VECTREX

[ark_ader]

Are these any good to repair?

They were the business when I was a kid, but are they collectable or just a liability?

I have the emulators of Vectrex, but should I pass on this?

[ChadTower]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.  They are worth repairing and keeping around.  Absolutely.  I have three of them and nearly the whole library including homebrews.  The 3D goggles for the Vectrex are unique and cool though seriously fragile for what they cost originally.

[HaRuMaN]

 

I have one, and by far, it's the coolest console I own.  It always gets more attention than anything else I have (console related) in the gameroom.

[opt2not]

Ditto.  Great machine, who can deny the beauty of vector generated graphics!
If you pick one up, be sure to get a copy of Protector (a defender homebrew). Best game on the system IMO.

[RandyT]

Are these any good to repair?

I'm wondering if anyone else saw this part of the question....

Because they are collectible (I have 2 myself) parts are not easy to find.  So the obvious answer to this one is; How much do you have to pay for it, and what is wrong with it?  If it's something simple, the cost is not too high, and it's complete (meaning it includes the proprietary control panel and it's functional), then go for it.  Otherwise, you might be better off holding out for a deal on one that's ready to play.

[jukingeo]

Are these any good to repair?

They were the business when I was a kid, but are they collectable or just a liability?

I have the emulators of Vectrex, but should I pass on this?

Hello AA

How are you doing?

OK, Vectrex...I probably will ditto what most have said hear.  If you can get one for a good price, it is definitely worth it.   The trouble is that the Vectrex is becoming quite the collectors item now and the longer you hold off, the higher the prices will start to go on the hardware.

The Vectrex is a vector graphics based system.   Back in the day (early 80's), it was difficult for video game systems not to have a 'blocky' character look, so the vector monitor was developed in which lines can be drawn point to point.   The advantage was that much higher resolution graphics were attained, the disadvantage was that those graphics were wire frame.  Many arcade games were released using Vector graphics with Atari and Cinematronics leading the pack.   Apparently people took to the vector graphics very well.

On the home video game front Vectrex released it's own totally portable self contained vector graphics system (As one could not hook up a Vectrex to a standard TV.  Not only could you carry the unit with you, but the Vectrex sported arcade ports that nearly matched their arcade counterparts.   THAT in itself was probably the biggest selling point.

As with many arcade games that used overlays to 'color' the graphics, the Vectrex used the same principal in that many games (thinking Armor Attack and Star Castle here), had an overlay.

In terms of collecting, the one thing to watch out for though, is that (unless you have a working knowledge of electronic repairs), it might be difficult to fix issues related to the monitor.   If you ARE electronics savvy, then there are quite a few websites that are dedicated to those trying to fix up their Vectrex units.

Finally, the Vectrex does have quite a large fan base that is still creating home brew games for it.

Now can you emulate the Vectrex?  Sure, but you probably already know the limitations of emulating Vector graphics on a raster monitor.  If you are very critical of playing vector games on a true vector monitor, then it probably would be worth it to hop on the Vectrex collector's bandwagon.

For me, since I am not that overly critical about playing Vector games on a raster monitor (yes, I know I can hear the gasps already), I am fine with my Vectrex emulator.

Have a good one!

Geo

[ChadTower]

Are these any good to repair?

I'm wondering if anyone else saw this part of the question....

The only truly nonrepairable part is the CRT.  The rest can usually be fixed without major problems or having to cannibalize another.

[VanillaGorilla]

Know what I'd like to do? Use my vectrex as the basis for a bartop mini vector emulator. Vectrex is cool and all, but I'd rather play a game of asteroids or lunar lander, than the vectrex copies of those games. Has anyone done this (cannibalize a vectrex display and interface it with a videocard/PC)??

[HaRuMaN]

Know what I'd like to do? Use my vectrex as the basis for a bartop mini vector emulator. Vectrex is cool and all, but I'd rather play a game of asteroids or lunar lander, than the vectrex copies of those games. Has anyone done this (cannibalize a vectrex display and interface it with a videocard/PC)??

Yes, although I can't remember the details now... 

Wait, I think it was Zektor ZVG:

http://www.zektor.com/zvg/zvg_vpix.htm

[ChadTower]

Yeah, that's the only off the shelf way to do it.  The ZVG is no longer available, though.

[opt2not]

Yeah, that's the only off the shelf way to do it.  The ZVG is no longer available, though.

If you have the patience and the funds, you might be able to get one off flea-bay.
This one was posted not too long ago, sold for $500. 

Know what I'd like to do? Use my vectrex as the basis for a bartop mini vector emulator. Vectrex is cool and all, but I'd rather play a game of asteroids or lunar lander, than the vectrex copies of those games. Has anyone done this (cannibalize a vectrex display and interface it with a videocard/PC)??

Vanilla, I had the same idea though mine wasn't going to interface with a PC, since I wouldn't be able to find nor afford a ZVG. My cabinet was going to be based on Protector, the defender homebrew for the vectrex.
I've since abandoned the project due to time, I might pick it up again in the future, but you're welcome to beat me to it.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=103268.0

[RandyT]

The only truly nonrepairable part is the CRT.  The rest can usually be fixed without major problems or having to cannibalize another.

How do you fix a non-existent or thoroughly trashed proprietary controller?  I've seen a number of units like this.

[ChadTower]

The only truly nonrepairable part is the CRT.  The rest can usually be fixed without major problems or having to cannibalize another.

How do you fix a non-existent or thoroughly trashed proprietary controller?  I've seen a number of units like this.

How do you fix a thoroughly trashed anything?  If the thing is damaged that badly you use it for parts and play with a modded Genesis Controller.  Or you can use the PS1 Dual Shock-Vectrex adapter if you must have analog and can find it.  So few games use the analog that losing it doesn't mean much.

[RandyT]

How do you fix a thoroughly trashed anything?  If the thing is damaged that badly you use it for parts and play with a modded Genesis Controller.  Or you can use the PS1 Dual Shock-Vectrex adapter if you must have analog and can find it.  So few games use the analog that losing it doesn't mean much.

Meh.  The PSX adapters are as rare as the original controllers are now, and it's not the same as having a complete unit. In that case, I would stick with an emulator and not bother buying the unit, unless I had a couple others I wanted a parts machine for.  Like I stated, it depends on the condition and the cost, but the OP hasn't indicated either so there's not much to go on in that regard.

[ChadTower]

Meh.  The PSX adapters are as rare as the original controllers are now, and it's not the same as having a complete unit. In that case, I would stick with an emulator and not bother buying the unit, unless I had a couple others I wanted a parts machine for.  Like I stated, it depends on the condition and the cost, but the OP hasn't indicated either so there's not much to go on in that regard.

Vectrex controllers aren't super rare.  They aren't cheap but they can be had on ebay most of the time.  Here is one and here is another.  A completed one.  There are actually more but the rest right now are insanely priced.

[ark_ader]

I lost out on the bid by 99p.  Glad I didn't get it.

The monitor was going out, and the controller was damaged, the case held together with sticky tape.

I'm not any good for monitor repairs (except electrocuting myself), even though I have a good supply of techs.

Another good idea at the time, which I have no more room for.

I would never hear the end of it.  " You are buying crap again..."   

But it sold for £15.99.

Plenty more selling on ebay - like you guys said - wait and get a bargain. 

[newkillergenius]

Hey, since we're talking about it, and the ZVG's are finished, anyone know of cool homebrew versions of Tempest or Asteroids?

[ChadTower]

Hey, since we're talking about it, and the ZVG's are finished, anyone know of cool homebrew versions of Tempest or Asteroids?

Asteroids - Minestorm (built into the Vectrex) and Minestorm 3D

There are a couple different games for the Vectrex that are similar but not quite Tempest.  Bedlam comes to mind except you're in the middle of the web.  Web Wars is like a cross between Tempest and Black Widow.

Tempest 2000 is supposedly among the best Jaguar games but I've never seen it.  Obviously Asteroids exists on most consoles in one form or another.

I haven't really seen any homebrews that would count but of course that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

[ChadTower]

So, I had three Vectrexes.  A friend of mine badly wanted one and it was just sitting collecting dust so I traded one to him.  It was working very well.  That left me with two.  I took the extra down and it is not working properly.  That left me with one that my kids use on a near daily basis.  Last night that one died.

Soooooooo... looks like I'm going to be once again walking the walk when it comes to Vectrex repair.   

On the plus side we did just find my PSX-Vectrex adapter after it had been missing for quite some time.   

[VanillaGorilla]

I saw that the ZVG is available once again, for the 'last production run'. Damn, I wish that thing wasn't so expensive, its over $250.

If I had a good color vector monitor, I might pop for the thing. Too much money for a vectrex project tho...

[ChadTower]

Yeah, it's one of those things where if you don't buy it now you can't buy it.  I bought two of the last "final run".  I am starting to wonder a little bit as this is their third "final run".  At least now they are saying that they plan on releasing the schematics and firmware after this run is sold out so there is hope it won't fade off into unobtanium.

[SavannahLion]

Not like most of us have anything to attach this to.

[Samstag]

At work we just gave away 6 vector projectors that would have been really awesome to play star wars on a giant screen.  They were pretty massive beasts, though, so not very suitable for home use.

[ChadTower]

At work we just gave away 6 vector projectors that would have been really awesome to play star wars on a giant screen.  They were pretty massive beasts, though, so not very suitable for home use.

How massive?  That seems like it would be so awesome it would be worth building a shed or something.

[Samstag]

At work we just gave away 6 vector projectors that would have been really awesome to play star wars on a giant screen.  They were pretty massive beasts, though, so not very suitable for home use.

How massive?  That seems like it would be so awesome it would be worth building a shed or something.

About 4 cubic feet and probably between 400 and 600 pounds.

[ChadTower]

About 4 cubic feet and probably between 400 and 600 pounds.

Pretty big and probably a power problem.  But my god how awesome and unique would it be to have one... possibly worth building onto an enclosed trailer for mobile vectormame ridiculousness?

[SavannahLion]

About 4 cubic feet and probably between 400 and 600 pounds.

Pretty big and probably a power problem.  But my god how awesome and unique would it be to have one... possibly worth building onto an enclosed trailer for mobile vectormame ridiculousness?

+1

[Samstag]

About 4 cubic feet and probably between 400 and 600 pounds.

Pretty big and probably a power problem.  But my god how awesome and unique would it be to have one... possibly worth building onto an enclosed trailer for mobile vectormame ridiculousness?

+1

Yeah I was soooo close to trying asking for one of my own but it would have been a lot of effort for something that might not last very long.  The projectors themselves were very robust (other than being sensitive to humidity which makes outdoor use a little problematic) but the reason we decommissioned them was the alignment and control was handled by 15-year-old Macs with proprietary interface cards that can't be replaced.  They might last another 5 years, but they might not survive a year.

And yes they are very power hungry.  They need a 220V input and suck a lot of current.

[ChadTower]

Yeah I was soooo close to trying asking for one of my own but it would have been a lot of effort for something that might not last very long.  The projectors themselves were very robust (other than being sensitive to humidity which makes outdoor use a little problematic) but the reason we decommissioned them was the alignment and control was handled by 15-year-old Macs with proprietary interface cards that can't be replaced.  They might last another 5 years, but they might not survive a year.

Eh, with the right possible outcome any small piece of hardware can be replaced, working or not. 

[newkillergenius]

Soooooooo... looks like I'm going to be once again walking the walk when it comes to Vectrex repair.   

Chad, let's share some information then.  I have 2 Vectrex, 1 works great but the 2nd has like retrace lines or some sort of screen problem, though
plays (kinda blind) I can hear all the minestorm sounds n'at....

PSX/Vectrex adapter- was that Cowgill's   

[ChadTower]

Chad, let's share some information then.  I have 2 Vectrex, 1 works great but the 2nd has like retrace lines or some sort of screen problem, though
plays (kinda blind) I can hear all the minestorm sounds n'at....

Trace lines on any vector monitor means the brightness is turned up too high.  If you have to turn it up that high to get a clear image then you need a cap kit, your flyback is going, or your tube is going.  I would start with a cap kit as that's the easiest and most common.

PSX/Vectrex adapter- was that Cowgill's   

Yep.  Allows a PS1 Dual Shock controller to be used on the Vectrex with full analog control.

[newkillergenius]

MMM boy, cap kits are my fave!   

I wonder what all could be wrong.  Adjusting the pots doesn't seem to be doing much-  I think I'll make a quick vid next week and pop it up here- I could be totally off on the retracing assumption...