This
article describes how to make a "pong" type controller
for the Vectrex from a standard Atari 2600 paddle.
Principle: For this project I wired the atari
potentiometer to work on the X axis for input to the
Vectrex. What it does is split the +5v and -5v for
interpretation by the DAC chip inside. Also I wired
the paddle button to work as Vectrex button 4.
Parts List: Atari 2600 paddle controller, Sega
Genesis extension cable, two 100k resistors
Procedure:
After opening up a standard Atari 2600 paddle and
scrapping the existing cable, solder the two 100k
resistors on the first and third solder points of
the potentiometer. To the Sega Genesis extension cable
cut off the male plug end (the one with the pins)
and strip back enough insulation to reveal the individual
wires. You will need to expose wires for pins 4,5,7,8
& 9. Use an ohm meter to determine which wires are
which. Also trim some plastic off the female end to
fit into the Vectrex port.
Then from this new cable, solder pin 7 (+5v) wire
to the far side of the left resistor, solder pin 9
(-5v) wire to the far side of the right resistor,
and solder pin 5 wire to the center solder point on
the potentiometer.
For the red button, solder pin 8 wire and pin 4 wire
to its two points. I suggest making the button work
as button 4 to preserve function with the Hyperchase
game.
Reassemble and do some experimenting. I suggest making
a paint mark on the paddle for "top dead center" so
you will have a reference point to return to when
playing Hyperchase.
What to do about the other buttons? You can wire extra
buttons in a separate case and connect via a splitter
or in series with this controller for other Hyperchase
functions. I suggest making a special "LRTF" 4 button
controller and putting a 9 pin female port to accommodate
the Vectrex paddle controller for the Hyperchase
game.
*The
Vectrex games created by Ronan Habot, VECTRACE and
VABOOM!,
were made especially for use with these modified
controllers!
Still need help? Want
someone else to do the work? Contact Rob
Mitchell!
