This file contains the archives of the rec.games.vectrex NetNews group for the month of Apr-1994 (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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!utnut!utgpu!utcsri!newsflash.concordia.ca!CC.UMontreal.CA!IRO.UMontreal.CA!clouso.crim.ca!comback!vectrex!drzob From: drzob@vectrex.login.qc.ca (Denis Solaro) Subject: Re: Vectrex showcased ON TV!!! Distribution: inet Message-ID: <1994Mar31.210442.673@vectrex.login.qc.ca> Organization: Compjutr Syntax Error Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 21:04:42 GMT References: <2n7a5k$ch2@crchh327.bnr.ca> X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Lines: 22 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1623 rec.games.video.classic:5651 Gregg Woodcock (woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca) wrote: : I just heard from a friend I trust that about a month or 2 ago the : Vectrex had a 5-15 minute dedicated segment on a TV show about : computers. This person did not think much of it and cannot remember : what the show was or even what channel it was on (he thinks maybe : Discovery). DID ANYBODY SEE THIS? Can you identify the show/network? : Did you tape it? According to this person it showed the computer system : in action including keyboard and disk drive and also showed the color : Vectrex prototype. He couldn't tell if it was new or stock footage but : I'd sure like to see this segment! I told them os/9 could run on a 68C09, but they wouldn't believe me ! True, the user interface only allows binary input, but that should not be a problem at all if we tought kids young enough how to do it. They don't dump core, they don't crash. Even Sun couldn't offer me better. :> O well... I still run mine as a news server. -| (The termcap entry was a challenge though) |------------vvvvvvv -- Denis Solaro -- drzob@vectrex.login.qc.ca + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!quartz.ucs.ualberta.ca!acs.ucalgary.ca!cpsc.ucalgary.ca!paulh From: paulh@cpsc.ucalgary.ca (Paul Heemeryck) Subject: Vectrex for sale. Message-ID: Sender: paulh@cpsc.ucalgary.ca Organization: University of Calgary Computer Science Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 20:27:35 GMT Lines: 29 Okay! This is for sale for a friend of mine. The system looks nice and works great. I MUST have this sold before April 15, 1994 as I will not have my account soon after this. Please reply via E-mail only. For Sale: Vectrex System which includes: 1) The Vectrex itself, in excellent condition, with one controller, and photocopy of the manual. 2) Games: Minestorm with overlay and photocopy of the manual. Armor Attack, overlay and photocopy of manual. Star Trek, overlay and photocopy of manual. Cosmic Chasm, overlay and photocopy of manual. Scramble, overlay and photocopy of manual. Hyperchase, overlay and photocopy of manual. So Vectrex with 5 cartridges + Minestorm for: $110.00 US + shipping is the minimum he will accept. He will give a better deal to those living in Canada,wants to avoid Customs hassles. paulh@cpsc.ucalgary.ca + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!cis.ohio-state.edu!news.sei.cmu.edu!bb3.andrew.cmu.edu!andrew.cmu.edu!bl1i+ From: "Bryan T. Lasley" Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex games for sale Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 20:41:33 -0500 Organization: Senior, English, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA Lines: 37 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <0hbApBa00iV147G1U_@andrew.cmu.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: po6.andrew.cmu.edu I'm selling the following Vectrex games, no boxes, no docs, no overlays, no nothing, just the carts: Star Hawk Heads Up Hyperchase Rip Off Web Wars Cosmic Chasm Spike Clean Sweep Scramble Star Trek Armor Attack Art Master w/light pen Solar Quest - mail offers to me at bl1i@andrew.cmu.edu I also have a Vectrex that I'd be willing to sell. The joystick is slightly bent. Make an offer. -Bryan + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!bnr.co.uk!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b!woodcock From: woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: Vectrex showcased ON TV!!! Date: 2 Apr 1994 03:07:24 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 20 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2ninhc$30p@crchh327.bnr.ca> References: <2n7a5k$ch2@crchh327.bnr.ca> <1994Mar31.210442.673@vectrex.login.qc.ca> Reply-To: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) NNTP-Posting-Host: crchh75b.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1626 rec.games.video.classic:5666 Denis Solaro (drzob@vectrex.login.qc.ca) wrote: > Gregg Woodcock (woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca) wrote: > : I just heard from a friend I trust that about a month or 2 ago the > : Vectrex had a 5-15 minute dedicated segment on a TV show about > : computers. This person did not think much of it and cannot remember > : what the show was or even what channel it was on (he thinks maybe > : Discovery). DID ANYBODY SEE THIS? Can you identify the show/network? > : Did you tape it? According to this person it showed the computer system > : in action including keyboard and disk drive and also showed the color > : Vectrex prototype. He couldn't tell if it was new or stock footage but > : I'd sure like to see this segment! I didn't even realise what time of the year it was when I was posting the above message. Please not that I AM 100% SERIOUS. This is not an April fools day joke (If I were going to do that, I would have pretended to be selling a Dark Tower). This is straight information from a person I trust; I am not pulling your net.legs. So, did anybody see this or not? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ames!olivea!koriel!rutgers!bobsbox.rent.com!parady!mikep From: mikep@parady.rent.com (Michael B. Puterbaugh) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Overlays - I made some! Message-ID: <2VFXJc1w165w@parady.rent.com> Date: 29 Mar 94 02:10:24 GMT References: Organization: Parady Productions Lines: 14 ken@cup.hp.com (Ken Sumrall) writes: > Now all I need is a multi-cart. Huh? I've got 2 Vectrexes, ten cartridges WITH overlays, and I've never even HEARD of a multi-cart! What is it? Michael "I got a near-mint Vectrex at a flea market for $15" Puterbaugh ----------------------------------------------------------------------- {--< Michael B. Puterbaugh >--< mikep@parady.rent.com >--} ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GCS/MU/O -d+@ -p+ c++(+++) l e m+(*)@ s+/ n-(---) h(--) f+ g+ w+(+++) t r- !y* + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,alt.games.video.classic Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!hellgate.utah.edu!asylum.cs.utah.edu!galt From: galt%asylum.cs.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Greg Alt) Subject: Re: Vectrex! Date: 4 Apr 94 22:59:00 MDT Message-ID: <1994Apr4.225900.10434@hellgate.utah.edu> Followup-To: alt.games.video.classic,rec.games.vectrex Sender: galt@asylum.cs.utah.edu (Greg Alt) Organization: University of Utah Computer Science References: <022302Z05041994@anon.penet.fi> Lines: 15 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1628 alt.games.video.classic:4104 In article <022302Z05041994@anon.penet.fi> an61175@anon.penet.fi writes: > Check out rec.games.vectrex. Binaries for all the games have >been released to usenet by the company that created it, and if you have >the equipment, you can load them into your vectrex. Now only if >someone would write a vectrex emulator for X. I imagine the graphics hardware is fairly simple, and the input stuff should be easy to do too. The sound hardware might be tricky to emulate, but other than that, it should be trivial (especially if there are any emulators already written for the CPU). Go for it. Greg + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!udel!news.intercon.com!panix!cmcl2!admii!hsdndev!husc-news.harvard.edu!husc.harvard.edu!scunix2!hiebeler Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Sega controllers on Vectrex Message-ID: From: hiebeler@husc.harvard.edu (Dave Hiebeler) Date: 5 Apr 94 20:07:25 Distribution: rec Organization: Harvard Arts and Sciences Computer Services, Cambridge, MA NNTP-Posting-Host: scws9.harvard.edu Lines: 9 Someone posted a note on the newsgroup not too long ago about modifying Sega Genesis controllers for use on the Vectrex. However, I didn't save it in time, and now the article has expired on my machine. Could whoever it was, please send me a note? -- Dave Hiebeler hiebeler@husc.harvard.edu ~{:#DZ4fV*<:#,LlQDHt1HAZ~} Graduate student in Applied Math / Biology, Harvard University + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!rosie.next.com!usenet From: Dan_Peknik Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex! Date: 6 Apr 1994 04:09:41 GMT Organization: NeXT, Inc. Lines: 35 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2ntcm5$sps@rosie.next.com> References: <2nrtju$o6r@bantu.provo.novell.com> Reply-To: Dan_Peknik@next.com NNTP-Posting-Host: arbor-dip.next.com In article <1994Apr4.225900.10434@hellgate.utah.edu>, galt%asylum.cs.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Greg Alt) writes: >(Yeah, I was thinking of doing an X version -- gee, if only there were 40 >hours in a day!) > > > Go for it. It would probably be a fairly wasted effort to do an X Vectrex emulator or even X versions of these games for a couple of reasons: 1) The attraction to Vectrex games is mainly Vector Graphics. Nothing has really come close to copying the look and more importantly the playability of Vector graphics. I've programmed X, and most everything else at one time or another. I can guarentee you won't get the playability. 2) You'd do better to recreate the games in flat mode assembly graphics. But even that won;t feel the same.. Currently, I've never seen an implementation on X of flat mode assembly anyway.. It's PC oriented. Now, hack together a hardware interface between your X machine and your Vectrex, and display everything on the Vectrex and you've got something! Or better yet, create a vector interface (including a Vector display) via a SUN SBUS or NUBUS slot, and create a game prototyping tool... -D -- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Dan Peknik / SQA-Networking Engineer NeXT Computer, Inc./ dan_peknik@next.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. In the event of a real emergency, + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!spool.mu.edu!torn!news.unb.ca!coranto.ucs.mun.ca!morgan!pcarter From: pcarter@morgan.ucs.mun.ca (Mr. Paul D. Carter) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Looking to Buy Vectrex Games Date: 7 Apr 94 21:34:53 GMT Organization: Memorial University of Newfoundland Lines: 12 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: morgan.ucs.mun.ca I just purchased a used Vectrex system and now I need games. If anyone is willing to part with some or all of their carts I would be most grateful (instructions/overlays would be a nice bonus...but carts only would be ok) The one game I would most like to have is Star Castle. It's the one I cut my arcade teeth on and I haven't played one since the early eighties. One last thing...is there (are there) a FAQ for this news group...I've been reading it for a couple of months...but I've never seen one. Any help would be appreciated. -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Carter Programmer/Consultant |"Even my maid doesn't do windows!" Author? Memorial University of Newfoundland | Phone (709) 737-2673 Fax (709) 737-3514 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!gaul.csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (john macdonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.misc,alt.games.video.classic,misc.forsale Subject: Vectrex cartridges for sale or trade Date: 7 Apr 1994 23:43:08 GMT Organization: Computer Science Dept., Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Canada Lines: 76 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2o25qc$801@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: asterix.gaul.csd.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1634 rec.games.video.classic:5781 rec.games.video.marketplace:8404 rec.games.video.arcade:35433 rec.games.video.misc:15604 alt.games.video.classic:4123 misc.forsale:106887 I have these vectrex cartridges for sale. All are brand new in boxes with overlays and instructions. Armor..Attack $15 Berzerk $12 Blitz! $12 Clean Sweep $15 Cosmic Chasm $12 Rip Off $25 Scramble $12 Star Trek $12 I also have a few cartridges that are used, without overlays or manuals. Armor..Attack $6 Berzerk $6 Blitz $6 Clean Sweep $6 $4 damaged label Cosmic Chasm $6 Hyperchase $6 Star Trek $6 Solar Quest $10 Rip Off $15 w/ overlay in poor condition Shipping ( Post Office ) includes insurance. 1-2 $5 3+ $6 I am open to trades of all kinds. I am currently looking for the following vectrex stuff Space Wars manual, overlay, box Star Castle overlay Heads up soccer everything Bedlam box in perfect condition Melody Master box in perfect condition Web Warp box ( not web wars ) 3D Narrow box 3D Crazy manual, box 3D minestorm manual, box, cart 3D imager box Polar Rescue everything Multi cartridge Joystick I am also interested in amiga, mac and ibm hard/software as trades 1.4M internal or external Mac Drive 2" 1M floppies SIMM's ( 1 meg x 9, 4 meg x8 or 9) SIMM's 72 pin Amiga 2.04 ROM and manual, ECS Denise, 2.0 RKM's, amax hardware Amiga cards of all kinds Amiga software. Not interested in games. Music software in particular. MAC music software, midi interface Hard drives 3.5" SCSI john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 672-0714 feel free to leave a message on the machine, but I can't really afford to call back long distance. PS If you responded to a previous posting in the last few months and did not get a reply it was mostly like due to account and mail problems. Sorry. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!gaul.csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (john macdonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Multicartridge wanted Date: 8 Apr 1994 02:38:37 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2o2g3d$bpe@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: asterix.gaul.csd.uwo.ca Hi, I want a multi-cartridge. Also looking for extra controllers and 3d-goggles. I have lots of vectrex cartridges to trade and maybe even a light-pen and cartridge if I can get it back from the person I lent it to. ( Hint hint! ) Let me know if you have one. thanks, john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 657-2569 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!rjung From: rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung) Subject: Vectrex instructions FTP site? Message-ID: Organization: Southern California Lynx Enthusiasts Date: Sat, 9 Apr 1994 02:20:56 GMT Lines: 11 Can someone tell me the FTP site where I can find instructions for all of the Vectrex games? Thanks. --R.J. B-) //////////////////////////////////////|\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Send whatevers to rjung@netcom.com | If it has pixels, I'm for it. --------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up! "You weren't chosen because you are the best pilot in the Air Force. You were chosen because you are the class clown and frankly, you're expendable." + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!news.itd.umich.edu!cw-u01.umd.umich.edu!axh From: axh@cw-u01.umd.umich.edu (Jonathan Shaffer) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Date: 9 Apr 1994 16:44:39 GMT Organization: University of Michigan Lines: 5 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2o6m1n$lbi@lastactionhero.rs.itd.umich.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: cw-u01.umd.umich.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL9] I remember this game from ages ago. I assume it's not in manuf. anymore :) BUT, I want one. Any chance of me getting one, and where? thanks... Jjonathan + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex! From: shain.klammer@canrem.com (Shain Klammer) Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!utnut!torn!uunet.ca!uunet.ca!portnoy!canrem.com!shain.klammer Distribution: world Message-ID: <60.1882.4196.0N19A1CC@canrem.com> References: <2nrtju$o6r@bantu.provo.novell.com> Date: Sun, 10 Apr 94 00:18:00 -0400 Organization: CRS Online (Toronto, Ontario) Lines: 3 Kurt, Unless I'm mistaken, the Vectrex uses the Motorola 6809 and not the Rockwell 6502 as you implied. However there are 6809 emulations floating around, at least the CPU only variety. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!news.uh.edu!ccsvax.sfasu.edu!ccsvax.sfasu.edu!z_morganrw Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex instructions FTP site? Message-ID: <1994Apr11.033643.1@ccsvax.sfasu.edu> From: z_morganrw@ccsvax.sfasu.edu (RIK) Date: 11 Apr 94 03:36:43 CST References: Organization: Stephen F. Austin State University Nntp-Posting-Host: ccsvax.sfasu.edu Lines: 9 In article , rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung) writes: > Can someone tell me the FTP site where I can find instructions for all of the > Vectrex games? Thanks. csus.edu pub/vectrex/instructions Everything should be there except Spinball and the light pen programs (unless someone else typed them in already.) Rik + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.cac.psu.edu!news.pop.psu.edu!ctc.com!news.mic.ucla.edu!Apocalypse!dave From: dave@Apocalypse.CAD.UCLA.EDU (Dave Rooth) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: MultiCartridge / FAQ Email? Date: 11 Apr 94 20:23:27 GMT Organization: UCLA Microcomputer Support Office Lines: 6 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: apocalypse.cad.ucla.edu X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.0 #3 (NOV) I am wondering if the individual listed in the FAQ as making multi carts is still doing this? I haven't heard from him and I'm looking to buy a clean, well designed multicard (with onscreen menu). Thanks for any info! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!olivea!koriel!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!paladin.american.edu!hookup!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!indirect.com!nike From: nike@indirect.com (Laurence Canter) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,umn.aem.ugrads Subject: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Date: 12 Apr 1994 08:11:48 GMT Organization: Canter & Siegel Lines: 34 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: id1.indirect.com Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1642 umn.aem.ugrads:2 Green Card Lottery 1994 May Be The Last One! THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. The Green Card Lottery is a completely legal program giving away a certain annual allotment of Green Cards to persons born in certain countries. The lottery program was scheduled to continue on a permanent basis. However, recently, Senator Alan J Simpson introduced a bill into the U. S. Congress which could end any future lotteries. THE 1994 LOTTERY IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE SOON, BUT IT MAY BE THE VERY LAST ONE. PERSONS BORN IN MOST COUNTRIES QUALIFY, MANY FOR FIRST TIME. The only countries NOT qualifying are: Mexico; India; P.R. China; Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, Canada, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), Jamaica, Domican Republic, El Salvador and Vietnam. Lottery registration will take place soon. 55,000 Green Cards will be given to those who register correctly. NO JOB IS REQUIRED. THERE IS A STRICT JUNE DEADLINE. THE TIME TO START IS NOW!! For FREE information via Email, send request to cslaw@indirect.com -- ***************************************************************** Canter & Siegel, Immigration Attorneys 3333 E Camelback Road, Ste 250, Phoenix AZ 85018 USA cslaw@indirect.com telephone (602)661-3911 Fax (602) 451-7617 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,umn.aem.ugrads Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!milo.mcs.anl.gov!phebos!hoffberg From: hoffberg@phebos.aps.anl.gov (Mike Hoffberg) Subject: Re: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Message-ID: Sender: usenet@mcs.anl.gov Organization: Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago Illinois References: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> Distribution: inet Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 14:45:28 GMT Lines: 26 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1643 umn.aem.ugrads:3 Could this be a new way of getting a vectrex? Maybe this person is hoping that if an alien needs a green card, they will be willing to trade a vectrex for it. MIKE In article <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> nike@indirect.com (Laurence Canter) writes: >Green Card Lottery 1994 May Be The Last One! >THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. > >For FREE information via Email, send request to >cslaw@indirect.com > > >-- >***************************************************************** >Canter & Siegel, Immigration Attorneys >3333 E Camelback Road, Ste 250, Phoenix AZ 85018 USA >cslaw@indirect.com telephone (602)661-3911 Fax (602) 451-7617 -- Michael Hoffberg /.\ "Surprisingly tender and tasted hoffberg@phebos.aps.anl.gov // \\ Argonne somewhat like chicken." mike@anl.gov //_O_\\ National Standard Disclaimer Applies /__| |__\ Lab Boola! Boola! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,umn.aem.ugrads Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!utnut!cannon.ecf!kamg From: kamg@ecf.toronto.edu (KAM GREGORY K) Subject: Re: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Message-ID: Sender: news@ecf.toronto.edu (News Administrator) Organization: University of Toronto, Engineering Computing Facility References: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> Distribution: inet Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 18:34:57 GMT Lines: 10 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1644 umn.aem.ugrads:4 Whoever this clod is, he's posted this to virtually every group on the net! Greg -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Division of Engineering Science. Faculty of Engineering. University of Toronto + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!eff!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!hookup!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!speedway.net!not-for-mail From: scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,umn.aem.ugrads Subject: Re: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Date: 12 Apr 1994 18:17:25 -0500 Organization: Speedway Free Access -- Dial 10288-1-503-520-2222 Lines: 19 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2ofa65$7cu@access1.speedway.net> References: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1645 umn.aem.ugrads:5 In article kamg@ecf.toronto.edu (KAM GREGORY K) writes: > >Whoever this clod is, he's posted this to virtually every group on the >net! > >Greg So, what do we do? Send a complaint to postmaster@indirect.com, along with a copy of the message. That should take encourage him not to do it again. That, my friends, should be the last word. -- Scott Levine on Speedway Free Access | "To find health should be mission of (10288)-1-503-520-2222 | any doctor. Any fool can find scottl@speedway.net | disease." - A.T. Still, founder of 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL | Osteopathic Medicine. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!ncar!asuvax!pitstop.mcd.mot.com!mcdphx!schbbs!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex instructions FTP site? Date: 11 Apr 1994 08:05:20 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 32 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2ob0c0$7s9@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com In article , rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung) writes: |> Can someone tell me the FTP site where I can find instructions for all of the |> Vectrex games? Thanks. |> |> --R.J. |> B-) |> |> //////////////////////////////////////|\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ |> Send whatevers to rjung@netcom.com | If it has pixels, I'm for it. |> --------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up! |> "You weren't chosen because you are the best pilot in the Air Force. You were |> chosen because you are the class clown and frankly, you're expendable." CSUS.EDU -- Regards --Roger ________________________________________________________________________________ William R. Squire, smtp : squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com Information Tech Services, : rogersq@comm.mot.com MOTOROLA E-mail : C15215@email.mot.com Cellular Infrastructure Div. X-400 : CWS003 16, Euro Way, Blagrove, Voice : +44 (0)793 545478 Swindon, Wiltshire. Reception : +44 (0)793 541541 SN5 8YW. Fax No. : +44 (0)793 512618 Maildrop : EUR-UK, ZUK28 ________________________________________________________________________________ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!sdd.hp.com!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!news.uh.edu!ccsvax.sfasu.edu!ccsvax.sfasu.edu!z_morganrw Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Message-ID: <1994Apr13.115153.1@ccsvax.sfasu.edu> From: z_morganrw@ccsvax.sfasu.edu (RIK) Date: 13 Apr 94 11:51:53 CST References: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> <2ofa65$7cu@access1.speedway.net> Distribution: inet Organization: Stephen F. Austin State University Nntp-Posting-Host: ccsvax.sfasu.edu Lines: 20 In article <2ofa65$7cu@access1.speedway.net>, scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) writes: > In article kamg@ecf.toronto.edu (KAM GREGORY K) writes: >> >>Whoever this clod is, he's posted this to virtually every group on the >>net! >> >>Greg > > So, what do we do? > > Send a complaint to postmaster@indirect.com, along with a copy of the > message. That should take encourage him not to do it again. > > That, my friends, should be the last word. Fingering his account (nike@indirect.com) shows it to be located in Shell: etc/disabled. I guess the postmaster/site admins did not like this much either... :) Rik + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!sgiblab!swrinde!emory!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!concert!yussel!jfreeman From: joe@FreemanSoft.com (Joe Freeman) Subject: Going price for a vectrex system Message-ID: <1994Apr15.154917.12145@FreemanSoft.com> Sender: jfreeman@FreemanSoft.com Reply-To: joe@FreemanSoft.com Organization: FreemanSoft Inc. Distribution: usa Date: Fri, 15 Apr 1994 15:49:17 GMT Lines: 16 I am trying to figure out what the going rate is for my pile of vectrex stuff. I've got two machines, an extra controller, every game with box, the light pen and the goggles. What should I expect to get for this package? Our site doesn't actually get this group so please reply by email. (I apologize if this seems rude) Thanks, -- Joe Freeman FreemanSoft Inc. A NEXTSTEP software and consulting services company. Electronic Mail: Joe@FreemanSoft.com (NeXT Mail) Voice: 919.783.7033 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!mary.iia.org!mary.iia.org!not-for-mail From: stessej@iia.org (Jason Stessel) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Multi-Carts? Date: 16 Apr 1994 15:30:14 -0400 Organization: International Internet Association. Lines: 1 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2opec6$at9@mary.iia.org> NNTP-Posting-Host: iia.org X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Where's the best spot to get one of those multi-carts for the vectrex? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!nntp.ucsb.edu!ucsbuxb.ucsb.edu!ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu!not-for-mail From: 6500dtpt@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu (David Tipton) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: FOR SALE or TRADE: Vectrex cartridges Date: 16 Apr 1994 16:12:15 -0700 Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara Lines: 17 Distribution: rec Message-ID: <2oprcf$mji@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu I have the following Vectrex cartridges for trade or sale (just loose carts, no box, instructions, or overlay) Scramble Armor Attack Blitz HyperChase Star Trek I will sell them to the highest bidder, or will consider trades for other stuff (like Coleco games, Intellivision stuff, TurboGrafx/Duo stuff) etc.... make me an offer! 6500dtpt@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: VECTREX From: bob.lange@aquila.com (Bob Lange) Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!aquila!bob.lange Distribution: world Message-ID: Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 06:29:00 -0600 Organization: Aquila BBS - Aurora, IL - 820-8344 Lines: 14 SUBJECT: VECTREX INSTRUCTIONS Is there a FAQ for this newsgroup? [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ "I would rather be a transformed [] ] [ ape than a degenerate son of Adam" [] bob.lange@aquila.com ] [ Paul Broca ????-1880 [] ] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] * RM 1.3 00570 * SYSTEM ERROR: press F13 to continue. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!paris.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!ringer!lonestar.utsa.edu!blake From: blake@lonestar.utsa.edu (M Blake Schreckenbach) Subject: Re: Vectrex /w goggles for sale Message-ID: <1994Apr18.230251.21362@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> Sender: news@ringer.cs.utsa.edu Nntp-Posting-Host: lonestar.utsa.edu Organization: University of Texas at San Antonio References: <1994Apr18.225634.21035@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> Date: Mon, 18 Apr 1994 23:02:51 GMT Lines: 37 In article <1994Apr18.225634.21035@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> blake@lonestar.utsa.edu (M Blake Schreckenbach) writes: >For Sale: > >1 Vectrex game unit /w controller and instructions > >3D goggles (the foam needs to be replaced, but runs fine) > >8 Games with overlays and instruction books for about 4 of them > >Games are: > Heads-Up > Berzerk > SolarQuest > Scramble > 3D Minestorm > Blitz > Star Trek > Armor Attack > and the ubiquitous default game, Minestorm > >The Unit is in great shape. > >Terms: >Asking $175 + shipping, firm. Do not want to break-up. >Must be a certified bank check or MO, or if it is a personal >check, I will hold shipping until it clears my bank. I will notify >buyer via email when I ship shortly after clearing the bank. >Would prefer to do business in Texas, but not outside USA. > >Email or call Blake at 210-xxx-xxxx sorry, i cancelled this posting right after I sent it because I am not at that number anymore, but am at 210-561-4331. You're sure to get me there! Blake + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!ringer!lonestar.utsa.edu!blake From: blake@lonestar.utsa.edu (M Blake Schreckenbach) Subject: Re: Vectrex /w goggles for sale Message-ID: <1994Apr19.121904.4972@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> Sender: news@ringer.cs.utsa.edu Nntp-Posting-Host: lonestar.utsa.edu Organization: University of Texas at San Antonio References: <1994Apr18.225634.21035@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> <1994Apr18.230251.21362@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 12:19:04 GMT Lines: 14 In article <1994Apr18.230251.21362@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> blake@lonestar.utsa.edu (M Blake Schreckenbach) writes: >In article <1994Apr18.225634.21035@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> blake@lonestar.utsa.edu (M Blake Schreckenbach) writes: >>For Sale: >> >>1 Vectrex game unit /w controller and instructions >> >>3D goggles (the foam needs to be replaced, but runs fine) >> >>8 Games with overlays and instruction books for about 4 of them unit has been sold. Thank you for your interest! Blake + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!xlink.net!news.fhg.de!igd.fhg.de!bienlein!reutter From: reutter@bienlein.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (H.J.-L. Reutter) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,umn.aem.ugrads Subject: Re: Green Card Lottery- Final One? Date: 19 Apr 1994 12:51:50 GMT Organization: Zentrum fuer Graphische Datenverarbeitung, 6100 Darmstadt, Germany Lines: 6 Sender: reutter@bienlein (H.J.-L. Reutter) Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2p0k56$k0v@korfu.igd.fhg.de> References: <2odl44$450@herald.indirect.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: bienlein.igd.fhg.de Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1654 umn.aem.ugrads:6 They posted to about every group and got bombed with angry replies and core dumps. As a result their supplier (indirekt.com) pulled the plug and is now threatened by a $250.000 lawsuit... Lawyers, what else is left to say... Jean-Luc + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!wupost!crcnis1.unl.edu!news.unomaha.edu!cwis.unomaha.edu!bcrooks From: bcrooks@cwis.unomaha.edu (Barbara F. Crooks) Subject: Schematic/power conversion Message-ID: <1994Apr19.213958.13304@news.unomaha.edu> Sender: news@news.unomaha.edu (UNO Network News Server) Organization: University of Nebraska at Omaha Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 21:39:58 GMT Lines: 12 Help! I have a Vectrex that I bought in the UK. It runs on 220 VAC. Does anyone know how to convert it to run 120 VAC, or do have to buy one of those 120-to-220 converters from Radio Snack? -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Barbara Crooks bcrooks@unomaha.edu To err is human. To really foul things up requires a computer! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!newshub.sdsu.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!news.tufts.edu!kisrael From: kisrael@jade.tufts.edu (Kirk Israel) Subject: Where's the FAQ? Message-ID: Lines: 16 Sender: news@news.tufts.edu (USENET News System) Organization: Tufts University - Medford, MA Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 01:01:19 GMT Hey why isn't the FAQ for this group on rtfm.mit.edu? Just got my multicart (thanks Mark Woodward) and I need instructions for most of these silly games...can someone tell me where that ftp site is with all the docs? And also, which games will wont work without special accesories... And while I'm at it- who's got an extra joystick to sell me? (yeah, right...) -- _____ -O\O Kirk Israel \\ "Quitters never win." ( = ) kisrael@jade.tufts.edu \\ "But what if it was a quitting contest? http://www.cs.tufts.edu/~kisrael \\ One of them might win then, right?" + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!news.utdallas.edu!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b.bnr.ca!woodcock From: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: [Vectrex] FAQ (sorry it's late) Date: 20 Apr 1994 02:10:57 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 672 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2p22vh$23r@crchh327.bnr.ca> Reply-To: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) NNTP-Posting-Host: crchh75b.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1657 rec.games.video.classic:6153 The old brain just isn't what it used to be and I forgot on April fool's day. +-----------+ |Vectrex====| | +-------+ | Vectrex "Frequently Asked Questions" List! Created: 9/1/92 | | # + *| | version 2.0 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; I am going to try with "shrinky-dinks") How do the control panels work and can one be built? (YES) 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 (PacMan 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 (does anybody have this?) [??] 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) (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)[??] 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 Mail Plane Pitcher's Duel Pole Position (for 3D imager) Power Trip Sock It Tour de France Accessories: Touch-Sensitive Screen 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 ================================================================================ 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 (sandhoff@csus.edu). There are binary listings (2 flavors; pure binary from the ROMs, and Intel "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 (davewt@NCoast.ORG) 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. Do I have to make my own multi-cart; can't I just buy one from somebody? No; I mean, Yes, err... There are at least 5 people making multi-carts for resale on the net but the best ones (by far) are being made by Mark Woodward (woodward@Newbridge.com). If you do not have email, you can reach him by phone at 613/591-3600 during the day time (EDT zone).. He is making multi-carts which don't require an old cart to be cannibalized since he is getting PCBs made up for the job. His carts allow you to select the games via a menu on the Vectrex screen instead of by flipping dip switches as all the others do. The carts support the RAM for Animaction and include a 'pause' button allowing you to pause any of the games (my idea; thank you :). They contain all the released games plus the Test Cart and 2 hacked versions of Minestorm (infinite lives and more shots). The price breakdown is as follows... $30 PCB + S/W selection $20 EPROM (unless you can send me one) $5 RAM (Optional) If he builds it for you then there is $5 charge for miscellaneous parts and you are obligated donate $10 to a local charity to cover his time. This is in the spirit of the Smith Engineering agreement for 'not-for-profit' duplication. The only 'profit' he get is from the s/w selection code which he deserves and is entitled to because he wrote (owns) it. The games have been generously donated Smith Engineering and the parts are sold at cost (with a little to cover shipping). To 1 complete, ready-to-play multicart costs $60. 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 he can provide you with the PCB, a programmed EPROM (or disk if you can blast your own) and a parts list. ================================================================================ 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. 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 (dmuntz@quip.eecs.umich.edu) 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? You can't make it "good-as-new", but you can repair it so that is is usable again. You must first mangle the sticker on the back of the joystick to get at the 2 screws that hold it together. Just feel around and you should be able to see where the holes are. You can either try to peel back the sticker (very bad idea) or simply punch 2 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. ================================================================================ 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). 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. - adamfox@super.org FORTRESS OF NARZOD: If you can somehow manage to kill the gorilla (AKA the "Mystic Hurler") 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). MINESTORM: The brightness trick allows you to see the "invisible" mines. 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. ================================================================================ Q. What is the history of the Vectrex? A. Thanks a lot to Stefan Herr (steve@lioness.okapi.sub.org) 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. 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". 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. ??: 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. 04/1982: Paul Newell finishes "Scramble". 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 leaves Western Technologies to join Simutrek, a company developing arcade laser disc games ("Cube Quest"). ??: 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 are not very many evidences of the existance of a computer keyboard with a BASIC cartridge (or something similar) for the Vectrex. The only hint known is 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. It is the issue that reviewed the original Macintosh (1984?). LIST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE VECTREX DEVELOPMENT --------------------------------------------------- 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) Paul Allen Newell (*) Sole author of Scramble John Hall (*) Worked on The Executive Author of Mine Storm Gerry Karr Took over The Executive project, after John Hall concentrated on Mine Storm John Ross Developer of the hardware Chris King Author of Berzerk Author of Hyperchase Duncan Muirhead Joined WT at the end of 1981 (or beginning of 82) Author of Armor...Attack Ronald J. Logsdon Author of Melody Master for the Lightpen Jay Smith Founder and president of Western Technologies/Smith Engineering Kim Martin Digitized the Scramble landscapes Beta-tester (mainly for Scramble) (*): 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, Bill Hawkins, Don Herndon, Ed Horton, Bill Hudson, Kevin Hudson, Nolan Johnson, Patrick King, Steve Marking, Richard Moskowski, Walter Nakano, Gary Niles, Lori Pearsall, Mike Purvis, Bob Rutowski, Tom Sloper, Ed Smith, and Colin Vowels. Sources: Electronic mails from Mark Indictor, Paul Newell, Chris King, Ronald J. Logsdon, 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 ESN 444.7380 Cube=S1-258 Col=S30 MailStop=D0112 woodcock@bnr.ca or woodcock@nt.com or bn202@cleveland.freenet.edu "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!nic-nac.CSU.net!csulb.edu!paris.ics.uci.edu!news.service.uci.edu!cafws2.eng.uci.edu!dan From: dan@cafws2.eng.uci.edu (Dan Harkless) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Where's the FAQ? Date: 20 Apr 1994 01:31:42 GMT Organization: University of California, Irvine Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2p20lu$idp@news.service.uci.edu> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: cafws2.eng.uci.edu Kirk Israel writes: > >Hey why isn't the FAQ for this group on rtfm.mit.edu? > >Just got my multicart (thanks Mark Woodward) Oh, has Mark debugged the problem with his multicarts? He hasn't posted anything... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Dan Harkless | "The sore in my soul | | dan@cafws1.eng.uci.edu | The mark in my heart -> Front 242, | | dharkles@bonnie.ics.uci.edu | Her acid reign..." Tragedy >For You< | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Where can I find games... From: michael.packard%safety.uucp@netcom.com (Michael Packard) Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!safety!michael.packard Distribution: world Message-ID: <1fb.8.4429.0NA35B9C@netcom.com> Date: Fri, 22 Apr 94 20:25:00 -0800 Organization: The Safety Net BBS - (714)457-8066 Lines: 4 I have a vectrex, but no carts for it. I have had no luck finding carts in southern california. Does anyone out there know where I can find some? Michael + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!bnr.co.uk!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b.bnr.ca!woodcock From: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Will trade Vectrex + several games for 2600 carts! Date: 25 Apr 1994 01:23:17 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 21 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2pf625$bhk@crchh327.bnr.ca> Reply-To: bushwick@netcom.com (Pete Rittwage) NNTP-Posting-Host: crchh75b.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Thought somebody here might want to see this... [ Article crossposted from rec.games.video.classic ] [ Author was Pete Rittwage ] [ Posted on Sun, 24 Apr 1994 16:59:12 GMT ] I will trade a working Vectrex, in decent condition for a good set of 2600 games. I have several games with the unit, such as Berzerk, Cosmic Chasm, Scramble, HyperChase, Star Castle. I would much rather start a good collection of 2600 games rather than have a unit with a limit of 30 games, all of which are freely available. Make me an offer. Pete -- THANX...Gregg ESN 444.7380 Cube=S1-258 Col=S30 MailStop=D0112 woodcock@bnr.ca or woodcock@nt.com or bn202@cleveland.freenet.edu "If you quote me on this I'll have to deny it; I won't remember because I have such a bad memory. Not only that, but my memory is *terrible*." + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uunet!speedway.net!not-for-mail From: scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Attention Kanh Tran! Date: 24 Apr 1994 23:31:40 -0500 Organization: Speedway Free Access -- Dial 10288-1-503-520-2222 Lines: 21 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <2pfh3c$jq7@access1.speedway.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost (And sincere apologies to everyone else. It would be a bigger waste of bandwidth to restart the auction. Yes, I have attempted to find him by other means.) The person who has "won" the vectrex auction I sponsored has not contacted me in over a week. Unless I get a response soon, I will assume s/he feels too "guilty" to tell me that s/he is planning to welch on their bid. Since you were in 2nd place, your bid will be considered the "winner", unless the higher bidder reaches me before the unit is shipped. Please send me E-mail with your name and phone number. Thanks! -- Scott Levine on Speedway Free Access | "To find health should be mission of (10288)-1-503-520-2222 | any doctor. Any fool can find scottl@speedway.net | disease." - A.T. Still, founder of 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL | Osteopathic Medicine. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!sun4nl!hacktic!blackhl.hacktic.nl!fedspace.hacktic.nl!jeroen From: jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl (jeroen) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: [Vectrex] FAQ (sorry it's late) Message-ID: <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> Date: Mon, 25 Apr 1994 01:20:00 GMT References: <2p22vh$23r@crchh327.bnr.ca> Distribution: world Organization: -= FedSpace =- Utrecht NL X-Newsreader: Rnf 0.78 Lines: 61 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1662 rec.games.video.classic:6337 woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) writes: >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 (PacMan 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 (does anybody have this?) [??] > 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) (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)[??] Do I miss something or do you? When my father bought my sister and me a Vectrex a long time ago in '83 I finished the internal Minestorm in no time (Yep I was young then) I was disappointed, gee, I was DISAPPOINTED.. and so I called MB. They were very nice and very surprised... One month later the postman brought a present from MB: Minestorm-II.... same game but with probably an end.... I never reached it The machine and cartridge is still at my father's so if somebody wants some more info, just ask .... Cya trexies, jeroen Do I have a lifestyle yet? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- General D. Raker likes -= F e d S p a c e =- more...... -=- jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl -=- -= Yep =- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uknet!dcl-cs!marc From: marc@comp.lancs.ac.uk (Mr M E Goldman) Subject: Re: [Vectrex] FAQ (sorry it's late) Message-ID: Sender: usenet@comp.lancs.ac.uk (The Guardian) Nntp-Posting-Host: dcl-lotos Organization: Computing Department, Lancaster University. References: <2p22vh$23r@crchh327.bnr.ca> <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 10:55:03 GMT Lines: 26 Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1663 rec.games.video.classic:6384 In article <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl (jeroen) writes: >Do I miss something or do you? >When my father bought my sister and me a Vectrex a long time ago in '83 >I finished the internal Minestorm in no time (Yep I was young then) >I was disappointed, gee, I was DISAPPOINTED.. and so I called MB. >They were very nice and very surprised... >One month later the postman brought a present from MB: >Minestorm-II.... same game but with probably an end.... I never reached it > >The machine and cartridge is still at my father's so if somebody wants >some more info, just ask .... You have a Minestorm 2???!!! Then you could be a rich man soon. I can see the collectors drooling already! Marc ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** ** * ****** *** * | On the net, ** * ** *** ** ** * * | no-one can hear you scream! ** * ** *** **** ** * * |------------------------------------ ** * ** *** ** ** * * | email marc@comp.lancs.ac.uk ** * ****** * ****** ** ** | marc@computing.lancaster.ac.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!news.utdallas.edu!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b.bnr.ca!woodcock From: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: [Vectrex] FAQ (sorry it's late) Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Date: 26 Apr 1994 14:07:47 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2pj77j$slu@crchh327.bnr.ca> References: <2p22vh$23r@crchh327.bnr.ca> <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> Reply-To: woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) NNTP-Posting-Host: crchh75b.bnr.ca X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1664 rec.games.video.classic:6387 Mr M E Goldman (marc@comp.lancs.ac.uk) wrote: > In article <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl (jeroen) writes: > >Do I miss something or do you? > >When my father bought my sister and me a Vectrex a long time ago in '83 > >I finished the internal Minestorm in no time (Yep I was young then) > >I was disappointed, gee, I was DISAPPOINTED.. and so I called MB. > >They were very nice and very surprised... > >One month later the postman brought a present from MB: > >Minestorm-II.... same game but with probably an end.... I never reached it > > > >The machine and cartridge is still at my father's so if somebody wants > >some more info, just ask .... > You have a Minestorm 2???!!! > Then you could be a rich man soon. I can see the collectors drooling > already! Don't get carried away yet; he said that it was "the same game but with probably an end". What probably happened is that jeroen had an early Vectrex with one of the early buggy versions of Minestorm in it (that appeared to hang after level 13 or did something else strange) and when he complained to GCE they sent him the udated version of Minestorm on a cart. I doubt VERY VERY much that this game is anything other than a version of Minestorm that most of us have built into our machines already. I am trying to get more information to follow this up... -- THANX...Gregg ESN 444.7380 Cube=S1-258 Col=S30 MailStop=D0112 woodcock@bnr.ca or woodcock@nt.com or bn202@cleveland.freenet.edu "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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uknet!dcl-cs!marc From: marc@comp.lancs.ac.uk (Mr M E Goldman) Subject: Vectrex games forsale Message-ID: Sender: usenet@comp.lancs.ac.uk (The Guardian) Nntp-Posting-Host: dcl-lotos Organization: Computing Department, Lancaster University. Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 14:01:39 GMT Lines: 22 I have the following carts to sell off. They include the cart, the overlay and instructions (typed not originals). Make me an offer. Spike Ripoff Bezerk Cleansweep Cosmic Chasm Cheers Marc ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** ** * ****** *** * | On the net, ** * ** *** ** ** * * | no-one can hear you scream! ** * ** *** **** ** * * |------------------------------------ ** * ** *** ** ** * * | email marc@comp.lancs.ac.uk ** * ****** * ****** ** ** | marc@computing.lancaster.ac.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!igor.rutgers.edu!dziuxsolim.rutgers.edu!er7.rutgers.edu!rcwal From: rcwal@er7.rutgers.edu (Richard Walter) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: 3D Imager Summary: Wanted: Vectrex 3D Imager! Keywords: vectrex 3D Imager Message-ID: Date: 26 Apr 94 17:34:50 GMT Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 7 Hello, Just looking around for a 3D Imager.... Anybody got one for sale??? - Rich + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!udel!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!speedway.net!denwa.info.com!not-for-mail From: michael@denwa.info.com (Michael Gersten) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Pricing information wanted Date: 26 Apr 1994 19:39:48 -0700 Organization: Info Connections, West Los Angeles Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2pkj9k$m06@denwa.info.com> Reply-To: michael@stb.info.com NNTP-Posting-Host: denwa.info.com I need to find out how much a vectrex system costs. Specifically, with the 3-d goggles, and 3 of the 4 3-d games, 2 control consoles (both working), and about 20 games. A partial list: Scramble, rip-off, fortress of narzod, crazy coaster, the web-hunting game. If you have such a system for sale, what do you want for it? If you are looking for such a system, how much would you pay for it? Uncle sam wants to know for tax deduction (earthquake) reasons. Please reply directly, as I don't receive this group. Michael -- Michael Gersten michael@stb.info.com NeXT Registered Developer (NeRD) # 3860 -- Hire me! (Ready around 12/93) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!charnel.net.csuchico.edu!charnel!olivea!decwrl!ames!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!speedway.net!not-for-mail From: scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,alt.games.video.classic,rec.games.video,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace Subject: Vectrex auction! (Take 2!) Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex Date: 27 Apr 1994 12:46:19 -0500 Organization: Speedway Free Access -- Dial 10288-1-503-520-2222 Lines: 69 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2pm8db$86c@access1.speedway.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1668 alt.games.video.classic:4288 rec.games.video:50770 rec.games.video.classic:6434 rec.games.video.marketplace:9287 Due to past welched bids, I am, once again, auctioning the following Vectrex system, with an all-new automated E-Mail auction system! For auction: One Vectrex video game system, with base unit, one controller, one light pen (rare!), original owner's manual, Minestorm (default game) overlay, and original Minestorm manual. The following cartridges, with original instruction manuals and overlays. (Except for Art Master, which never had an overlay!) Armor Attack Art Master Berzerk Blitz! Clean Sweep Cosmic Chasm Fortress of Narzod HyperChase Pole Position Rip Off Scramble Solar Quest Space Wars Spike Star Castle Starhawk Star Trek Web Wars That's 19 games total! Winner must pay shipping from the Chicago area in addition to their bid. All items are in good, working order. Money back if not satisfied. (Unless damage was caused by shipping - that's what insurance is for! :-) ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO BID (*IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS*) Send E-Mail to positron@eecs.umich.edu (NOT ME!), with the following : Subject line : BIDSERVER Body: BID VECTREX (Do not use brackets around the amount!) For a repeated description: Subject line : BIDSERVER Body: DESCRIBE VECTREX For more information on how to use the Bidserver: Subject : BIDSERVER Body : HELP Minimum bid is $150, and minimum raise is $5. The program will inform you if your bid succeeded nearly-instantly, and will inform you of when you've been outbid the moment it happens! (Neat, huh?) Any questions about the system? Send me E-Mail! -- Scott Levine on Speedway Free Access | "To find health should be mission of (10288)-1-503-520-2222 | any doctor. Any fool can find scottl@speedway.net | disease." - A.T. Still, founder of 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL | Osteopathic Medicine. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ncar!asuvax!pitstop.mcd.mot.com!mcdphx!schbbs!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Re: [Vectrex] FAQ (sorry it's late) Date: 26 Apr 1994 14:35:24 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 90 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2pj8rc$aq2@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> References: <2p22vh$23r@crchh327.bnr.ca> <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl> NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1669 rec.games.video.classic:6438 In article <042594012059Rnf0.78@fedspace.hacktic.nl>, jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl (jeroen) writes: |> woodcock@bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) writes: |> |> >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 (PacMan 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 (does anybody have this?) [??] |> > 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) (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)[??] |> |> Do I miss something or do you? |> When my father bought my sister and me a Vectrex a long time ago in '83 |> I finished the internal Minestorm in no time (Yep I was young then) |> I was disappointed, gee, I was DISAPPOINTED.. and so I called MB. |> They were very nice and very surprised... |> One month later the postman brought a present from MB: |> Minestorm-II.... same game but with probably an end.... I never reached it |> |> The machine and cartridge is still at my father's so if somebody wants |> some more info, just ask .... This sounds doubtfull, but it would be nice if you could look, just to disperse the discussions that will take place if you don't. |> |> Cya trexies, |> |> jeroen |> |> |> Do I have a lifestyle yet? |> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- |> General D. Raker likes -= F e d S p a c e =- more...... |> -=- jeroen@fedspace.hacktic.nl -=- -= Yep =- |> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -- Regards --Roger ________________________________________________________________________________ William R. Squire, smtp : squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com Information Tech Services, : rogersq@comm.mot.com MOTOROLA E-mail : C15215@email.mot.com Cellular Infrastructure Div. X-400 : CWS003 16, Euro Way, Blagrove, Voice : +44 (0)793 545478 Swindon, Wiltshire. Reception : +44 (0)793 541541 SN5 8YW. Fax No. : +44 (0)793 512618 Maildrop : EUR-UK, ZUK28 ________________________________________________________________________________ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!udel!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!sundog.tiac.net!max.tiac.net!Krishna From: Krishna@max.tiac.net (Glenn Saunders) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Will trade Vectrex + several games for 2600 carts! Date: 30 Apr 1994 03:21:58 GMT Organization: The Internet Access Company Lines: 39 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2psism$pf7@sundog.tiac.net> References: <2pf625$bhk@crchh327.bnr.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: max.tiac.net X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Gregg Woodcock (woodcock@bnr.ca) wrote: : Thought somebody here might want to see this... : [ Article crossposted from rec.games.video.classic ] : [ Author was Pete Rittwage ] : [ Posted on Sun, 24 Apr 1994 16:59:12 GMT ] : I will trade a working Vectrex, in decent condition for a good : set of 2600 games. I have several games with the unit, such : as Berzerk, Cosmic Chasm, Scramble, HyperChase, Star Castle. : I would much rather start a good collection of 2600 games : rather than have a unit with a limit of 30 games, all of which : are freely available. : Make me an offer. : Pete : -- : THANX...Gregg ESN 444.7380 Cube=S1-258 Col=S30 MailStop=D0112 : woodcock@bnr.ca or woodcock@nt.com or bn202@cleveland.freenet.edu : "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*." How many games do you need? I've got a 2600 (the one with the A/Bs in the back, wood grain) and a pretty good collection of games. Though not exhaustive. How many games do you need to do the trade? The reason I can't give up every cart I own is that I also have a 7800 and I enjoy playing some of my 2600/7800 games. But I would like a Vectrex. If you want me to compile a list of what I am willing to trade, let me know. I've got roughly 30-40 games or so that I can trade with the unit. Most have dox, though not all. Some unusual ones. Also have a Starpath supercharger but I ain't giving that up! + - - - - End of Archive File - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +