View Full Version : Few Vectrex questions.
Urzu402
12-04-2013, 12:09 PM
How wobbly is the joystick supposed to be, the controller I got is a little wobbly, but from what I can tell it registers all 8 directions still.
Sometimes the buttons lock up untill I push the Joystick in a direction, this mainly happens with Berzerk, is this normal?
The last question I have is how do you tell when a Vectrex's display is off center? I don't have any overlays either so I can't tell by them.
bb_hood
12-04-2013, 06:43 PM
How wobbly is the joystick supposed to be, the controller I got is a little wobbly, but from what I can tell it registers all 8 directions still.
Sometimes the buttons lock up untill I push the Joystick in a direction, this mainly happens with Berzerk, is this normal?
Doesn't sound normal. Ive had a few vectrex systems in the past, and the joysticks were all firm. Not wobbly.
Urzu402
12-04-2013, 07:00 PM
The wobbling of the joystick to me doesn't seem to be too big an issue, It happens when the joystick is in it's neutral position. Also I am afraid of breaking the joystick springs if I push it too hard, how durable are Vectrex controller joysticks?
Mangar
12-04-2013, 07:12 PM
Wobbly isn't normal.
However - I strongly suggest you find someone local, or attend a show where there is a fully working Vectrex to see for yourself. If you didn't grow up in that sort of classic era, your version of "wobbly" might not be mine. I *HAVE* seen Wobbly Vectrex controllers before, and they aren't normal. It means somethings wrong. It's best to find a sort of baseline, to test yours against. Same with a system.
As a side note: I love my Vectrex. It's the only classic console I still have hooked up, as emulation can NEVER do it justice. It's worth really finding a pristine system, and seeing how yours compares to it.
Urzu402
12-04-2013, 07:50 PM
Well if I leave the joystick rest in neutral position, it doesn't like tilt in any way or anything, but what I am referring to as being wobbly is letting the joystick rest and then say put your finger on top of it, let your finger glide over it and it slightly tilts in the direction you move your finger. Also when pushing it into each of the eight main directions it does snap back to the middle.
Greg2600
12-04-2013, 08:41 PM
There are a couple springs in the joystick for both axes. Often they wear out or break. Opening a controller is no fun either, believe me!
It should definitely spring back to center and stay centered. Pushing it to the side even a little bit should result in a shot back to center position.
As for screen centering.... Not sure. If only you could get an overlay for a game like Star Castle. That would help you a lot.