PlayVectrex
[SPOILERS] Vectrex - Spike Gets Squished - Long Play
updated
Not shown in the video, but I later added an extra couple modes I called Rave Modes. Just some GWTS codes I figured out by trial and error that were previously undocumented. They make the the GWTS products flash all kinds of different colors very rapidly for a while.
Perfect for Asteroids on vacation! Sorry didn't get the whole screen in the view, but I wanted to show the controller and screen... so I tried to hang out near the bottom there :D
Please note: Yes, I have the real Asteroids Cocktail at home and would not normally settle for emulation! It does play pretty nice with this controller though. Honestly, I should have packed my Vectrex with Rocks 'n' Saucers!
Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#1 is CLEAR STICKER material which has high resolution and glows a bit with a translucent case. These come individually die cut and are hard to peel.
#2 is NON-CLEAR LABEL material which still has a high resolution, but looks a bit grainy, but actually the colors are brighter and technically can look sharper if you don't focus too close on it. This is actually a close tie to #1 if you don't specifically need the label to fully light up from behind, or be clear in some way. I've made one where the game title is clear so the light shines through (Turkey Hero). Best to get these on a roll, and they are easy to peel and align. I'll have to upload a video of how I do my alignment!!
#3 is NON-CLEAR STICKER material which honestly has the worst resolution, but good for give away stickers I think. Perhaps a design with less sharp edges would be good for this one?
#4 is CLEAR LABEL material which is glossy and has weird texture based on the art used, but if you want glossy, it's a good pick. Of course if you need a CLEAR GLOSSY label as well... this is the one for you.
Use my Stickermule Invite link and you'll get a $10 credit!
===============================================
stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=6856214701&utm_medium=link&utm_source=invite
More details
==========
Stickers vs. Labels: stickermule.com/support/difference-between-stickers-and-labels
Roll labels vs. Sheet labels: stickermule.com/support/what-is-the-difference-between-sheet-labels-and-roll-labels (TL;DR, they are basically the same finish, but sheet is a bit thicker and cheaper, however harder to peel and stick)
Music - Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Time to give back to the community that gives me so much enjoyment!!
After 100 likes on this video, I'll do a random drawing for the winner!
Must be subscribed, LIKE this video and comment "thanks" to qualify.
Good luck!!
OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY RULES:
What you Win:
The Turkey Hero Vectrex Cartridge pictured in this video, including shipping to wherever you live. You pay any VAT/TAX import fees if you are outside of the USA.
How to Enter:
1. Subscribe to PlayVectrex on YouTube
2. Like this video
3. Comment "thanks" or anything you wish on this video
---------
Official Rules: It is free to enter to win.
- The contest opened at 12 AM CST on November 22th, 2022
- The contest closes at 12 PM CST on November 24th, 2022 if we do not reach 100 likes.
- Participants must have a valid Gmail account to comment on the video for contest entry.
- The winner will be chosen randomly with a YouTube comment picker at 12 PM CST on November 24th, 2022 and will be announced in the comments here the same day. If the winner has not followed the rules of the contest they will be disqualified.
- The winner must contact PlayVectrex to claim their prize. PlayVectrex will validate you are the account holder with a keyword that must be edited into the winning comment.
- If the winner does not respond within 1 week they will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.
- Any information collected will be used for the sole purpose of delivering the prize to the winner.
- This contest is not sponsored by YouTube. PlayVectrex is solely responsible for the contest and delivering the prize to the winner.
Download the game for free here:
playvectrex.com/games/turkeyhero_v097.zip
youtube.com/c/PlasmaChannel
I'll be bringing a limited number of these to Supercon.6 to trade for other SAOs, so bring your extras ;-)
Files and code will be up on Github soon:
http://www.github.com/technobly/vectrex-sao
I've been keeping a detailed log of the BOMs I used for ordering parts, and updated them after building and getting this working here: github.com/technobly/sony-scopeman/tree/main/hardware/bom-vectorboy-v1.3
I also added some pictures and helpful info for the build in the main README: github.com/technobly/sony-scopeman
Software has been updated to build correctly as well.
If you'd like to join us on discord: discord.gg/TBwxd36e3f
github.com/technobly/VEXTREME
VeCaves is an amazing title from 2002 that saw less than 100 copies released back then. It's a fun little one button game with music and two player mode as well. I also didn't show Spike's Spree which is another game on the cart that really need an analog joystick to play well. Read more about this game at the link above.
🐰 🥚 Happy Easter!!!🐰 🥚 Your goal is to jump and survive as long as you can. There is an end, but it's currently set super high (10,000) as the game is pretty fresh and needs more polish! I'll be adding more characters and effects. The high score can be saved on VEXTREME :D The game controls are listed in-game to make it easy to understand how to to play. If you like this game and have any feedback, please contact me and let me know. Thanks for playing! Game on :D
DOWNLOAD: playvectrex.com/games/veccy_pong_v091.zip
s-ol.itch.io/plonat-atek
I've been keeping a detailed log of the BOMs I used for ordering parts, and updated them after building and getting this working here: github.com/technobly/sony-scopeman/tree/main/hardware/bom-vectorboy-v1.3
I also added some pictures and helpful info for the build in the main README: github.com/technobly/sony-scopeman
Software has been updated to build correctly as well.
If you'd like to join us on discord: discord.gg/TBwxd36e3f
We'll be iterating on this design, and maybe even Lucy will see this and stop by :D
[DOWNLOAD] playvectrex.com/games/spike_gets_squished_v093.zip
Game 1 (or Game A)
Your goal is to make your way through the maze and avoid getting squished between the deadly walls. There is only 1 life, but you can teleport away from the edges back to the center with button 3 or 4. Use these sparingly, as you'll only get bonus teleports every 2000 points. You can pause the game with button 1, and reset the game with all 4 buttons. Speed increases every 200 points, but maxes out at 6000 points.
Game 2 (or Game B)
Is more challenging and treacherous! You must collect all of the bows before the timer runs out to collect points and stay alive. Bonus teleports every 1500 points, and teleports are automatic in this game! You can still chose to teleport early if you wish though. Speed increases every 300 points, but maxes out at 9000 points. All other Game A rules apply as well. The faster you collect the bows, the more time left on the timer which will give you bonus points!
Your goal is to survive until you reach 10,000 points.
Game A/B is a throwback to where this game originates from?? Do you know which one?
The high score can be saved on VEXTREME :D
There is currently one secret to be found... and it will increase the speed by 10 levels every time you access it. This is fun on Game A, but a bit torturous on Game B!
The game controls are listed in-game to make it easy to understand how to to play.
If you like this game and have any feedback, please contact me and let me know.
Thanks for playing! Game on ^_^
[LONGPLAY version with SPOILERS] - youtube.com/watch?v=unwF2K1rSUM&ab_channel=BDub
2:07 - Overhead LED shot and disable/enable LED flashing feature
3:13 - A look at the inside
7:01 - How to calibrate
9:19 - Overhead view of calibration mode
10:44 - Talking about the HDPE ball top
12:39 - Dynamic filtering
14:53 - Playing XMAS Cart 2014 - Stocking Filler
19:29 - Playing Hyperchase
22:16 - Outro pictures
📓 Vectorlink User Manual📓 playvectrex.com/vectech/vectorlink/vectorlink-user-manual-r3.pdf
👉 Sign Up for Back-in-Stock Notification 👉 playvectrex.com/vecstore/vectorlink
=🎮 =🕹 =👾 = 👽 = 🎮 =🕹 =👾 =
🕹 Compatible Controllers 🕹
playvectrex.com/vectech/vectorlink/controllers
👾 Here's how to modify your 8BitDo Arcade Stick 👾
playvectrex.com/vectech/vectorlink/arcadestick
🎮 Quick links to parts for the 8BitDo Arcade Stick & mods 🎮
amzn.to/31PEszF (8BitDo Arcade Stick)
amzn.to/3Di36qG (Sanwa Joystick & Buttons CYAN)
amzn.to/3kyFUx6 (5-pin cable to make plugging in the joystick simple)
amzn.to/3Hf1YX4 (Torx Driver T-10)
amzn.to/3kWDoRx (optional bat top 6mm thread)
Other color combos:
amzn.to/3ndw3OF (LIME GREEN KIT)
amzn.to/3Ca3GoY (YELLOW KIT)
amzn.to/3kBh5AG (PINK JOYSTICK)
amzn.to/3F7fYQW (PINK BUTTONS)
Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you wanna go ALL OUT, and if you can find one of these quick release JLF shafts "The Link EX-Groove" in stock... do it! It's sick!!
focusattack.com/search.php?search_query=PHREAKMODS (Focus Attack)
paradisearcadeshop.com/collections/vendors?q=Phreak%20Mods (Paradise Arcade Shop)
Vectorlink is a joystick adapter designed by Brett Walach of https://www.PlayVectrex.com
in 2021 that allows many different types of high quality off-the-shelf wireless or wired controllers to be used with the Vectrex. It consists of a base adapter that has a connector that is the same one found on a Nintendo WiiMote. This enables the Vectorlink to connect to countless controllers out there. It was primarily designed to work with the 8BitDo SNES/NES Classic Bluetooth Retro Receiver (aka BT Dongle) and the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, but as you’ll see it works with so much more!
Besides offering wireless digital and wired analog support for the Vectrex, the Vectorlink offers some premium features you’ve likely never seen on a controller before.
» Individual button autofire rates are programmed in-game by pressing the button at the
desired rate!
» Manual shots can be taken very precisely even when autofire is enabled!
» 8 controls can be mapped to up to 8 buttons without any special software!
» Analog sticks and accelerometer can be passed through a Dynamic Filter that is adjustable by the player, giving enhanced stability and control!
The BT Dongle will pair wirelessly with many controllers: 8BitDo Arcade Stick and older N30 Arcade Stick, 8BitDo Lite, 8BitDo Zero 2, Xbox Series X Elite 2, WiiMote, Wii U Pro, and Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. It is also supported by most of the current and older generation 8BitDo bluetooth controllers, which are very high quality, inexpensive and readily obtainable
controllers. It also pairs with Xbox Series One, PS3 DualShock, PS4 DualShock and Pro, and the Switch Pro!
The BT Dongle uses Bluetooth Classic 2.1 and as such has a very low latency. You won't notice any lag on the Vectrex, since the Vectrex typically polls the controller every 20ms, and the Vectorlink updates the controller data 8 times as fast (2.5ms). The BT Dongle also receives the data twice as fast (10ms). Some of the controllers available come with a 2.4GHz RF dongle which is even faster.
In this video, you'll see the results of 1000 insertion cycles on 4 different Vectrex PCBs:
1 - VEXTREME - ENIG - PCBWAY (pcbway.com)
2 - VEXTREME - ENIG - JLCPCB
3 - VEXTREME - HASL - JLCPCB
4 - BERZERK - HARD GOLD - GCE
ENIG = Electro-less nickel immersion gold
HASL = Hot air solder leveled
HARD GOLD = A thick plating of gold? This was actually hard gold from 1982, so I'm not really sure how thick it was ;-)
If I had to rank these as far as best PCB technology for the valueL
1 - Hard Gold (theoretically) w/45° - But too expensive
2 - ENIG w/45° - JLCPCB ⭐ best value
3 - ENIG w/45° - PCBWay - better silk screen than JLCPCB - little more expensive than JLCPCB
4 - HASL w/45° from anyone
5 - ENIG/HASL - Not chamfering the edge of the PCB to 45°
Just a nice long video to show to the real time process of assembling Vectrex LED Boards. I completed 20 start to finish in two hours. Half the time is cleaning them.
Another video showing the operation of this board:
youtube.com/watch?v=gs0RqsXG9QE
Another video showing other parts of the process of building this board:
youtube.com/watch?v=gfcdljKq0YI
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/XzUGYrhL3 🙏 💙
Music:
Sonic - Green Hill Zone (Rukasu Remix)
Super Mario World - Game Over (BKNAPP Remix)
Astronomia (FearZ Trap Remix) - Coffin Dance Meme Song
Prismo - Black Hole Sun
Tokyo Drift (PedroDJDaddy Trap Remix)
Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
Sean Kongery - Leave That Way
Music: Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
Feeds and Speeds
Bit - 2mm ball nose end mill 2 flute
Feed rate - 600mm/min (later I up'd it to 700mm/min)
Plunge rate - 46mm/min
Depth per pass - 0.2mm (later I up'd it to 0.25mm)
Fill Method - Offset
Step Over - 10%
Spindle Speed - 10,000 RPM (MAX)
Material - Clear Injection Molded Polycarbonate
Machine - Sainsmart PROVer 3018
G-code CAD CAM - Easel
Music:
AMONG US Theme Song (BB GOAT EDM Remix)
Open source now! Be sure to observe the license, it's non-commercial.
github.com/technobly/vectrex-stereo-ay
First 10 for sale via Paypal buy it now button. Secret link is in the video, shown for 12 seconds. Make sure you are logged into Paypal.
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/XzUGYrhL3 🙏 💙
Music:
1. Carol Of The Bells (Nate Maelz & StickyBeats Trap Remix)
2. Dopant Beats - Christmas Trap
3. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (Buck Rodgers Remix Remix)
4. The House (Instrumental)
Info: vectrex.fandom.com/wiki/VeCaves/Spike%27s_Spree
I also played these games!
Beluga Dreams - 334
Every Day is Halloween - 10225
Fortress of Narzod - 8370
Polar Rescue - 39000
Rip-off - 2510
SpideX - 172
Tour de France - 1:19:32
Vectorblade - 149839
Vectrexians - 18310
Artwork by Jacek Selanski
Game by Malban
PCB design is open source: github.com/technobly/vectrex-cartridge
Music: Rolemusic - The Pirate and the Dancer
----------
Music: Tristam - Till It's Over
Get Tristam's Till It's Over here:
Beatport: http://monster.cat/1gas0Yw
Bandcamp: http://monster.cat/1fWR8BQ
iTunes: http://monster.cat/1lKH5RT
Follow Tristam:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TheOfficialTristam
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TristamOfficial
Youtube: http://youtube.com/TheOfficialTristam
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/TheOfficialTristam
Follow Monstercat:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Monstercat
Spotify: http://monster.cat/1hGrCWk
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Monstercat
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Monstercat
Instagram: http://instagram.com/monstercat
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/Monstercat
Google+: plus.google.com/+Monstercat
Music: The Chordettes - Mr. Sandman (RaceCarBed Trap Remix)
Hardware: Particle Photon - store.particle.io/products/photon
I'm thinking about washing them for 20 seconds.
But I know I'm not getting there, maybe 10 seconds at best.
So, I made this automatic hand washing timer for me and my family
to keep track of how long we're actually washing our hands for.
Source Code: go.particle.io/shared_apps/5e71314421352b00188fce92
Microcontroller (Wi-Fi / IoT / Internet Connected): Particle Photon store.particle.io/collections/wifi/products/photon
LED Matrix (x2): adafruit.com/product/1853
Music: Zelda Lost Woods (Vector U Remix)
mikiex.itch.io/veccy-bird
As a reminder this project is open source and the github page is here: github.com/technobly/vextreme
What is this thing? github.com/technobly/vectrex-cart
Join us on Discord: discord.gg/6dwevyF
Music: Daft Punk - Doin' It Right (Montmartre Remix)
Music: Singing in The Rain (The Bangerz Remix)
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)


