SCOPETREX

We build the Scopetrex from @TubeTimeUS .

#retrocomputers #retrogaming #vectrex

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Scopetrex on Github

Scopetrex PCBs from The Brewing Academy

[kenromaine]

Thank you for the Nice to see young techs learning about analog scopes. Please turn down the CRT brightness so not to burn spot on your CRT screen.

[lighta]

Subscribing! I love the laid-back approach with you all look like you are having fun! I have a scoptrex board I want to build, so this is so useful! I will be using a vectorscope with is different from an oscilloscope in that is uses an electrostatic CRT. This is supposed to give a much higher refresh rate.

[MacarioMorenoUK]

Great video, it brings back so many memories!

During my undergraduate (>20 yrs ago!) I used an identical Tektronix 2445. One of our assignments was to make a videogame on a 68k training board and have it rendered on the scope. The real purpose was to learn how to use ACIAs but many of us got carried away. I made a version of Block Out (3D Tetris) which didn't implement hidden line removal, thus was nearly impossible to play once you had stacked up more than a couple of layers; it was however quite pleasant to see. I recall having to be specially mindful of the timing and computing the number of times to redraw an edge according to its projected length on screen, so that the pieces at the bottom of the stack wouldn't be exceedingly bright in comparison to those on higher levels. The experience definitely gave me an appreciation for vector graphics arcades.

[_Bit]

That mysterious thingo is from Star Castle, another great Vectrex game :)

[bobtherieau]

I have to say that this is your finest frustration-filled vector-based episode ever. Oscilloscopy Forever!

[mentaldisorderrider]

Taylor. I love the way you make up your nails🎉. Now. Don't move the oscilloscope that hard!!!!😂'😂😂😂😂... soon there will be a third one❤

[GeoffintheGarage]

Look at those gorgeous green vector graphics! Thanks for putting this together and sharing. Veronica Explains recommended you a few days ago, and I have been burning through your backlog ever since!

[adriansdigitalbasement]

Hehe the video is fun. Glad you Tek 2445 is working as mine has issues with the attenuators which I recently tried (and failed) to fix. It's so awesome that vectrex replica exists!

[bitsinthebasement]

The thingy that looks like a "C" is from Star Castle, the inspiration for the best game ever, in the whole world ever, bar none to come out on the Atari 2600 --- "Yars' Revenge". Nice build and scope btw

[DrDavesDiversions]

Super cool! I did not know of this kit - another great modern retro project. Thanks for sharing it!

[DevilsHandyman]

I failed to buy a Vectrex when they were new despite my ability to do so so many years (decades) later I bought one and I love it. I'm glad you were able to get that all working.

[CurtisBoyle]

Can't quite tell, but the "Starship Enterprise" on the motherboard looks to be one of the two ships from 1977's Cinematronics vector game Space Wars (itself based on the PDP version from 15 years earlier), that charged a quarter for every 1:30 of play (and I spent *way* too much on it way back). I know it was ported to the Vectrex in 1982 and aside from added music, was pretty close to the arcade from what I remember. As others have mentioned, the nested hexagonal shapes is from Star Castle (also by Cinematronics in the arcade (1980) and on the Vectrex in 1983), another favourite of mine from back in the arcade days.
The sheer excitement and joy the two of you exuded when it worked (after getting a second oscilloscope) was worth the video!
P.S. Loved the guitar chord shirt in the key of D... and the mini Marshall stack. :)

[ThBeowulf]

Awesome!
I have two of these scopes and now, maybe something really fun to do with at least one of them.🤔

Thank you for demonstrating this!

[johnbiles]

The dot surrounded by parts of circles is from Star Castle, an early space game.

[sloopymalibu]

Wow! fresh video, and I get to watch first! I feel sooo special! :)

[devcybiko]

Seriously, I always wanted a Vectrex and could never justify the expense. This is a very cool project!

[tomraidna]

Pure fun, self deprecating humor, great entertainment!!

[VeronicaExplains]

This was such an exciting episode- I ended up watching it twice! Super fun and super neat!

[coffeecuparcade]

I enjoyed this episode so much! I love how you wait for the video to see if it all works, I do the same thing! Hahaha. You're story was amazing, I can't imagine how much time you spent on this. Happy to see it mostly working! That moment though when you both saw it fire up, that was priceless. Well done ladies! Rocking it

[DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

I wonder why you didn't go with the UDOO RYZEN Bolt V1000 Maker Board SBC and use Machine code and would have the required speed to make the SCOPETREX programming a breeze.