Jump to content
Have You Played Atari Today?
2600|5200|7800|Lynx|Jaguar|Forums|Store

mikesk8

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    265

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by mikesk8

    Vextreme and PiTrex differences

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    18 hours ago, gtoal said:

    At the moment, complementary.  The Vextreme hardware is almost identical to the Vecfever hardware but apart from one test by Malban, doesn't have any of the native arm execution that makes the Vecfever excellent, so it functions primarily as a multicart.  Whereas the Pitrex is primarily an emulation engine and comes closer to the VF's emulation, but it isn't really a multicart, although it sort of gets the same effect, by emulating the Vectrex.  It's all about the software.  Both units have hardware that can do all the VF can do, but it would take a lot more software effort for either one to be equal to it.  Both are hobby projects and neither has the manpower to dedicate to software improvements - expect them to come along over time as people work on them as and when.

     

    Thank you for your answer. I assume then both will go towards the same direction in the future (multicart functionality + emulation). Interesting to see how those two solutions will grow. I have got VecMulti and just ordered PiTrex to explore new capabilities. I will be looking at Vextreme as well ;-)

    Vextreme and PiTrex differences

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    Hi All,

     

    I have been looking around and learnt there are basically two alternatives/replacements for VerFever: Vextreme and PiTrex. I found PiTrex to be a very interesting idea and have recently ordered one. However, there is also Vextreme and its unclear to me what are the differences between those two (apart from different tech architecture)? 

    Are those competing solutions? or complimentary ones? 

     

    Thanks,

    Michal 

     

    Results from Test cartridge - your opinion requested

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    15 hours ago, hcmffm said:

    Thank you for sharing your pics and asking, mikesk8. From what I can see in the pictures your Vectrex is o.k.. Picture looks very slightly twisted clockwise but this might be camera perspective and even if there is a slight twist you wouldn't notice when playing most of the Vectrex games. If you want a perfect picture and have fun adjusting potentiometers and are familiar with electronics you might try to adjust the slight twist (if there there is any at all). Personally, I'd leave it as it is and stick to the motto "Never change a running system!". Just my 2 cents... ;)

     

    EDIT: Just saw the a bit wobbly Vectrex image in your short video. AFAIK, a wobbly image is a sign for old capacitors. This might be solved with recapping but this needs good solderings skills.

    Last not least: With a test cartridge it's good to have the appropriate test cartridge overlay plus the Vectrex service manual at hand. Page 18ff describe how to perform the test. But don't expect too much - from what I can see in the Vectrex Service manual it says "Take a note" if something isn't 100% good but I see no direct info what to do to solve the issues noted down. But I'm sure there are people around who are familiar with Vectrex adjustements and may help you.

    Thank you very much for your answer; appreciated. Basically, my observations so far are:

    - Indeed the picture is slightly twisted to the right. It is not a big issue, as you mentioned, its hardly visible/annoying. OK for now. 

    - The picture is well centred; I have checked with Solar Quest overlay and its just in the middle. OK

    - The horizontal picture width is not CRT edge to edge; the picture is a bit narrower as it could be. The vertical one is good. OKish for now.

    - The wobbling is mainly visible in the Distortion 1 test; I did not notice it outside this test so visible (apart from normal wobbling). OKish for now.

     

    Unfortunately, I don't have much soldering skills nor CRT (with live high voltage) tweaking experience. Then, I have not been able to find any Vectrex hobbyist in The Netherlands able to help me for a fair price. If I find one, I will consider in the future to do the full maintenance or we just tweak the screen ;-)

    I agree with your first comment - don't try to fix vintage working electronics :) 

     

    • Like 1

    BIOS checksum and versions

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    Good afternoon, 

     

    I have browsed the net and there are several posts regarding available BIOS versions (I think it was posted in few places by one of Atariage members):

     

    "

    Commonly found BIOS ROM checksums:

     

    Checksum 7931

    GCE ROM.

    First Release.

    Title screen “GCE - ENTERTAINING NEW IDEAS”.

    Buzz.

     

    Checksum B796

    MB ROM.

    Second Release.

    Title screen “VECTREX”.

    Buzz.

     

    Checksum 7ADB

    MB ROM.

    Title screen "VECTREX”.

    European Vectrex release.

    Fixed version of the built in game Mine Storm.

    No Buzz Vectrex.

    Different Printed Circuit Board (PCB) as compared to other Vectrex.

    Serial Number series 311xxxx.

    "

     

    I have an European (Dutch, 3GE) MB Vectrex with Buzz and with checksum B796, but with title screen “GCE - ENTERTAINING NEW IDEAS” and GCE 1982. I assume this is a common thing to have EU version with American BIOS. I also assume it is just a text label difference. What is your experience? 

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    4 hours ago, gtoal said:

    Quite unlikely in bare-metal, as the code would also have to implement multitasking as well, but it could plausibly be used in the Linux distro.  I think Kevin's code improvements in the area of avoiding glitches caused by processor/memory contention have a chance of allowing the multicore processor to draw vectors without random glitches.  I haven't tried working under linux with a Zero 2 yet but will at some point. We need to backport Malban's Zero2 mods to Linux first.

    btw. do you know, by any chance, when the next batch of PiTrex will be available? thank you!

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    21 hours ago, MattPilz said:

    Second this. I have the Sean Kelly and Jason multicarts, but lacked any SD solution for transferring new ROMs or experimenting with development and homebrew. The PiTrex certainly fills that niche in every way I imagine, and seems very comparable to the functionality offered by VecFever but a lot more at least in the scope of open source and expansibility.

     

    I was surprised to see a PiTrex sold on eBay for over $200 recently. I paid $44 USD for the PiTrex + Case from OmberTech and about the same for a Pi Zero WH. So for around $90 I have the full PiTrexf and it is working so well. It also was my first experience with Vectorblade, which is the most amazing game imaginable. There is alternatively the VecMulti, which I just missed out on before the stock ran out, but that also would've cost more than the PiTrex solution.

     

    Love the PiTrex interface, too! 

    I did opposite:) bought recently VecMulti and waiting now for PiTrex :) I hope it will be available soon and then will manage to get Pi for some reasonable price. I am curious if potential of multicore Pi Zero 2 processing will be ever used in PiTrex.

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    Thank you Graham for the answer and your effort in creating PiTrex. I believe an open source is a way forward for the Vectrex community for a long run. As much as VecFever is amazing (based on the videos and reviews I have seen) its not freely available and its a proprietary device.

    I will wait with PiTrex as cannot get any Pi for a reasonable price at the moment. 

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    1 minute ago, fdr4prez said:

    If he isn't open to making it open source, then maybe someone can purchase it outright and pay him a royalty for each unit sold

    Indeed. I see it from the perspective of the vector community; this card gives a new life to those amazing consoles. I hope this will happen ;-)

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    On 9/9/2022 at 2:02 PM, mikesk8 said:

    Does anybody know if there is any new VecFever batch coming any soon? I have been trying to contact Thomas for some time, but with no success :(

    Thanks, m.

    Does anybody knows if there will be another batch? ;-)

    Vectrex (and other) Arcade Joysticks

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    21 minutes ago, virtvic said:

    I have 20 various controllers to make for the next batch. Probably a month or two? I make them in my spare time, so can’t commit to any time scales. However, I take NO MONEY until the things are ready to send.

    Thank you for the answer! ;-) it gives an idea of the waiting time; I will be waiting! ;-)

    Vectrex (and other) Arcade Joysticks

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    On 8/25/2022 at 8:15 PM, virtvic said:

    I have a new page up with all the controllers I currently make and sell.

     

    Vectrex - Digital joysticks, Analog Joysticks, Twin Sticks, dedicated Asteroids button controllers and Rotary controllers.

     

    http://tenpencearcade.co.uk/controllers-for-sale/

     

    I've been making Vectrex stuff for a few years now and don't think I've actively advertised on here before, bar a few conversations about my joysticks.

    Do you have any ballpark time estimates for certain controllers (analog vertex in my case), e.g. 6months? ;-)

    VecFever

    in Vectrex

    Posted

    Does anybody know if there is any new VecFever batch coming any soon? I have been trying to contact Thomas for some time, but with no success :(

    Thanks, m.

AtariAge
Forums
Store
General
Follow AtariAge

Copyright ©1998-2023 AtariAge

×
×
  • Create New...