User:Vectrex

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.

Vectrex (running "Scramble") and its smaller "brother" Macrovision together at RevSpace

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 has a slot on the right side for game cartrdges. It uses cartridges with a single ROM chip in them.
Different plastic colorized overlays that came with each game 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)

vectrexmuseum
List of Vectrex game