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <4682i4$s4d$1@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> I have several extra Vectrex's that I want to trade for systems that I don't presently own.Some possible choices are:a Jaguar w/several games,a 3DO,a Game Gear w/TV adapter,or maybe a Virtual Boy w/several games.These are not all the choices,call me for further details.407-799-3943. Later, Mike MIze + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!server2.ols.net!usenet From: Chris Georgoulias Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: gregg woodcock Date: 22 Oct 1995 20:42:43 GMT Organization: Online South Incorporated Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46eac3$pep@server2.ols.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: 205.139.152.57 greg, i have a propositon for you if you're still interested in buying my vectrex stuff.. sorry for the public post, but i didn't have your email address anymore.. -chris + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.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: beldude@aol.com (Beldude) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Fixer Upper Date: 23 Oct 1995 06:26:49 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 13 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46fql9$5pt@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: beldude@aol.com (Beldude) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com I have a perfect condition Vectrex. The only flaw is that it needs analysis with the diagnostic cart and maybe some minor parts replacement. It displays a bright dot and lines emanating from the dot to all the rendered points. Otherwise it's fine. If you want it, send me a trade offer. I am looking for Classic rares, or modern (TurboGrafx-16/DUO stuff). Money is not that important. thanks Mike Bellman + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!escc.es.com!dvhunt From: dvhunt@cessna.corp.es.com (Darvell Hunt) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: FT:Vectrex for other used systems Date: 23 Oct 1995 17:40:18 GMT Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., SLC, Utah Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46gk22$dq4@escc.corp.es.com> References: <4682i4$s4d$1@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cessna.corp.es.com >I have several extra Vectrex's that I want to trade for systems >that I don't presently own.Some possible choices are:a Jaguar >w/several games,a 3DO,a Game Gear w/TV adapter,or maybe a Virtual >Boy w/several games.These are not all the choices,call me for >further details.407-799-3943. > Later, > Mike MIze I don't mean to flame here, but can you buy _ANY_ of these for $150-$175? That's what you can buy a Vectrex for with a multicart that contains almost every game ever available on the Vectrex. (Or do you mean you would trade multiple Vectrex's for one system?) Darvell + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!xmission!news.cc.utah.edu!news.cs.utah.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.compuserve.com!news.production.compuserve.com!news From: Rich Scatignk <74537.1161@CompuServe.COM> Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: Looking for Vectrex 3D Imager Date: 24 Oct 1995 02:21:11 GMT Organization: CompuServe, Inc. (1-800-689-0736) Lines: 7 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46hiin$79q$2@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3709 rec.games.video.classic:30752 rec.games.video.marketplace:42802 I know this is a longshot, but.... does anyone have a Vectrex 3D Imager they want to sell or plan on auctioning off soon. Please let me know, as I am interested in acquiring one. Thanks, Rich Scatigno + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!cafws3.eng.uci.edu!dan From: dan@cafws3.eng.uci.edu (Dan Harkless) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Fixer Upper Date: 25 Oct 1995 19:58:27 GMT Organization: University of California, Irvine Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46m4t3$dkp@news.service.uci.edu> References: <46fql9$5pt@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cafws3.eng.uci.edu Beldude writes: >I have a perfect condition Vectrex. Okay... >The only flaw is that it needs analysis with the diagnostic cart and maybe >some minor parts replacement. It displays a bright dot and lines emanating >from the dot to all the rendered points. Um, maybe I'm being wacky here, but most people wouldn't consider that "perfect condition", dude. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Dan Harkless | "The sore in my soul | | dan@cafws3.eng.uci.edu | The mark in my heart -> Front 242, | | harkless@speed.net | Her acid reign..." Tragedy >For You< | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!news.sprintlink.net!mv!news-dnh.mv.net!usenet From: dac@melrose.mv.com Subject: Re: Looking for Vectrex 3D Imager Message-ID: Nntp-Posting-Host: melrose.mv.com Sender: usenet@jade.mv.net (Paul Hurley) Organization: MV Communications, Inc. Date: Tue, 24 Oct 1995 20:44:24 GMT References: <46hiin$79q$2@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> X-Newsreader: SPRY News 3.03 (SPRY, Inc.) Lines: 14 > Rich Scatignk <74537.1161@CompuServe.COM> writes: > I know this is a longshot, but.... does anyone have a Vectrex 3D > Imager they want to sell or plan on auctioning off soon. Please > let me know, as I am interested in acquiring one. > > Thanks, > > Rich Scatigno > >>>> I second that request! A light pen would be very nice too..and the Patriots going 8-0 for the rest of the season. And $100,000 cash. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.claremont.edu!bridge2!sgigate.sgi.com!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!jussieu.fr!centre.univ-orleans.fr!unilim.fr!cict.fr!news From: alvarez@gate.didac-mip.fr (Julian Alvarez) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Wanted Vectrex Games Message-ID: <46l46o$cgn@news.cict.fr> Date: 25 Oct 95 10:40:24 GMT Reply-To: alvarez@didac-mip.fr Organization: Didacthque Rgionale Lines: 8 NNTP-Posting-Host: pc-dix.didac-mip.fr Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.99.2 Hello, I'm living in France. I'm looking for Vectrex games and a good controlgame... Thanks... Julian ALVAREZ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!malgudi.oar.net!news.concourse.com!bronze.coil.com!reutter From: reutter@bronze.coil.com (reutter) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Fixer Upper Date: 25 Oct 1995 02:01:04 GMT Organization: Central Ohio Internet Link, Inc. (614)242-3814 Lines: 26 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46k5p0$j2a@ns.concourse.com> References: <46fql9$5pt@newsbf02.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: bronze.coil.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Hi there, sounds like your Vectrex is just fine, turn the knob on the back of the console which should take care of your problem. HJLR Beldude (beldude@aol.com) wrote: : I have a perfect condition Vectrex. The only flaw is that it needs : analysis with the diagnostic cart and maybe some minor parts replacement. : It displays a bright dot and lines emanating from the dot to all the : rendered points. Otherwise it's fine. : If you want it, send me a trade offer. : I am looking for Classic rares, or modern (TurboGrafx-16/DUO stuff). : Money is not that important. : thanks : Mike Bellman -- H.J.-L.Reutter,reutter@bronze.coil.com,c/o,MkMeyer,5491FoxhoundLane,Wester ville,OH43081,USA,+614-794-0140,CybrRoach@IRC,hreutte@andy.bgsu.edu(UseAtO wnRisk),goforthandliveasartthebeatlesfascistbastardsgotohellillusionsthedo orintosummerbowlinggreenstateuniversitytrekstuffaimeemanngroundsforthought + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!agate!usenet.kornet.nm.kr!news.kreonet.re.kr!europa.chnt.gtegsc.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: kwajguy@aol.com (KwajGuy) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WTB: Vectrex Controllers Date: 26 Oct 1995 13:28:56 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 12 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46oggo$91j@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: kwajguy@aol.com (KwajGuy) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Hey Gang- I'm looking to buy a couple of controllers for my Vectrex. (Now that I got my multicart, it's time to kick my brothers butt at Blitz) I'm willing to pay around $40 each for two (2) controllers. They should be in great condition. Also, I'm looking for a light pen, or info from anyone who has successfully hacked one on their own. TIA! - Paul Witek kwajguy@aol.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!usenet.kornet.nm.kr!news.kreonet.re.kr!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!news.cs.utah.edu!cc.usu.edu!slz7p From: slz7p@cc.usu.edu (NAME "KELLEY YVONNE MCCLURE WARBY") Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,news.software.anu-news Subject: ?????? Message-ID: <1995Oct25.141100.64885@cc.usu.edu> Date: 25 Oct 95 14:11:00 MDT Organization: Utah State University Lines: 2 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3718 news.software.anu-news:6977 Doing Virtual Reality research. Does anyone know the best newsgroup to post to. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!lade.news.pipex.net!pipex!news00.sunet.se!sunic!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!pipeline!not-for-mail From: luxmundi@nyc.pipeline.com (Thomas Keller) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Looking for Vectrex 3D Imager Date: 25 Oct 1995 16:58:08 -0400 Organization: The Pipeline Lines: 30 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46m8d0$qjq@pipe1.nyc.pipeline.com> References: <46hiin$79q$2@mhadg.production.compuserve.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: pipe1.nyc.pipeline.com If you find it, I'll buy it from you! :) In article <46hiin$79q$2@mhadg.production.compuserve.com>, Rich Scatignk writes: >I know this is a longshot, but.... does anyone have a Vectrex 3D >Imager they want to sell or plan on auctioning off soon. Please >let me know, as I am interested in acquiring one. > >Thanks, > >Rich Scatigno > tk3doforum @aol.com * luxmundi@pipeline.com Neo Geo * Saturn * Playstation * 3DO * Jaguar Classics Owned: Atari 2600, 5200, 400, 800XL, XE, Fairchild Channel F, Bally Astrocade, Microvision, Intellivision, Colecovision, NES, Atari Lynx, Vectrex, still looking for more. Arcades owned: Gorf, Asteroids Cocktail, Neo Geo. One of these days, I'll get a life that doesn't involve pixels... "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!torn!nott!newbridge.com!gkam From: gkam@Newbridge.COM (Gregory Kam) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 26 Oct 1995 20:25:34 GMT Organization: Newbridge Networks Corporation Lines: 34 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46oqru$232@kannews.ca.newbridge.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: nexus138.ca.newbridge.com In article <46k4hc$pjm@magma.mines.edu>, 3032799202 wrote: >I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo >Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain >their own display systems and have games that made strong use of >vector-type graphics. > >Do you consider this system as a worthy follow-up to the Vectrex? >ccoffin@mines.edu It is a Game Boy stuck to your head. Unless TeleroBoxer uses vector graphics, then there is only one game (Red Alarm) which uses vector type graphics on the Virtual Boy. Other than that, it is not that much different than Game Gear/Boy. Not to say that i don't *like* Virtual Boy of course. I don't see it that much like a Vectrex unless you're playing Red Alarm. Greg -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ATM Hardware Group Newbridge Networks Corp. Opinions expressed do not reflect those of Newbridge Networks Corporation + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!delmarva.com!udel!rochester!rocksanne!news From: bch@eng.mc.xerox.com (Brian C Hawkins) Subject: FS:Vectrex w/light pen and carts Message-ID: <1995Oct26.155430.404@news.wrc.xerox.com> Sender: news@news.wrc.xerox.com Reply-To: bch@eng.mc.xerox.com Organization: IPDG, Xerox Corporation, Webster NY Date: Thu, 26 Oct 1995 15:54:30 GMT Lines: 15 I have the following for sale: Vectrex unit with 1 controller original box and manual Star Trek game with overlay and manual Light pen no box Art Master cart with manual no box Animaction cart with manual no box Melody Maker cart no manual no box Every thing is in great condition, I am the original owner. I'd prefer to sell as a complete package to someone who would actually enjoy this stuff instead of a dealer who just plans on reselling it. Make an offer. - Brian 716-581-2950 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!drivel.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!news1.ucsd.edu!usenet From: lordrex Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: VECTREX FOR SALE Date: 27 Oct 1995 11:51:04 GMT Organization: The University of California at San Diego Lines: 3 Message-ID: <46qh38$6hg@news2.ucsd.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: rhayes.extern.ucsd.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.22 (Windows; I; 16bit) SELLING A VECTREX WITH TWO CONTROLERS AND ONE GAME WITH OVERLAY (FORTRESS OR NARZOD) 90$ ,MAIL FOR DETAILS + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.cfa.org!chi-news.cic.net!news.cic.net!nether.net!lordrex From: lordrex@nether.net (lordrex) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: vectrex+controlers+game,90$(mail for details) Date: 27 Oct 1995 05:52:34 GMT Organization: Nether.Net -- Public access Linux system Lines: 1 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46ps32$ejp@news.cic.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: nether.net + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!csn!magma.Mines.EDU!slate.Mines.EDU!ccoffin From: ccoffin@slate.Mines.EDU ( 3032799202) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 25 Oct 1995 01:39:56 GMT Organization: Colorado School of Mines Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46k4hc$pjm@magma.Mines.EDU> NNTP-Posting-Host: slate.mines.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain their own display systems and have games that made strong use of vector-type graphics. Do you consider this system as a worthy follow-up to the Vectrex? ccoffin@mines.edu + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!iglou!iglou2!mstclair From: mstclair@iglou2.iglou.com (Mike St. Clair) Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? X-Nntp-Posting-Host: iglou2.iglou.com Message-ID: Sender: news@iglou.com (News Administrator) Organization: IgLou Internet Services (1-800-436-4456) References: <46oqru$232@kannews.ca.newbridge.com> Distribution: inet Date: Fri, 27 Oct 1995 13:47:11 GMT Lines: 14 gkam@Newbridge.COM (Gregory Kam) writes: >It is a Game Boy stuck to your head. THAT IS SO WRONG!!!!!! It is *two* Game Boys stuck to your head :) :) :) -- _____________________________________________________________________ | Mike St. Clair | "You want some more? Well, here's some more!" | |_mstclair@iglou.com_|________________________Frank_Zappa_____________| + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.compuserve.com!news.production.compuserve.com!news From: Rich Scatigno <74537.1161@CompuServe.COM> Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: WTB: Vectrex 3D Imager... Date: 28 Oct 1995 00:58:35 GMT Organization: CompuServe, Inc. (1-800-689-0736) Lines: 10 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46rv7r$j1a$1@mhade.production.compuserve.com> Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3727 rec.games.video.classic:31064 rec.games.video.marketplace:43306 Well, here goes again... I'm still looking for someone who might have an extra Vectrex 3D Imager they're willing to part with. I'd like to get one in VG condition, preferably with box. Please let me know what you have and what price you are looking to get. Thanks for your time. Rich Scatigno + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!info.ucla.edu!CTCnet!newsfeed.pitt.edu!dsinc!ub!news.kei.com!news.ece.uc.edu!babbage.ece.uc.edu!news.gryffin.com!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl11.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 26 Oct 1995 22:02:39 -0700 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 13 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46pp5f$h08@crl11.crl.com> References: <46k4hc$pjm@magma.Mines.EDU> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl11.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] 3032799202 (ccoffin@slate.Mines.EDU) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo >Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain >their own display systems and have games that made strong use of >vector-type graphics. From what I've heard, the Lam...Virtual Boy uses raster graphics. A row of LEDs spinning in one axis is definitely raster. A *single* LED with both X and Y control would be vector. >Do you consider this system as a worthy follow-up to the Vectrex? Excuse me while I step outside for a "technicolor yawn". :) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!van-bc!news.rmii.com!newsjunkie.ans.net!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl11.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex Fixer Upper Date: 26 Oct 1995 22:00:01 -0700 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46pp0h$gu7@crl11.crl.com> References: <46fql9$5pt@newsbf02.news.aol.com> <46m4t3$dkp@news.service.uci.edu> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl11.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Dan Harkless (dan@cafws3.eng.uci.edu) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >Beldude writes: >>I have a perfect condition Vectrex. > Okay... >>The only flaw is that it needs analysis with the diagnostic cart and maybe >>some minor parts replacement. It displays a bright dot and lines emanating >>from the dot to all the rendered points. > Um, maybe I'm being wacky here, but most people wouldn't consider that >"perfect condition", dude. No, I would consider that "turn down the brightness control". :) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!panix!usenet From: davegan@panix.com (Dave Stein) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 27 Oct 1995 19:15:02 GMT Organization: Combined Effort Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46rb3n$67m@news1.panix.com> References: <46pp5f$h08@crl11.crl.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: davegan.dialup.access.net X-Newsreader: SPRY News 3.03 (SPRY, Inc.) > btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) writes: > 3032799202 (ccoffin@slate.Mines.EDU) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > >I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo > >Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain > >their own display systems and have games that made strong use of > >vector-type graphics. > > From what I've heard, the Lam...Virtual Boy uses raster graphics. A row > of LEDs spinning in one axis is definitely raster. A *single* LED with > both X and Y control would be vector. > > >Do you consider this system as a worthy follow-up to the Vectrex? > > Excuse me while I step outside for a "technicolor yawn". :) > I rented the thing from Blockbuster ($10 for 2 days with 2 games). I thought the 3D effect was was very good, but I will not be buying one. Why: 1. I, and my friend who tried it, ended up with really bad headaches. 2. You can't do anything else when playing. When I other systems, I can talk on the phone, watch TV as well, etc. 3. Something made me worry about safety-they indicate it should not be used by children under a certain age (7 I think), and that makes me think there could be some harm to the eyes involved here. I am not saying there is, just that it makes me wonder. Dave + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!europa.chnt.gtegsc.com!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!escc.es.com!dvhunt From: dvhunt@cessna.corp.es.com (Darvell Hunt) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 27 Oct 1995 19:33:42 GMT Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., SLC, Utah Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46rc6m$fk6@escc.es.com> References: <46pp5f$h08@crl11.crl.com> <46rb3n$67m@news1.panix.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: cessna.corp.es.com >I rented the thing from Blockbuster ($10 for 2 days with 2 games). >I thought the 3D effect was was very good, but I will not be buying one. >Why: >2. You can't do anything else when playing. When I other systems, I >can talk on the phone, watch TV as well, etc. You can watch TV and play video games at the SAME TIME? WOW! Dar + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!pagesat.net!news.erinet.com!ragnarok.oar.net!malgudi.oar.net!infinet!rbatina From: rbatina@infinet.com (Robert Batina) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 28 Oct 1995 20:39:06 GMT Organization: InfiNet Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46u4da$lri@horus.infinet.com> References: <46k4hc$pjm@magma.Mines.EDU> NNTP-Posting-Host: rigel.infinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] 3032799202 (ccoffin@slate.Mines.EDU) wrote: : I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo : Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain : their own display systems and have games that made strong use of : vector-type graphics. VB? Strong use of Vector Graphics?? Okay... What game other than Red Alarm uses vector gfx? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!psgrain!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.uoregon.edu!news.dacom.co.kr!usenet.seri.re.kr!news.kreonet.re.kr!usenet.kornet.nm.kr!news.sprintlink.net!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl8.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: Re: WTB: Vectrex 3D Imager... Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Date: 27 Oct 1995 20:16:54 -0700 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46s7b6$fm5@crl8.crl.com> References: <46rv7r$j1a$1@mhade.production.compuserve.com> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl8.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3734 rec.games.video.classic:31117 rec.games.video.marketplace:43398 Rich Scatigno (74537.1161@CompuServe.COM) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >Well, here goes again... >I'm still looking for someone who might have an extra Vectrex 3D >Imager they're willing to part with. I'd like to get one in VG If you are willing to part with a limb or a first-born child, you might actually get lucky and find someone willing to sell theirs. :) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!newsfeed.direct.ca!sparky.insinc.net!dragon.solect.com!sud107.vianet.on.ca!user From: sutekh@vianet.on.ca (Sutekh) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Is Virtual Boy the Vectrex of the '90s? Date: 28 Oct 1995 16:53:26 GMT Organization: Solect Technology Group Lines: 26 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <46k4hc$pjm@magma.Mines.EDU> <46pp5f$h08@crl11.crl.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: sud107.vianet.on.ca In article <46pp5f$h08@crl11.crl.com>, btomlin@aol.com wrote: > 3032799202 (ccoffin@slate.Mines.EDU) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: > >I'm curious if any of you Vectrex fans out there like the Nintendo > >Virtual Boy. Both systems have similarities in that they contain > >their own display systems and have games that made strong use of > >vector-type graphics. > > From what I've heard, the Lam...Virtual Boy uses raster graphics. A row > of LEDs spinning in one axis is definitely raster. A *single* LED with > both X and Y control would be vector. > > >Do you consider this system as a worthy follow-up to the Vectrex? > > Excuse me while I step outside for a "technicolor yawn". :) I second that. The big 'N' should be flogged for putting out a product such as this (32-bit RISC, indeed!). Smith Engineering came up with an ingenious solution to add 3D *AND* color to the Vectrex *ten years* before VB (using a lowly 6809!) I consider a Vectrex + 3D imager a worthy follow-up to the VB (Not the other way around!) Regards, Sut + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!soap.news.pipex.net!pipex!dish.news.pipex.net!pipex!news.pncl.co.uk!news From: Richard Elliott Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Help Cart wanted Date: Thu, 26 Oct 1995 02:38:10 +0100 Organization: Pinnacle Internet Services Lines: 10 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <308EE682.3808@pncl.co.uk> NNTP-Posting-Host: login12.pncl.co.uk Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.0b1 (Windows; I; 32bit) Hi all, I have just bought a second hand Vectrex. Can anyone sell me loads of games???? Many thanks. P.S I used to play a vectrex when they first came out and I have had withdrawal symptoms ever since. I couldn't afford to buy one then, I was only 12. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!nntp.crl.com!crl8.crl.com!not-for-mail From: btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Help Cart wanted Date: 28 Oct 1995 15:56:48 -0700 Organization: San Antonio, TX Lines: 12 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <46ucfg$sh7@crl8.crl.com> References: <308EE682.3808@pncl.co.uk> Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com NNTP-Posting-Host: crl8.crl.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Richard Elliott (relliott@pncl.co.uk) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >I have just bought a second hand Vectrex. >Can anyone sell me loads of games???? You could try starting with a multicart. Sean Kelly (skelly@xnet.com) sells a menu-drive one for $75 (US) and you get every game including Dark Tower, and a pause switch, too. I think he even includes photocopies or printouts of all the instructions. They also have the test cart on them, which you can use in conjunction with the service manual (a bunch of TIFF files of it can be found on an ftp site) to re-align your display. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!uu0981!michael.lang From: michael.lang@syncomm.com (MICHAEL LANG) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: WTB: Vectrex 3D Image Message-ID: <8B3F209.0AD70006EB.uuout@syncomm.com> Date: Sun, 29 Oct 95 08:41:00 -0400 Distribution: world Organization: Synergy Online, Parsippany, NJ (201) 331-1797 Reply-To: michael.lang@syncomm.com (MICHAEL LANG) References: <8B3D4C0.0AD70006E9.uuout@syncomm.com> X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.21 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.10 Lines: 16 BT>Rich Scatigno (74537.1161@CompuServe.COM) wrote in rec.games.vectrex: BT>>Well, here goes again... BT>>I'm still looking for someone who might have an extra Vectrex 3D BT>>Imager they're willing to part with. I'd like to get one in VG BT>If you are willing to part with a limb or a first-born child, you BT>might actually get lucky and find someone willing to sell theirs. Stop egging him on! Tell him the truth, it a limb AND a first born child. Xo <-----<<<< (Doh!) --- ~ CMPQwk #1.42-R2~ UNREGISTERED EVALUATION COPY + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!news00.sunet.se!sunic!mn6.swip.net!mn5.swip.net!usenet From: andreas.nilsson@mbox2.swipnet.se (Andreas Nilsson) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Where can I get Vectrex in Europe Date: Sat, 28 Oct 1995 17:35:12 GMT Organization: - Lines: 3 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <470hqb$ahk@mn5.swip.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: dialup101-007.swipnet.se X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82 Where can I get a Vectrex in Europe ( Sweden would be great) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!nnrp.info.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.compuserve.com!news.production.compuserve.com!news From: C. Dortmund <75051.1610@CompuServe.COM> Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Multi Cart Date: 30 Oct 1995 02:01:11 GMT Organization: CompuServe, Inc. (1-800-689-0736) Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <471bl7$gvo$1@mhade.production.compuserve.com> I have five new in the box Vectrex units and all the games...but do not know what a Multi Cart is..someone give me a description... -- Chic 75051.1610@compuserve.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!info.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in1.uu.net!pipeline!not-for-mail From: luxmundi@nyc.pipeline.com (Thomas Keller) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Greg Andersen's List of things to Buy/Trade Date: 30 Oct 1995 13:54:14 -0500 Organization: The Pipeline Lines: 38 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <47370m$p4b@pipe3.nyc.pipeline.com> References: <46pp9l$h28@crl11.crl.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: pipe3.nyc.pipeline.com In article <46pp9l$h28@crl11.crl.com>, Bruce Tomlin writes: >mes.video.sega,rec.games.video.sony >References: >Organization: San Antonio, TX >Reply-To: btomlin@aol.com >Distribution: inet > >metalman@ozemail.com.au wrote in rec.games.vectrex: >>Just look at the attachment. >>begin 664 list.txt > >No. If you can't learn how to use the "paste" feature in your newsreader >instead of "attach", then I won't bother decoding the resulting binaries. > >Besides, considering some of the groups you crossposted to, it'd probably >be full of new-age crap anyhow. > Agreed. Who wants to decode something just to find out whether it's stuff I don't want or already have. tk3doforum @aol.com * luxmundi@pipeline.com Neo Geo * Saturn * Playstation * 3DO * Jaguar Classics Owned: Atari 2600, 5200, 400, 800XL, XE, Fairchild Channel F, Bally Astrocade, Microvision, Intellivision, Colecovision, NES, Atari Lynx, Vectrex, still looking for more. Arcades owned: Gorf, Asteroids Cocktail, Neo Geo. One of these days, I'll get a life that doesn't involve pixels... "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!chi-news.cic.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.sprintlink.net!mv!news-dnh.mv.net!usenet From: afriend@aol.com Subject: Re: Multi Cart Message-ID: Nntp-Posting-Host: melrose.mv.com Organization: MV Communications, Inc. Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 20:32:25 GMT References: <471bl7$gvo$1@mhade.production.compuserve.com> Lines: 20 > C. Dortmund <75051.1610@CompuServe.COM> writes: > I have five new in the box Vectrex units and all the games...but > do not know what a Multi Cart is..someone give me a description... > > -- > Chic > 75051.1610@compuserve.com > >>>> A multi-cart is an all-in-one cartridge of all the Vectrex games ever made, including the hard-to-find Dark Tower, Polar Rescue and Pole Position. You put the vectrex multi cart in the regular cart slot, turn on the Vectrex, and a menu pops out of all 30+ games made. You still must have the 3d imager to use any 3d games, and the light pen for the light pen games, otherwise they won't work. You select the game you wish to play from the menu, and voila! The title screen comes up just like you had the original game. I bought my multi cart from Sean Kelly 2 weeks ago and have been very pleased. The cost was $70, and upgrades (if they find the "dead sea scrolls" of vectrex games, like Tour de France or Batter Up!) are free!!! The multicart also has a pause switch right on the cart. It's wonderful!! See the previous post for Sean's address, or better yet, he shows up in this newsgroup from time to time!!! Enjoy! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csusac!zimmer!waldorf.csc.calpoly.edu!decwrl!enews.sgi.com!sgigate.sgi.com!sgiblab!goonsquad.spies.com!goonsquad.spies.com!eric From: eric@goonsquad.spies.com (Eric Smith) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: Re: WTB: Vectrex 3D Imager... Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Date: 31 Oct 1995 02:39:47 GMT Organization: Internet Wiretap Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: References: <46rv7r$j1a$1@mhade.production.compuserve.com> <46s7b6$fm5@crl8.crl.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: goonsquad.spies.com In-reply-to: btomlin@crl.com's message of 27 Oct 1995 20:16:54 -0700 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:3745 rec.games.video.classic:31341 rec.games.video.marketplace:43675 In article <46s7b6$fm5@crl8.crl.com> btomlin@crl.com (Bruce Tomlin) writes: > If you are willing to part with a limb or a first-born child, you might > actually get lucky and find someone willing to sell theirs. :) Why would anyone want a limb? And a first-born child seems excessive. I think I'd prefer dead presidents. Since the 3D imagers are somewhat rare, I think I'd want a fair number of Franklins. (As the Firesign Theatre put it, the only president of the United States never to have been president of the United States.) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!tank.news.pipex.net!pipex!dispatch.news.demon.net!demon!mail2news.demon.co.uk!bobett01.sbc.com From: Bill Fisher Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: FS: Really Nice System Date: Tue, 31 Oct 95 16:52:27 CST Lines: 13 Message-ID: X-NNTP-Posting-Host: bobett01.sbc.com X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL10] I have a Vectrex sitting on the shelf with 18 or 19 game cart. I have all the documentation and screen overlays to go with them. There are 2 good controllers also. I would like to sell or trade for something of equal or better value. The only problem is, I am not exactly sure how much it is worth. They are all in very good condition. Please inquire by email as I don't read this newsgroup very often. Bill Fisher Marion, AR 501-739-1991 Home 501-735-9875 Work + - - - - End of Archive File - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +