HardLabs

Vectrex cart

rattboi·vectrex-cart·hardware/veccart.kicad_pcb

Vectrex cart PCB layout, top view — open source STM32 board by rattboi

About the Vectrex cart PCB

Vectrex cart is an open source STM32 PCB design by rattboi, published on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 48 × 65.5 mm, with 47 components from 24 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the STM32F411RCTx, from the STM32 family. Other key parts include the LM1117-3.3, 74HC32, SN74LVC8T245DB and W25Q128. By type, the board carries 13 diodes, 13 capacitors, 6 resistors, 5 ICs, 3 connectors and 1 crystal.

It belongs with the usb & debug tools designs in this gallery.

From the project

OSHW Vectrex Programmer's Cart

We're carrying on and pushing forward the amazing work of Sprite_tm and his Extreme Vectrex Multicart. He posted the code (GPLv3 License) and lots of screens of the PCB/initial schematic, but he never released the PCB. It's a great base for an inexpensive and open multicart, for developers and players alike!

Be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel for updates! Here's my Vectrex playlist if you want to stay laser focused on this project.

Vectrex cart, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the Vectrex cart

LM1117-3.3STM32F411RCTx74HC32SN74LVC8T245DBW25Q128

Vectrex cart bill of materials (BOM)

47 components, 24 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
LM1117-3.3
U1
1
STM32F411RCTx
U2
1
74HC32
U3
1
SN74LVC8T245DB
U4
1
W25Q128
U5
1
8MHz
Y1
1
vectrex-edge-connector
CON1
1
USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0
J1
1
Conn_01x06_Male
J2
1
Jumper_NO_Small
JP1
2
Mounting_Hole_D3.6mm
hole1, hole3
1
Mounting_Hole_D5.1mm
hole2
2
Mounting_Hole_D4.1mm
hole4, hole5
2
MBR0520
D1, D2
1
LED
D3
10
APA102-2020
D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10, D11 +2
4
2.2u
C1, C2, C6, C7
6
100nF
C3, C4, C5, C10, C11, C12
2
18pF
C8, C9
1
47u
C13
Show 4 more
QtyPartRefs
2
22
R1, R2
1
10k
R3
1
220
R4
2
5.1k
R5, R6

Vectrex cart design files

The KiCad project lives in the rattboi/vectrex-cart repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Vectrex cart: common questions

What microcontroller does the Vectrex cart use?

The Vectrex cart is built around the STM32F411RCTx, from the STM32 family.

How big is the Vectrex cart PCB?

The Vectrex cart measures 48 × 65.5 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Vectrex cart?

47 components, from 24 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Vectrex cart design files?

From the rattboi/vectrex-cart repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Vectrex cart design in my own project?

Yes, under the terms of its GPL-3.0 license, which rattboi chose for the repository.

Can I test firmware for the Vectrex cart without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug STM32 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

Similar boards