You actually do an amazing job at explaining how stuff works in my opinion! Just found your channel and already learned a lot. Thanks for the interesting repairs!
Yes! PLEASE do more Vectrex repair videos.. Maybe one on getting the optimal picture/fine tuning. Fixing pincushion, distortion, ringing adjustment .. Basically how to fix some of the stuff mentioned in the service manual, which the manual doesn't explain At All how to fix. Many of us would love to finally know! 🙏If anyone can do it, it's you, brother. 🤘
Great video Jason! The reason why I watch is not for your editing, but your honesty and great repair jobs. Nobody can fix or create arcade cab parts like you!
I bought a vetrex last month and has this same issue. I did the brightness thing and same issue. Looks like mine has a flyback issue too. At least you have spare parts flybacks. I wished they started making more of these flyback transformers because all these Vectrexs may succumb to this issue the older the console gets.
It would be cool if someone could start making those flybacks. A couple others that would be great to have are the 13" G07, and the 19" TOEI (like Phoenix, Mr. Do and others used).
Have to agree with you regarding discharging CRT's, People really go over the top with the dangers. little ones like that can give you a nip but nothing more. That said I once got hold of the EHT on a 26" colour set and by god did i know about that one lol. Best advice i got as a youngster from an old TV engineer was keep one hand in your pocket when probing a live set.
I know this is an old video but did you ever find or go through with finding someone to recreate these flyback transformers or even a replacement board with off the shelf components to bring these old machines back to life?
I really enjoyed this video, and thought you did a pretty good job of explaining both the failure in the HV supply, and how you diagnosed it. Maybe it wasn't up to snuff for a college engineering class, but it was great for a little UA-cam video! I also found this video useful because it gave me a good overview of opening up a Vectrex and what I would expect to see inside. I inherited a Vectrex from an old friend and am just now getting around to seeing whether it works and what might need to be done to repair it. Though I am old enough to remember the Vectrex as an item actually for sale, I have never owned one, or even seen one in operation (outside of an ad on TV). Even this Vectrex I inherited was never shown to me in working condition, so just seeing one turned on was a treat.
Yikes, flyback failure and there are no new parts, that is a full priced fix I think too. I hope the owner now enjoys this Vectrex, or if like so many making a quick buck nowadays he sells it to a collector for $500, it will at least end up in the hands of someone that will enjoy it. Loved the Vectrex, it is IMHO an arcade machine for the home, and is a great system to dive into. Real bare carts do not seem too pricey still and there are a lot of home brews. I come from the time when John Donzilla was making new games for it and it was a lot of fun.
Save them all ! ( Sarah McLachlan sings in the background ). Thank you for saving a child's beloved electronic bliss. Dunkin/StarBukz/TimHortons toast to you!
Do you have a trick for getting the knob of the contrast potentiometer through the back case when you put the back case back? My trick is to use a piece of heat shrink tube and place it over the knob, then feed the other end of the heat shrink tube though the hole in the back case, so that the knob is aligned through the hole, then after closing the case with the 5 screws I can pull off the heat shrink from the knob (I don't apply heat to the heat shrink tube). I now have a vectrex that only has a bright spot in the middle of the screen, so it seems I don't have any X or Y deflection, but I do have high voltage. So I either have both X and Y drivers defective, or a problem with the D/A converters, or maybe no power to the drivers. I saw you taking out the high voltage board easy and also disconnecting the Cathode connection , but mine doen't want to let loose, is there a trick to disconnect the cup from the glass? I can't get the HV board loose, also the ground of the HV board is connected electrically to the Ground (GND) of the digital board with a short piece of Litze wire. I didn't see you unsolder that wire, why? is this connection optional?
Cool repair! I was curious about the failure case, and from what you showed... it looked like it was possible that something conductive built up around the HV output between the flyback and the metal cage. Possibly from a dusty and humid environment? The cage does look quite rusty around the HV output as well. This could be a good maintenance check, but obviously a tough one to get to. Something I'll definitely pay more attention to when I open up my Veccies. Thanks!!
Without desoldering the can, you can pop the top of it off as well, right? That might make it easier to check this for maintenance checks... and maybe replace the HV lead isolator while it's removed if it looks crusty?
I haven't had a good flyback lesson since my grandfather passed away. And you are right about it killing you. When I was a kid in my grandfather's TV shop... I got zapped twice in old tube driven TV's.
I know it's your channel, I think it's awesome that you built a one of a kind color vectrex upright. It's very impressive indeed, but could you imagine a cocktail table version or maybe a networking battle game with two vectrex's back to back playing voom
I bought mine last week for $400 CAD. The guy had it posted on FB Marketplace for $650 and nobody responded for two weeks. I feel like it's a good deal and it sounds like $250 USD is a starting point for a fully working unit
"This is a half ass video" One of the best videos for explanation of the problem and how it was solve I've ever seen on UA-cam. I am subscribed now lol. Also did you ever do the flyvac or board manufacturing? Edit, I see this was release today... Hey Im interested in the flyvac and board manufacture :)
Did you go ahead and replace the transistor too? You should definitely have those flybacks made. As these machines age that part will become the difference between scraping a Vectrex or saving it.
Since receiving your Super Multi-cart I unmodified my Vectrex from the Zektor ZVG modification I did in the early 2000s. Fortunately, it still works great and I'm enjoying the multi-cart. My other Vectrex, which I've also had since brand new in the early 80s, has no power of signs of life which is how it's been for 30 years. Any idea where to start? Could it be something simple? Thanks for any suggestions.
OMG! Someone on You Tube who dosn't think you will get zapped to death by standing within 10 feet of an exposed anode!!! Well done, I subscribed ;) By the way, you said the fly-back is the only part not made anymore. My power switch seems to be not working (at least I hope that's all it is). Do they still make like-for-like replacements for these?
Hey if you were able to clone the board to be more reliable and cheap to get a hold of I would certainly buy one or two, I've always wanted a vectrex but because of the analog board problems I never wanted to get into them. I think it might help a lot more people get into owning them if there's an easy repair like that. Similar problem with the old iMac G3s...
ARCADE JASON, why is the ground wire from the monitors circuit boards to the chassis called a DAG wire? I'm not sure what DAG stands for or why they call it a DAG wire. I'm guessing all different types of arcade monitors always have the DAG wire because I have seen arcade monitors that are missing the DAG wire
Shango but for video games I'm calling it now, horizontal deflection issue due to internal flyback failure I was about to complain about running the analog board without the yoke giving improper output until I realized this circuit is digital and independent of the yoke coils. Also the board on the back of the CRT is called a "neck board" Something I can recommend doing is that automotive spark plugs are the perfect size to fit in most anode cups and give an excellent spark when you have high voltage About 12 minutes in, shorted flyback windings. Transistor driving too much current and getting cooked tells me immedistely that the flyback has had a winding or two fail. It's not too late! Some of them can be re-waxed and repaired if you can get them out properly. The case around the flyback is called a "cage" The cage actually exists to stop RF emissions for radio interference regulations, as well as reduce xray output. THANK YOU for that comment on the HV discharge. Even during operation these sets have less output energy than a 6 volt cars ignition system, and you could hold on to those and be alright...
Thank you for documenting your work with this video. Much appreciated!
You actually do an amazing job at explaining how stuff works in my opinion! Just found your channel and already learned a lot. Thanks for the interesting repairs!
Also thank you for drawing out the short in the end, it's a big help for people to actually understand what happened.
Yes! PLEASE do more Vectrex repair videos.. Maybe one on getting the optimal picture/fine tuning. Fixing pincushion, distortion, ringing adjustment .. Basically how to fix some of the stuff mentioned in the service manual, which the manual doesn't explain At All how to fix. Many of us would love to finally know! 🙏If anyone can do it, it's you, brother. 🤘
Great video Jason! The reason why I watch is not for your editing, but your honesty and great repair jobs. Nobody can fix or create arcade cab parts like you!
I bought a vetrex last month and has this same issue. I did the brightness thing and same issue. Looks like mine has a flyback issue too. At least you have spare parts flybacks. I wished they started making more of these flyback transformers because all these Vectrexs may succumb to this issue the older the console gets.
It would be cool if someone could start making those flybacks. A couple others that would be great to have are the 13" G07, and the 19" TOEI (like Phoenix, Mr. Do and others used).
Have to agree with you regarding discharging CRT's, People really go over the top with the dangers. little ones like that can give you a nip but nothing more. That said I once got hold of the EHT on a 26" colour set and by god did i know about that one lol. Best advice i got as a youngster from an old TV engineer was keep one hand in your pocket when probing a live set.
you are the best at explaining things.
I know this is an old video but did you ever find or go through with finding someone to recreate these flyback transformers or even a replacement board with off the shelf components to bring these old machines back to life?
Nice video, no reason to lower oneself. I just wanted to see what is inside Vectrex and I found this video.
Always enjoy watching these and you fixed yet another Vectrex! Hoping to bring mine up to you this year to get a new via chip.
I really enjoyed this video, and thought you did a pretty good job of explaining both the failure in the HV supply, and how you diagnosed it. Maybe it wasn't up to snuff for a college engineering class, but it was great for a little UA-cam video! I also found this video useful because it gave me a good overview of opening up a Vectrex and what I would expect to see inside. I inherited a Vectrex from an old friend and am just now getting around to seeing whether it works and what might need to be done to repair it. Though I am old enough to remember the Vectrex as an item actually for sale, I have never owned one, or even seen one in operation (outside of an ad on TV). Even this Vectrex I inherited was never shown to me in working condition, so just seeing one turned on was a treat.
Do you take orders for work to be done? I’ve got one recently and it doesn’t turn on at all. No noise or anything.
Yikes, flyback failure and there are no new parts, that is a full priced fix I think too. I hope the owner now enjoys this Vectrex, or if like so many making a quick buck nowadays he sells it to a collector for $500, it will at least end up in the hands of someone that will enjoy it. Loved the Vectrex, it is IMHO an arcade machine for the home, and is a great system to dive into. Real bare carts do not seem too pricey still and there are a lot of home brews. I come from the time when John Donzilla was making new games for it and it was a lot of fun.
Great repair video. I for one really enjoy your expertise and explanations whether they are planned or off the cuff. Thanks!
Great video! Any news on those re-manufactured flyback transformers?
Did you ever get any new flybacks?
Save them all ! ( Sarah McLachlan sings in the background ). Thank you for saving a child's beloved electronic bliss. Dunkin/StarBukz/TimHortons toast to you!
Do you have a trick for getting the knob of the contrast potentiometer through the back case when you put the back case back? My trick is to use a piece of heat shrink tube and place it over the knob, then feed the other end of the heat shrink tube though the hole in the back case, so that the knob is aligned through the hole, then after closing the case with the 5 screws I can pull off the heat shrink from the knob (I don't apply heat to the heat shrink tube).
I now have a vectrex that only has a bright spot in the middle of the screen, so it seems I don't have any X or Y deflection, but I do have high voltage. So I either have both X and Y drivers defective, or a problem with the D/A converters, or maybe no power to the drivers. I saw you taking out the high voltage board easy and also disconnecting the Cathode connection , but mine doen't want to let loose, is there a trick to disconnect the cup from the glass? I can't get the HV board loose, also the ground of the HV board is connected electrically to the Ground (GND) of the digital board with a short piece of Litze wire. I didn't see you unsolder that wire, why? is this connection optional?
I have one smoked power board so now will investigate more carefully.
That was explained perfectly in my opinion. Great video. Thanks for sharing
Good idea on cloning the flyback! I'd buy a couple just to have spares.
Cool repair! I was curious about the failure case, and from what you showed... it looked like it was possible that something conductive built up around the HV output between the flyback and the metal cage. Possibly from a dusty and humid environment? The cage does look quite rusty around the HV output as well. This could be a good maintenance check, but obviously a tough one to get to. Something I'll definitely pay more attention to when I open up my Veccies. Thanks!!
Without desoldering the can, you can pop the top of it off as well, right? That might make it easier to check this for maintenance checks... and maybe replace the HV lead isolator while it's removed if it looks crusty?
YES PLEASE, those flybacks should be reproduced, pleeeeease sell repro flybacks man.
Great video Jason!
you did a good job explaining this also thanks for my cart recieved yesterday keep yur channel going and thanks
I haven't had a good flyback lesson since my grandfather passed away. And you are right about it killing you. When I was a kid in my grandfather's TV shop... I got zapped twice in old tube driven TV's.
Fantastic explanation. Thank you for posting the video. Learned a lot!
I know it's your channel, I think it's awesome that you built a one of a kind color vectrex upright. It's very impressive indeed, but could you imagine a cocktail table version or maybe a networking battle game with two vectrex's back to back playing voom
If anyone can help source a new or replacement flyback, that would be awesome!
Is it still possible finding one of these in the wild without having to pay an eyeball and a kidney for it?
I bought mine last week for $400 CAD. The guy had it posted on FB Marketplace for $650 and nobody responded for two weeks. I feel like it's a good deal and it sounds like $250 USD is a starting point for a fully working unit
Well done Jason nice work 👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
I would buy a new flyback or 3 if you got that deal going! :)
"This is a half ass video" One of the best videos for explanation of the problem and how it was solve I've ever seen on UA-cam. I am subscribed now lol. Also did you ever do the flyvac or board manufacturing? Edit, I see this was release today... Hey Im interested in the flyvac and board manufacture :)
Did you go ahead and replace the transistor too? You should definitely have those flybacks made. As these machines age that part will become the difference between scraping a Vectrex or saving it.
Why did you edit out the part that we all wanted to see. De-soldering the tabs.
Did you ever move ahead with the flyback manufacturing? I would be interested in one.
You know your stuff! If I need a repair done could i ship from NYC to you?
Amazin sir
My microfarad just gave birth to a litter of baby microfarads.
1 negative and 2 positive.
There so cute.
Since receiving your Super Multi-cart I unmodified my Vectrex from the Zektor ZVG modification I did in the early 2000s. Fortunately, it still works great and I'm enjoying the multi-cart.
My other Vectrex, which I've also had since brand new in the early 80s, has no power of signs of life which is how it's been for 30 years. Any idea where to start? Could it be something simple?
Thanks for any suggestions.
If there's no power at all it could likely by the power switch. They are notorious for breaking.
I think that's what happened to my Vectrex.
OMG! Someone on You Tube who dosn't think you will get zapped to death by standing within 10 feet of an exposed anode!!!
Well done, I subscribed ;)
By the way, you said the fly-back is the only part not made anymore.
My power switch seems to be not working (at least I hope that's all it is). Do they still make like-for-like replacements for these?
Good price and fix Jason!
Hey if you were able to clone the board to be more reliable and cheap to get a hold of I would certainly buy one or two, I've always wanted a vectrex but because of the analog board problems I never wanted to get into them. I think it might help a lot more people get into owning them if there's an easy repair like that.
Similar problem with the old iMac G3s...
Great job !
ARCADE JASON, why is the ground wire from the monitors circuit boards to the chassis called a DAG wire? I'm not sure what DAG stands for or why they call it a DAG wire. I'm guessing all different types of arcade monitors always have the DAG wire because I have seen arcade monitors that are missing the DAG wire
Jesus it is just the on and off powerswitch that is broken. The switch has tow channels on for the soundboard on for the picture...
How do I order your pie position board ?
Thx for the education!
could you fix my vectrex????
nice!
Subscribed. 👍
Shango but for video games
I'm calling it now, horizontal deflection issue due to internal flyback failure
I was about to complain about running the analog board without the yoke giving improper output until I realized this circuit is digital and independent of the yoke coils.
Also the board on the back of the CRT is called a "neck board"
Something I can recommend doing is that automotive spark plugs are the perfect size to fit in most anode cups and give an excellent spark when you have high voltage
About 12 minutes in, shorted flyback windings. Transistor driving too much current and getting cooked tells me immedistely that the flyback has had a winding or two fail. It's not too late! Some of them can be re-waxed and repaired if you can get them out properly.
The case around the flyback is called a "cage"
The cage actually exists to stop RF emissions for radio interference regulations, as well as reduce xray output.
THANK YOU for that comment on the HV discharge. Even during operation these sets have less output energy than a 6 volt cars ignition system, and you could hold on to those and be alright...
This ain’t tail gunner 2 part 4. How dare you :)
lol the final tail gunner video was done a long time ago but the name might have been confusing ua-cam.com/video/xkrM4oKdIlo/v-deo.html
Explaining skills 8/10..filming skills 1/10...
Zomg!
Hello there
I am shocked it's a myth.