VECTIS: Bus operations simulation
by Dave Parker
| This page provides a three step guide to downloading and setting up the VECTIS bus operations simulator. Based on part of the Isle of Wight bus network, the user is challenged to run the system for a day. The simulator realistically allows for different seasons, times of day, bus sizes, customer behaviour, breakdowns and much more. You control twenty buses (four different sizes) on seven routes, working from 6 depots. Despite the age of the simulation and the fairly basic graphics (by today's standards) the game is still very playable (and even addictive!). If you're still undecided, have a look at some of the screen shots in the instructions (step 3 below). | ||
Step 1:Download the Spectrum 'emulator' |
Click to download emulator approx 260k Help! |
Notes: This emulator (a programme that 'emulates' the operation of a Sinclair Spectrum computer on your PC) is by Vaggelis Kapartzianis. It is designated 'Freeware' which means there is no charge for its use (full details are included in the .ZIP file). I would like to offer my thanks to Vaggelis, as without the emulator, my VECTIS programme would not work on a PC. Please note, I am unable to provide technical support (however it should be fairly easy to set up and use). After downloading, unzip the three application files (this is usually automatic) and store them in a directory. I suggest the emulator and the Vectis programme (step 2) could be saved in their own directory together. *When downloading files from the internet, always select SAVE rather than OPEN to avoid risking a virus attack. This file has passed my checks but it's a good idea to get into the habit of checking the saved file prior to opening it. Tell me how. |
Step 2:Download VECTIS |
Download from here approx 16k Help! |
Notes: This software is Freeware (see license agreement). It was written by the author of this website, Dave Parker in 1986 for a Sinclair Spectrum computer and adapted for the PC in January 2004. I would be interested in your feedback, good or bad, but cannot promise to provide technical support (however it should be fairly easy to set up and use). I am considering a new version which will simulate busy holiday Sunday traffic patterns. I don't have any idea yet when this might be available. If you'd like me to keep you updated with progress, please here. *When downloading files from the internet, always select SAVE rather than OPEN to avoid risking a virus attack. This file has passed my checks but it's a good idea to get into the habit of checking the saved file prior to opening it. Tell me how. |
Step 3:How to run the bus simulation |
Instructions page here or instructions in PDF format here |
Notes: You may wish to save (or print) these instructions on your computer for future reference. Use the {Save as ..} tab in the {File} menu. However I'm expecting to revise the instructions based on user feedback so you may also wish to bookmark this page in order to get updates when available. Note, in the .PDF format, the links do not work. |
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 Email: Dave Parker |
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VECTIS ©1986-2015 Dave Parker