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Vectrexer

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Posts posted by Vectrexer

  5. Posted

    On 6/22/2005 at 9:27 PM, moycon said:

    I'm looking for a place that sells Vectrex parts. In particular the joystick.

    I have a joystick that works fine...However, the actual "stick" is missing.

    It looks like one can just be screwed back onto the post.

    Does anyone know where spare sticks can be purchased? Or maybe an alternative? Right now I have a dart shaft in place of the stick, but it doesn't screw down so while it does function, its a tad wobbley.

     

    Tony Lindberg, User "fruktodlaren" on AtariAge and Vector Forums, produces replacement Vectrex Controller Joystick Knobs.  The knobs are machined replacements that simply screw into place on the end of the Vectrex joystick shaft. The knobs are sized and shaped to form exactly as the original factory joystick component.  They are available in a variety of metals and plastics in natural finish and other finishes. For aluminum they can also be ordered with an anodized finish.

     

    See Tony's Replacement Vectrex Controller Joystick Knob sales post in the Facebook Group Vectrex Fan Unite! here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vectrex/permalink/673260116217702/  

     

    For some pictures available outside Facebook see my AtariAge thread on the topic here: https://atariage.com/forums/topic/270217-joystick-knob-replacement-for-vectrex-controller 

     

  7. Posted · Edited by Vectrexer

    On 10/8/2019 at 1:29 PM, Gilles_B said:

    wow. Years later, this thread saved me. I thought I had a big problem. Pfew... Now the original 3D games work, but 3DLOTR doesn't. I need to take apart my VecMulti and see if this fix will help.

    In your usage of 3D LOTR with either the Madtronix or GCE 3D Imager, consider that this game can use either the Minestorm color wheel for 3D operation, the Narrow Escape/Crazy Coaster color wheel for 3D operation, or no wheel for 2D only operation.  However, the color wheel (disc) used must still be matched to the menu choice made.

    The color wheel choice is selected in the game's main menu using controller buttons.

    Button 1 for Wheel 1 uses the Minestorm Wheel.

    Button 2 for Wheel 2 uses the Narrow Escape/Crazy Coaster Wheel.

    Button 3 for 2D only does not use any wheel.    

    Button 4 starts the game with the selected color wheel / 2D choice,

     

    IMG_20160819_073036 (1).jpg

    • Thanks 1

  8. Posted

    On 10/6/2019 at 4:39 PM, chopperthedog said:

    Continuing from my post #321 in this thread with wanting to come up with a minimal folding stand, I finally got some time at the bench to try an idea with some materials. I kept the same height and kickback angle specs from the original wood one. Slant of unit is compensated with the length and position of the rear supports, so when looking straight at screen the legs and cross brace line up, unlike that 3d print. Main center of gravity is covered well with small footprint of stand and you just hold to side of unit, pick up, rotate and set down on legs with ease. Pretty happy with result, it's sturdy, minimal and folds flat. 

     

     

    good day.

     

    vectrex stand.jpg

    IMG_20191004_203737.jpg

    Very nice work as always.   Have you considered placing larger feet at the of the all thread instead of only caps? Always interested in long term distribution the forces on a the case for alternative contact points not originally engineered in to the case design.  

  15. Posted

    Archive.org is your friend

    https://web.archive.org/web/20180323190833/http://www.vectrex.com/#Vectrex_Work

     

    Repairs, Recapping, and Alignments:

    Sweden | Madtronix's Vectrex Repair Service. Madtronix also offers mailing/pickup locations in Germany, Netherlands, France for posting/transport in those countries. Contact Madtronix about a Vectrex Repair request here.: Click here to Contact Madtronix about a Vectrex Repair request http://madtronix.com/en/contact.html
    USA | Norridge, Illinois | Sean Kelly's Vectrex Repair Service. Email Sean about your repair needs.: EMail Sean Kelly ([email protected]) about a Vectrex Repair request or Gmail Sean about your repair needs.:GMail Message Sean Kelly ([email protected]) about a Vectrex Repair Request.
    USA | Michigan | Fred Konopaska's Vectrex Repair Service. Email Fred about your repair needs.: EMail Fred Konopaska ([email protected]) about a Vectrex Repair request or Gmail Fred about your repair needs.:GMail Message Fred

  16. Posted · Edited by Vectrexer

    ROYAL 21

    Fury Unlimited / George Pelonis

    2009

    GCE BUDG (2017)

    Game board housed by me inside a Sean Kelly Kelly Reproduction Vectrex Game Cartridge Shell

    For Vectrex / 光速船 / Kousokusen

    Price: $26 + Ship

    Included in this listing as shown in pictures:
    ROYAL 21 video game by Fury Unlimited / George Pelonis
    Clear Translucent Sean Kelly Reproduction Vectrex Game Cartridge Shell

    Ships from USA Zip: 94044
    Package Data: 12" x 10 " x 3", 1 lbs 1 oz
    Please use www.USPS.com, www.UPS.com, and www.FedEx.com along with the information above to verify shipping costs to your destination.

    #ROYAL21
    #FuryUnlimited
    #GeorgePelonis
    #Vectrex
    #VideoGame
    #Vector

    post-5318-0-75390400-1555254633_thumb.jpg

    post-5318-0-11846400-1555254640_thumb.jpg

    post-5318-0-19495300-1555254647_thumb.jpg

    post-5318-0-16728600-1555254655_thumb.jpg

    post-5318-0-95289200-1555254678_thumb.jpg

  17. Posted · Edited by Vectrexer

    I've got of few of Printerboys covers as well. I still prefer Barb's covers but I'm not sure how actively she is doing them now since her husband passed about a year ago now. But Printerboy does have covers for pretty much all consoles and has designed them with cutouts on the back so you can leave all the cabling plugged in and still use them easily. My main issue with his covers is that they are of a much lighter overall material. And while it does look nice to have the pic of the console printed on the covers, bit does kinda clash a bit and look more busy. Thankfully he does offer some other options with solid colors and even clear vinyl covers though I've not see any of those. His printed ones like you see in the original post up top, is on a thin fabric like material. His vinyl covers I believe are solid colors only.

     

    And since they are shipping from Mexico, they can take a few weeks to arrive. I believe the last set of covers I ordered from him, (My PS3, PS4, WiiU..and Genesis+32x+CD) took at least a month to arrive. They were all folded up as was mentioned, but that doesn't really bother me and in time the folds will work out on their own.

     

    Barb is still actively selling her fantastic dust covers. When looking via ebay use the term "dustcover" as she does in her listing titles.

    If you do not see the dust cover you want listed, then just message her. Multiple styles and embroidery colors available for lots of different consoles.

    • Like 1

  22. Posted · Edited by Vectrexer

    Hello, I recently just acquired a copy of Mr. Boston for the Vectrex with the back label in tact as well. It came with the screen overlay but no box unfortunately. I was wondering what the approximate value of the pair would be and also a little bit of information on how many copies there are and I would like to know a little about the history of how it came to be as searching didn't yield much info other than it was given away as a promotional item in some sort of ad maybe? Thanks!

     

     

     

    Since you have an overlay too About $2000 to $3000 for a Vectrex Mr. Boston cart . Finding the right timing and buyer. But then final sale value obtained could also be less.

     

    Does the cart work? Nice to see a test.

  23. Posted

    VecMulti SD Card Flash Developer MultiCart 2017 for Vectrex / 光速船 / Kousokusen
    Yes, accepting offers outside of eBay before the listing closes.
    No one wants a VecMulti, right?
    $500 / best offer / Bestes Angebot / Meilleure offre / Mejor oferta / Bästa erbjudande / Paras tarjous / Melhor oferta / Лучшее предложение / Лучшее предложение / أفضل عرض / Eskaintza onena / Najbolja ponuda / 最高の提案 / Beste tilbudet / Beste aanbod / Bedste tilbud / Besta boð / Migliore offerta / An tairiscint is fearr / An tairgse as fheàrr / Y cynnig gorau / بهترین پیشنهاد / Καλύτερη προσφορά / Pinakamagandang Alok / सबसे अच्छा प्रस्ताव / Millor oferta / Parim pakkumine / Najlepsza oferta.
    #Vectrex
    #MultiCart
    #SDCard
    #Flash
    #Loadable
    #Menu
    #Developer
    post-5318-0-55618100-1547414738_thumb.jpgpost-5318-0-89212100-1547414750_thumb.jpgpost-5318-0-11654600-1547414766_thumb.jpgpost-5318-0-78397800-1547414787_thumb.jpg

     

  25. Posted

    A review? Here ya go.....

     

    The MiniVex II controller for the General Consumer Electronics (GCE) Milton Bradley (MB) and Bandai Vectrex and uses a more or less traditional Vectrex controller format but done on a slightly smaller execution of the design. The analog joystick is there as are the four buttons laid out in linear format. So is the angled top of the controller. But from this point things take off with the addition of a second analog joystick. Second cable for connection to the second Vectrex controller port. Metal body. Longer cords. Plus a host of options switches and controls adding features the original era Vectrex controllers never had.

     

    As mentioned the MinVex joystick controllers are smaller than the original controller. I find the design choice works well for both handheld and tabletop usage. The build aesthetic is also well done. Case finish in a black-gay crinkle color with the texturing provides a good grip surface when being held. Joystick and button choices match well with the MiniVex appearance. One point on looks I did find distracting was the use of comparatively large natural finish hex head sheet metal screws. I would have preferred less protruding black pan head screws to be used in closing up the case. Other case hardware is also black / dark colored (bumper feet, rivets, cabling). Felt pads are currently used for bumper feet. A good choice to elevate the controller and prevent it from scratching desk and tabletop surfaces. Felt bumper feet are nice. But also include a set of rubber bumper feet as well to allow for better surface grip.

     

    The analog joysticks are the typical modules seen in use for other modern controllers seen on Xbox, PlayStation, etc. The joysticks have a great feel to them. Their placement in the controller body lends well to either a two-handed grip, or just using your fingers while on the desk. I the concave center portion and a micro-textured ring. Both of which prevents the player’s thumbs from slipping. The tension of the sticks feel lighter that the original era joystick. Gamer’s used to playing with modern controllers will quickly adjust to the feel. Others might have a short period of getting used to the controller but in the end might find long gameplay sessions less fatiguing. One thing I found missing as compared to modern platform controllers is the use of the joystick button switch. The switch is present in the joystick module in the MinVex controller. Just not used at the moment. Perhaps some future enhancement possibilities for the MiniVex. Since the MiniVex II controller is a dual joystick design connected to both Vectrex controller ports. Having both Vectrex ports connected provides for better electrical centering of the joystick controls. Normally a single joystick connection does not allow for the controller to port 1 to be centered. This is the reason the Madtronix Vectrex controller port “Center Dongle” terminator was created for use in controller port 2 to improve the accuracy for single port analog games . But it is not needed when using the MiniVex II controller as both Vectrex controller ports are connected to a controller.

     

    Buttons on the MinVex II are very good perfect in my opinion. Excellent button tension, size, and button shape. I did get one of the early MinVex II controllers. Larry indicated later versions of the MinVex II are shipped with a button component that has a lighter touch. Something the user will notice between the original controller and the MinVex is the use of rounded top buttons instead of concave top buttons. Personally I prefer concave top buttons for every gaming controller I use. Not just the Vectrex. But after hours and days of play I cannot complain about the button choice Larry made for the MinVex Line. They are accurate and responsive.

     

    All of the MiniVex hand controller line up to this point, MiniVex II included, share options. These include Rapid-Fire with a switch to disable/enable. Plus a companion control to adjust the rate of fire for the Rapid-Fire feature. Rapid-Fire on the MiniVex works well. My subject option for all of the Vectrex auto-fire / rapid-fire dongles or controllers with the feature built in I have tested so far, is the MiniVex controller line is the quickest. I did find during rate adjustment and gameplay the MiniVex Rapid-fire repetition is grouped into sets of pulses. I would like the recovery time for the groups to be instantaneous for those times when the rapid-fire rate is set to maximum. But most people will not ever notice or be affected by this this point. The MiniVex II has two cables connecting to both Vectrex controller ports. The MiniVex II also has a companion option switch for selecting button mapping association to the controller cable. The switch will select the association for all buttons at the same time. Switch down selects the right cable closest to button 4 that is normally connected to Vectrex controller port 1. Switch up enables button usage on the left cable. Nice to have this feature when selecting options or using buttons for games that need it. The option switch is also present for other dual control MiniVex hand controllers.

     

    Connection to the Vectrex for the MiniVex controllers is long cables of a Atari 2600 / Sega Genesis / Commodore cable re-purposed for use with the Vectrex. The connector ends shaped with material removed provide a perfect fit into the Vectrex controller port right out of the box. The connectors have good strain-relief since the molded end are retained. Cable length is more than ample at 5 feet (1.5 meters). I don’t think anyone will have issues on this point. The cabling is a standard straight cable instead of a coiled cable. If you like a self-tending cable then you may want to ask Larry if there is an optional cable he could build the controller. But doing so might delay delivery of your order. Attachment of the cables to the MiniVex chassis is thoughtfully protected with strain-relief rubber grommets.

     

    You might have already seen the comments by Larry, the creator of the MiniVex, about how they are of are constructed using steel and are tough. I agree with both of these statements. The MiniVex controllers feel like they can take beating. In daily play both of the controllers I have, the MiniVex II and MiniVex Pedal I, stood up what I have thrown at them so far. This includes not using the rapid-fire feature and instead just mashing down on the buttons. Or in the case of the MiniVex Pedal repeated stepping on it when playing with games as a button 1-3 control, and as a button 4 primary foot stomping control. Try your foot out using Binary Star Software's "Quick Shot (http://www.binarystarsoftware.com/?p=363). For a real challenge of stomp speed play against a local metal or punk band drummer. No controller on any platform is "bullet proof". But MiniVex is a tough controller that I have taken out to local coffee shops for public play. Next I'll see if it can survive a local brewery bar top session or two. I am not concerned.

     

    Warranty offered by Larry for all MiniVex controller is good and provides for 30 days after the purchase. Judging by Larry's build quality I have seen so you will never need to exercise warranty coverage. Even after the 30 day period ends Larry provides long term support to resolve any issues created during drops, dings, soda spills, and intense game play.

     

    The Final Verdict

     

    All things considered, the MiniVex II Vectrex Dual Analog controller by Larry / Classicgamesnut (AtariAge) / Classicgamesandcarsfan (eBay), offers Vectrex gamers and enthusiasts everything that the original Vectrex controller offered, and then some. MiniVex improved on existing ideas and has introduced improvements in regards to functionality, aesthetic, tank-link build quality with its hand-formed metal chassis, and comfort.

     

    There is of course still some room for improvement. But if you are looking for one of the best controllers currently available, and one of the few dual stick controllers regardless MiniVex should be in your acquisition plans. I am eager to see what else Larry will have on offer next with his new models of the MiniVex line.

     

    For the MiniVex II here is a wrap of the Pro and Con points I noticed:

     

    Pros:

    • Dual Joystick. This really is one of the sticks meant for Thomas Sontowski's "Robot Arena" play and Clockwork Robot's "Stramash Zone". Other dual stick control titles too.

    • Small size. Like the fact Larry went smaller instead of bigger. Allows of easier button reach during play even if the button layout remains standard.

    • Analog Vectrex controller. I like these better than the digital controllers even when playing the games that do not take advantage of analog input.

    • Smooth joystick controls. The choose joystick module feels nice and operates smoothly over the entire range of motion.

    • Self-Centering joysticks.

    • As with most joystick modules of the type used in the MiniVex the design fits your thumbs well and have a decent size to accommodate use with your other fingers

    • Steel construction. The case really does have the feel of bullet-proof tank armor.

    • Excellent Joystick centering related to overall build the fact MiniVex II connects to both Vectrex controller ports providing for proper electrical termination on both ports.

    • Button switch for cable selection. Love the convenience of being able to swap the button operation between the Vectrex controller port cable connections using just a switch.

    • Crinkle paint finish. Give the MiniVex II a nice texture when touching and holding the controller.

    • Great looking paint. Even if this is just a result of the crinkle finish I like the look as it matches the grey of the Vectrex case pretty well.

    • Handmade MiniVex logo graphic matches the handmade case appearance.

    • Hefty weight of the controller feels good. The weight also helps keep the controller fixed in placed on its bumper feet when on the desktop.

    • Rapid-fire speed control feels smooth during use.

    • Like the fact rapid-fire has its own option switch to disable the feature.

    • Button color choice options are a nice touch.

    • 30 Warranty for every controller sold.

     

    Cons:

    • No external port to pass through a connection to an accessory. Such as a Vectrex Light Pen.

    • Buttons do not have the best ergonomic design layout. But still a decent trade off for a dual controller of this size and adherence to a traditional Vectrex controller layout

    • At times the hex heads of the case screws dig into my hand a bit when holding the MiniVex controller.

    • Cord does not coil up. Not a deal breaker. But I do like being able to have cord tend itself when I am finished playing for the day.

    • Not made to fold up into the Vectrex.

    • Lack of control control switch labeling / notes on the back or bottom of the controller.

    • Rapid-fire repetition is grouped into sets of pulses. Would like the recovery time for the groups to be instantaneous for those times when the rapid-fire rate is set to maximum. Bear in mind most people will not ever notice or be affected by this this point.

    • MiniVex case graphics and lettering could be sharper. Even if I did include the logo as a pro, we are long past the desktop publishing age where logo design using a computer was made easy.

    • Better design and print of the MiniVex instruction sheet.

    • Rivets used to seal some parts of the case. Would like to see an all screw design for easier self-service after the warranty period ends.

    • For the price of the controller I would love an additional pack-in item such as a cool logo sticker or business card. But I do realize every "extra" costs extra for creator to make.

     

    MiniVex Future Improvement Suggestions:

    • To go along with the button color options, also offer an option to match the joystick cap hats to the button color. Either as a fully colored control cap hat, or one with a rim / logo (skull etc.) color accent.

    • Allow for button mapping to one or both of the joysticks. The current joysticks being used have a button switch activated when the joystick is pressed. Would be nice to have the ability to switch one, or both, joysticks into a the Vectrex controller button position. Alternatively, would be nice to have them statically controlling button 4 of their respective controller port cable connections.

    • Use of pan head screws instead of hex head screws to bite less into hands.

    • Change the case screws used to a black or gray color to better match the case paint.

    • Use of plain sheet metal screws with pilot holes instead of self-tapping sheet metal screws for a tighter finish

    • Elimination of all rivets in favor of an all screw design for easier self-service.

    • Provide warranty validation via a sticker as needed.

    • Four bottom bumper feet are nice. Add an extra middle bumper foot set into the center bottom of the MiniVex II.

    • Felt bumper feet are nice. But for the price include a set of rubber bumper feet as well to allow for better surface grip.

    • Allow for a joystick that is configurable to either self centering or free moving.

    • Allow for an external port to pass through a connection to other Vectrex accessories using the second Joystick port. Suck as the Light Pen.

    • Rounded case corners to bite less into hands.

    • Label(s) for the option switches on the back or bottom of the MiniVex controller case.

    • A black knob on the rapid-fire rate potentiometer control shaft would be a nice finish.

    • Smooth out rapid-fire a bit more. Also have the maximum rate for rapid-fire be at the top of the range for the control instead of just below the range top.

    • Fold away design for storage into the Vectrex. Along with a complementary graphics on the bottom.

    • Coiled Cord to allow for self-tending of the cable.

    • Allow for rapid-fire to be assignable on the other buttons. Or just have rapid-fire on each button. Some game have differ button control usage that could benefit from rapid-fire.

    • Improve MiniVex logo graphic.

    • Offer button options with the button top that has a flat or concave design. I like concave button controls.

    • Controller illumination. Accomplished using backlit joysticks and buttons. Alternatively top / side lit using LED(s) with a shade hood to direct the light. And for the joystick interior side lit using the natural gap that already exists between the joystick cap hat the case.

    • Like 3
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