Another really cool development

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

"Chris Romero" <NOSPAMTO-cromero-PLEASE@ROMERO.ORG> wrote in
news:hqbSe.1700$ZL4.1177@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com:

> Something really nice is happening with my controller I loaned at CGExpo
> 2005. Can you say "USB"?
>
> I will let you minds wander on the subject for now.
>
> Chris Romero
>
>

Since I wasn't there, I really haven't got a clue... But
you got me thinking wander wander...

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

BING! BING! BING! BING! BING! We have a winner here!

Yes, I loaned my controller out to Brian Parker of Retrozone
(http://www.sealiecomputing.com/retrozone/) fame. Within two weeks he
emailed me back that the work was mostly done. Also asked what emulators
should be used. I mentioned the popular ones. Brian mentioned that Vecx
might be done the first because it was easier. I guessing Vecx
multiplatform support also had something to do with it as well.

So go check out the new adapter and mail modifications here:
http://www.sealiecomputing.com/retrozone/vectrex.html

BTW, did we meet at the show? If not let's plan to meet up for at least a
beer or a coke at the next one.

Chris Romero.



<orion105@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:1126468180.395413.40320@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Since I WAS there, isn't it that the controller to USB booth is
> converting the old controller to plug in to a USB port? I like the
> stelladaptor myself, because you can use different controllers without
> modifying them, even paddle controllers, but it's not a lot of help
> when the firmware isn't working.
>
>
> dgo wrote:
>> "Chris Romero" <NOSPAMTO-cromero-PLEASE@ROMERO.ORG> wrote in
>> news:hqbSe.1700$ZL4.1177@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com:
>>
>> > Something really nice is happening with my controller I loaned at
>> > CGExpo
>> > 2005. Can you say "USB"?
>> >
>> > I will let you minds wander on the subject for now.
>> >
>> > Chris Romero
>> >
>> >
>>
>> Since I wasn't there, I really haven't got a clue... But
>> you got me thinking wander wander...
>

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

<orion105@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:1126664062.759914.254950@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Chris Romero wrote:
>> BING! BING! BING! BING! BING! We have a winner here!
>>
>> Yes, I loaned my controller out to Brian Parker of Retrozone
>> (http://www.sealiecomputing.com/retrozone/) fame. Within two weeks he
>> emailed me back that the work was mostly done. Also asked what emulators
>> should be used. I mentioned the popular ones. Brian mentioned that Vecx
>> might be done the first because it was easier. I guessing Vecx
>> multiplatform support also had something to do with it as well.
>>
>> So go check out the new adapter and mail modifications here:
>> http://www.sealiecomputing.com/retrozone/vectrex.html
>>
>> BTW, did we meet at the show? If not let's plan to meet up for at least
>> a
>> beer or a coke at the next one.
>>
>> Chris Romero.
>>
> Well, maybe I'll see ya at California Extreme, since no CGE until 2
> years. I was thinking, maybe the best way would be to go with slikstik
> for a USB arcade controller, and just use those controls for
> everything. Lot more expensive, but more simple, and good quality
> control. Got so many half-working wico joysticks, and the stelladaptor
> is screwed up right now. Lasermame was pretty cool at California
> Extreme, and they had space firebird at CGE.
>
> James
>

You were there at California Extreme too? We should have hooked up! And
yes, let's meet next year. Maybe they will have the full color LaserMAME
in 2006? I know Rik, Robert, and Jeri were there too. As of this time Jeri
remains a Vectrex destroyer more than a Vectrex developer. One of my loaned
Vectrex has run from her screaming "No Disassemble" like number Five did in
the movie. (just kidding Jeri) Perhaps we should have some sort of
Vectrex Crew lunch int he burger or pasta place across the street.

Loved ACTUALLY playing LaserMAME Tac Scan up on the wall! But the galvos
could in the "projector" could have been a little faster. Still I enjoyed
every game I played. Playing Laser MAME at the show did help to demonstrate
the limitations and possibilities of a Laser Vectrex. Btw, I have not been
able to web browse games.lasers.org or just www.lasers.org. Wonder what's
up? The domain doesn't expire till next year.

I gave Dale at the show my card in the hope of setting something up to
borrow the rig for CGExpo. But the time between the show and my own work
schedule prevented our follow up.

So, has anyone progressed to the point of building the driver circuits for
the galvos?

Unlike the LaserMAME which goes from emulation to digital to analog drivers,
a LaserVectrex should only need to go from an Integrated analog signal to
driver amp for the galvos. This should be zero code project but would
require analog hardware skills. Just have to protect the galvos from
overdriving and provide for some kind of blanking via mechanical (ugh) or
electrical shutter. I would say a low power project first so an electronic
(LCD or such) could be used for the blanking and/or beam brightness control.

Chris