User:Vectrex
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The Vectrex was the first and only home-based system to ever use a vector-based screen.
We have the Milton Bradley built version of the vertex, from 1982.
Technical specifications
Circuit board
- CPU: Motorola 6809 @ 1.5 MHz
- RAM: 1 kB (two 4-bit 2114 chips)
- ROM: 8 kB (one 8-bit 2363 chip)
- Cartridge : 32 kB
- MOS 6522 Versatile Interface Adapter (VIA)
- 8-bit ADC with current output feeds two resettable integrators controlling x and Y of beam, for drawing vectors
- Z control for dimming CRT beam
Sound
- Sound: General Instrument AY-3-8912
- 3" electrodynamic paper cone speaker
Control
One or two analog controllers, each using an x-y analog (potentiometer) joystick, and four action buttons.
Connected to main system using a DB-9 connector on a curled cable.
Software
The game built into the Vectrex, MineStorm, would crash at level 13. However, on some machines the game would continue until the highest level.
The system uses cartridges with a single ROM chip in them. Plastic colorized overlays can be put in front of the CRT to add some colour.
We have:
- Clean Sweep
- Spike
- Solar quest (with color overlay)
- Scramble (with color overlay)