 |
|
|
|
Related Topics:
| Games connecting vectrex - Hey, I remember hearing about a project that was being worked on where there was a connector on the cartridge that allowed you to connect a cable to another cartridge and it allowed you to play against somebody else. I think the game being worked on..
vectrex repair - I have a vectrex unit that I've had since I was a kid. The display shows dots with broken lines on minestorm and any inserted I've tried to resolder the 4 pin connector as mentioned by on this site, no luck. I'm amazed by the depth..
The new Imager? - Poking through I'm still drooling over that new Imager... any word on that will be or did I miss it?
WTB: My 1st Vectrex - Hey there Ned here from the r.g.v.a.c boards looking to find my first Vectrex system. I've got a few upright arcade games and have sort of been obsessing over having a Vectrex lately. I'm in Chicago, so someone local would be but..
Fixed My broken Vectrex - Picked up the Vectrex off Ebay recently that had the on the screen with some garbled I put money on the 6522, but it turned out to be one of the RAM. While I had it open, replaced the caps, did the buzz fix, and socketed all the..
|
|
| Author |
Message |
External
Since: Nov 25, 2005
Posts: 6
|
(Msg. 1) Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:00 am
Post subject: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small)
Archived from groups: rec>games>vectrex (more info?)
|
|
|
I just got my Vectrex up and running today for the _first_ time
(had the console since June, but only just today got a package in
the mail with controllers, games, overlays, etc!) and although it works,
I started to noticed something odd once I added the screen overlays...
It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
on screen (particularly Armor Attack, Spinball or even the simple
yellow area for Solar Quest) and figured it's the way it was designed
but now I'm thinking it's my particular Vectrex.
Example: Minestorm, if you look at the red "Player One" marker
at the top left corner, the numeric score (using the overlay's grid
squares) is 2 squares vertically below, and 3 squares horizontally in.
The icons for number of ships/men remaining are located one square
above the yellow laser blast coming from the "M" in the "Minestorm"
logo on the overlay. This isn't normal, is it?
Question is, are there potentiometers inside for re-aligning the
screen image, and if so, which one(s) would fix this problem?
I'm sure they're labeled by probably alphanumerically which is
meaningless to me without a service manual.  Yep, I know about
the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
Mitchell Spector |
|
| Back to top |
|
 | |
External
Since: Nov 25, 2005
Posts: 6
|
(Msg. 2) Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:45 pm
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Question is, are there potentiometers inside for re-aligning the
>screen image, and if so, which one(s) would fix this problem?
>I'm sure they're labeled by probably alphanumerically which is
>meaningless to me without a service manual.
Hmm, doing some quick research I was able to find that the
pots labeled "R401" and "R408" adjust the horizontial and
verticial (X and Y) size of the image--you know, to strech out
or shrink the picture. Sounds good, but I also need to figure
out which pots adjust centering. Anyone know?
I think to get optimal results I'd need the test cart to display
a screen pattern but I should be able to _roughly_ get thinks
looking right just using my own eyes. Just need more info here
before I can start...
Mitchell Spector |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 25, 2005
Posts: 6
|
(Msg. 3) Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 4:30 pm
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote:
>Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Question is, are there potentiometers inside for re-aligning the
>>screen image, and if so, which one(s) would fix this problem?
>>I'm sure they're labeled by probably alphanumerically which is
>>meaningless to me without a service manual.
>
> Hmm, doing some quick research I was able to find that the
>pots labeled "R401" and "R408" adjust the horizontial and
>verticial (X and Y) size of the image--you know, to strech out
>or shrink the picture. Sounds good, but I also need to figure
>out which pots adjust centering. Anyone know?
>
> I think to get optimal results I'd need the test cart to display
>a screen pattern but I should be able to _roughly_ get thinks
>looking right just using my own eyes. Just need more info here
>before I can start...
Nevermind. I opened it up, looked inside and figured it out.
For the benefit of those searching through Usenet archives in
the future...the pot marked "R302" (on the Vectrex main PCB)
adjusts centering by sliding the entire picture diagonally up or
down. I used the X/Y pots to adjust the image size, which to
my surprise was severely off, probably at least 1/3rd the actual
size it should have been! I used various screen overlays to
roughly calculate the size and centering--it's maybe 2-3% off but
hardly noticeable compared to before.
So now that's fixed. The overlays look like a part of the game
now rather than just random shapes and colors over the screen
(the image before was quite tiny and pushed towards the bottom
left corner of the screen).
All I'm missing now is the plastic knob that goes over the power/
volume switch and I'm done! Ah, now that it's up and running I can
play those 20 game cartidges (with overlays!) I got in the mail
yesterday. I think I have every original game released except
for Berzerk, Minestorm II and any of the carts that required
special hardware such as 3-D headgear or light pens. Definitely
the center piece of my game console collection now!
Mitchell Spector >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Jun 15, 2004
Posts: 355
|
(Msg. 4) Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 8:55 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
I was just going to reply, but I see you've done it.
Yes, the test cart is pretty essential for getting a spot-on calibration. I
'tune' mine up about every 6 months.
>All I'm missing now is the plastic knob that goes over the power/
>volume switch and I'm done!
You can get these from any electronic component shop. A guy on the forum
(Rob?) found an exact replacement from somewhere (Digikey?)
Richard H. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 25, 2005
Posts: 6
|
(Msg. 5) Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:55 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"Richard Hutchinson" <richard.hutchinson RemoveThis @dsl.pipex.com> wrote:
>I was just going to reply, but I see you've done it.
>
>Yes, the test cart is pretty essential for getting a spot-on calibration.
Is there someone who sells the test cartridge, and does it also
require a specialized screen overlay?
I used Armor Attack and Solar Quest to get it fairly close, but it
may be slightly off still (the score box for "Player 1" in Fortress of
Nazod: the numeric score is towards the lower right of the box,
not perfectly centered). It's nitpicking, but I'm a perfectionist.
>I 'tune' mine up about every 6 months.
Really, this sort of thing is common on the Vectrex? I figured
realigning the image would last another good 20 years or so, it'd
be annoying to find it goes out of wack again so soon. Opening
it is a pain, sure, but playing around inside a high voltage box
every couple of months isn't my idea of fun heh.
>>All I'm missing now is the plastic knob that goes over the power/
>>volume switch and I'm done!
>
>You can get these from any electronic component shop. A guy on the forum
>(Rob?) found an exact replacement from somewhere (Digikey?)
Cool. If someone has more information I'd be interested in
hearing about it (I've been promised a knob off a dead Vectrex
in the near future, but there's no guarantee I'll actually get it).
After cycling the power a few times your fingers get sore
twisting the bare shaft.
By the way, I'm finding myself as addicted to the Vectrex
as I was 23 years ago! The games are fantastic...! (I had
only ever played Minestorm in the past, never saw any
other games for it before last week). I get these urges to
switch it on and play it every couple of hours.
Mitchell Spector >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Mar 15, 2005
Posts: 44
|
(Msg. 6) Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:08 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
> Is there someone who sells the test cartridge, and does it also
> require a specialized screen overlay?
Here's one, ending soon:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vectrex-TEST-CARTRIDGE-REV-4-Reproduction-Game-Car...0QQitem
or:
http://www.vectrexcarts.com/
Mark Shaker will make a custom test cart.
or:
http://www.vectrex.biz/
Richard, who posted above, makes this and it is a must-have anyway, so
this is the route I would take.
The test cart does have an overlay,
(http://www.classicgaming.com/vectrex/Test_Cart_150DPI.gif) but don't
ask me how to make a decent reproduction. That is one nut I have yet
to crack.  For alignment purposes you could probably get away with
taping an inkjet overlay to the vec, but I just used Solar Quest on
mine and eyballed it. Good enough for me, but maybe I am not as
particular as you...
> Cool. If someone has more information (on the replacement knob) I'd be interested in
> hearing about it
Me too!
> By the way, I'm finding myself as addicted to the Vectrex
> as I was 23 years ago! The games are fantastic...! (I had
> only ever played Minestorm in the past, never saw any
> other games for it before last week). I get these urges to
> switch it on and play it every couple of hours.
Welcome back! What you describe sounds a little like an addiction, and
maybe you're right... Yet another reason to get the Vecflash is that
you will then be able to play any of the original games whenever you
want, plus several of the excellent recent creations. Have fun, and I
would be surprised if you have any quesions that somebody here would
not be able and happy to answer. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 7) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 8) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 9) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 10) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 11) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 12) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 13) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 14) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 75
|
(Msg. 15) Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:14 am
Post subject: Re: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Mitchell Spector a écrit :
> It appears as though the screen image is off center and even a bit
> too small! I first noticed the overlays didn't line up with the graphics
[...]
> Yep, I know about
> the dangers of high voltage though I've worked inside live CRT
> monitors and TV sets in the past. I don't like taking the risk but
> I'd like to properly adjust my Vectrex.
I've finally got my hand on a real Vectrex too (YES! , and have
experienced the same symptoms, so I was about to try and adjust it too
-- thanks to the good pieces of information provided in this thread!
The only problem is that i'm not an electronic guy at all, and after
reading Mitchell's post, I wonder what i MUST NOT do and/or touch in
order to stay safe. I have to admit it sounds rather frightening when
you have no idea of where exactly lies the danger...
Could someone please tell me what are the basic caution steps to take
(or maybe direct me to an URL explaining that) ?
Thanks!
Franck. >> Stay informed about: Adjusting screen alignment? (off-center/too small) |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
|
|
Game Forums (Home) -> Vectrex |
All times are: Ekaterinburg, Islamabad, Karachi, Tashkent (change)
Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
|
| Page 1 of 9 |
|
You can post new topics in this forum
You can reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Profile
Private Messages
Log in/Register/Password
