Uploaded December 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
VEXTREME Vectrex Multicart v0.2 - Build and Operation ... STM32 footage was not there again!! sorry about that. Half the clips were missing again. Not sure what's going on with that but I have to fix it! Anyhoo it's keeping this video a bit shorter so that's probably good.
v0.2 Fixed the hole spacing and it's now perfect! Unfortunately the PCB fingers really need to be just a tad longer to make a better connection with the fairly short cartridge slot on the Vectrex. Coupled with the fact this board has a HASL (hot air solder leveled) finish instead of ENIG (gold flashed) it really does not like to make good contact when in the plastic cartridge shell. PCB only works great every time though, so if you are interested in that keep reading.
v0.2 Also add some cool addressable LEDs. One issue is the first LED, near U3 is slightly in the way of the plastic boss that stabilizes the PCB in the cart shell. Due to this, I removed it and jumpered the clock and data lines. The serial header also interferes with the case bosses a bit so I flush cut a couple of them. Also pictured I have at least one size of cap 0.1uF is 0603 instead of the 0805 it should be.
USB-C works flawlessly!
Firmware so far implements a software driven SPI-like driver for the addressable LEDs. Ideally they would be on hardware SPI2 so we can do some fancy stuff like DMA control. I would have to move some things around to make this work, which should be totally possible. For now those v0.2 can look cool before the menu loads, then control stops. Still possible to do control in firmware in-between ROM access, but I believe DMA control will be better in the long run.
These are not for sale yet, but if you are interested in one of the v0.2 boards stay tuned.
Tools:
1. The trinocular microscope is the same one Scotty from Strange Parts uses. Check out his video and description for a link to buy. If you happen to be in Shenzhen, I can hook you up with Sue May like Scotty did for me, and you can pick one up directly in the SEG Electronics Building. It will fit most likely in your overhead carry on! youtube.com/watch?v=MBFyGzrClsI
2. Kimtech kimwipes
3. 91% isopropyl alcohol and go crazy with the 99% tech grade stuff for the final wipe.
4. Solder - Kester SN63PB37 0.015" - My exact part# is 24-6337-2611 but you can't get it anymore, it's $$$$ neobits.com/kester_solder_24_6337_2611_bx_kester_lead_solder_p12396973.html but you can use this part # instead which is the same thing: 24-6337-0007
5. Flux is Chipquik SMD291 digikey.com/product-detail/en/chip-quik-inc/SMD291/SMD291-ND/355201
6. Soldering Iron Hakko FX951 and Tips:
- T15-JL02 bent hook conical tip has 0.2mm radius tip
- T15-D16 narrow chisel tip is 1.6m wide
- T12-BCM2 hoof/drag soldering tip is 2mm wide
If you like what I'm doing and wish to support, please buy me a coffee and drop me some motivational message here: buymeacoffee.com/walach 🙏 💙
Music: Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
Music: Sonic - Green Hill Zone (Rukasu Remix)
VEXTREME Vectrex Multicart v0.2 - Build and Operation ... STM32 footage was not there again!! sorry about that. Half the clips were missing again. Not sure what's going on with that but I have to fix it! Anyhoo it's keeping this video a bit shorter so that's probably good.
v0.2 Fixed the hole spacing and it's now perfect! Unfortunately the PCB fingers really need to be just a tad longer to make a better connection with the fairly short cartridge slot on the Vectrex. Coupled with the fact this board has a HASL (hot air solder leveled) finish instead of ENIG (gold flashed) it really does not like to make good contact when in the plastic cartridge shell. PCB only works great every time though, so if you are interested in that keep reading.
v0.2 Also add some cool addressable LEDs. One issue is the first LED, near U3 is slightly in the way of the plastic boss that stabilizes the PCB in the cart shell. Due to this, I removed it and jumpered the clock and data lines. The serial header also interferes with the case bosses a bit so I flush cut a couple of them. Also pictured I have at least one size of cap 0.1uF is 0603 instead of the 0805 it should be.
USB-C works flawlessly!
Firmware so far implements a software driven SPI-like driver for the addressable LEDs. Ideally they would be on hardware SPI2 so we can do some fancy stuff like DMA control. I would have to move some things around to make this work, which should be totally possible. For now those v0.2 can look cool before the menu loads, then control stops. Still possible to do control in firmware in-between ROM access, but I believe DMA control will be better in the long run.
These are not for sale yet, but if you are interested in one of the v0.2 boards stay tuned.
Tools:
1. The trinocular microscope is the same one Scotty from Strange Parts uses. Check out his video and description for a link to buy. If you happen to be in Shenzhen, I can hook you up with Sue May like Scotty did for me, and you can pick one up directly in the SEG Electronics Building. It will fit most likely in your overhead carry on! youtube.com/watch?v=MBFyGzrClsI
2. Kimtech kimwipes
3. 91% isopropyl alcohol and go crazy with the 99% tech grade stuff for the final wipe.
4. Solder - Kester SN63PB37 0.015" - My exact part# is 24-6337-2611 but you can't get it anymore, it's $$$$ neobits.com/kester_solder_24_6337_2611_bx_kester_lead_solder_p12396973.html but you can use this part # instead which is the same thing: 24-6337-0007
5. Flux is Chipquik SMD291 digikey.com/product-detail/en/chip-quik-inc/SMD291/SMD291-ND/355201
6. Soldering Iron Hakko FX951 and Tips:
- T15-JL02 bent hook conical tip has 0.2mm radius tip
- T15-D16 narrow chisel tip is 1.6m wide
- T12-BCM2 hoof/drag soldering tip is 2mm wide
If you like what I'm doing and wish to support, please buy me a coffee and drop me some motivational message here: buymeacoffee.com/walach 🙏 💙
Music: Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
Music: Sonic - Green Hill Zone (Rukasu Remix)
