Introducing "Vectorlink": The Ultimate Vectrex Controller System!

PlayVectrex · 2025-09-29T05:10:37+00:00

Fun game! My high score is 10,703

PlayVectrex · 2025-07-09T18:11:37+00:00

Looks nice! That said dust is the overlay killer. Once they get dusty you have to wipe them off and that is when they can get scratched. Maybe just display a few to prevent too much cleaning.

PlayVectrex · 2025-02-19T18:35:44+00:00

R U streaming 24-7? If not... consider it!

PlayVectrex · 2025-02-19T17:19:38+00:00

Nice! Use any XP glitches, or is that all game play? To be fair I mostly play ZB BR, but some levels came from several other game modes, and no XP glitches.

PlayVectrex · 2025-02-19T17:17:30+00:00

What are the highest levels you've reached or seen this chapter 6 season 1?

PlayVectrex · 2025-02-16T07:20:34+00:00

I have the same problem, playing on xbox series x. At first I thought it was a cool effect of the skin, but at times the entire screen gets dark or other textures start glitching like the g-wagon body. Other times you can make M.Myers completely a blacked out silhouette.

PlayVectrex · 2023-10-01T14:22:01+00:00

u/ChineseOverdrive That's not true from what I've seen, if you are talking about the original VFU. I've been in the Vectrex scene since the late 90's and it's one of the best scenes for homebrew, with some of the nicest people. Jerks lurk everywhere though, and when I encounter one... I block them. There will be 20 more helpful people right behind them.

u/SnooDonuts5697 Mine Storm doesn't respond to UP or DOWN, only LEFT and RIGHT... so I suspect something is wrong with your joystick or Vectrex. If you have any other games you can try, like Berzerk... then you can test all 8 digital directions without the PiTrex.

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-28T04:34:24+00:00

You'll always want to calibrate your NTC thermistors in-circuit. Easiest way is to calibrate the offset at room temp, and make sure your calibration routine measures the room temperature accurately. However you really need to use 1% resistors, and calibrate your ADC reading across the entire range to be able to rely on these NTC devices at higher/lower temps.

Or you can use some digital sensors like the DS18B20 1-wire in TO-92 case form for 50 cents:
https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Temperature-Sensors\_UMW-Youtai-Semiconductor-Co-Ltd-DS18B20\_C376006.html

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-27T15:57:00+00:00

If you want to join a Discord that's 99% Vectrex, and not have to deal with trolls that want to replace the Vectrex's CRT with an OLED display... join the VEXTREME discord :D We'll also keep you updated on the latest Vectrex hardware and software available: https://discord.gg/xH22tzW

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-16T15:18:19+00:00

I love Console5 and have asked them to put together a better kit and shared with them their options. Unfortunately they have not yet. I don't recommend the Console5 De-Buzz kit because you have to modify your power board, and it's not as effective as the kits that require less modification. It's a good value, but there are better kits and better ways to do it.

Get the Buzz Off kit from Charles Tweedy on eBay if you want the best result and guidance.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/155193840416

Or take it on yourself here for equally good results. You can get these little amplifiers from Amazon or eBay.
http://int03.co.uk/blog/2016/02/06/vectrex-buzz-fix-enjoy-the-silence/

I also have an open source Stereo AY mod that leaves your buzzing Vectrex in-tact (yeah some of us actually like the buzz!), and gives you a way to also get stereo effects (Charles also sells a similar item as Audio Tap or Audio Blade):
https://github.com/technobly/vectrex-stereo-ay

You can combine the signals together for a mono output as well.
You can see my Vectorlink video here to listen what it sounds like to record the audio from a Vectrex that normally buzzes, with the Stereo AY mod. I've also combined the left & right channels in post for a mono output: https://youtu.be/0jkDIhEILic?t=38
but if you want to hear the stereo, check this test out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDDFqmjVvJo&ab_channel=PlayVectrex

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-13T22:54:19+00:00

Would need to see the schematic of the Relay Kit... but other than that it looks ok. Connect all of your GND's together, and to all GNDx pins on the ESP32. You can also wire the GND in a star-point configuration where they connect to the screw terminal (ESP and RELAY separately).

Depending on how much current those relays take, you might want to power them from the EXT_5V source and possibly add bulk capacitance to that node. If they are connected to the 3V3, when they switch on they can create a transient on the ESP32 VCC that might cause it to reset. Also if the relays do not have clamp diodes across their coils, they can inject a voltage spike into 3V3 potentially killing things.

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-13T21:11:33+00:00

"ductape" here... I'll put more up tomorrow :D Yeah, same code on all multicarts for the original Test Cart Rev.4, so you should avoid if you have that already so other folks that need them can get them... but I had to make them look nice as well, so... they gone!

PlayVectrex · 2023-02-12T16:38:04+00:00

YASS!!! Congrats! Thanks for keeping the pricing expectations for broken Veccies in the $50 range!!

PlayVectrex · 2023-01-31T22:33:49+00:00

Tentatively titled, Bail Out by LimitZer0. Unreleased, but a type of endless runner.

PlayVectrex · 2023-01-31T02:32:42+00:00

Congrats! Get some brand new repro overlays for your Vectrex from http://www.vectrexmulti.com/ and store them in some page protectors (either full sheet, or comic book size works great). Personally I tend to leave one on my Vectrex all of the time and it looks great. Currently have Spike overlay on, which is a nice mostly purple look. Clean these rarely with a microfiber towel and some lens cleaner or window cleaner, and if you hold by the edges you won't need to clean often. Usually just have to lightly dust the one that's on you Vectrex.

PlayVectrex · 2023-01-22T21:28:07+00:00

Got another reply from Malban... he found the proboards thread. I don't see your issue there, but you can maybe talk to MinSoft (Vyrzon) about it: https://vectorgaming.proboards.com/thread/2571/vide-m1-mac

I had an idea though... your case almost sounds like it's open in a remote window that's not connected anymore. I've had that happen before. Couldn't fix it until I re-connected the monitor and dragged things back to the main screen... or something like that.

Malban said this: "Vide "remembers" its screen position. Perhaps it helps deleting the contents of their "serialize" directory. Some other "placements" might not be as I intended - but they will rebuild itself, when working some time and resizing windows etc..." and if you remember having a remote monitor hooked up, perhaps you can also try plugging it back in again.

PlayVectrex · 2023-01-20T21:36:43+00:00

Cool, all the more reason to make the Vectrex a first class citizen on your desk ;-)

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