[Vectrex Custom Controller]

9 hours ago, adamchevy said:

Just curious where did you purchase your PCBs? I’m looking at making a custom Vectrex controller and Im trying to find a PCB that supports analog.

Thanks

My controllers are wired directly to components, no PCBs.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

I'm planning to offer a deluxe version with Sanwa buttons and a different joystick with custom springs, but I haven't worked out pricing yet. It is often difficult to source those buttons, as they seem to sell out quickly. For a controller with Sanwa buttons and a basic joystick, possibly $110 shipped within the US.

 

I have ordered parts for another run of 50 basic controllers. After those are complete, I think I'll start offering the deluxe version, most likely next year.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

7 hours ago, phoenixdownita said:

The buttons on that picture look reversed (aka 4 is outside vs your first pictures), what gives?

I'd be interested in one but I am not sure if I like to keep the original Vectrex layout with 4 at the far right or if there was a solid reason your default layout has 1 in that position.

I make versions with both button layouts. The main reason for the 4-3-2-1 button order is it's more comfortable for me on shooter games like Minestorm. The downside to this is confusing yourself on other games where the button order relates to what's on the screen. Most people prefer the original 1-2-3-4 button order (about 8:1 or more).

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

On 8/21/2021 at 6:33 AM, Dagels397 said:

Would love to have one of these -- especially with Sanwa/turo-fire options potentially in the works! The guy had changed at least one of the buttons out it seems, but this controller was awesome while playing Mine Storm at the vintage computers section of Southern Fried.

 

 

Hey, I'm glad you got a chance to try it out! I only sent him the enclosure with overlay, he installed his own buttons and joystick. The turbo-fire edition is likely a year out, or so, since I'm still trying to fill pre-orders for the standard controller. I'll put you on the pre-order list, that way you'll stay in the loop. 

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

On 6/4/2021 at 3:25 AM, akator said:

Looking forward to the next round.  Any idea when you might be ready?

Unfortunately one of the parts I need to order is sold out. I'm looking for alternatives. My goal is still to get 50 done by end of summer.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

The first batch of 9 GDE Vectrex controllers is complete! Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered, giving me the confidence boost to make this project happen! I'll be ordering parts to start a batch of 25 in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

For anyone interested, I am still adding to the pre-order list, however, it is getting pretty long. Also, for future rounds, the price will be $80 shipped within the US. Shipping costs were higher than I anticipated in the first round.

 

Two other news updates: 1)I'm looking into starting to use genuine Sanwa buttons. These are more expensive, but a lot of people seem to be willing to pay the premium for them. 2)My next endeavor is going to be autofire (or turbofire) controllers. These will also be a more expensive version. More news to come!

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

11 hours ago, JEFF31 said:

Make it 2!  (if you still have some!)

I've got you down for 2, thanks!

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

1 hour ago, mr.bill said:

If your still taking orders, I would like to get one.

 

Just a quick question, why are you reversing the buttons? If reversing is desirable, maybe it could be done with a switch?

Hi mr.bill, I put you on the list. With the buttons reversed, you're able to use your index finger on button 4 while still having a finger on all the other buttons. IMO this works well for rapid-fire games like Minestorm.

 

Also, these will be assembled with crimp terminals on the buttons, so if you'd like to switch the button order you just have to unscrew the case and pull the terminals off the buttons and switch them around.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

4 hours ago, wongojack said:

Is it too late to suggest buttons on the left side and stick on right?

Are you left-handed? I'm left-handed, and I always wished I could find one set up that way, that's why I ask. Um, I could definitely make one that way if you don't need a decal. If you want a matching decal, it would take me a little longer and cost a little more.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

I'm making progress on the first run of controllers.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

23 hours ago, Alberto123 said:

Ok then add my for one.It's available only with the GCE logo or also with the MB?

I put you down for 1 with the GCE logo for now. I can design an MB decal, but since you're the only one who's asked about that so far I couldn't sweep that extra design time/cost under the rug. I may do an MB or Bandai run in the future if more ppl show interest, and at that point they would be the same cost.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

On 4/19/2021 at 3:12 PM, gliptitude said:

Please include me for one.

 

.. Are those buttons different than the prototype? They look more familiar and less interesting, (not saying they are or aren't better).

They are the same buttons I've been using since the beginning. I looked back and they do look taller in the older photo, maybe it's the angle of the picture? I put you down for one, thanks!

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Alberto123, it looks like shipping via DHL could be around $20-30, depending on where in Europe you're located. So total would be around $180 for two. Let me know.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Jeff31, I added you to the list. Let me know if you decide on 1 vs 2. I've got about 6 more available before I have to consider doing a 3rd run of these, which I may or may not do.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Just to bring an update on this project, the first prototype is constructed and works great! If anyone is interested in pre-ordering let me know, I'll put you on the list.

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Hey Quohog and Quetzalcoatl, I've started ordering parts and it looks like prices will be around $65-70 including shipping within the USA. I ordered just enough parts to make one for each of you. Let me know if you're still interested and I'll put you on the list. I may end up doing another run in the future if interest keeps trickling in.

 

Quetzalcoatl, the joysticks work much better than the original! I was never impressed with the original either. The original button layout makes a lot of games more difficult too, which this design should alleviate.

 

Thanks guys!

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Hi Chopper,

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate you taking the time to pass on some wisdom from your experience. I will definitely reach out to Brad about the decals, all the people I've talked to so far only offer smooth vinyl, and I really want to keep that original feel.

 

I haven't used the new controller a ton, but so far the cheap knock-off buttons feel good, nice positive click with low effort. The joystick feels a little stiffer than the original Vectrex, but the response is extremely smooth, better than the original IMHO. I do like the look of the joystick you used, but at double the price I'm on the fence.

 

And I'll have to check the button layout, you're probably right about the bottom one not fitting that close to the edge because of the sloped case.

 

Thanks again!

[Vectrex Custom Controller]

Hi Group,

I'm taking preorders for custom Vectrex controllers. Price will likely be between $60 and 75 including shipping, depending on how much interest is out there. If you'd like to preorder, please send me a message and I'll put you on the list. Once I have an idea of how many to make, I'll order parts, which will take a few weeks. I've attached some pictures to show the concept of what I'll be making.

 

The layout will most likely match the decal. The case will be black plastic, and the hardware will match what's shown in the cardboard/plywood controller. The cable is a repurposed Sega Genesis cable, the buttons are 1" arcade buttons, and the joystick is true analog. I would say it has slightly more precise control than the original controller.

 

Any questions/feedback is welcome! Depending on interest I could also make a run of reversed button order and/or a run of MB or Bandai decals.

[Vectrex Vectors Wobbly/Unstable]

Hey, just in case someone sees this post someday, I did get the Vectrex working properly. It turns out I didn't notice that the plated through holes got stripped out on the top side of the board. I didn't have a plated thru-hole repair kit (they seem expensive), so I scratched off some of the masking on the top trace and soldered jumper wires from the top of the board to the legs of the capacitor. Hopefully this knowledge helps out another owner/DIYer/user someday.

[New: VECTREX Joystick Kit for sale]

@Rolo, yes please, put me down for 1.

[Vectrex Vectors Wobbly/Unstable]

Hi everyone,

I'm hopeful that someone on this forum has seen a similar issue to the one I'm experiencing. The vectors near the middle of the screen are always scrambled, but outside of the middle area, the lines are mostly fine.

 

As for some history, the Vectrex worked great my whole childhood. It probably hasn't been played for 5-10 years. We turned it on over Christmas, and at first it didn't work. I read somewhere that if you leave it powered on sometimes it will work eventually. I left it on for about 10 minutes and it did start working. We played it for a few minutes, I walked away for less than 5 minutes, and when I came back the screen was black but it was still turned on. I turned it off and on again. That's when I smelled burning, so I shut it off and opened it up. We found a burn mark at capacitor C404. The fuse had also blown. After installing a new fuse and aftermarket capacitor, it works, but the screen is all screwy.

 

I have read about the 5 adjustment potentiometers and the 2 adjustment rings around the tube, but none of those seem to address the squiggly lines in the middle. I am thinking about getting a "cap kit" from console5 as a next step, but wanted to get advice here first.

[New: VECTREX Joystick Kit for sale]

Did I miss my window to say I'm interested? I just brought my Grandma's old Vectrex home after the holidays. We always wanted a 2nd controller, but I had never looked into custom ones before now.