All about the Vectrex

CiDeRmAn · 20-10-2021 9:15pm

I could have saved a fortune with one of those!

But, now I have a decent arcade stick to play Veccy with, so that'll do pig...

Doge · 29-10-2021 5:17am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118049066#Comment_118049066

Oh sweet mama, this is the device I've been waiting for! Thanks for sharing

ozmo · 15-10-2022 3:04am

Playing with my pitrex- much of it works and is amazing - but having issues with the arcade games- can anyone assist in finding the correct files?

Star Wars says roms are present but just says loading roms and never starts.

astroids starts and runs but I cannot see how to start the game. same issue with some other games…

Also is the latest higher performance Star Wars compile shown in videos available anywhere?

thanks !

CiDeRmAn · 15-10-2022 1:32pm

The files you need should be from a recent version of MAME.

That said, if you download the SD_DRIVE_22th_December_2021.zip folder from this link http://vide.malban.de/pitrex/pitrex-baremetal-download you should be okay.

Just open the archive, into the file structure and there will be a list of titles for your version of Pi0, those are all the files you should need, along with the Vectrex game files

ozmo · 15-10-2022 4:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119748008#Comment_119748008

thanks - that's the image im using - but it says all the Roms are missing(except tacscan.zip) on all arcade emulators - so are you suggesting I copy the files from J:\piZero1 to J:\roms\aae ??

(just tried it - didnt work) There are games in that folder (piZero1)) that do not show up in the menus eg pacman.img....

the instructions say

"Roms for the age emulator must be put into the subdirectory AAE.I have not "unified" the roms for AAE yet. And I don't know what version they must be.The thing is the age source code included all roms, so I never had to look for them.

If you find the sources for AAE in the internet - THAT are the roms you need :-)."

I found the mame roms - but I could not find aae roms - I did find the "sources" he mentioned in the age source code - its all .c code - hardly that? eg. "roids207.tar.gz"

What mame distribution would they be on - the download from official mame site of course has no Roms - and all larger ones the ones I've tried dont have aae roms.

ta.

CiDeRmAn · 15-10-2022 10:44pm

If you look for a recent rom set you'll find what you need, just throw them into the rom folder, zipped is fine.

The aae files should be just the Atari files, as that's all they are.

I'm not sure which specific mame version they are from though, and that includes Star Wars and Asteroids afaik.

Have you tried Vectorblade yet?

It's fantastic!

15-10-2022 11:33pm

A quick mention that Vector War XII will be going on from 29th Oct - 5th Nov for anyone intersted. Create an account on

https://vectorgaming.proboards.com

And join in, it's a great excuse to play some vectrex games and have some fun. The current lineup for this year is:

GCE/MB

1. Armor Attack

2. Heads up Soccer

3. Hyperchase

4. Solar Quest

5. Spike

6. Star Hawk

Homebrews:

1. Save the planet by Raphael Aberle (RubberDuck)

2. Hex by Chris Malcom (Binary Star Software)

3. Gyrostronomy and Gyrostrology by Peer Johannsen

4. Spike gets squished by Brett Wallach (www.playvectrex.com)

5. VeCaves by Mark De Smet

Points from any 6 titles are required to enter, all bin files for the homebrew titles will be freely available prior to the competition (if anyone wants to play one of the homebrew titles in the competition and doesn't have access to a pitrex, vextreme, vecfever etc. Let me know and I may be able to loan you a pcb of the game for the competition)

ozmo · 17-10-2022 3:40am

Any good to anyone here - Bargain if you can get it at that price - says is in the Americas but price includes shipping and the taxes to Ireland.

I've not bought from there before so cannot comment on buying from etsy or that seller...

And its USA voltage - so might want to research how you power it from USA 110V 60Hz to Irish 220V 50hz

https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/1325552399/vintage-vectrex-game-console

o1s1n · 17-10-2022 10:12am

Sold! How much was it listed for?

eddhorse · 18-10-2022 1:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119754997#Comment_119754997

£274

CiDeRmAn · 02-11-2022 2:46pm

For many Veccy owners, the Vecfever cart is a holy grail item, running code from a PC to its display and making it capable of amazing things.

One of the best is an Asteroids clone called Rocks'n Saucers.

The developer Thomas Sontowski is some sort of sorcerer because he is releasing that title for the standard Veccy, either drop it onto multicart or the games folder on the PiTrex, or even make a physical cart with it.

Regardless, it plays really well and I hope to pick up a dedicated cart and overlay sometime soon.

In the meantime I'm attaching the bin file to this post, the game is free to download, so please try it and let me know what you think.

Rocks-n-Saucers.zip

ozmo · 05-11-2022 8:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119823858#Comment_119823858

Thanks for that - yes Vecfever is unobtainable - but thankfully PiTrex is a good alternative and can be got a little more easily.

dropping the extracted .bin file from that into F:\vectrex folder on the sd card worked on the PiTrex... It plays fast and very smooth.

On the PiTrex - the original Arcade Astroids from 1979 works really well - and is very similar - but I had to edit the config file slightly to be able play with the buttons - by default 1+4 brings up annoyingly the dip switches menu which is same as left +fire.

This small config change changes keys to use 2+3 for move and 4 to fire.

asteroid_sbt.ini.txt

(remove .txt extension so file is asteroid_sbt.ini)

Found the roms to get most of the other arcade games working also - even original StarWars runs really well on the PiTrex now - especially when played Landscape.

CiDeRmAn · 07-11-2022 1:33pm

Hi,

I had to make similar alterations to my set-up to stop it opening the dipswitch menu too.

It is remarkable to get to play Star Wars, at home, on a vector monitor, I must pick up an overlay for it.

I am hoping to pick-up an Asteroids overlay for the Veccy as well as the dedicated controller.

I also want to build a suitable controller for Battlezone, twin sticks and all, with James Watt's kit or buy a ready made one, as well as the overlay, it too looks amazing as is.

eddhorse · 12-11-2022 10:35pm

Outrun on the Vectrex

https://twitter.com/RetroBC_Pete/status/1591443667927142402?t=uIb2DlWQfV4NhMHI6pZ_TA&s=19

12-11-2022 10:43pm

Thats an old tech demo from vector Republic back in 2018 I think?? Don't think anything was ever done with it since.

https://youtu.be/9_txf2-Cw1s

ozmo · 21-11-2022 1:16am

Buzz was getting to me - so I got rid of it using this $1 part - and a coax from a pc external wifi antennae.

Totally silent now - and all music sounds so much better. Well worth doing imo. Its all reversible should anyone ever want to as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134268514411

Lots of tutorials out there - Just be sure to remove the red led from the amp module or tape it up so not visible through screen.

CiDeRmAn · 23-11-2022 10:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119909786#Comment_119909786

It is an early 80's console that was built into a vector monitor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wkEL3RcW8s

eddhorse · 04-12-2022 8:52am

Has anyone got the back-light?

https://www.blacklighter.co.uk/gallery

CiDeRmAn · 04-12-2022 2:11pm

Not yet, thinking of getting it and the Asteroids overlay to go with Rocks'n Saucers

deadl0ck · 05-12-2022 12:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954774#Comment_119954774

Yep - it's very cool - I made my own UV Surround with perspex and UV LEDs

CiDeRmAn · 19-01-2023 10:36am

Anyone happen to know where I might buy some Vectrex cart shells?

I've a couple of games on PCB only, need to keep them safe!

o1s1n · 19-01-2023 11:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120128010#Comment_120128010

Might have to go down the route of buying some cheaper Vectrex games and swapping out the PCBs. On the plus side, at least it would mean your PCB is in a legit (and probably nicely aged) shell.

Steve X2 · 19-01-2023 11:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120128010#Comment_120128010

I only know of these places and the 3D printed options. I'd prefer a nice injection moulded shell than 3d printed myself.

http://www.vectrexmulti.com/order.html

https://vectrexmulti.ecwid.com/Vectrex-Empty-Cartridge-Shells-c38886086

3D Printable: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3924955

CiDeRmAn · 19-01-2023 6:15pm

Thanks for that, I might see about getting a couple printed instead

Steve X2 · 19-01-2023 11:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120130456#Comment_120130456

If you're ok with 3D printed and happy with black(galaxy black, it looks nice) I have a couple of them printed up from a while back I don't need. Cover postage and they're yours. I think I have just 2 of them, but will check and stick a pic up later of what they look like.

They are they same as this one, but I removed the text as it doesn't print well. I left the arrow though.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3924955

Edit:

Yes, just the two shells. Let me know if you want them and we can sort it out.

CiDeRmAn · 20-03-2023 4:11pm

The biggest Veccy release since Vectorblade was released over the weekend!

Minsoft released Vyrzon finally, and it comes in a physical cart, box, instructions and overlay.

And, as soon as the first batch were announced to be released via their twitter feed, I was on it like a car bonnet and bought it immediately.

I think it comes to about €100 with shipping.

Here's the link to the site itself, though the game is currently sold out (he will be producing as many as meeting demand requires)

https://minsoft-games.myshopify.com/products/vyrzon-vectrex-game?fbclid=IwAR2GLDmoZ8naVkUH4fBHO6C_OT9uHfTCLkdf4cEeX-eSuMxK197iU0989Ts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WupR7_8moRM

I think it looks absolutely amazing!

ozmo · 21-03-2023 3:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120379862#Comment_120379862

A cutdown version of this game was released by the Author as a download...

http://www.vectrex.de/_static/2022/vw12/VW12-binaries.zip

"Vyrzon: Asteroid Belt - minsoft - This is a special mini-game version of Vyrzon, specifically for Vector War XII, Oct/Nov 2022."

I tried it (using pytrex) - its only the first stage unfortunately...

I found it at a link on this this page for a competition... Its the games they played - and its in the zip above with some other decent homebrew games:

https://vectorgaming.proboards.com/thread/2618/vectrex-tournament-vector-29th-2022

CiDeRmAn · 22-03-2023 10:12am

Ozmo, what did you think of it?

I downloaded it to my Pitrex as soon as it was released and it was fantastic, just too short!

My copy of Vyrzon is on the way as we speak, just hope I don't get violated by the Irish customs before it gets here!

o1s1n · 22-03-2023 10:56am

Do many folks still have Veccys around these parts? I remember there was a boards.ie Vectrex buying flurry, must have been what, about ten years ago now?

Be interesting to know how many are still out there and working. As far as I remember, Ciderdude and Doge still have one?

The Last Bandit · 22-03-2023 11:25am

Still have mine one, its not been used in a long while so I'm happily assuming it still works :)

o1s1n · 22-03-2023 11:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120386800#Comment_120386800

Oh yeah! I think that was my old broken one? If I remember correctly I swapped it with you for an Ikea Ramvik tabletop cabinet 😁

The Last Bandit · 22-03-2023 12:11pm

That's the one !! I assume that Ikea abomination is long gone :)

ozmo · 22-03-2023 12:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120386488#Comment_120386488

It was very short all right and then repeats - would like to try the other, invaders style levels, they look very good.

Inviere · 22-03-2023 3:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120386669#Comment_120386669

I sold mine on many years ago, I'd say 11+ years ago maybe? I'm an outlier here no doubt, but I don't regret selling it. They're a nice curio, and the screen tech is a visual treat....but I can't say I found any of the games very engaging or fun to play beyond the initial few minutes. I always spent the time looking at the vectors, rather than actually playing the games! Couple that with their inevitable breakdown, I'm not regretting moving it on. Can't even remember who bought it! I think it came from Holland, possibly on a tip off from your good self??

o1s1n · 22-03-2023 4:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120386994#Comment_120386994

I sold it to someone on adverts ten years ago - would love to know where it is now!

Did some mad stuff with it over the years. At one point I had a supergun running through it via a scaler and an SLG3000 to play vertical shmups PCBs.

Definitely one of those moments where you stand back and ask yourself - 'what the feck am I actually doing here??' 😂

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120388022#Comment_120388022

The value versus age/possibility of breaking beyond repair is way too great now to pick another one up IMO. I think my one was only 50 quid when I originally bought it so I could happily play away on it without the fear of 'this'll be the last time I switch it on'!

Yeah there was definitely a time when a few of us were spamming the forum with every link to a Vectrex we could find to get another person on board.

We really should have had a Vectrex meetup before they were all sold!

Steve X2 · 22-03-2023 6:43pm

I still have a couple of them. One is quite modded with all the modern mods/fixes that have come out over years. The other one is stock and buzzy as hell, i love it :)

ozmo · 23-03-2023 1:55am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120388768#Comment_120388768

What mods you do? I have done the buzz fix on mine - that was well worth doing.

A mod I would like would be to cut the power fully when you use the off switch - as it is, I've noticed the vectrex power switch doesn't disconnect the mains like you would expect - only the lower voltage output of the internal power supply - so it can overheat and burn out if left plugged in and switched off.

CiDeRmAn · 23-03-2023 9:25am

I like the buzz, the screen takes a minute to "warm up" so the buzz lets me know it is otherwise working!

o1s1n · 23-03-2023 10:17am

I always find it hilarious that the designers put loads of effort into making a lovely home vector monitor based system but thought 'ah you know what, this is fine' when they first heard the buzzing. 😂

Did anyone play one new on release? I wonder was the buzzing there from the start or did it appear with time?

Steve X2 · 23-03-2023 11:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120390189#Comment_120390189

Just the main quality of life ones. Buzz Off kit, Vstereo mod and its been recapped.

ozmo · 23-03-2023 1:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120390586#Comment_120390586

I believe the initial prototype didnt buzz. So thats the way it should be. So no guilt having mine buzz free lol.

The China factory cheaped out on the audio cable used. Dont know why they didnt fix it in later revisions.. there are several small other differences inside over their production run they would have the opportunity.

Any info on the stereo mod- think audio is fine for me on mine now - but did it make any difference?

Doge · 23-03-2023 2:02pm

Still have mine also with the embroidered gimp mask cover over it! 😜

It doesn't get a lot of use but all my retro consoles don't get much use also these days.

I'm still waiting on the 2nd batch of the Bluetooth adapter for controllers like my 8bitdo mega drive one.

I find the original controllers look cool but are the most unergonomic controllers I've ever used with the straight line of buttons. I actually hate using them.

@CiDeRmAn did you see anything about the Bluetooth adapters in the Facebook group since the first batch was sold?

Doge · 23-03-2023 2:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120388022#Comment_120388022

I'd agree on most of the stock games not being that engaging, but throw a pitrex or vecfever into the mix and you suddenly have access to amazing homebrew titles and of course Vector Arcade titles thanks to MAME. It really opens it up.

Inviere · 23-03-2023 2:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120391595#Comment_120391595

Absolutely, good point. The screen always outshone the stock games, but with the flash carts/multicarts, that is indeed a bit of a game changer.

o1s1n · 23-03-2023 3:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120391504#Comment_120391504

I always imagine it being a mini arcade stick so kind of try to use it as if it's a control panel on an arcade machine.

I did see someone using it like a controller with just their thumb on the top of the stick before, which looked a bit mad.

Hope you're keeping well by the way, haven't seen you around these parts in a while!

Doge · 23-03-2023 6:12pm

I'm good man, hope you're doing well also! 😁

Been studying music theory the last year so that's taking priority over gaming and I've sort of lost interest in retro gaming the last few years.

Who knows though, I might get back into it again!

o1s1n · 24-03-2023 11:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120392710#Comment_120392710

Studying music theory? Cool stuff! You creating anything yourself?

All good here, funnily enough I've had the opposite happen the last while and my interest has really been renewed a lot after getting stuck into MiSTer.

Doge · 24-03-2023 1:56pm

Funnily enough I have been so busy that I haven't made much music haha!I

Ive played synth at a few gigs though.

Are you still doing something music related? You can pm me if you prefer.

Doge · 01-03-2024 10:10pm

Updated my PiTrex last night and Found a gem of a game called World War VI today.

It's a beta version but if the full version is available for the VecFever cartridge if you have one.

The game is absolutely bonkers in how many vectors can appear on screen at once! Lots of octopuses , explosion and rapid fire vectors all over the place!

It's actually a vectrex port of a Linux game.

Probably my favourite game on it so far.

https://youtu.be/qtPyCZfW5ak

CiDeRmAn · 04-03-2024 10:10pm

It's pretty insane alright.

I have to say, Vyrzon is by far the best thing I've played on the Vectrex yet, and that's an un-enhanced console and cart too.

And, it's the only place these games can be played and look like they should, love those glowing vectors!

All about the Vectrex

Comments

A quick mention that Vector War XII will be going on from 29th Oct - 5th Nov for anyone intersted. Create an account on

https://vectorgaming.proboards.com