Here are various vector games running on a scope.


A picture of Space Duel running on a scope

Running Space Duel on the scope requires basically the same steps as running the Tempest. To run Space Duel there are two things needed, the power for the vector outputs and a way to disabe the POR reset line. The first thing you MUST do is to desolder/clip the outputs (pin 3) of the 7815 (VR3) and 7915 (VR1) regulators away from the PCB. If you do not, they will get HOT and be destroyed! Once you clip/desolder the leads of the regulators then you can hook +12V and -12V to the +15V and -15V testpoints, also don't forget +5V and GND. Next you will have to disable the POR reset by jumping +5V onto pin 3 of IC F7 (74LS14 hex inverter). Now I simply hooked my Channel 1 to the Y OUT and my channel 2 to the X OUT testpoints (set the scope to XY) and bingo, Space Duel on a scope. Notice the many retrace lines as there is no Z shutoff to kill the beam during a retrace. By the way, this game had no output and the watchdog was pulsing. Re-seating ROM R1 fixed the PCB.


A picture of the setup of the PCB


A picture of Tempest running on a scope

Since I do not have a vector monitor or the Atari power supply (ARII), I had to come up with a way to use my scope and a computer supply. To do this there are two things needed, the power for the vector outputs and the reset line using +10V for the POR circuit. The first thing you MUST do is to desolder/clip the outputs (pin 3) of the 7815 (VR3) and 7915 (VR1) regulators away from the PCB. Then you can hook +12V and -12V to the +15V and -15V testpoints, also don't forget +5V and GND. Next you will have to ground pin 2 of IC E6 (hex inverter). This is a simple way of getting the board out of permanent Power On Reset and you don't need to fiddle with finding a +10V source. Now I simply hooked my Channel 1 to the Y OUT and my channel 2 to the X OUT testpoints (set the scope to XY) and bingo, Tempest on a scope. Notice the retrace lines as there is no Z shutoff to kill the beam during a retrace.


A picture of the entire setup


Starcastle running on a scope.

I'm getting the signals after the two DAC chips on the monitor PCB, just after the X and Y adjustment pots.

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