This file contains the archives of the rec.games.vectrex NetNews group for the month of Mar-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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!concert!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b!woodcock From: woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: [Vectrex] FAQ Date: 1 Mar 1994 14:18:26 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 664 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2kviri$pbe@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:1571 rec.games.video.classic:5055 +-----------+ |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 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ncar!noao!CS.Arizona.EDU!organpipe.uug.arizona.edu!nicmos.as.arizona.edu!mramsey From: mramsey@nicmos.as.arizona.edu (Marshall Ramsey) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: faulty joystick port Date: 1 Mar 1994 18:15:37 GMT Organization: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Lines: 16 Sender: mramsey@nicmos.arizona.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <2l00o9$1r5@organpipe.uug.arizona.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: nicmos.as.arizona.edu Keywords: joystick I just discovered that my player-one joystick only recognizes two directions- lower-left and upper-right. MAJOR :( If I plug it into the player-two port I can get full motion. I spot checked the pins on the port and the "look" OK. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Do you think that a repair shop that fixes new video games would be able to fix it? TIA, Marshall -- ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// // Marshall Ramsey // "...so I lit a fire. Isn't it good, // // mramsey@nicmos.as.arizona.edu // Norwegian wood." // // // --GH ...or was it Beavis? // + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!eff!news.kei.com!ub!dsinc!jabber!cellar!tsa From: tsa@cellar.org (The Silent Assassin) Subject: Vectrex for Sale! Organization: The Cellar electronic community and public access system Date: Tue, 01 Mar 94 15:20:49 EST Message-ID: Sender: bbs@cellar.org (BBS user account) Lines: 15 (This is for a friend, please respond to him at "hikaru%vikings@bts.com" Vectrex for sale Great condition (near mint!) 4 cartridges: Scramble Polar Rescue Starhawk and another I can't remember at the moment :( Looking for best offer. Price should include shipping costs. Patri Friedman "You mean you're going to throw away your life for some plain potato chips?" "No. These are salt and vinegar." -Wise potato chip commercial. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!sgiblab!wetware!kaiwan.com!not-for-mail From: myoshimi@kaiwan.com (Mark Yoshimi) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Vectrex for sale... Date: 1 Mar 1994 18:40:58 -0800 Organization: KAIWAN Internet (310/527-4279,818/756-0180,714/741-2920) Lines: 23 Sender: myoshimi@kaiwan.com Distribution: World Message-ID: <2l0ubq$sg0@kaiwan.kaiwan.com> References: <2ktv0m$6oe@kaiwan.kaiwan.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: kaiwan.kaiwan.com In article <2ktv0m$6oe@kaiwan.kaiwan.com>, Mark Yoshimi wrote: >I have decided to part with my old system. Here's what I have: > >Package #1 > >Package #2 > >Leave e-mail if you are interested! I am always open to any reasonable >counter >offers! I would like to sell both as individual packages and not separate >them. Or you can take both packages off me for $145.00 and $15.00 >shipping >charges.... > >myoshimi@kaiwan.com and other extranious junk removed..... Thanks to all of those who have responded, but all of the Vectrex goodies have been sold! It went REAL fast. A little faster than I thought it would.... myoshimi@kaiwan.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!gaul.csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (john macdonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.misc,alt.games.video.classic,misc.forsale Subject: Vectrex cartridges for sale or trade Date: 2 Mar 1994 18:23:40 GMT Organization: Computer Science Dept., Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Canada Lines: 78 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2l2ljc$mfh@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: julian.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1575 rec.games.video.classic:5086 rec.games.video.marketplace:7233 rec.games.video.arcade:32355 rec.games.video.misc:14793 alt.games.video.classic:3827 misc.forsale:101402 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 Star Hawk $15 might have overlay. Rip Off $15 w/ overlay in poor condition Shipping ( Post Office ) includes insurance. 1-2 $4 3-4 $5 5+ $6 I am open to trades of all kinds. I am currently looking for the following vectrex stuff Space Wars manual, overlay, box Star Castle overlay Heads up soccer everything Bedlam box in perfect condition Melody Master box in perfect condition Web Warp box ( not web wars ) 3D Narrow box 3D Crazy manual, box 3D minestorm manual, box, cart 3D imager box Polar Rescue everything Multi cartridge Joystick I am also interested in amiga, mac and ibm hard/software as trades 1.4M internal or external Mac Drive 2" 1M floppies SIMM's ( 1 meg x 9, 4 meg x8 or 9) 70ns or faster SIMM's 72 pin Amiga 2.04 ROM and manual, ECS Denise, 2.0 RKM's, amax hardware Amiga cards of all kinds Amiga software. Not interested in games. Music software in particular. MAC music software, midi interface Hard drives 3.5" SCSI john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 672-0714 feel free to leave a message on the machine, but I can't really afford to call back long distance. PS If you responded to a previous posting in the last few months and did not get a reply it was mostly like due to account and mail problems. Sorry. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!gaul.csd.uwo.ca!magundi From: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (john macdonald) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.arcade,rec.games.video.misc,alt.games.video.classic,misc.forsale Subject: Vectrex cartridges for sale or trade Supersedes: <2l2ljc$mfh@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> Date: 2 Mar 1994 18:43:30 GMT Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Lines: 80 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2l2moi$mtk@falcon.ccs.uwo.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: julian.uwo.ca Xref: csus.edu rec.games.vectrex:1576 rec.games.video.classic:5089 rec.games.video.marketplace:7235 rec.games.video.arcade:32360 rec.games.video.misc:14794 alt.games.video.classic:3830 misc.forsale:101403 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 Star Hawk $15 might have overlay. Rip Off $15 w/ overlay in poor condition Shipping ( Post Office ) includes insurance. 1-2 $4 3-4 $5 5+ $6 I am open to trades of all kinds. I am currently looking for the following vectrex stuff Space Wars manual, overlay, box Star Castle overlay Heads up soccer everything Bedlam box in perfect condition Melody Master box in perfect condition Web Warp box ( not web wars ) 3D Narrow box 3D Crazy manual, box 3D minestorm manual, box, cart 3D imager box Polar Rescue everything Multi cartridge Joystick I am also interested in amiga, mac and ibm hard/software as trades 44 Meg SyQuest cartridges 1.4M internal or external Mac Drive 2" 1M floppies SIMM's ( 1 meg x 9, 4 meg x8 or 9) 70ns or faster SIMM's 72 pin Amiga 2.04 ROM and manual, ECS Denise, 2.0 RKM's, amax hardware Amiga cards of all kinds Amiga software. Not interested in games. Music software in particular. MAC music software, midi interface Hard drives 3.5" SCSI john macdonald magundi@uwo.ca (519) 672-0714 feel free to leave a message on the machine, but I can't really afford to call back long distance. PS If you responded to a previous posting in the last few months and did not get a reply it was mostly like due to account and mail problems. Sorry. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!rosie.next.com!usenet From: Dan_Peknik Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: faulty joystick port Date: 2 Mar 1994 18:33:45 GMT Organization: NeXT, Inc. Lines: 32 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2l2m6a$j1t@rosie.next.com> References: <2l00o9$1r5@organpipe.uug.arizona.edu> Reply-To: Dan_Peknik@next.com NNTP-Posting-Host: arbor-dip.next.com In article <2l00o9$1r5@organpipe.uug.arizona.edu> mramsey@nicmos.as.arizona.edu (Marshall Ramsey) writes: >I just discovered that my player-one joystick only recognizes two directions- >lower-left and upper-right. MAJOR :( If I plug it into the player-two port >I can get full motion. I spot checked the pins on the port and the "look" OK. >Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Do you think that a repair shop >that fixes new video games would be able to fix it? Marshall, The key is figuring out whether it's the mechanics or the electronics of the unit that's at fault. It's probably easier to inspect the mechanics first. Open the unit (if you feel confident doing so) and visually inspect the contacts and movement of the stick and stick assembly. Make sure that it looks trimmed properly by moving it in the farthest positions around the edges and checking contact. Also, if you are so inclined, an ohmeter on each pin and it's desination would tell you if there's a faulty wire path or pin. The schematics for the joystick can be found on the vectrex ftp site (umich??) called "controllerschem.ps". I'd doubt that any of the new game retail stores would be able to fix your controller. It's kindof a hacker thing these days. Where does one find parts? Good luck, Dan + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!ribbit From: ribbit@netcom.com (Tony Mason) Subject: Collection for sale Message-ID: Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest) Date: Thu, 3 Mar 1994 21:38:41 GMT Lines: 33 I'm selling my mearly complete Vectrex Collection. Basically all that's missing from this is the mail-order carrying case! I will sell this to the highest offer over $250.00 before 03/11/94. Not interested in trading - I need the cash. Also, winner pays shipping (roughly $12.00 or so in the U.S.) This setup took me a few years to compile. It comes with: Vectrex (complete w/box and all manuals, paperwork) 2 Joysticks (1 w/vectrex, 1 extra for two-player games like Space War) Light Pen (w/instructions) 3-D Goggles (w/instructions and both color wheels) Multi-Cart 10 misc. screen overlays With this setup you can play just about any game made for the Vectrex. The 3-D glasses are missing a piece of plastic on the side, and the foam needs replacing. It still works fine - these are cosmetic fixes I never got around to doing myself. The Vectrex itself is in perfect working condition as are both the joysticks and light-pen. The color wheels are the ones from 3D Crazy Coaster and 3D Minestorm. If you need to know which screen overlays are there I can get back with that information. They are all in good shape with sleeves. The Multi-Cart is of the dip-switch variety. Any other questions, mail me. -- ============================================================================== /-\ /-\ Tony Mason (ribbit@netcom.com) /(o)\/(o)\ Old video game & Star Wars junkie |. _____P | ( ________.) --- "Ribbit. So there." /. . \ / . . . \ Tasha: DL S G 5 X L W C+++ I+++ T+ A E++ H S V++ | .. |. | . | F+ Q++ P++ B- ( \ /--\ /.) Tassle: DM+SI W+Od A 2 X L++ W++ C+++ I+++ T-- A \/\M-M M-M/\/ E H S++ V++ F+ Q P B++/B-- ============================================================================== + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vector Inspector From: carey.hambrick@bgbbs.com (Carey Hambrick) Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!menudo.uh.edu!nuchat!bgbbs!carey.hambrick Distribution: world Message-ID: <67.349.3691.0N3E4004@bgbbs.com> Date: Fri, 4 Mar 94 03:30:00 -0600 Organization: ®® Black Gold BBS - Tulsa, OK - 918-272-7779 - 25 gig's ¯¯ Lines: 24 Just out of curiosity, If I (slowly) scraped up a hunnerd bucks, does anyone think I could score a Vectrex?? I've seen the last few years roll by without much fear of going into an arcade...'cause taint nothin' there to play anyway...Xcept going to an arcade in olde Orchard Beach Maine and seeing alot of old Vector machines (among others)... Played Star Castle like a fiend for several hours on multiple trips... Also Played Armour Attack which was still a blast... This Arcade was packed full of old machines... Most other arcades are like going into daycares with sorry Double Dragon type games which score a zero on my Xcitement meter (batt's not incl) In my older more refined video gaming years how I would long to kick back with a portable vector-based home system...It set my heart aflutter in '82 And still does...sigh Will scrape harder for xlnt condition, good games w-docs and o-lays... Got one? + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail From: corey@cs.utexas.edu (Corey Cooper) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: 3d goggles Date: 4 Mar 1994 14:19:57 -0600 Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin Lines: 5 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2l855d$fjm@nada.cs.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: nada.cs.utexas.edu Could someone please give me an idea of what a good pair of 3d goggles would be worth today? Thanks much .. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!xray From: xray@netcom.com (X-Ray Gee) Subject: Wanted Vectrex games & accessories Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest) X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] Date: Sat, 5 Mar 1994 02:20:49 GMT Lines: 28 I am looking for complete (box, instructions and overlays) Vectrex games, along with the Light Pen and 3D Imager accessories. I need: Spike 3D Imager Bedlam 3D Mine Storm Space Wars 3D Pole Position Web Wars 3D Narrow Escape Batter-Up 3D Crazy Coaster Polar Rescue Star Castle Light Pen Heads-Up Art Master Dark Tower Melody Master Pole Position Animaction I'm not sure if all of these games exist. I'm going by the old catalogs that I have seen. If you have any of these for sale, contact me (Alfred) through xray here or you can contact me directly by phone or mail. I'm at: Alfred Urrutia 6119 Riverton Ave. N. Hollywood, CA 91606 U.S.A. phone # 1-818-762-8014 -- XX XX RRR AAA YY YY XX XX RRRRR AA AA YYY YYY _ /| XXX ==== RR RR AAAAAAA YYYYY \'o.O' Ack! Barf! Pfffttt! XXX ==== RR RR AAAAAAA YYY =(___)= XX XX RR RR AA AA YYY U XX XX RR RR AA AA YYY YYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!cis.ohio-state.edu!news.sei.cmu.edu!bb3.andrew.cmu.edu!andrew.cmu.edu!wb2a+ From: William T Bajzek Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Wanted: 3D system Date: Sat, 5 Mar 1994 00:58:44 -0500 Organization: Sponsored account, Education, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: po5.andrew.cmu.edu anyone got the goggles and a game or 2 they'd like to sell? -------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Bajzek impaler+@cmu.edu "What's a little fallout, eh?" + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!uwm.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!sdd.hp.com!sgiblab!a2i!shakala!pony From: pony@shakala.com (Robert Poniatowski) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Auction! Message-ID: Date: Fri, 04 Mar 94 22:47:49 PST Organization: Shakala BBS (ClanZen Radio Network) Sunnyvale, CA +1-408-734-2289 Lines: 22 Well, I've got the following Vectrex system up for auction! Vectrex base system & joystick, great condition Armor Attack Scramble Solar Quest Star Trek The carts do not have original docs or overlays, but I will supply photocopied instructions & color transparency duplicates of the overlays (these were made on a color copier from the originals - they look great!). Auction ends Friday, March 18th, highest (reasonable) bid takes it - Buyer also pays shipping from San Jose, California Sorry, I don't want to hassle with customs on this, so US bids only please! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert Poniatowski - pony@shakala.com Shakala BBS (ClanZen Radio Network) Sunnyvale, CA +1-408-734-2289 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail From: corey@cs.utexas.edu (Corey Cooper) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Joystick Date: 6 Mar 1994 12:42:10 -0600 Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin Lines: 8 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2ld862$1um@nada.cs.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: nada.cs.utexas.edu I know that the FAQ addresses repairing a joystick that won't center anymore, but does anyone have any advice on repairing the buttons? Mine work just fine, but the spring seems to have worn out on my number 4 from use. It still works perfectly, but no real spring to it. I haven't taken the joystick apart to look at it yet ... any suggestions before I do? Corey + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!udel!gatech!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.ans.net!newsgate.watson.ibm.com!hawnews.watson.ibm.com!watnews.watson.ibm.com!coredump.rchland.ibm.com!rskm From: rskm@coredump.rchland.ibm.com (Robert Kemmetmueller) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: 3d goggles Date: 8 Mar 1994 02:20:00 GMT Organization: IBM Rochester MN Lines: 14 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2lgncg$v6p@locutus.rchland.ibm.com> References: <2l855d$fjm@nada.cs.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: coredump.rchland.ibm.com >Could someone please give me an idea of what a good pair of 3d goggles would >be worth today? -- $50. (Well, to ME anyway. But then again, I haven't been able to buy a pair for that price, so they must be worth more, since demand always seems to exceed supply). If you're looking to buy a pair, your best bet is to go for a complete "package deal", since they're usually being sold by people who want to unload their whole system at once (getting married, cleaning attic, whatever), and can't be bothered with the hassle of selling bits and pieces. :-( --Robert Kemmetmueller, rskm@vnet.ibm.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!ribbit From: ribbit@netcom.com (Tony Mason) Subject: Collection for sale update Message-ID: Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest) Date: Tue, 8 Mar 1994 21:41:38 GMT Lines: 35 Update: The highest bid on the entire system is $300.00. Last day to bid is 03/11/94 (Friday). I'm selling my nearly complete Vectrex Collection. Basically all that's missing from this is the mail-order carrying case! I will sell this to the highest offer before 03/11/94. Not interested in trading - I need the cash. Also, winner pays shipping (roughly $12.00 or so in the U.S.) This setup took me a few years to compile! It comes with: Vectrex (complete w/box and all manuals, paperwork) 3-D Goggles (w/instructions and both color wheels) Light Pen (w/instructions) 2 Joysticks (1 w/vectrex, 1 extra for two-player games like Space War) Multi-Cart (dipswitch variety) 10 misc. screen overlays Art Master cartridge w/inst. With this setup you can play just about any game made for the Vectrex. The 3-D glasses are missing a piece of plastic on the side, and the foam needs replacing. It still works fine - these are cosmetic fixes I never got around to doing myself. The Vectrex itself is in perfect working condition as are both the joysticks and light-pen. The color wheels are the ones from 3D Crazy Coaster and 3D Minestorm. If you need to know which screen overlays are there I can get back with that information. They are all in good shape with sleeves. Any other questions, mail me. -- ============================================================================== /-\ /-\ Tony Mason (ribbit@netcom.com) /(o)\/(o)\ Old video game & Star Wars junkie |. _____P | ( ________.) --- "Ribbit. So there." /. . \ / . . . \ Tasha: DL S G 5 X L W C+++ I+++ T+ A E++ H S V++ | .. |. | . | F+ Q++ P++ B- ( \ /--\ /.) Tassle: DM+SI W+Od A 2 X L++ W++ C+++ I+++ T-- A \/\M-M M-M/\/ E H S++ V++ F+ Q P B++/B-- ============================================================================== + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!yale.edu!noc.near.net!usenet.elf.com!rpi!crockett1b.its.rpi.edu!derosa From: derosa@crockett1b.its.rpi.edu (Andrew E. Derosa) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Question on Mine Storm Date: 9 Mar 1994 04:41:55 GMT Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Lines: 4 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2ljk2j$vq@usenet.rpi.edu> Reply-To: derosa@rpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: crockett1b.its.rpi.edu I was wondering if anyone knew the highest possible level obtainable on Mine Storm. My father beat this game to death and was able to get up to Minefield 89 where it apparently stopped. He would kill all the mines and it wouldn't go any further, was this the real end or was the game defective. Just curious. I'm pretty sure it was minefield 89, it may have been higher, I just remember that minefield with the invisible mines was a killer. Thanks Keywords: + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!yale.edu!noc.near.net!news.delphi.com!usenet From: David Stein Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: WTB Vectrex Date: Wed, 9 Mar 94 23:19:39 -0500 Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice) Lines: 10 Distribution: inet Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: bos1b.delphi.com I am interested in buying a Vectrex system and an Intellivison system. All my stu classic systems were stolen just before Christmas, and these are the only I have beenve been unable to replace. Please send e-mail to davegan@aol.com with the specs of your syte of your system(s) and the price. Thanks, Dave + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!parc!barrnet.net!sgiblab!sdd.hp.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!news.pipeline.com!malgudi.oar.net!infinet!woovis From: woovis@infinet.com (William V. Swartz) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Joystick Date: 10 Mar 1994 19:49:06 GMT Organization: InfiNet - Internet Access (614/268-3639) Lines: 12 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2lntji$ds7@rigel.infinet.com> References: <2ld862$1um@nada.cs.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: rigel.infinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Corey Cooper (corey@cs.utexas.edu) wrote: : I know that the FAQ addresses repairing a joystick that won't center anymore, : but does anyone have any advice on repairing the buttons? I don't have repair advice but someone once teased us that there was a type of Sega controller that could easily be modified for use on a Vectrex. I never did see the info on doing this materialize so I am left wondering is this doable? Sounds like a few of us could use this! // \X/ -BiL- woovis@infinet.com (See my 'Imagine'-ary signature below) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!news.kei.com!ssd.intel.com!ichips!ichips!brianh From: brianh@ichips.intel.com (Brian Holscher) Subject: Using Sega Controllers Message-ID: Sender: news@ichips.intel.com (News Account) Organization: Intel Corp., Hillsboro, Oregon Date: Fri, 11 Mar 1994 19:57:32 GMT Lines: 25 I have almost finished converting my Sega Controller to a Vectrex Controller. I will get all the details (including a schematic) together and post them later. Since I've seen some postings asking about using Sega Controllers, I thought I would let everyone know its possible. I also added an small 18 pin micro-controller to mine to allow the user to reprogram which Sega button corresponds to what Vectrex button on a game by game basis. I think this is a good feature since the Select button is not very useful as the fire button in Minestorm. I am also entertaining the idea of adding auto-firing. I'm looking into the idea of selling either converted Sega Controllers or an adapter plug. Maybe both if enough demand. I would like some feedback from interested readers on what they would like. I would also like feedback on any ideas for features. Brian Holscher brianh@ichips.intel.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!sdd.hp.com!saimiri.primate.wisc.edu!news.crd.ge.com!sarah!albnyvms.bitnet!MG3018 From: mg3018@albnyvms.bitnet Subject: VECTREX and games for sales Message-ID: <1994Mar11.200503.16077@sarah.albany.edu> Sender: news@sarah.albany.edu (News Administrator) Nntp-Posting-Host: uacsc1.albany.edu Reply-To: mg3018@albnyvms.bitnet Organization: University of Albany, SUNY Date: Fri, 11 Mar 94 20:05:03 GMT Lines: 11 FOR SALE -------- VECTREX 5 GAMES CONTROLLER Best reasonable offer accepted. Will ship. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!sgiblab!a2i!shakala!pony From: pony@shakala.com (Robert Poniatowski) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Auction! Message-ID: Date: Fri, 11 Mar 94 20:22:50 PST Organization: Shakala BBS (ClanZen Radio Network) Sunnyvale, CA +1-408-734-2289 Lines: 9 Well, the bidding has died down, so rather than prolong the inevitable I've decided to end the auction for my Vectrex early. Thanks to all who bid, I'll post the details on the winning bid for the benefit of the group in a few days - ------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert Poniatowski - pony@shakala.com Shakala BBS (ClanZen Radio Network) Sunnyvale, CA +1-408-734-2289 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca!mercury.arc.ab.ca!mac.5.46.arc.ab.ca!user From: moorman@skyler.arc.ab.ca (Kevin Moorman) Subject: Re: Joystick Message-ID: Followup-To: rec.games.vectrex Sender: news@arc.ab.ca (USENET News System) Nntp-Posting-Host: mac.5.46.arc.ab.ca Organization: Alberta Research Council References: <2ld862$1um@nada.cs.utexas.edu> Distribution: inet Date: Thu, 10 Mar 1994 20:37:44 GMT Lines: 16 In article <2ld862$1um@nada.cs.utexas.edu>, corey@cs.utexas.edu (Corey Cooper) wrote: > but the spring seems to have worn out on my number 4 from use. It still > works perfectly, but no real spring to it. I haven't taken the joystick > apart to look at it yet ... any suggestions before I do? I once fixed a fridge door switch with part of a spring from a bic pen. I don't know if that's how the vectrex switch returns, but it might be worth a try. (The fridge works fine to this day, and that was about 5 years ago). -- Cordially, Kevin Moorman Calgary, Alberta, Canada + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!news.cstar.andersen.com!not-for-mail From: matchick@andersen.com (Brian Matchick) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex for sale. Date: 13 Mar 1994 15:56:40 -0600 Organization: Andersen Consulting -- CSTaR Lines: 25 Distribution: usa Message-ID: <2m026o$9uo@andersen.cstar.andersen.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: andersen.cstar.andersen.com Works great. Comes with Star Trek and StarCastle. No docs or boxes, though. $120, I'll pay shipping. Brian ************************************************************************ Brian Matchick Network Administrator Andersen Consulting matchick@andersen.com (312) 507-3832 And what is good, Phaedrus, And what is not good- Need we ask anyone to tell us these things? -Robert M. Pirsig "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!kakwa.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, 10 Mar 1994 16:45:10 GMT Lines: 17 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, no overlay or manual. Star Trek, overlay and photocopy of manual. Cosmic Chasm, overlay and photocopy of manual. Solar Quest, overlay but no manual PRICE: First one who offers me $120.00 US + shipping takes it. Would prefer to sell in Canada. E-mail replies only please. paulh@cpsc.ucalgary.ca + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!udel!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!speedway.net!not-for-mail From: scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: E-Mail auction : Vectrex game system! Date: 14 Mar 1994 20:02:25 -0600 Organization: Speedway Free Access -- Dial 10288-1-503-520-2222 Lines: 66 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2m34vh$n1e@access1.speedway.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost Keywords: for-sale I will be auctioning the following game system through E-Mail. One Vectrex Arcade system - Main unit. Unit includes: One controller Original Owner's Manual Original overlay and instructions for Mine Storm. (The default, asteroids-type game.) One light pen. (A rare item!) The following games, with the original instructions and overlays. (Except for Art Master, which never had an overlay!) Armor Attack - Classic arcade tank game. Art Master - Draw, connect the dots, and animate with the light pen. Berzerk - Classic arcade "Shoot the robots" game. Blitz - Football. Clean Sweep - Pac-man type game, needing a little extra strategy. Cosmic Chasm - Burrow through the chasm to bomb the base. A shooter. Fortress of Narzod - A fun little galaxian-type shooter. Tough! HyperChase - Car racing game. Pole Position - The arcade classic car racing game. Rip-Off - Shoot your enemies, to keep them from stealing your gold. An obscure arcade classic... Scramble - Shoot-and-bomb the enemy. Slightly obscure arcade classic. Solar Quest - Asteroids - type game with a few new twists! Space Wars - Dueling space ships. A real oldie in the arcades! Spike - Donkey Kong type game. It talks! Star Castle - Shoot the shields to destroy the spaceship. Another, slightly obscure arcade classic! Starhawk - Crosshairs type shooter. Star Trek - Crosshair shooter. Another slightly obscure arcade classic! Web Wars - Capture pets for the zoo, while shooting down mines. Was later ported over to arcade machines! Yep! That's 19 complete games, with overlays, instructions, and light pen! Frankly, this is the most complete collection I have seen offered on this board. So, how do you get in on this auction? Send E-Mail to scottl@speedway.net, with a subject line of I BID (whatever you want to bid.) Minimum bid will be $100, minimum raise (for now) will be $10. If your bid is inadequate, you will be told what the (current) high bid is. In order to preserve fairness, no bids for components will be accepted. In addition, ANY monetary bid will beat any trade bid. (For example, a $100+(desirable goodie) will beat a $100 bid, but not a $105 bid.) Again, this is in order to preserve fairness. "Winner" will pay for shipping of his or her choice, and is responsible for any damage or loss caused by the shipper. (I suggest insuring the package.) Any questions about the auction? Leave me mail, and I'll be happy to answer. Good luck! -- Scott Levine on Speedway Free Access | "To find health should be mission of (10288)-1-503-520-2222 | any doctor. Any fool can find scottl@speedway.net | disease." - A.T. Still, founder of 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL | Osteopathic Medicine. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!cs.utexas.edu!chpc.utexas.edu!news.utdallas.edu!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b!woodcock From: woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.marketplace,rec.games.video.classic Subject: HUGE Vectrex auction; items sold seperately! Date: 16 Mar 1994 02:05:26 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 111 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2m5ph6$oc5@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:1598 rec.games.video.marketplace:7726 rec.games.video.classic:5376 I am auctioning off some Vectrex HW and SW. If you wish to participate in (or watch) the auction, you will need to send me email because the auction will be conducted via email NOT ON USENET NEWS. When you make your first bid, please include an alias/handle/nickname that will be used to mark your bids in the mailings (this is to protect your privacy so you can, in essence, remain anonymous). Please include this nickname in the subject of all email to me. The auction will last between 3 and 7 days depending on how quickly the bidding drops off. There will be a 24 hour notice and items will be progressed towards 'sold' when bidding begins to drop off. If you want to know more about what Vectrex or the individual games are, email me and I'll send you the FAQ. Here are the items on the block... Vectrex base unit and joystick (manual, overlay, and 1/2 of the registration card) INCLUDING BOX (box kind of beat up) and the following 3 games: Berzerk (cart/manual/overlay) Solar Quest (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Star Trek (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Vectrex base unit and joystick (manual, overlay, and filled in registration card) NO BOX (for the unit or games) and the following 3 games: Armor Attack (cart/manual/overlay) Solar Quest (cart/manual/overlay) Star Trek (cart/manual/overlay) Light Pen and Art Master (cart/manuals/pen) NOTE: this game does not utilize an overlay. Bedlam (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Bedlam (cart/manual/overlay) Berzerk (cart/manual/overlay) Blitz! (cart/manual/overlay) Clean Sweep (cart/manual/overlay) Cosmic Chasm (cart/manual/overlay) Heads Up Soccer (cart/manual/overlay) Pole Position (cart/manual/overlay) Rip Off (cart/manual/overlay) Scramble (cart/manual/overlay) Space Wars (cart/manual/overlay) Spike (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Spike (cart/manual/overlay) Spinball (cart/manual/overlay) Star Castle (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) NOTE: the above manual has some kind of stain on it :< Starhawk (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Web Wars (complete; cart/box/manual/overlay) Web Wars (cart/manual/overlay) "PASSPORT" PAMPHLET (color; listing games etc.) Grab Bag of extra stuff including 1 each of: o "PASSPORT" PAMPHLET (color; listing games etc.) o An Orange 5"x3.75" sheet that says: NOTICE: The correct address of General Consumer Electronics, Inc. is as follows: General Consumers Electronics, Inc. 233 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401 Please disregard the address printed on the "90 Day Limited Warranty" page of this booklet. Thank you. o A (slightly dirty) 1 page 4"x6" sheet (P/N 140028-1) that says: IMPORTANT REMINDER There are 13 different mine fields in the Mine Storm game, each more difficult than the last. If you can survive all 13 mine fields, you will enter a new type of universe that poses even greater threats and challenges, and maybe even a few surprises; it does not indicate a problem with your console. If the screen goes blank after completing mine field 13, just press the reset button on the console to continue game play. Here is the stuff I need and will trade for: Any alternative cabled stuff (like "Flippers", "Web Warp", etc.) Service Manual (original only) Developer's kit (everything) Test Cart (everything) 3D goggles (box only) Spare Controller (box only) Animaction (box only) Crazy Coaster (box only) Dark Tower (everything) Melody Master (box only) Narrow Escape (box only) Polar Rescue (box only) I guarantee that all of *my* equipment is in excellent condition and fully functional and will provide a refund (minus shipping) if you disagree. Trades for stuff I need will be considered first, then package deals, then individual item offers. The buyer is expected to pay for shipping ON TOP OF HIS WINNING BID. This will probably be << $10 but keep this in mind. International bidders are welcome but keep in mind that shipping out of the USA will be very costly, dangerous, and time-consuming. P.S. net.references of people who bought in my last auction can be supplied on request. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!csd.unb.ca!UNBVM1.CSD.UNB.CA From: LINDSAY K Subject: Vectrex - For Sale? Message-ID: <15MAR94.17115383.0180@UNBVM1.CSD.UNB.CA> Lines: 18 Sender: usenet@UNB.CA Organization: The University of New Brunswick Date: Tue, 15 Mar 1994 19:50:51 GMT I have a Vectrex I'm thinking about selling. The system is as follows: Vectrex System - MINT condition. All documentation (even warranty registration card) included. 12 games - all MINT - In boxes with documentation & overlays. Extra Controller - NEW in the box. If you're interested, mail me. I'll get a list of games done up and post it here. The system in in Fredericton, NB (Canada) so allow for shipping costs from here ($20-30?). I'll wait to see what kind of offers I get before I make my decision. I'll probably give it a couple of weeks. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!att-out!oucsace!sun!malgudi.oar.net!infinet!woovis From: woovis@infinet.com (William V. Swartz) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Using Sega Controllers Date: 16 Mar 1994 17:57:26 GMT Organization: InfiNet - Internet Access (614/268-3639) Lines: 16 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2m7ha6$3rc@rigel.infinet.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: rigel.infinet.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Brian Holscher (brianh@ichips.intel.com) wrote: : I have almost finished converting my Sega Controller to a Vectrex : Controller. I will get all the details (including a schematic) together : and post them later. Since I've seen some postings asking about using Sega : Controllers, I thought I would let everyone know its possible. Great News! I'd certainly be interested in the extended features like the button reprogramming, and autofire. And adapter would be very cool if priced right! Keep us informed! // \X/ -BiL- woovis@infinet.com (See my 'Imagine'-ary signature below) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!ftpbox!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Overlays - I made some! Date: 17 Mar 1994 17:14:09 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 37 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2ma351$e3u@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com Well, about a month ago, I downloaded the gifs from the archive site at CSUS.EDU and proceded to produce some overlays. With some help from Mark Woodward, who gave me the correct size for the overlays, I resized the images using Corel Draw, and printed them out on acetatesusing a Wax Colour printer. The end result was quite useable, and I could have probably got better qualtity overlays, by touching them up in an art package. Nevertheless, I am now the proud owner of 18 overlays :-), all I need now is my multicart :-( The acetates themselves are too thin to stand up on their own, I remember reading a post a while back about someone who had found something in an art shop which was good to stick them to, anyone remember, and wot type of glue should I use. As some of you are already aware the gifs are also now available in jpeg format. I look forward to getting the schematic for converting those sega controllers, I can then package up my original controller, and not have to worry about breaking it :-) -- 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 Ext : 5552 Swindon, Wiltshire. Reception : +44 (0)793 541541 SN5 8YW. Fax No. : +44 (0)793 512618 Maildrop : EUR-UK, ZUK28 ________________________________________________________________________________ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!rosie.next.com!usenet From: Dan_Peknik Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Overlays - I made some! Date: 18 Mar 1994 05:50:10 GMT Organization: NeXT, Inc. Lines: 18 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2mbfei$akt@rosie.next.com> References: <2ma351$e3u@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> Reply-To: Dan_Peknik@next.com NNTP-Posting-Host: arbor-dip.next.com In article <2ma351$e3u@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) writes: > > I look forward to getting the schematic for converting those sega controllers, > > I can then package up my original controller, and not have to worry about > breaking it :-) I second that! I'd love to pack away my controllers as to keep them safe and operational. How can we get ahold of these plans? I suppose I could break one open and look, but..... Thanks :-) Dan + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!boutell From: boutell@netcom.com (Thomas Boutell) Subject: Multicart? Will pay of course. Message-ID: Organization: Nerdsholm Date: Fri, 18 Mar 1994 19:17:04 GMT Lines: 14 When I hung out here a year ago, people were serious about making multicarts, as I recall. I had to decline buying one because I didn't have the money at the time. I do now. But I can't even find a FAQ, alas. (Believe me, I looked-- news.answers, this group, rtfm.mit.edu, the whole enchilada.) So: is anybody making multicarts anymore? Can I buy one? -T -- boutell@netcom.com, purveyor of fine HTML pages to the biology trade. Click here + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!news.ucdavis.edu!agate!darkstar.UCSC.EDU!ffc From: ffc@cse.ucsc.edu (Fred F. Coury ) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: VECTREX for sale Date: 18 Mar 1994 19:39:42 GMT Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz (CE/CIS Boards) Lines: 13 Sender: ffc@cse.ucsc.edu (Fred Coury) Distribution: Bay area Message-ID: <2md01u$8ao@darkstar.UCSC.EDU> NNTP-Posting-Host: arapaho.cse.ucsc.edu I have a Vectrex system in perfect condition for sale. It includes Armor Attack, Melody Master (both with overlays), and Art Master and Light Pen, all in their original cartons with documentation. I will sell them all for $100. I prefer to sell them to someone who can pick them up in person, rather than mailing them. Please respond by email, or by calling (408) 732-5428. Thanx. ffc + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!tcsi.tcs.com!mira!keith From: keith@mira.tcs.com (Keith Jarett) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Spinball/Scramble high scores? Date: 21 Mar 1994 20:24:18 GMT Organization: Teknekron Communications Inc. Lines: 18 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2mkvpi$28m@tcsi.tcs.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: mira.tcs.com Spinball High Score? A friend and I were each able to reach between 2.0 and 2.1 million points, once each as I recall. Does anyone know what the high score is? Perhaps we should add unofficial high scores to the FAQ. I don't know of any bugs or cheats for this game, but there are many techniques you can learn to get the ball back into the upper half of the display when it falls into the lower half. Scramble My friend was able to beat level 3 in Scramble, which I could never do. His tip for levels 4 and 5 is to fly high when the fuel runs low. This gives a couple of extra seconds of life in free fall after you run out of fuel. keith@tcs.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!tcsi.tcs.com!mira!keith From: keith@mira.tcs.com (Keith Jarett) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Blitz tips Date: 21 Mar 1994 20:26:07 GMT Organization: Teknekron Communications Inc. Lines: 27 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2mkvsv$294@tcsi.tcs.com> References: <2mkvpi$28m@tcsi.tcs.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: mira.tcs.com High Score? Although this is obviously best as a 2-player game, I believe that I have nearly reached the maximum possible score in the one-player mode. My high score is 112 points (displayed as ;2), with 1266 yards passing (displayed as <66), 27 first downs, and 45 yards as the long pass. Since I had several incomplete passes, I believe that at least 2 more touchdowns are possible within the time limit. Hints for play: Send a group of 3 receivers down one side and pass diagonally from the other side of the field to achieve maximum yardage (40 or so) per play. If you start at the left or right hashmark and pass from the far sideline, you should get more yardage. For a blitz situation, set up a quick pass to a receiver who starts near the tight end. There are always passing lanes when the machine is blitzing you, and with practice you should be able to make 10 to 14 yards every time. Blitz will allow a lateral followed by a forward pass, but I have not found this to be useful. Also, you can run out the clock by taking offsides penalties, even if you don't have the ball. keith@tcs.com + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!tcsi.tcs.com!mira!keith From: keith@mira.tcs.com (Keith Jarett) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Polar Rescue tips Date: 21 Mar 1994 20:28:14 GMT Organization: Teknekron Communications Inc. Lines: 63 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2ml00u$29d@tcsi.tcs.com> References: <2mkvpi$28m@tcsi.tcs.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: mira.tcs.com I finally beat level 4 last week! As anyone who has tried it must know, the hard part is that one (and sometimes it seems two) of the enemy subs is unsinkable -- you can shoot right through it. (This sometimes happens on level 3 as well.) Thus the only way to clear battle mode is to let it shoot at you. You can dive to the bottom and let the shots pass over you, but that is not the problem. The problem is that each enemy sub has only 5 shots. When an unsinkable sub runs out of torpedoes, it will NEVER let you clear battle mode. I originally thought this was a bug, but perhaps it was an intentional challenge (like the pinpoint mines of Minestorm). Strategy: Keep the enemy subs behind you so that they cannot shoot at you. As one creep around the side, quickly turn and shoot at it. If your shot passes through, try to keep track of that blip. Shoot all the sinkable subs and there will be one or two unsinkable subs left. When you have sufficient oxygen, accelerate toward the pod *while still in battle mode*. Use the pause key to get a momentary indication of the direction to the pod. The pause key may also help you to accelerate faster in battle mode, but I'm not sure. As on the other levels, you should cruise at maximum depth. The unsinkable sub(s) will likely stay behind you. Stop when you need to get more oxygen and shoot any new subs that arrive. You might try firing a torpedo to attract subs if you need to. Also, you will achieve a very high hit rate if you shoot at an enemy sub from a distance of greater than half the sonar range. If the distance is less, turn so that the new sub is behind you and use the technique in the earlier paragraph. When you reach the pod (normally evidenced by a momentary docking mode display), you will still be in battle mode. Shoot enough newly arriving subs (at max range if possible, for safety) to reach 1/2 or more in oxygen. Then let the unsinkable sub take its shot at you to clear battle mode. Attempt to dock. Repeat the last three sentences up to 5 times if necessary. If it happens that an unsinkable sub got 5 shots at you and you thus cannot clear battle mode, sink the other subs and attempt docking in battle mode. The hazard is that a new sub will arrive while you are docking, so be quick about it. After docking, a new mission starts, apparently at level 4 again. At least the distance to the pod and the behavior of the subs seems to be the same. After docking on level "5", I was on my way to verifying that level "6" was also the same as 4 when the machine crashed. Lost my 5 subs and 100,000 points! I have one apparent bug to report as well. When you reach a count of 90 torpedoes and fire one, the machine gives you 99 rather than 89. This is trouble, because if you hit something with the next few torpedoes your count will go to 00, 01, 02, or 03. The solution is not to let the count get near 90. Incidentally, I doubt there is any meaningful high score for this game, since it crashes quite frequently at level 4. keith@tcs.com Keith Jarett + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!wupost!sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!srgenprp!news.dtc.hp.com!hpscit.sc.hp.com!cupnews0.cup.hp.com!ken From: ken@cup.hp.com (Ken Sumrall) Subject: Re: Overlays - I made some! Sender: news@cupnews0.cup.hp.com (News Admin) Message-ID: Date: Tue, 22 Mar 1994 05:34:02 GMT References: <2ma351$e3u@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> Nntp-Posting-Host: borabora.cup.hp.com Organization: Hewlett-Packard X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Lines: 28 >Roger Squire (squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com) wrote: > Well, about a month ago, I downloaded the gifs from the archive site at CSUS.EDU > and proceded to produce some overlays. With some help from Mark Woodward, who > gave me the correct size for the overlays, I resized the images using Corel > Draw, and printed them out on acetatesusing a Wax Colour printer. > > The end result was quite useable, and I could have probably got better qualtity > overlays, by touching them up in an art package. Nevertheless, I am > now the proud owner of 18 overlays :-), all I need now is my multicart :-( > I used an HP PainJet XL300 and some painjet transparencies to make my overlays. Since the paint jet prints at 300dpi, and the scans were done at 150 dpi, I just printed them at 2 times enlargment. And I did it all on Unix! :-) > The acetates themselves are too thin to stand up on their own, I remember > reading a post a while back about someone who had found something in an art > shop which was good to stick them to, anyone remember, and wot type of glue > should I use. > I just cut the transparencies to size, and they stay in place. They are more flimsy than the original overlays, but they stand up. Now all I need is a multi-cart. | Ken Sumrall | Internet: ken@cup.hp.com | | HP California Language Labs | UUCP: ...!hplabs!hpda!ken | | "I'd stomp desert dope heads for some gas in my moped!" - Bill the Cat | | "What a stupid world" -Calvin (speaking to Hobbes) | + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!udel!news.sprintlink.net!wyvern!richard From: richard@infi.net (Richard Rosenthal) Subject: Buying Games - Space Wars Message-ID: Sender: usenet@infi.net (Wyvern News System) Organization: InfiNet Date: Tue, 22 Mar 1994 20:51:01 GMT Lines: 18 Has anyone had any luck locating and buying old games? I've tried for 8 years to get a copy of Space Wars! No, I don't have any way to burn a copy myself. Any suggestions? By the way, on a slightly different tack... My 7 year old daughter plays Vectrex, the asteroid-like game that comes with machine. The other day she calmly reached Level 6. I've barely made it to Level 4. I only manage to do so while yelling, screaming, and gyrating wildly. -- richard@infi.net Richard Rosenthal, Software Engineer, WIGS '87 Navy Public Works Center, Code 412 9742 Maryland Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23511-3095, (804) 444-7921 + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!wupost!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!ftpbox!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Overlays - I made some! Date: 22 Mar 1994 17:00:27 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 49 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2mn87b$3cr@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> References: <2ma351$e3u@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com In article , ken@cup.hp.com (Ken Sumrall) writes: |> >Roger Squire (squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com) wrote: |> > Well, about a month ago, I downloaded the gifs from the archive site at CSUS.EDU |> > and proceded to produce some overlays. With some help from Mark Woodward, who |> > gave me the correct size for the overlays, I resized the images using Corel |> > Draw, and printed them out on acetatesusing a Wax Colour printer. |> > |> > The end result was quite useable, and I could have probably got better qualtity |> > overlays, by touching them up in an art package. Nevertheless, I am |> > now the proud owner of 18 overlays :-), all I need now is my multicart :-( |> > |> I used an HP PainJet XL300 and some painjet transparencies to make my overlays. |> Since the paint jet prints at 300dpi, and the scans were done at 150 dpi, I |> just printed them at 2 times enlargment. And I did it all on Unix! :-) |> |> > The acetates themselves are too thin to stand up on their own, I remember |> > reading a post a while back about someone who had found something in an art |> > shop which was good to stick them to, anyone remember, and wot type of glue |> > should I use. |> > |> I just cut the transparencies to size, and they stay in place. They are |> more flimsy than the original overlays, but they stand up. |> |> Now all I need is a multi-cart. Now I've got the transparencies, I'm wimping out on cutting them up, as I don't want to mess them up, I guess I'll do them on a sharp guiloteen in work, so that I get nice sharp edges... My how I really want a multicart! -- 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 Ext : 5552 Swindon, Wiltshire. Reception : +44 (0)793 541541 SN5 8YW. Fax No. : +44 (0)793 512618 Maildrop : EUR-UK, ZUK28 ________________________________________________________________________________ + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!yeshua.marcam.com!zip.eecs.umich.edu!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!news1.oakland.edu!vela.acs.oakland.edu!phkahler From: phkahler@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Paul H. Kahler) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Multicart? Will pay of course. Date: 23 Mar 1994 15:46:50 GMT Organization: Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, U.S.A. Lines: 32 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2mpo9a$2jb@oak.oakland.edu> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: vela.acs.oakland.edu In article boutell@netcom.com (Thomas Boutell) writes: :) When I hung out here a year ago, people were serious about making :) multicarts, as I recall. I had to decline buying one because :) I didn't have the money at the time. :) :) I do now. But I can't even find a FAQ, alas. (Believe me, :) I looked-- news.answers, this group, rtfm.mit.edu, the :) whole enchilada.) :) :) So: is anybody making multicarts anymore? Can I buy one? I made myself a multicart a couple months back. It only accepts 8 games at a time, and they must be 4K games. I've been meaning to make a new one with ALL the games, but I haven't had time yet. I plan to use a 1Meg chip to hold 16 4K games and 8 8K games which is most of them. It's really easy to make one if you've got an Eprom burner and a little time but I keep forgetting that most people don't have access to such a thing, and wouldn't know what to do if they did (I guess I'm a geek :) Anyways... I might (and others too) be willing to make a few and sell them if only we could make some profit in the process. I currently have no time to sell them at cost out of the goodness of my heart (I wish I did) and mine looks ugly anyway because I have no 'Cart' just a board that plugs in the slot. To answer your questions: 1) Yes there are still people who make them. 2) Maybe you can find someone to sell one. But don't expect them to advertise that they'll sell for $xx because of copyright concerns. ___ __ _ _ _ | \ / \ | | | || | phkahler@oakland.edu Engineer/Programmer | _/| || || |_| || |__ |_| |_||_| \___/ |____) NO, this is not an offer of any sort. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!udel!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!speedway.net!not-for-mail From: scottl@speedway.net (Scott Levine) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Vectrex Auction update Date: 24 Mar 1994 18:15:37 -0600 Organization: Speedway Free Access -- Dial 10288-1-503-520-2222 Lines: 41 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2mtaf9$fu4@access1.speedway.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost Yes, my Vectrex auction is still underway! To repeat : It's a vectrex system w/one controller, light pen, Owners manual, overlay for Mine Storm, and mine storm instructions. The system also comes with the following games, including 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. All componenets are in excellent working condition. "Winner" of the auction must pay shipping, as well as the winning bid. Current high bid - $150. Do I hear more? If so, respond to scottl@access1.speedway.net. -- 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!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!ftpbox!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Overlays for the Vectrex. Date: 24 Mar 1994 15:02:58 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 28 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2msa32$92i@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com Having posted that I made some overlays, I have had various questions, the main one being what is the actual size of the overlay, well Mark Woodward, answered this question for me when I was making them, the sizes are :- (from the mine storm overlay)... 163mm x 209mm (approx 1/32" thick) Hope this helps, shouldn't it be in the FAQ? -- 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!eff!news.kei.com!ssd.intel.com!ichips!ichips!brianh From: brianh@ichips.intel.com (Brian Holscher) Subject: Using Sega Controllers Message-ID: Sender: news@ichips.intel.com (News Account) Organization: Intel Corp., Hillsboro, Oregon Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 06:10:14 GMT Lines: 215 This post 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 This Posting explains: 1. How to convert a Sega Controller to work with Vectrex. 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. 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 schematics for converting controllers. I will post schematics for an adapter later (I want to double check a few things first). For those who don't want the hassle of making your own controllers, I'm offering converted controllers and adapters for sale. LIMITATIONS The Sega Controller is a digital controller. The Vectrex joystick 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 that look at how far the joystick moves in a direction may not work with these converted controllers. My understanding is that many if not most games work like Minestorm. Once I get my Multicart, I will post lists of compatible and incompatible games. 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 twice a second instead of the player wearing out a finger. 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. Converted Sega Controller ------------- $45 Sega to Vectrex Adaptor ------------- $45 Preprogrammed Micro-controller -------- $20 (The includes Xtal and Xtal capacitors) Send email to brianh@ichip.intel.com and we will work out the details. CONVERTING YOUR OWN SEGA CONTROLLER First the Disclaimer. I am not responsible for: 1. Any damage done to your Vectrex. 2. Any damage done to the Sega Controller. 3. Any errors in these instructions. Now that I covered my backside, here is how to convert a Sega Controller. I'm not going to give step by step instructions. I'm going to assume that the reader has some basic knowledge of electronics and can figure out what to do with the schematics and info presented here. The micro-controller is optional. If you don't care about button re-programmability or auto-fire, then just connect the button to the connector pins as shown. Schematic: Direction Control: +5V (Pin 7) ^ | 10K .__|__/\/\/\/\___. | | Right Button -| 10K Pot | | ._____/\/\/\/\___| |___^ | | |-------- X Direction 10K Pot | (Pin 5) ._____/\/\/\/\___| | |___^ | Left Button -| | | ._____/\/\/\/\___| | 10K | -5V (Pin 9) +5V (Pin 7) ^ | 10K .__|__/\/\/\/\___. | | Up Button -| 10K Pot | | ._____/\/\/\/\___| |___^ | | |-------- Y Direction 10K Pot | (Pin 6) ._____/\/\/\/\___| | |___^ | Down Button -| | | ._____/\/\/\/\___| | 10K | -5V (Pin 9) 5V (Pin 7) ^ | > Same for Button B,C, and Start > 47K except: > Button B -> Pin 2 .__|_______ (Pin 1) Button C -> Pin 3 | Button Start -> Pin 4 Button A -| | .___ 47K not critical. | Anything from 1K to 100K | should work. GND (Pin 8) Micro-controller Option: +5V (Pin 7) ^ _______ | 15 pF 16 | | 14 |---------| |---||---------|-----| |-----| | | Xtal | | | | 4 | < | 32.768 kHz | | | |-----| < 470 Ohms | | | 15 | | < |---||---------|-----| P | 1 | | 15 pF | I |--------|<-----| | 5 | C | LED |--------------------| 1 | GND (Pin 8) | 6 | 13 | C | 6 from Button A ---------| 5 |----- Pin 1 12 | 4 | 7 from Button B ---------| - |----- Pin 2 11 | L | 8 from Button C ---------| P |----- Pin 3 10 | | 9 from Button Start -----| |----- Pin 4 |_______| Notes: 1. Pins listed are those of the 9 pin connector. 2. Adjust the Right and Up Pots so that about 2.8V is applied to the Vectrex input. For the Left and Down Pots adjust to about -3.2V. These values are probably not critical since I got them from measuring my Vectrex joystick. 3. I personally used a controller made by QuickShot since it was only $12.87 at K-mart. I've seen ones made by Sega for about $15. Depending upon which brand and type, the might be minor differences between these instructions and your controller. 4. On the Sega circuit board, you will need to remove the IC, pull-up resistors for directions. Leave the pull-up resistors for the buttons. 5. Normally, pressing the direction pad on a Sega controller grounds that direction input. You will need to cut traces on the Sega circuit board to isolate the UP and RIGHT ground from the the LEFT and DOWN ground. You will also need to isolate these two grounds from the button ground. This is because instead of grounding UP and RIGHT, it will connected to 5V and LEFT and DOWN and will be connected to -5V. + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!wupost!uwm.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!magellan!mprgate.mpr.ca!vanderby From: vanderby@mprgate.mpr.ca (David Vanderbyl) Subject: Re: Using Sega Controllers Message-ID: <1994Mar27.065655.17911@mprgate.mpr.ca> Sender: news@mprgate.mpr.ca Nntp-Posting-Host: chip Organization: MPR Teltech Ltd., Burnaby, B.C., Canada References: Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 06:56:55 GMT Lines: 21 >2. Adjust the Right and Up Pots so that about 2.8V is applied to the >Vectrex input. For the Left and Down Pots adjust to about -3.2V. These >values are probably not critical since I got them from measuring my Vectrex >joystick. Measuring the joystick at what position? Full left/right, up/down? Given these values, you could do without the pots and simply use a 3.3k resistor in each pot's place. e.g.: +5V (Pin 7) ^ | 10K .__|__/\/\/\/\___. | | Right Button -| 3.3K | | ._____/\/\/\/\___| | | + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!netcom.com!rjung From: rjung@netcom.com (Robert A. Jung) Subject: Mark Woodward's Multicart? Message-ID: Organization: Southern California Lynx Enthusiasts Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 21:17:38 GMT Lines: 14 Does anyone have any information about Mark Woodward's latest batch of Vectrex Multicarts? I sent him a check for one back in January. The check's been cashed, but I have not received the cartridge yet. I know there have been some problems about incompatability with US Vectrex units; is that what's causing the delay? --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!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.ans.net!mailhost.interaccess.com!interaccess.com!zbytes From: zbytes@interaccess.com (William Zandrew) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Mark Woodward's Multicart? Date: 28 Mar 1994 02:47:43 GMT Organization: InterAccess, Chicagoland's Full Service Internet Provider Lines: 17 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2n5ggg$5bh@mailhost.interaccess.com> References: NNTP-Posting-Host: home.interaccess.com X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Robert A. Jung (rjung@netcom.com) wrote: : Does anyone have any information about Mark Woodward's latest batch of : Vectrex Multicarts? I sent him a check for one back in January. The : been cashed, but I have not received the cartridge yet. I know there have : been some problems about incompatability with US Vectrex units; is that : what's causing the delay? : --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." January of which year! I'm sure my order has to be approaching a year. (8+) + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!darwin.sura.net!hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!liberty!cgrovich From: cgrovich@liberty.uc.wlu.edu (Christopher P. Grovich) Subject: Where can I get games?!? Message-ID: <1994Mar28.074621.13277@liberty.uc.wlu.edu> Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 07:46:21 GMT Organization: Washington & Lee University X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Lines: 14 Hey all! Is it possible to still purchase games for the Vectrex? My roommate and I were going through the newsgroups and found this...we went nuts! Where can I pick up games? Thanks. ************************************************************* * * * Chris Grovich "These wings will give you great * * The Bad Daddy hemorrhoids, you guys want one?" * * cgrovich@wlu.edu -James "Donuts" Donlin * * 703-462-4966 * * "And if that bitch can't swim, she's bound to drizzown!" * ************************************************************* + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!darwin.sura.net!hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!liberty!cgrovich From: cgrovich@liberty.uc.wlu.edu (Christopher P. Grovich) Subject: Re: Vectrex Auction update Message-ID: <1994Mar28.074755.13413@liberty.uc.wlu.edu> Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 07:47:55 GMT Distribution: inet References: <2mtaf9$fu4@access1.speedway.net> Organization: Washington & Lee University X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Lines: 46 Scott Levine (scottl@speedway.net) wrote: : Yes, my Vectrex auction is still underway! : To repeat : It's a vectrex system w/one controller, light pen, Owners : manual, overlay for Mine Storm, and mine storm instructions. : The system also comes with the following games, including 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. : All componenets are in excellent working condition. "Winner" of the : auction must pay shipping, as well as the winning bid. : Current high bid - $150. Do I hear more? ------ No, but if the other bid falls through, I'll think about some of the games. ************************************************************* * * * Chris Grovich "These wings will give you great * * The Bad Daddy hemorrhoids, you guys want one?" * * cgrovich@wlu.edu -James "Donuts" Donlin * * 703-462-4966 * * "And if that bitch can't swim, she's bound to drizzown!" * ************************************************************* + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!csulb.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!gatech!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!concert!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!crchh75b!woodcock From: woodcock@crchh75b.bnr.ca (Gregg Woodcock) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex,rec.games.video.classic Subject: Vectrex showcased ON TV!!! Date: 28 Mar 1994 19:11:48 GMT Organization: Bell-Northern Research; Richardson, Texas, USA Lines: 9 Distribution: inet Message-ID: <2n7a5k$ch2@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:1620 rec.games.video.classic:5592 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! + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!decwrl!ames!olivea!sgigate.sgi.com!sgiblab!swrinde!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!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 Subject: Where is the Vectrex Server? Date: 27 Mar 1994 13:07:50 GMT Organization: Zentrum fuer Graphische Datenverarbeitung, 6100 Darmstadt, Germany Lines: 6 Sender: reutter@bienlein (H.J.-L. Reutter) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2n40f6$rj3@korfu.igd.fhg.de> NNTP-Posting-Host: bienlein.igd.fhg.de So where is this Server which has the old Vectrex sources? The ones you burn into an Eprom? Thanks! Jean-Luc + - - - - Next Article - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + Path: csus.edu!uop!pacbell.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!ftpbox!mothost!delphinium.cig.mot.com!zeus!aztec!squirer From: squirer@aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com (Roger Squire) Newsgroups: rec.games.vectrex Subject: Re: Where is the Vectrex Server? Date: 30 Mar 1994 08:01:25 GMT Organization: Motorola Ltd., European Cellular Infrastructure Division Lines: 29 Sender: squirer@aztec (Roger Squire) Distribution: world Message-ID: <2nbbkl$a2e@zeus.swindon.rtsg.mot.com> References: <2n40f6$rj3@korfu.igd.fhg.de> NNTP-Posting-Host: aztec.swindon.rtsg.mot.com In article <2n40f6$rj3@korfu.igd.fhg.de>, reutter@bienlein.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (H.J.-L. Reutter) writes: |> So where is this Server which has the old Vectrex sources? |> The ones you burn into an Eprom? |> |> Thanks! |> |> Jean-Luc Wots wrong with please? It's on csus.edu SO THERE -- 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 ________________________________________________________________________________ + - - - - End of Archive File - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +