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.

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