Vectrex Original Game Cart Shell vs Reproduction Cart Shell
Dec 23, 2013 4:40:20 GMT -5
TrekMD, wazzal, and 2 more like this
Post by VECTREXER on Dec 23, 2013 4:40:20 GMT -5
There have been some questions about original versus reproduction game cartridge shells. So this thread is being started to discuss the topic with the main point of comparing the original shells with newer designs.
While I have not broke open all of the original game carts (yet) Below is the start of the list
GCE Shells:
There are two major types:
Only one color so far, grey.
But I do know of at least one other accessory in clear, as well as the console case front in two other colors. So I would not be surprised if an original cart shell in an alternate color eventually shows up.
Sean Kelly Reproduction Shell:
One major design
5 colors
GCE Screw Shell compared with the Sean Kelly shell:
Below is a link to several pictures with a GCE game cart next to a Sean Kelly game cart. That the color is blue does not matter. All of the SK shells are the same design regardless of color.
As compared with the GCE snap together shell that has the screw the following differences are noted
The SK shell does not snap together.
For the most part the SK shell is a faithful reproduction and should work for most applications. But care must be taken for new board designs to take into account the board mounting points or else modification may be required. (as previously mentioned in other threads)
Comparison Pictures
Note: the aftermarket screw shown is a #4, 3/4 inch, flat head, phillips bit.
www.vectrex.com/Images/CustomCartShell/Blue/comparison/
While I have not broke open all of the original game carts (yet) Below is the start of the list
GCE Shells:
There are two major types:
- Screwless shell
- Snap shell with screw.
Only one color so far, grey.
But I do know of at least one other accessory in clear, as well as the console case front in two other colors. So I would not be surprised if an original cart shell in an alternate color eventually shows up.
Sean Kelly Reproduction Shell:
One major design
5 colors
- Grey
- Clear
- Red
- Blue
- Green
GCE Screw Shell compared with the Sean Kelly shell:
Below is a link to several pictures with a GCE game cart next to a Sean Kelly game cart. That the color is blue does not matter. All of the SK shells are the same design regardless of color.
As compared with the GCE snap together shell that has the screw the following differences are noted
The SK shell does not snap together.
- The fonts on the SK shell are slightly different. Not noticeable for most people unless you get up close.
- Copyright mark is different. Also not noticeable for most people unless you get up close.
- After "General Consumer Electronics" A period (".") is used instead of a comma (",").
- Surface texture is different.
- Mounting posts are slightly different. But not so much as to prevent the mounting of the original games into the shell.
- No date/production/ batch codes imprinted into the inside of the shell.
- Slightly different screw well.
- Different mold marks.
- No snap closure on the SK cart. A screw is always required. (unless the cart is glued shut)
For the most part the SK shell is a faithful reproduction and should work for most applications. But care must be taken for new board designs to take into account the board mounting points or else modification may be required. (as previously mentioned in other threads)
Comparison Pictures
Note: the aftermarket screw shown is a #4, 3/4 inch, flat head, phillips bit.
www.vectrex.com/Images/CustomCartShell/Blue/comparison/
