DegasElite

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing the news, Rick. It's incredible that the Chicago TI user group has been meeting regularly, and true to old school, in a library room, and there's videos of the meetings 👏 👏 Trivia about Scott Adams, Infocom ❤️
I miss those user group days. I told my wife recently that I want to fly to Texas to attend a T.A.C.O. Atari user group meeting.

Thank you Rick for allowing us the space here to help distribute as well as solicit contributions for the newsletter. It's a bit hard re-starting something that has been dormant for decades but I remember how excited I was to get each issue every month in the mail. There were many other excellent newsletters by other user groups and some are still being printed but this was the one that was most dear.
In restarting this we made a few changes. The first, of course, is that it will not be distributed by mail and it will be free of charge. The cost alone to mail this would be huge but today it's far easier to distribute it in PDF format which also allows us to print it in color. You download it, you print it, read it on your computer or on your phone. It's that simple. Now we will be printing hard copies for those who take the time to attend one of our meetings in person as well as having copies available at the TI Faire but the cost to print those is small vs a worldwide distribution.
So what is the purpose of this newsletter?
1. Nostagia - We're going to handpick some great articles, ads, programs and pictures from the good old days. Right now we have a bit more of this than we would like but until we start gaining fresh sources of new material, we have to fill the pages and I'm sure you do not want to see nothing but my ramblings LOL
2. Drum up support for the community and rekindle some of the fun we all had in better times. Sure we're a bit older and we have even lost a few great friends by way of relocation or in passing but communication is one of the most outstanding things in modern times and we can meet old freinds as well as new by means of great forums such as this and if a newsletter helps in a small way then so be it!
3. If I can create a newsletter in a few hours, so can you! If re-starting this newsletter helps nudge your group into doing the same, let's trade ideas and exchange newsletters and rediscover the special place in our hearts for this little machine we bought so long ago.
4. We'd like this to be an international edition. We've already gotten a few outside contributions and even a few from England.
 
Now before I end this long post, I'd like to ask everyone out there what they would like to see. What they liked about the first few issues and what we could make better. I'd also welcome articles, game and program reviews and we'll even accept small ads for new items for sale that would be of interest to the community. We want to make this the best we can and we could use your help!
Thanks again to this great forum for not only supporting the TI community but also allowing us this space. Thanks!

All: 
There's a great new TI newsletter available for everyone interested in the TI computers.  Please take a look here:  https://www.chicagotiug.org/chicago-times-newsletter
We're also lucky enough to have creator @John Behnke here. 
Please spread the word and make sure you ask any questions you might have or help you need here in the atari.io forums. 
 

I like to compare the TI to the other computer systems of the time because of all the time I spent in electronics stores as a kid after school.  I can remember noodling around on a TI display identical to the one above.  I remember being a bit cheesed-off that the screen was so high!  Not easy to see for a short kid.  Munch-man was the game I'd settle on from the demo and it was a lot of fun.  But also, it was pretty obvious that there was no "real" Pac-Man or any other licensed games.  Commodore had Gorf/Omega Race -- knowing how cheap Jack Tramiel was, how did they do that???  (This needs more research and would make an interesting topic on its own).
TI boxes were pretty boring, about the same as Commodore.  Atari had them both beat. 
But the display of the selection of games -- TI was great.  Commodore kiosks were tiny and you had to stoop low to see what they had. 
What would I do differently knowing the TI system so much better now?  They should have emphasized the voice module a lot more in the demos!  I think it would have blown people away to have the kiosk showing software that speaks! 
 

I rem how many really bad games I paid top dollar for because the selection of TI games in the beginning was so bad. One of the reasons I started making my own LOL.

I can't get over how small the monitors were that we used, the one in the pictures was 10"... of course we were much younger then and our eyesight much better.

I appreciate that they’re standardizing the CX78 Control Pad. It always should’ve been that way. 

Boxes are included, as with the Plaion re-release of Berzerk and release of Mr. Run & Jump. They are also including instructions this time! Here's a sample from "Ben at Plaion."

Good question!  I think they did the same thing with Berzerk and Mr. Run and Jump when those were on pre-order.  They did ship with boxes.  It may be worth a question on the Atari Discord.  I'll get back to you.
 

Are you sure that box is included? I think at the $30 mark, it's cartridge only despite what's shown in the product photo.

Re-releasing some old games that include a cart and box for $30.  Good deal if you ask me.  Pre-order now for shipment in May 2024
Ninja Golf:  https://atari.com/products/ninja-golf-7800
Food Fight:  https://atari.com/products/food-fight-7800
Fatal Run:  https://atari.com/products/fatal-run-7800

First attempt after a few practice runs to get used to the game: 2817. Game is hard. Wow, those graphics are...not great. 🙂 I will submit a better score and screenshot soon.

I am trying to decide whether to play on Atari 50 on VCS or load the ATR file on real hardware.  There's only one right answer for me....BOTH!  I'll let you know which one I like better.  🙂 

Also going to see if Pengo is already loaded on my modded PS1 Classic. 
Scores will be posted soon....
 

lol way to go @socrates63 I'm rooting for you!

738
🥇 FIRST place!! 
for now 😂

Let's get the word out about this Recharged Squad Challenge!
The more people participating the more fun the challenge!
Spread the word and invite friends to play!

Yoomp!
ATARI VCS/ATARI 8-BIT/ATARI 400 MINI
Controller: MODERN CONTROLLER / CLASSIC CONTROLLER / PLAYER'S CHOICE
Difficulty Level: Normal/Level 1 Start
Play on: Real Hardware/Emulation is OK ✔
Squad Challenge ends 11:59 pm PST APRIL 30, 2024
 
 
Objective
Play for the highest possible score using the difficulty settings defined in the challenge. Post a photo or YouTube video of your score in this thread. Scores must be achieved between April 1 through April 30, 2024. Screen captures are not allowed as they are more easily manipulated for falsified scores. Multiple submissions are permitted. The player with the highest score at the end of the competition is the victor!
 
Eligibility
This is a Club VCS Exclusive Challenge. All Club VCS players are welcome!
 
Play Rules
This is a special cross-platform challenge. Games may be played on real hardware or using emulation. Choosing which controller to play on is part of formulating your strategy. Enhancements, rewinds and hacked versions of this game are not allowed.
 
Difficulty Level
We are playing YOOMP for the Atari 8-bit computers! Start the game at Level 1 and play until game over for the highest score possible!
 
Fair Play
Your integrity is everything. Players should play fairly, be honest, and have fun! Falsified scores will result in your immediate removal from the site. It goes without saying that we will not allow cheats, hacks, cartridge frying, enhancements, rewinds, deceitful photo manipulation, subterfuge, or any other unfair advantage. Everybody hates a cheater.
 
More
To review detailed rules on how to play, please visit the High Score Squad page here: 
 
 
Message
Welcome to our 26th Club VCS Recharged Squad Challenge!!! For this challenge, we're celebrating the release of the ATARI 400 MINI by playing the Atari 8-bit game YOOMP!   Play on the VCS via Atari 50, on real Atari 8-bit hardware, on the 400 MINI, or using your A8 emulator of choice!
Yoomp! is the winner of the 2007 ABBUC software competition. Like a combination of Trailblazer and an often-seen demoscene effect, you fall down a tube, landing on each square progressively in a rhythmic manner. Landing on certain tiles will have certain effects, such as making the screen quake, decreasing the brightness or forcing you to jump. Navigating the tube itself is a matter of planning ahead and compensating for your limited movement capabilities. This game is freeware and can be downloaded on the Yoomp website.
Start at LEVEL ONE and take the game as far as you can for the high score!
 
Club VCS Recharged Squad Contest
This game is the fourth title in our fifth Club VCS contest giveaway! Prize details will be announced shortly.   This time we're going a full 12 rounds with the winner announced in January 2025!
 
1)  All challenge participants will receive one (1) entry for each challenge in which they submit a valid score!
2) The top scorer of each challenge will receive two (2) additional entries - for a total of three (3) entries in a single challenge!
3) On Twitch or Youtube?  Stream or record and post your ClubVCS high score attempt for one (1) additional entry in each round.  You must post a public link to the video in the Challenge.
This contest is open to everybody, including Atari I/O Moderators, with a U.S. or Canada  mailing address. It's really easy, all you have to do is participate be a Club VCS member and participate in our Recharged Squad Challenges.
 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/REVECTOR-2004-by-Craig-Aker-CIB-2005-Prod.-Mark-Shaker--VECTREX-Kousokusen-/256222076167

REVECTOR 2004 by Craig Aker CIB 2005 Prod. Mark Shaker - For VECTREX Kousokusen 光速船 
RevɘtoЯ 
REVECTOR  
Author Craig Aker 
Game Creation: Year 2004 
Game Publisher: Mark's Vectrex Carts, Mark Shaker 
Production release year: 2005 
Platform: Vectrex / Kousokusen / 光速船 
A battle game. similar in feel to other tank battle games,. 
Mission Goal:
Your goal is to out score your opponent in a 7 minute timed match. You can score points by shooting your opponent or by picking up power-up items. Revector can be operated player 1 vs. the Vectrex, or player 1 vs. player 2 simultaneous if you have 2 Vectrex gaming controllers. Revector features a rather unique vehicle control system with the joystick controlling both rotation and thrust. Power-up's include points, health, energy, weapons, invisibility and more ... 
Comes with 
 • REVECTOR Game Cartridge. 
 • Game Instructions. 
 • Clamshell Game Box. 
 • Clamshell game box includes Cover Art insert. 
 • Board housed in Reproduction Vectrex Cartridge shell by Sean Kelly.
 • Cartridge shell comes with REVECTOR cartridge label.
 • Complete in box. 
 • Like New In Box. 
 • Tested. 
 • Working. 
Included in this listing as shown in pictures:
 • REVECTOR 2004 by Craig Aker,  Published 2005 by Mark Shaker. Like New, Complete In Box (CIB). 
BIN Price: $180.00 Or Best Offer
BIN price is available up to 13 hours before the end of the auction listing. Send me a message if you want o buy at this price.
This Vectrex item is compatible with, and for play in, all regions of the Vectrex video game system by Milton Bradley (MB), General Consumer Electronics (GCE), and Bandai バンダイ (光速船 / Kousokusen). Vectrex games, Controllers, 3D Imagers, and other accessories are not region specific to a particular Vectrex console. The manual language printing (Canada dual / Europe multi / Japan), box printing (Canada dual / Europe multi / Japan), and overlay printing (Japan) are the only differences. 
The Vectrex is a classic 1982 vector graphics based video game system created by Smith Engineering and General Consumer Electronics (GCE). Later purchased and marketed by Milton Bradley (MB) as well as licensed for distribution and sale in Japan by Bandai. Made in 1982, 1983, and 1984.  
. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/REVECTOR-2004-by-Craig-Aker-CIB-2005-Prod.-Mark-Shaker--VECTREX-Kousokusen-/256222076167. 
#REVECTOR  #RevɘtoЯ  #Craig  #Aker #2004 Vectrex  #Kousokusen  #光速船
 

FA: Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM)
By Arcade Jason (Jason Kopp) and Ralph Kornmann/
174+ Games.
Serial #630.
Black PCB.
Installed in a Toxic Green cart shell with label.
Comes inside a Clear Vectrex Cart Protector.
.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256247334496
.
#Vectrex #光速船 #Kousokusen


Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM)
Author: Arcade Jason (Jason Kopp) and Ralph Kornmann
Creation Year: 2021
Production Year 2022
Installed into the Vectrex cart shell and labeled by Vectrexer
For Vectrex / 光速船 / Kousokusen

Tested.
Working.
BETTER THAN NEW! Originally delivered as a board only. Installed inside an protective and easy to handle Vectrex cart shell!

For use with General Consumer Electronics (GCE) / Milton Bradley (MB) / Bandai (バンダイ) Vectrex 光速船 Kousokusen video game system.

Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM). By Arcade Jason Kopp & Ralph Karmann. From a SVM run made in December of 2021 with a Black Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Pre-installed with original GCE/MB Vectrex games. Homebrew indie games and demos. Diagnostic and utility Vectrex programs. 174 various Vectrex program titles. Some of the included program files are a multi-game image file with two, or more, included games. e.g. "Vecmania", "Protector/YASI", etc.

• Super Multicart (SVM) Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
• Custom code to control board LED by Ralph Kornmann.
• Custom reproduction Vectrex game cart shell, in "Toxic Green" color by Sean Kelly,
• Game Cartridge Shell custom modified to hold the SVM PCB.
• Cart Label Art Design by Dino T. Manzella.
• Comes inside a RetroProtection Clear Vectrex Box Protector.
• Relatively low serial number "#630".
• Black color printed circuit board (PCB).

Software on the SVM Cart:
• Super Vectrex Multicart Menu Software.
• 174+ Various Vectrex game types, education, demos, utilities, and diagnostic and test programs.

Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM) Usage Overview Video: A look at The new Super Vectrex multi cart - YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aktsV90lcY&ab_channel=ArcadeJason


Included in this listing as shown in pictures:
• Super Vectrex Multicart game PCB by Arcade Jason (Jason Kopp) and Ralph Kornmann. Serial # 630.
• Translucent Reproduction Vectrex Cartridge Shell by Sean Kelly in "Toxic Green" color. Specially modified to fit the Super Vectrex Multicart PCB.
• Super Vectrex Multicart game cartridge label. Label Art Design by Dino T. Manzella.
• Both items above are delivered inside a RetroProtection Clear Vectrex Box Protector.

Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM) Usage notes and ROMs titles List of the 174+ Games, Educational, Demo, Utilities, and Testing.

All programs included are authorized for use on SVM by their respective owners and creators.

Titles is located here: https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.vectrex/c/LaYA-7N1ako/m/RjlVnmhTAwAJ

For those people on Facebook, The Files section of Vectrex Fan Unite! Facebook also has Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM) Usage notes and ROMs titles List of the 174+ Games, Educational, Demo, Utilities, and Testing Titles is located here.: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vectrex/files/files

Also, see below for program list and usage instructions.

This Vectrex item is compatible with, and for play in, all regions of the Vectrex video game system by Milton Bradley (MB), General Consumer Electronics (GCE), and Bandai バンダイ (光速船 / Kousokusen). Vectrex games, Controllers, 3D Imagers, and other accessories are not region specific to a particular Vectrex console. The manual language printing (Canada dual / Europe multi / Japan), box printing (Canada dual / Europe multi / Japan), and overlay printing (Japan) are the only differences.

The Vectrex is a classic 1982 vector graphics based video game system created by Smith Engineering and General Consumer Electronics (GCE). Later purchased and marketed by Milton Bradley (MB) as well as licensed for distribution and sale in Japan by Bandai. Made in 1982, 1983, and 1984.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Vectrex-Multicart-2021-Jason-Kopp-174+-Games-Toxic-Green-LED-Serial-Number-630/256247334496

#####
Super Vectrex Multicart ©2021,©2022,©2023 by Arcade Jason / Ralf Kornmann.
Usage notes and ROMs titles list.

Usage notes and titles list in this document were compiled from various posts.

Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM) Usage Notes:

Super Vectrex Multicart title selection functionality as used with the Vectrex Reset button. SVM supports a feature to use the Vectrex front panel "Reset" button in two different ways. A quick press. Or a long (greater than 1 second) press.

Using the quick press feature of the Reset button will result in restarting the currently selected ROM title.

Using the long press feature of the Reset button will result in returning to the SVM Main Menu allowing for selecting of a different ROM title.

Some of the ROMs in the titles list are a multiple game title ROM in themselves. (e.g.: All Good Things.) After selecting the ROM the player will be presented with the title's menu inside the ROM for choosing other individual games inside the ROM.

Some of the ROMs below require accessory hardware in order to start and use the title. Such as a Vectrex 3D Imager, Light Pen, or third party spinner controller.

All "3D" ROM titles requiring the Vectrex 3D Imager will show a blank display after starting the game without the 3D Imager attached. (e.g.: "3D Crazy Coaster", 3D MineStorm", etc.) This is expected and normal operation for a 3D title. To see game play graphics displayed plug a 3D Imager into Vectrex Controller Port 2.

All ROMs requiring the Vectrex Light Pen (LightPen) will provide only limited usage after starting the title without the Light Pen attached. (e.g.: "Art Master", "Mail Plane", etc.) The title will start and the game can be selected. But actions needing the Light Pen will be unavailable. (e.g.: In Mail Plane game play destination selection and package loading cannot be accomplished.)

Original era and homebrew ROMs requiring extra RAM on the printed circuit board (PCB) are not supported by the Super Vectrex Multicart. No RAM exists on the SVM PCB. Those titles are not included on the SVM. (e.g.: "Animaction") Extra RAM was not included on the SVM PCB to keep the sale price as low as possible.

All titles in the list noted with "(IL)" are a modified version of the title with infinite lives for use by the player.

All titles in the list noted with "(Invincibility)" are a modified version of the title where the player cannot be hit and killed.

All titles in the list noted with "(Level Select)" are a modified version of the title where the player can choose the starting level.

All titles in the list noted with "(Spinner)" are a modified version of the title enabled to use a spinner controller. Usually in controller port 2.

All titles in the list noted with "(Button)" are a modified version of the title enabled to use a the controller's buttons to control player moevement.

All titles in the list noted with "(Joystick)" are a modified version of the title enabled to use a the controller's joystick to control player movement.

All titles in the list noted with "(2D)" are a modified version of the title enabled to operate without the use of a Vectrex 3D Imager.

All titles in the list noted with "(BCG)" are a ports from BASIC games by Ralf Kornmann based on the original games in the 1973 edition of "101 BASIC Computer Games" by David H. Ahl.

All titles in the list noted with "(Speed)" are a modified version of the title incorporating increased speed of one or more game design elements as compared with the original title. (e.g: For Berzerk (Speed) the player, bullets, robots and Evil Otto all move a bit quicker.)


Super Vectrex Multicart (SVM) Games, Educational, Demo, Utilities, and Testing Titles list:
• 23Matches (BCG)
• 3D Crazy Coaster (IL)
• 3D Crazy Coaster
• 3D MineStorm (IL)
• 3D MineStorm
• 3D Narrow Escape (IL)
• 3D Narrow Escape
• 3D Scape Demo Collection
• 3D Stars
• 3d vector space cab
• 99 Luftballons
• Acey Ducey (BCG)
• All Good Things
• Armor Attack
• Art Master
• Auld Lang Syne
• AY38912
• Bagels (BCG)
• Bedlam (IL)
• Bedlam
• Berzerk (IL)
• Berzerk (Speed)
• Berzerk
• Birds Of Prey (Joystick)
• Blitz!
• Blue Sky Racer
• C19 MusicBox
• Call Me
• Cantina Band
• Chimney Hunt
• Clean Sweep (IL)
• Clean Sweep
• Climax Slideshow
• Continuum
• Cosmic Chasm (IL)
• Cosmic Chasm (Spinner)
• Cosmic Chasm
• Crossfire
• Dark Tower
• DarkTower (IL)
• doodle jump
• Doodle LP
• Doodle
• Dots
• Draft4
• Engine Analyzer
• Every Day is Halloween
• floor is lava
• Fortress of Narzod (IL)
• Fortress of Narzod
• FrogsNFlies
• GhostbustersII Music
• Glider Rider Music
• Gravitrex
• GWSL
• Handy Pick Hank!
• Heads Up
• Hex
• hexed
• Hyperchase
• Jingle Bell Hero
• Joystick Test
• Karl Quappe
• knightex
• Light Pen Test
• Lord Of Robots
• Mail Plane
• marinefox
• MegaApocalypse
• Melody Master
• Mine Storm 1 (Level Select)
• Mine Storm 1
• Mine Storm 2
• MineStorm 2 (Buttons)
• MineStorm 2 (IL)
• MineStorm 2 (Invincibility)
• minex
• Monty OTR Music
• MoonLander
• Mr. Boston
• Nagoya Attack beta
• Narrow Escape (2D)
• Omega Chase
• OregonTrail (1978)
• Overseer
• Patriots
• Patriots3
• PegSolitaire
• Performancevx
• PitchersDuel
• Polar Rescue
• Pole Position
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Quick Shot
• Raid Over Vectrexia!
• RaidingParty
• RAM Test
• Release
• Repulse
• Rip Off
• Rockaroids
• RockaroidsRemix (Spinner)
• rotor
• Royal21
• Scramble (IL)
• Scramble
• Sectis
• Skull Shot
• Solar Quest (Buttons)
• Solar Quest (IL)
• Solar Quest
• Space Force!
• Space Frenzy (Spinner)
• Space Race
• Space Wars
• spidex
• Spike (IL)
• Spike Balloons
• Spike Hoppin
• Spike
• Spinball (IB)
• Spinball
• Spinner Test
• Spud
• Star Castle (IL)
• Star Castle
• Star Fire Spirits
• Star Hawk
• Star Trek (IL)
• Star Trek
• stevedore
• Super Simon
• Test Cart v4
• The Dice
• Thrust (Spinner)
• TouchMe
• Tour de France
• Tower (BCG)
• Turkey Pop
• unblockme
• upsidedown
• Veccy Bird
• VecDrum
• Vec-Man
• Vecmania-1
• Vecmania-2
• vecribbon-demo
• VecTalk
• Vectopia
• Vector Pong
• Vector21
• VectorClock
• VectorVaders
• Vectrex UFO!
• Ventilator
• V-Frogger
• V-THEREMIN
• WAM
• War of the Robots
• warrior
• Web Wars (IL)
• Web Wars
• Wormhole (Spinner)
• wwry
• Xandoz
• Xmas Space Race
• XmasCart 2014
• XmasCart 2015
• Zantis
• ZOAXMAS
• Zodiac
• ZSB

Seriously, you should make a YT video about using ChimeraOS to run Steam on the VCS.  (And I do enjoy your gameplay videos.)
I keep seeing these comments that are like, "Why doesn't Atari put all  their games on the VCS!?"
And I'm like, "Dude, just use PC Mode..."
 

It played my ATS flawlessly. Whoever said the VCS couldn’t handle graphic intensive games was wrong. ATS has some impressive graphics. Not on the scale of CoD but can still be demanding. 
 
On my gaming PC ATS started crashing a lot. It never crashed or bogged down on the VCS. I’ll try it out with Borderlands 2 & 3, ETS 2, Sniper Elite, Saint’s Row, and Pac-Man CE DX. I’m curious at what the VCS is really capable of doing.
Keep in mind mine has been upgraded to 16 GB of RAM. However the AMD chipsets Atari used are nothing to sneeze at. Those processors are gaming processors pure and simple. 

It took me a while but Debian and Steam are installed. And look what my VCS is playing:

That’s American Truck Simulator on an Atari! It just loaded. I’ll make one delivery and let you know how the trip goes.

@Atari 5200 Guy glad you've been able to get Debian up and running. The cool thing about PC-Mode is that it doesn't require any modification to the original system specs.  So the integrity of the VCS doesn't need to be compromised.
I've been having a lot of fun playing Steam via ChimeraOS on my VCS. I have three VCSs (because there are three colorways of course), but I'm intentionally using my stock 8GB VCS for testing & talking about it, because I think it's cool to test the unmodified base spec. Increasing the RAM to 16GB or 32GB really improves performance and is easily done, so I may compare performance side-by-side eventually.
 
 
 

I was very hesitant about doing the PC Mode because I take original integrity seriously. Probably more than I should honestly. Im doing this for a few reasons.
Reason 1: The VCS has more modern PC chipsets in it than my gaming PC has ATM. It also has a much smaller footprint.
Reason 2: I want to join in on this month’s VCS challenge. While I could use my gaming PC I thought using the VCS would simply be cool.
Reason 3: We all need to face facts…all gaming consoles will reach the end of production and support. The Atari VCS will not be immune to this. If I can extend its ability to keep gaming then I’m all for it.
Reason 4: I would like to see if it can handle my large Steam library.
Those are my reasons. I’d rather play my VCS than XBOX to be honest. Long live Atari!

Debian on the VCS is underway.  Please stand by…