Vectrex problem

[Videogamecollector123]

Hi, my vectrex has a problem in that the screen displays the game slightly the left, for instance when I play Patriots, the left missile launcher is almost completely off-screen and in web wars you can go partly off screen when the play field moves that ways. What I do have to ask if this is going to be an easy fix or should I just leave it alone, I have never worked with a crt.

[JamesD]

Hi, my vectrex has a problem in that the screen displays the game slightly the left, for instance when I play Patriots, the left missile launcher is almost completely off-screen and in web wars you can go partly off screen when the play field moves that ways. What I do have to ask if this is going to be an easy fix or should I just leave it alone, I have never worked with a crt.

Mine has similar problems.

[fiddlepaddle]

Sounds like it needs to be "tuned". You have to open it up and carefully make adjustments to some pots, but it's hard to do unless you have the right cartridge which was designed for that purpose. I've never done it, but many people have and I've read about it on one of the Vectrex sites. Google something like "vectrex adjustment" and you'll see lots of info about it.

[+save2600]

Sounds like it needs to be "tuned". You have to open it up and carefully make adjustments to some pots, but it's hard to do unless you have the right cartridge which was designed for that purpose. I've never done it, but many people have and I've read about it on one of the Vectrex sites. Google something like "vectrex adjustment" and you'll see lots of info about it.

 

I just fiddled around with one today. Yeah, the convergence pattern would be real nice for this case, but it can still be done without it. Open up the back of the Vectrex and you'll see two pots near the transformer. With a game in (like your Patriots), you can move the pot farthest from the tube. Remember where it is though before touching it and move in tiny increments. That may straighten out your problem...

[Videogamecollector123]

ok, but with crt repair, how long should I turn the thing off or should I just follow the procedure for CRT discharge on Playvectrex?

[+save2600]

ok, but with crt repair, how long should I turn the thing off or should I just follow the procedure for CRT discharge on Playvectrex?

 

Absolutely no reason to discharge the tube as the machine is going to be 'ON' while you're making the adjustment. Those two pots are on the bottom, near the power plug and transformer anyway - not near the yoke of the tube...

[Videogamecollector123]

alright, thanks

[Videogamecollector123]

Yea, adjusting those two pots on the bottom isn't moving the picture over to the right

[+save2600]

Yea, adjusting those two pots on the bottom isn't moving the picture over to the right

 

Shoot, so it must be really out of alignment. Now, this is where you have to be super careful not getting shocked... there are another two pots on the power supply board and I believe you can reach them through the solder side of the board (you'll see two good sized holes). This is where it gets a little tricky, but since you have the machine opened up already - might just as well give it a shot...

Edited January 19, 2010 by save2600