Vectrex Console
Dublin Core
Title
Vectrex Console
Identifier
PUM 2014.051.002
SN 0147217
Contributor
Anonymous
Physical Object Item Type Metadata
Repository
Out on shelf
Condition
D
Inoperable, has not been repairable.
Inoperable, has not been repairable.
Notes
Carl Claunch repair notes:
This displayed almost identical symptoms to the other unit (Powered up, heard music and could tell that the game was reacting to button pushes, but screen had only a short horizontal line approximately in the middle of the screen. Brightened and darkened in time with variations in sound.), so I began by checking the condition of the switch on the volume control. It had failed in exactly the same way as the other unit’s part had failed. The same issues of supply availability exist for this control, meaning the approach of wiring around the switch internally and adding a line cord toggle switch were applied.
With the first problem fixed, we see that the screen image is not correct, although sounds are right and the game seems to respond to the buttons and joystick. Instead of the Vectrex logo screen, I see bits of the image spread across the screen. The next screen that should appear, the Mine Storm title page, is also scrambled. When the game begins, the big UFO image that lays out the stars is detectable but warped. Images of the mines and player’s craft are detectable but distorted.
This will take more extensive diagnosis using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and the test cartridge that generates adjustment images. I bought a kit that has the official test cartridge ROM contents (plus most Vectrex game ROMS), which I will use for the diagnosis and repair. I am waiting on the ROM kit which is coming from the UK, after which I will resume diagnosis in order to get this unit repaired properly.
Carl Claunch, 2/3/15
3/25/2015 Unit still with Carl, has not been returned to museum.
This displayed almost identical symptoms to the other unit (Powered up, heard music and could tell that the game was reacting to button pushes, but screen had only a short horizontal line approximately in the middle of the screen. Brightened and darkened in time with variations in sound.), so I began by checking the condition of the switch on the volume control. It had failed in exactly the same way as the other unit’s part had failed. The same issues of supply availability exist for this control, meaning the approach of wiring around the switch internally and adding a line cord toggle switch were applied.
With the first problem fixed, we see that the screen image is not correct, although sounds are right and the game seems to respond to the buttons and joystick. Instead of the Vectrex logo screen, I see bits of the image spread across the screen. The next screen that should appear, the Mine Storm title page, is also scrambled. When the game begins, the big UFO image that lays out the stars is detectable but warped. Images of the mines and player’s craft are detectable but distorted.
This will take more extensive diagnosis using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and the test cartridge that generates adjustment images. I bought a kit that has the official test cartridge ROM contents (plus most Vectrex game ROMS), which I will use for the diagnosis and repair. I am waiting on the ROM kit which is coming from the UK, after which I will resume diagnosis in order to get this unit repaired properly.
Carl Claunch, 2/3/15
3/25/2015 Unit still with Carl, has not been returned to museum.
Entered by/date
jh 2/28/15, edited jh 2/14/2016
Citation
“Vectrex Console,” Digital Game Museum Collection, accessed October 22, 2026, https://www.digitalgamemuseum.org/collection/items/show/1677.