sio
Asteroid
Posts: 7 
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Post by sio on Jan 8, 2017 9:05:08 GMT -5
Hi all
My Vectrex has developed a fault. Would really appreciate any help or advise to solve it. I live in the UK.
My Vectrex stars up ok, as normal, but when the game is loaded, the music is out of tune, and the graphics are slightly jumbled on screen. I thought it may be a fauly cart, but I have tried a few, and all are not quite right. Some of the controls also don't seem to work properly on some games.
I'm thinking maybe one of the chips is faulty, but I'm not very technically minded, so it would be great to hear if you have seen the same problem, and if it can be fixed?
Thanks!
SIO
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Post by Mayhem on Jan 8, 2017 9:12:22 GMT -5
Have you also tried cleaning the Vectrex cart slot as well? Could be dirty pins there.
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Post by geoanas on Jan 8, 2017 12:10:02 GMT -5
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Post by vtk on Jan 8, 2017 18:15:33 GMT -5
the sound chip in the vectrex is used not only for sound but also with the joystick controls i would start off by replacing the sound chip; check cables/connectors/plugs inside the vectrex also to make sure good contact is being made www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171819960455 |
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Post by vectrexmad on Jan 8, 2017 20:18:48 GMT -5
the sound chip in the vectrex is used not only for sound but also with the joystick controls i would start off by replacing the sound chip; check cables/connectors/plugs insi linkde the vectrex also to make sure good contact is being made www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171819960455Yes, I would say first plan of attack is you need to replace the sound chip. I had a Vectrex with exactly the same problem. There are two main PCBs inside the Vectrex. The sound chip is located on the so called logic PCB which is positioned horizontally at the base of the Vectrex. The vertical PCB is the so called analogue PCB. See the link for a pictorial of the component location for the logic board - the chip that needs to be replaced is top left titled AY-3-8912. If you are lucky that chip is sitting on a socket (rather than being soldered directly into the PCB). This was the situation for me and I was able to swap out the chip without having to move out the whole PCB. PLEASE remember if you are not sure what you are doing you could end up with a fatal electric shock, as there are high voltage components inside the Vectrex (you are at risk touching the tube and the analogue PCB). If you are stuck pm me as I am also in the UK. |
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Post by vectrexmad on Jan 8, 2017 20:32:19 GMT -5
just dug out an image from an article I never finished. If you are lucky you will be able to do this and swap out the sound chip. If the chip is socketed as in the image its worth to take out and put back in again to ensure all pins are in contact. If no improvement then swap out the chip with a known working chip.  |
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Post by vectrexmad on Jan 8, 2017 20:36:15 GMT -5
Disassembling the Vectrex Console:
(1) Disconnect the Vectrex console from the
mains socket. (2) Place the Vectrex console
screen down on clear clean surface. (3) Remove the
five screws from the back of the Vectrex cover
which attach the rear cover to the front cover.
Make a note of which screws come out of
which holes. (4) Whilst holding the rear cover,
gently pull upwards until the rear cover
separates from the front cover. (5) Place the
rear cover nearby.
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sio
Asteroid
Posts: 7
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Post by sio on Jan 10, 2017 16:51:50 GMT -5
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all your comments and suggestions. I'll start with a careful inspection inside and see what I find. Really encouraging to know that other people have managed to solve the same problem  I'll let you know how it goes! Cheers SIO |
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sio
Asteroid
Posts: 7
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Post by sio on Jan 11, 2017 14:47:27 GMT -5
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sio
Asteroid
Posts: 7
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Post by sio on Jan 11, 2017 14:48:31 GMT -5
OK so the pics didn't work!! Hope you get the idea.
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sio
Asteroid
Posts: 7
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Post by sio on Jan 11, 2017 14:50:41 GMT -5
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Post by vtk on Jan 11, 2017 23:47:12 GMT -5
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Post by vtk on Jan 11, 2017 23:50:49 GMT -5
..that's a good idea to give it a clean yes.. i find that a soft brush is a good way to brush dust off pcb's without causing any components any stress
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Post by kokovec on Jan 12, 2017 0:33:46 GMT -5
That is dirty!
Many years ago I opened up a 20 year old piece of equipment on a TV production truck and found a dead and decaying bird inside.
However, the problem was a burnt out capacitor.
I named the bird Tweety and gave it a proper burial.
Yes... that really happened.
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Post by VectorX on Jan 12, 2017 0:42:05 GMT -5
Ants can eat wires in your car.
I found a dead roach in my Atari 2600. Dunno if it ate something and killed it. Worked the last time I had it out before I found the roach.
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