classicgamesnut

Wait a minute, joking aside here...there are four buttons on that yoke. How about "Spy Hunter" for the Vectrex? I'd play the hell out of that.

Nice! You can pretend you're driving the Batmobile, or one of James Bond's many souped-up rides. Why not add some code so that the car does wheelies when yoke is pulled back?

Amen to the previous reply. I too love simplicity. One joystick or paddle with one button and games that are easy to learn but tough to master.

I've received a question about the button configuration on the Alpha. The following illustrations show how the A / B pairs are set up.

I really wish I'd sent off those measly dental floss proofs-of-purchase for a copy of Johnson & Johnson's "Tooth Protectors." Distinctly remember seeing the little promotion pads for the game with tear-off sheets on the toothpaste aisle. Larry

New controller for the Atari 2600 / VCS and 7800 systems, largely inspired by community suggestions, thank you to all who offered input. Comes in a steel case like the other MiniVex controllers. This one's a little guy, but very versatile. Has an A / B button pair on the left and right sides of the case, and the A / B buttons can be shuffled between the top and back to your liking with one of the toggle switches on the back. Joystick is digital but has the smooth feel of an analog stick. Flip the other toggle switch and enter the "Omega Race" mode, where you can finally play that Atari 2600 cartridge again after losing or breaking your Booster Grip years ago. An LED lights up to let you know when this mode is active. Need more info not presented here? Please contact me. Larry

Informative and funny, as always!

Will send you a scan of my poorly hand-scribbled schematic soon's I get the chance.

This one was based on suggestions from the community, and my own frustration with fast-moving games like Stargate that require two controllers. Two loose factory controllers are fine for the slower games, but unless you have a contraption that holds the two together, very frustrating for the fast games. Originally this was going to be for the Atari 2600 only, but a number of 7800 fans voiced a desire for one that would work with their favorite system, so why not? Especially with Robotron available on that system! The leftmost pair of buttons corresponds to the left joystick, and the rightmost pair to the right joystyick. The two toggle switches on the back shuffle the A / B buttons in each pair when used on the 7800. When used on the 2600, both buttons perform the same function. The two joysticks are digital, but have the smooth feel of analog sticks. Case is made of steel, so it's a bit heavier than the average controller, but well-suited for tabletop use. Felt feet ensure that your prized hardwood table won't get all scratched up. Too early to tell how many of these will be produced. Like what you see? Please contact me for any info not presented here. Larry

Not trying to distract from the topic, but the first software company was behind schedule, so Parker Bros went with "On-Time Software!" That's too funny!

The two MiniVex controllers in the photos are my most recent creations for the Atari 2600 and 7800. Since posting these publicly I've received some interesting suggestions for future models and enhancements to these particular two, such as stand-alone mini paddles and stand-alone mini joysticks. A couple of my offerings for the Vectrex were directly suggested by folks in the Vectrex community. So I ask you, 2600 and 7800 devotees, what would YOU like to see in future controllers? I can't afford to pay anyone, but the people whose suggestions bore fruit have yet to complain about the free controllers they received... Larry

Three controllers in one! MiniVex 3-in-1 Deluxe for the Atari 2600 / VCS provides a joystick, driving controller, and paddle all in one unit, PLUS a detachable mini-paddle to add a second player to paddle based-games. Play all your favorite games, one after the other, with no need to unplug and plug in all the different controller types. The original 3-in-1 has a switch for toggling between paddle "A" and paddle "B." The Deluxe instead has a jack for the mini-paddle, so your trash-talking buddy can challenge you in Street Racer. Joystick has the feel of an analog stick but functions like a digital one. All new internal parts are used, so NO jittering during driving or paddle games. Either button can be used with any of the three controls, making it friendly for both right and left handers. Cases are made of tough steel; your dog cannot chew them to pieces. Note: these are hand-made by me, so they aren't cosmetically perfect. 30-day repair guarantee. Please see photos below and check out this link to see the MiniVex 3-in-1's and all my other items currently available: eBay Seller: classicgamesandcarsfan Thanks for stopping in. Larry

That's right, the MiniVex 3-in-1 is intended to be a "Personal Pepperoni Pan Pizza" but you got me thinking...how a future Deluxe model could have a detachable mini-paddle, to add a second player to paddle games... Thank you! Larry

Thank you, I did not even notice the date in the photo. Here's another laugh: this wouldn't be the first time the camera's date needs resetting, and I have to dig out the manual each time to figure out how to do it. New technology! Bah! Humbug! Maybe if I just curse at it long enough, it will reset itself. Larry

When I was developing the MiniVex Pedal I, the foot pedal add-on for Vectrex and Atari, I received a suggestion to make multiple units link up, so that more than one button could be interfaced with a pedal (ie:gas and brakes for driving games.) So I've been hemming and hawing over how to add jacks to an already crowded selector box, among numerous other details, and...just staring at them last night, the setup in the photo happened. No revisions whatsoever. And it works perfectly. Over TWO MONTHS since I received that suggestion! SMACK! (Sound of palm slapping forehead.) Does wisdom increase with age? I'm having serious doubts. Larry

I couldn't find a thread specifically about this, please pardon me if there is one. Pictured is a MiniVex II, a controller I've been producing for the Vectrex. Been considering a compact twin stick unit, like this one, that's compatible with both Atari 2600 / VCS and the 7800. Thus far I know of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Stargate for the 2600, and Robotron for the 7800, but that's all...can someone list other original release and homebrew titles for both of these systems that use dual sticks? Much appreciated. Larry

Night Driver has always been, and still is, quite fun, but something has bothered me for many years (in a silly way.) Sometimes when colliding with an oncoming car, it gets knocked completely off the road, very much like a real crash on a narrow winding road. There's a short pause, and then, you just...drive off and leave the poor smashed car and its supposed occupants behind. There had to be someone in it because they were honking the horn just a second earlier, now their car is sitting there lifeless, still visible. And then you just leave them. And the crash was probably your fault. Night Driver and other games of its time made us rely on imagination to fill in the gaps, and maybe mine was a little overactive, but I had to get this off my chest after so many years. Still feel a little guilty to this day. Larry

Sorry, y'all. Should have put this in the original post: eBay Seller: classicgamesandcarsfan

Just read a very old post on providing links to eBay items and sellers. Should have done this in the original posting. Check this link for all MiniVex items currently for sale or auction: eBay Seller: classicgamesandcarsfan

For the first month or two, I offer new items exclusively on eBay...it's turned out to be a great testing ground to gauge interest. As there's so much time involved in making controllers by hand, it wouldn't be good to make a whole batch of something only to find out people hate it, not to mention parts and materials lost. If there turns out to be enough interest in the MiniVex 3-in-1, it will become a regular production item. As far as compatibility with the 7800, I've received a few inquiries on this and will give myself a crash course on the workings of that system as I'm currently completely clueless on the matter : p Larry

New MiniVex controller for Atari 2600 / VCS combines a joystick, paddle, and driving controller all in one unit! Up until now, MiniVex controllers were made for the Vectrex (with the exception of the MiniVex Pedal I, which is compatible with both Vectrex and Atari) but this one is strictly Atari compatible. Compact size fits right in your hand, see second photo for size comparison. ONE cord and ONE plug, you can play your favorite games, one after the other, without having to unplug and plug in all the different controllers. Case is made of tough steel, has a weighty feel to it. Two toggle switches on the back. One selects joystick or paddle function, and the other toggles between paddle "A" and paddle "B." The black button on the back enables and disables the driving controller. Two buttons for your convenience, no matter if you're left or right handed. Either button can be used with any of the three controllers. Driving controller on the left, paddle on the right. Joystick in the center has the feel of an analog stick but functions like a digital one. All new parts used in the making, so there'll be no jittering during Breakout or Indy 500. This and other MiniVex controllers are hand-made by me, so they aren't cosmetically perfect. They do come with a 30-day repair guarantee. A handful of these will be auctioned on eBay during the next few weeks, as they get made. The hand-making process is slow, and how many will ultimately be made remains up in the air at this point. Please see this and my other eBay listings under seller name "classicgamesandcarsfan." Larry

Hi Vectrex-ahloics...got a worn-out controller, and those little space mines are walking all over you? Here's some new alternatives to get those scores back up where they should be. The following hand controllers are compatible with Vectrex only, but the foot pedal add-on is compatible with Atari 2600 / VCS also. -MiniVex I: single analog joystick with rapid fire capability for button #4.Comes with your choice of red, black, or gray buttons. -MiniVex II: twin analog sticks, rapid fire for button #4. Can be operated on one cable as a conventional single-stick controller, or on both cables for simultaneous dual stick action games such as Robot Arena or Stramash Zone. Has a toggle switch for selecting left or right cable for button input, both for selecting the appropriate cable when only one cable is plugged in and preventing overlapping inputs when both cables are plugged in. -MiniVex III: spinner and analog joystick in one unit, rapid fire for button #4. Comes in both LH spinner and RH spinner models. These are compatible with homebrew spinner titles and original titles that have been modified for spinner use. Also functions as a conventional joystick controller. The spinner doubles as an additional fire button...just push down on it. -MiniVex IV: LH mounted spinner, rapid fire for button #4, no joystick. Comes with choice of red, black, or gray buttons. Like the MiniVex III, it's compatible with homebrew spinner games and original titles that have been modified for spinner use. The following foot pedal add-on is compatible with both Vectrex and the Atari 2600 / VCS. -MiniVex Pedal I: foot pedal interface for the Vectrex and Atari 2600. Plugs right into either console and provides a foot pedal substitute for the four Vectrex buttons, the action buttons on the Atari joystick, driving controller, and player 1 paddle, as well as all four directions on the Atari joystick. Works with factory and aftermarket controllers. Cable measures 6" between console jack and selector box, and 5' between selector box and pedal. All of these controllers, with the exception of the actual foot pedal, come in a steel case and are hand-made by me. It's a very time-consuming process, and the finished products are not and will never be cosmetically perfect, but they are TOUGH. Here's how they compare in size to the factory unit: Interested in one of these? You can contact me here, or purchase through eBay. As these are so time-consuming to make, I generally post them on eBay as soon as they're completed. Prices and shipping are the same whether purchased on eBay or through me. My eBay seller's name is: classicgamesandcarsfan. Larry / Classicgamesnut on AtariAge

Hi folks. Was hoping for some additional info on these thrift store oddballs. Did a little digging already, and it looks like "Ocean City" is a hack of Zellers "Ocean City Defender", and the pic on the cart is a copy of Zellers "Inca Gold" cart pic. Saw a brief mention of "Funvision" somewheres. The other one is a title I recognize from Imagic, but not in this form. Did find ONE pic on the internet of a cart like this one, but NO info on it. I'm guessing that near the end of its life as a company, Imagic bought cart shells from Activision to cut costs... Can anybody add to, or subtract from, the sketchy info I've found on these?