Main > Project Announcements
Protector - Vectrex bartop -- PROJECT CLOSED.
opt2not:
--- Quote from: geomartin on June 11, 2010, 07:16:52 pm ---I bought Protector for my Vectrex, and in my opinion is the best Vectrex game I've played by far. Simply amazing!
--- End quote ---
Yeah, I agree. It looks to be the best game available.
My game list is going to be short, I only want to play a few games on this thing:
- Protector and YASI
- Gravitar Plus
- Moon Lander
- Cosmic Chasm
Luckily, I was able to find a non-working Vectrex locally for really cheap.
The seller says that it has the "white-dot problem", which I've read is really easy to fix. Comes with a working controller and an additional game: Hyperchase (not my first game of choice, but I'll take it). I'm going to see if I can order Moon Lander and Protector from here
Now, for this project I've got to figure out what I want to do with the controller. Either A. attaching a small balltop to the existing analog controller somehow (keeping the analog control intact), and wiring up proper arcade buttons. Or B. Hack the analog stick to be controlled by microswitches (digital) from an arcade joystick. hmmm.
I've done a bit of searching and found this page, which would be a good alternative to hacking up the already rare Vectrex controller; i have no problem destroying a PSX controller mind you...but the guy is no longer supplying them! :'(
Then there is this guy who did it himself, AND was able to retain the analog ability usable with the PSX controllers dual sticks. But this is much more work than I'd probably like to put in, and I'd still have to figure out how to attach the psx analogs to a proper joystick!
Both of these alternatives means I'd be hacking up a PSX controller, connected to buttons and a joystick, that's connected to the Vectrex. Convoluted I know.
I think I'm going to try to figure out a eloquent way of doing option A without completely destroying the controller, if that fails, option B it is!
**edit**
Also found a nice page on creating overlays from scratch!
opt2not:
Yay, was able to score a Vectrex with the common "white-dot" issue for $20!
Came with a single controller (which could probably be resold for $40-50).
Looks like I'm going to follow through with this project. First order of business is to get this thing working. Once that is successful, I can work on the construction plans.
I swear I have project-A.D.D.
Gotta start finishing projects, before I have a stock-pile of half-assed ones!
jasonbar:
opt2not, you should buy my Vectrex--it works! No controller, which is probably fine, since you'll be making your own.
This is a craigslist find that I fixed up--it's got some cosmetic quirks, which would be perfect for your cab...
And I goofed & the auction is ending on Sunday July 4th, so it'll probably be cheap. And then all you have to do is swing by Pasadena in your upcoming SoCal trip & pick it up...and then the only decision is: carry-on or checked bag?
;D
http://cgi.ebay.com/GCE-Vectrex-Arcade-System-1982-Works-100-Vector-/160449829069?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Vintage_Video_Games&hash=item255b8e18cd#ht_18214wt_1094
-Jason
opt2not:
Thanks, but I wanna try to bring this one back to life! It just needs a little re-soldering. easy-peasy!
opt2not:
Quick update:
I tried reflowing the solder of the power connections, to no avail. I'm still getting the same white-dot result, no audio, no boot-up. It leads me to believe that the caps might be dried out, so I threw a digikey order together for replacements. For anyone who's interested, here's the list of caps and digikey part-numbers for future reference:
(2) 1µF @ 50V - Digi-Key part # P824-ND
(1) 4.7µF @ 50V - Digi-Key part # P827-ND
(1) 4.7µF @ 100V or 160V - Digi-Key part # P5308-ND
(1) 4.7µF @ 250V - Digi-Key part # P5333-ND
(2) 10µF @ 50V - Digi-Key part # P828-ND
(2) 22µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # P814-ND
(1) 22µF @ 50V - Digi-Key part # P837-ND
(4) 47µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # P834-ND
(2) 100µF @ 16V - Digi-Key part # P833-ND
(2) 220µF @ 16V - Digi-Key part # P5139-ND
(1) 220µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # P5153-ND
(1) 470µF @ 16V - Digi-Key part # P5141-ND
(3) 1000µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # P5156-ND
(2) 4700µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # P5159-ND
(2) 10000µF @ 25V - Digi-Key part # 493-1071-ND
I also found a good visual tutorial on re-capping this thing, the order of operation with removing parts and such.
Besides that, on the homebrew front I found this guy's site that has a some pictures of a vectrex Joust!
Looks so cool! AND with the overlay he has.
I think joust in vector form would be amazing to see in motion.
I'm not sure if this is available to buy right now since it says Coming Soon (don't know the last time he updated his site), but I'll throw him an email and see if it is.
--- Quote from: jasonbar on July 01, 2010, 03:21:07 pm ---This is a craigslist find that I fixed up--it's got some cosmetic quirks, which would be perfect for your cab...
--- End quote ---
Hey Jason, was the vectrex you sold working when you bought it? If not, what was the problem and solution to fixing it?