[Vectrex Processor Upgrade?]

Looking at this data sheet its pin compatible with the 68A09 but you still need to change its crystal to increase its operating frequency. Without looking at the Vectrex schematic its impossible to say what impact it might have on other external components that derive their clocks from the 6809's E clock signal (output).

 

This site appears to have the Vectrex's schematic. Is that enough to go off of? If so I might be willing to guinea pig my Vectrex. Maybe..

[Vectrex Controller Plug issue]

Nope, just the opposite.

Filing the front face of the plug, removing a little material, which would bring the pins closer..reducing the depth. This would allow for a better connection..

 

I've had to do this with a few DB9 controller extension cables. Out of the box, I wasn't getting proper contact because the pins sat too far back, so I had to trim the face back slightly and it took care of the intermittent controller problems. Hopefully this makes sense.

 

Good score on the controller though either way, I also like using Genesis pads on my Vectrex as well, they work great.

 

Of course!! Thanks!! The idea to actually file the plastic never crossed my mind! Awesome idea!! I'll definitely try that out and report back. Thanks!

[Vectrex Controller Plug issue]

You could "clean up" the end of the plug by a little filing.. Looks like those pins sit pretty far back, filing would also reduce the distance so that better pin contact could be made.

 

Pardon my confusion, but wouldn't filing make the pins sit further back? Wouldn't I want them to sit closer or be a tighter fit for the male pins on the Vectrex side?

You could also build yourself an arcade controller, a member here made PCBs available with gerber files that could be downloaded, then uploaded to a board fab shop of your choice. Populate the board and use a controller of your choosing.. I used a neo geo x controller on my build.

 

This is actually my second Vectrex controller so more than likely it will rarely if ever be used. I just got it for basically nothing at a garage sale and wanted to see if I could restore it. I built myself two Genesis controllers a few weeks ago and they work great!

[Vectrex Controller Plug issue]

I'd try dipping a safety pin in 91% rubbing alcohol & cleaning the carbon or whatever on the barrel inside there

 

Awesome! I'll try that out!

 

is #8 the bottom one 3'rd from left ?

 

#8 is third from the bottom right.

[Vectrex Controller Plug issue]

Hello, I recently found a Vectrex controller and upon bringing it home and plugging it in, I noticed that the buttons do not work. I checked the controller on a friend's Vectrex as well and found it to have the same issue there. I took it apart hoping that it was simply the board needed to be cleaned or something needed resoldering. But I found everything inside to be in great condition! I checked all of the contacts with a multimeter and then moved to the D9 plug. I stuck a piece of wire in number 8 in the plug and then went through each button. Wire in 1 and a wire in 8, touch the multimeter to each wires, hit the button and BOOM I have a complete circuit. And so on and so on. So. The only thing I can think of would be that since NONE of the buttons are working with the Vectrex, that there is a problem with the contact on number 8, which is common on all four buttons when completing a circuit. Is that logic correct? I know JUST enough of this stuff to have built my own controller out of a Vectrex, so maybe I am missing something.. The plug end is also extremely beat up at the end. See picture below. I don't know if someone was gnawing on it or what.

 

So my question is, if there is an issue with the contact on pin 8 on the controller, is there anything I can do about it, sans wiring up a new cord? I'd really like to keep everything original as possible, but I don't see a way to get inside the plug to see if I can't tighten that female pin of the plug. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

 

[Bought a bunch of loose and CIB Atari games. Did I uncover a gem?]

One of the few rare games that is actually kickass, too. I can remember buying two $10 dollar mythicon games vs. spending $20 on this one back in the day and later wishing I had chosen otherwise... I do have it now, though

 

I actually plugged it in this afternoon and had a blast!

[Bought a bunch of loose and CIB Atari games. Did I uncover a gem?]

Nice find. If the shrinkwrap and clean and cut precisely just to open the box, I'd leave it on. You might want to consider getting some plastic bos protectors for your more valuable games.

 

Thanks! The shrinkwrap was cut precisely. Just one little piece that is ripped but everything is staying together very well!

[Bought a bunch of loose and CIB Atari games. Did I uncover a gem?]

Would you all recommend leaving the shrink wrap on or off for all of my games? The ones with shrink wrap on them have the boxes in awesome condition, and most of the shrink wrap still has the price from Kay-Bee Toys on it. Any opinions?

[Bought a bunch of loose and CIB Atari games. Did I uncover a gem?]

Thanks all! Sounds like I've made a good dent in my new Atari collection.

[Bought a bunch of loose and CIB Atari games. Did I uncover a gem?]

So I bought a Sears Video Arcade II with a bunch of loose and boxed games. I thought it would be fun to check the going rates for some of my finds. One of them is Subterrarea. I happened to find this sold listing on Ebay nearly had a heart attack! Is this price normal or a fluke?? I've got a few pictures too. I LOVE these boxes! Came with the receipt too.

 

One more question. Is it preferrable to keep the shrink wrap on or off? It's obviously open, but the shrink wrap gives it a bit of character.. And it shows the original price tag too. Box is in fantastic shape.