Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss
WTB: Vectrex controller
38 views
Skip to first unread message
OTTOgd
Jan 1, 2012, 11:37:03 AM1/1/12
to
Happy New Year RGV'ers!
I would like a 2nd controller for my Vectrex. But I don't need a box.
Just a decent, playable controller.
Eventually, I would like to build a tall, narrow cabinet to house the
Vec and controllers for my basement, to allow for stand-up, 2-player
gameplay.
On a side note, what joysticks are available that best emulate the
Vec's? I'm tempted to build a 2-player control panel instead of using
the original controllers but the proper joystick is key, obviously. I
vaguely remember trying joysticks at Radio Shack, bitd, but I don't
remember the system.
Thanks for looking!
Kev
I would like a 2nd controller for my Vectrex. But I don't need a box.
Just a decent, playable controller.
Eventually, I would like to build a tall, narrow cabinet to house the
Vec and controllers for my basement, to allow for stand-up, 2-player
gameplay.
On a side note, what joysticks are available that best emulate the
Vec's? I'm tempted to build a 2-player control panel instead of using
the original controllers but the proper joystick is key, obviously. I
vaguely remember trying joysticks at Radio Shack, bitd, but I don't
remember the system.
Thanks for looking!
Kev
OTTOgd
Jan 1, 2012, 1:23:47 PM1/1/12
to
Found it!
Would one of these 'Tandy Ultimate' (Radio Shack part no. 26-3012B) or
'Kraft' TRS-80 joysticks work as a substitute?
http://tinyurl.com/7tfw2w3
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/multibot/joy.png
http://www.vintagecomputing.com/wp-content/images/retroscan/kraft_joystick_small.jpg
Kev
Would one of these 'Tandy Ultimate' (Radio Shack part no. 26-3012B) or
'Kraft' TRS-80 joysticks work as a substitute?
http://tinyurl.com/7tfw2w3
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/multibot/joy.png
http://www.vintagecomputing.com/wp-content/images/retroscan/kraft_joystick_small.jpg
Kev
OTTOgd
Jan 1, 2012, 1:37:54 PM1/1/12
to
Apparently it can be done. Just read this post by Rob Mitchell on
Atariage: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/66271-vectrex-question/
"...
I have modified the deluxe sticks (both Tandy and IBM) to work with
the Vectrex. They require 10k resistors to be added to the two outside
tabs of the two potentiometers. Four tabs .. four resistors. The other
ends of the resistors are connected to either +5v or -5v. The middle
tabs are connected to the horizontal or vertical lines. I made my
deluxe stick such that the two buttons are at the lower left when
holding the stick. This works for me when I am playing Moon Lander on
the Vectrex!
For the other buttons I use a splitter that allows me to plug two
controllers into one port. The other controller is just four buttons.
So with both I can have full Vectrex control functions.
Cool feature of the Deluxe Sticks is that if you hold the stick in a
corner and flip the two tabs on the bottom to FREE .. you will disable
the center springs.
And for those who wish to service their original Vectrex
controllers .. there is a how to open guide on www.playvectrex.com.
Also note that a broken spring can be replaced with an Atari 2600
cartridge door spring!!
..."
Kev
Atariage: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/66271-vectrex-question/
"...
I have modified the deluxe sticks (both Tandy and IBM) to work with
the Vectrex. They require 10k resistors to be added to the two outside
tabs of the two potentiometers. Four tabs .. four resistors. The other
ends of the resistors are connected to either +5v or -5v. The middle
tabs are connected to the horizontal or vertical lines. I made my
deluxe stick such that the two buttons are at the lower left when
holding the stick. This works for me when I am playing Moon Lander on
the Vectrex!
For the other buttons I use a splitter that allows me to plug two
controllers into one port. The other controller is just four buttons.
So with both I can have full Vectrex control functions.
Cool feature of the Deluxe Sticks is that if you hold the stick in a
corner and flip the two tabs on the bottom to FREE .. you will disable
the center springs.
And for those who wish to service their original Vectrex
controllers .. there is a how to open guide on www.playvectrex.com.
Also note that a broken spring can be replaced with an Atari 2600
cartridge door spring!!
..."
Kev
rob.o...@gmail.com
Jan 1, 2012, 5:28:25 PM1/1/12
to
I for one would love to see Clay's Playstation pad to Vectrex adaptor
back in production:
http://www.multigame.com/psx2vect.html
The Playstation controller is absolutely perfect for the Vectrex.
I suspect the problem is finding suitable female Playstation plugs and
also shaving the 9pin DINs a little so they fit into a Vectrex
joystick port.
I bought two of them back in the day. Wished I had bought more for
friends.
back in production:
http://www.multigame.com/psx2vect.html
The Playstation controller is absolutely perfect for the Vectrex.
I suspect the problem is finding suitable female Playstation plugs and
also shaving the 9pin DINs a little so they fit into a Vectrex
joystick port.
I bought two of them back in the day. Wished I had bought more for
friends.
Mittens
Jan 1, 2012, 6:37:20 PM1/1/12
to
number of joysticks for a start. Only two buttons of course, but the other
two lesser used Vectrex buttons could be mapped via the Nunchuck's
three-axis accelerometer to gestures like flick up, flick to the side,
etc. Might be fun.
VectrexMad!
Jan 3, 2012, 8:11:30 AM1/3/12
to
On Jan 1, 4:37 pm, OTTOgd <ottogra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Eventually, I would like to build a tall, narrow cabinet to house the
> Vec and controllers for my basement, to allow for stand-up, 2-player
> gameplay.
>
Ah we have the same dreams :)
>
> Eventually, I would like to build a tall, narrow cabinet to house the
> Vec and controllers for my basement, to allow for stand-up, 2-player
> gameplay.
>
This is what I am currently trying to do also but I am only implenting
for one player. I did spend a lot of time in search of a good analogue
joystick but so far I found none that were robust and affordable. I
will be using a standard arcade joystick with microswitches until I
can find a decent analogue joystick replacement.
The cabinet has to be narrow to avoid the Vectrex screen looking too
small and ridiculous. To begin with I was planning to use a bigger
vector monitor but soon gave up on that idea due to lack of
availability and cost. So I have taken an old JAMMA cabinet and then
reduced its width to make the Vectrex display look more in proportion.
Soon I will document on my website.
VectrexMad!
http://www.vectrex.co.uk
i...@millenniumrobotics.com
Jan 10, 2012, 7:21:21 PM1/10/12
to
On Jan 1, 4:37 pm, OTTOgd <ottogra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Happy New Year RGV'ers!
>
> I would like a 2nd controller for my Vectrex. But I don't need a box.
> Just a decent, playable controller.
>
By the way, Chuck Van Pelt has just opened his online store for modded
>
> I would like a 2nd controller for my Vectrex. But I don't need a box.
> Just a decent, playable controller.
>
controllers. Currently he’s got a range of different modded game
controllers for sale including SNES D-pads, SEGA Genesis pads and
several types of arcade stick.
his website is http://www.recycledgamer.com/
VectrexMad!
http://www.vectrex.co.uk
OTTOgd
Jan 11, 2012, 12:42:26 AM1/11/12
to
Maybe this is old news to you guys but did you see the video where he
makes the board for the SNES/Vec controller? So neat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khKog7hYaLU&feature=colike
Looking forward to seeing your cab!
Kev
hcmffm
Jan 12, 2012, 3:40:51 PM1/12/12
to
Hey, really great to read that modded controllers are offered, again! With
all those different models offered on Chuck's website I wonder which one is
suited best for the Vectrex and gambling. Can someone give a hint? I assume
that all those controllers are digital (on/off) and not analogue (0, ...1),
aren't they?
- Helmut
all those different models offered on Chuck's website I wonder which one is
suited best for the Vectrex and gambling. Can someone give a hint? I assume
that all those controllers are digital (on/off) and not analogue (0, ...1),
aren't they?
- Helmut
Computer Nerd Kev
Jan 23, 2012, 11:55:47 PM1/23/12
to
On 13 Jan 2012, hcmffm wrote:
> I assume that all those controllers are digital (on/off) and
> not analogue (0, ...1), aren't they?
Looking at the last part of the FAQ on each product page, it
> I assume that all those controllers are digital (on/off) and
> not analogue (0, ...1), aren't they?
sounds like their digital.
Mind you, having had a second look at the information here:
http://www.playvectrex.com/vectech_f.htm
It looks like an analog joystick wouldn't be too tough a
modification. In fact, I think I might dig out a dead PC
joystick I've got, after all it's only the cost of a couple of
resistors.
--
__ __
#_ < |\| |< _#
Mittens
Jan 24, 2012, 7:03:49 AM1/24/12
to
On Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:55:47 -0000, Computer Nerd Kev <n...@telling.you>
wrote:
> Mind you, having had a second look at the information here:
> http://www.playvectrex.com/vectech_f.htm
> It looks like an analog joystick wouldn't be too tough a
> modification. In fact, I think I might dig out a dead PC
> joystick I've got, after all it's only the cost of a couple of
> resistors.
Some step-by-step instructions here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Modify-PSX-Controller-for-Vectrex-Games-Console/
wrote:
> Mind you, having had a second look at the information here:
> http://www.playvectrex.com/vectech_f.htm
> It looks like an analog joystick wouldn't be too tough a
> modification. In fact, I think I might dig out a dead PC
> joystick I've got, after all it's only the cost of a couple of
> resistors.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Modify-PSX-Controller-for-Vectrex-Games-Console/
0 new messages