Ben Heckendorn
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Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Controller Monitor lights up your latency
Ben Heck's latest device isn't gonna help you take your next-gen gaming on the go, nor will it let you play with one hand. Instead, the Xbox 360 Controller Monitor is designed to test gamepad latency using a data cable hooked up directly to each button and fed into a 8 x 8 inch display board. Each action lights up the corresponding indicator, and it includes three levels of sensitivity for each cardinal direction of the joysticks and shoulder triggers. At $600 (controller and AA batteries included), it's not exactly something for the hobbyists out there, but already this thing's got some major gaming street cred: it's currently being used for playtesting on Mass Effect 2, the new Wolfenstein, and the just announced Modern Warfare 2.
Portable Wii mod renders this Wii portable, modded
Better keep an eye out, Mr. Heckendorn -- we know that the modding community is pretty cut throat -- just like the Ice Pirates in that movie, uh, Ice Pirates -- and now it looks like there's another young hotshot on the scene. Fifteen year old modista Xteaphn (that's pronounced Steven, folks) has a little sideline going on custom-made portable hardware, with several mods to his name -- including this pint-sized, battery-powered Wii. The thing is tiny -- it's dwarfed by a 13-inch notebook -- and a full charge will give it about an hour of play. Stunning video after the break.
Ben Heck's new 360 laptop, the Xbox 360 Portable [update]
We're not really sure what causes Ben Heckendorn's obsession with cramming large electronic devices into smaller electronic devices, but we certainly admire it. Having already created several Xbox 360 laptops, BenHeck has done it again, this time adding several improvements. The Xbox 360 Portable comes with three new features unseen on previous models, which include built in WiFi, Memory Unit slots, and a removable hard drive. The removable hard drive and Memory Unit slots are an especially nice feature, as they allow for easy trasportation and swapping of data. The keyboard is gone (pointless when we have the Chatpad, says Ben), and the extra space has been outfitted with lots of ventilation. You wouldn't want one of these babies to overheat, after all.Check out a video of the 360 Portable after the break. Head over to BenHeck's official site for a look at how the laptop was built, including lots of pictures.[Update: The THQ contest is actually over. However, it looks like BenHeck still has yet to reveal the prize laptop itself, which will be identical to the Xbox 360 Portable with additional artwork on the case.]
Ben Heck looks under the 60GB Xbox 360's hood
Tech guru Ben Heck has taken a sledgehammer and hacksaw to the new 60GB Xbox 360 to see what changes have been made inside. What he found was ... well, pretty much the same stuff that's been there for a bit. Sure, there's the bigger hard drive, but the only other main difference seems to be the placement of some (allegedly) heat-tastic memory chips.There may be some other differences for those looking further back into the Xbox 360's past, but it seems like Heck is jumping off from the point where the extra heatsink had been added. If you've got an original Xbox 360 from way back in the day, there may be a few other changes, but all the cool kids have had their RRoD by now and gotten newer Xbox 360 iterations.
Ben Heck does it again with Atari 7800 portable
There's no stopping this guy, and now he's built himself an Atari 7800 portable just to make sure the kiddie hackers know who's the Heckendornest. Ben Heck built the 7800 portable with a 7-inch widescreen to accommodate that larger motherboard on the 7800 (compared to the 2600). Apparently large, complex motherboards just don't phase him anymore. The unit boasts rechargeable batteries, a combination driving / paddle controller, and an A/V output jack. Ben, you're a legend.
Ben Heck and eDimensional's Access Controller for one-handed gamers
Leave it to Ben Heck to create something that's not only cool, but also good for humanity. We've had our eyes on the Access Controller, and now it has an actual retail channel and final design. The eDimensional Access Controller enables one-handed gaming in a completely modular design. Each control function module can be rearranged based on the gamer's needs -- even the act of rearranging of modules can be done with one hand. Ben, the nice guy that he is, also includes a custom module-creation guide if you're so inclined. The controller is also designed with a concave back to sit comfortably on either a table or leg and uses 2.4GHz wireless. eDimensional is taking preorders now, and the unit is compatible with PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PC. To top it all off, a portion of the $129.99 you spend will go to Children's Hospital and Veterans Medical centers. We feel all good inside.
Strum with your feet! Ben Heck goes Guitar Hero
It's been a looong time since the first 360 Laptop, and console modder extraordinaire, Ben Heckendorn, has been busy. His newest project is designed to allow users to use their Guitar Hero controllers with a single hand. The controller plugs into a modified Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul wireless controller, and operates the strumming and whammy. Placing ones foot into the pedal depresses the heel and inserts ones toes into the metal trough. Tapping your toes and foot up and down is the equivalent of strumming, and raising your heel is the equivalent of the whammy bar. Plus, they look cool. From laptops to controllers, you're doing some pretty unique things Ben, keep up the great work!More kick-ass photos after the break.
SNES modded into handheld by Ben Heck forum member
Sure, you've seen the portable wooden SNES, but if you've been looking for something with more of that fresh-off-the-showroom-floor sheen, maybe you should check into this Ben Heck-forum user's design. Using a modified Polycase, dual lithium-ion batteries, a 5-inch Zenith LCD, and a whole bunch of Super Nintendo, the modder created what could easily be mistaken for a bona-fide production model. Sure, the back looks a tad bit messy, but "Life of Brian" (the SNES fan in question) has managed to squeeze in a second controller port and A/V outs -- no small feat. Check the video after the break to see the handheld in action... a lot of action... like, the guy plays StarFox for a long time.[Via Switched]
One handed 360 controller redux
That crazy Ben Heckendorn is at it again. No he's not shoving an Xbox 360 into an even tinier laptop (360book Air, anyone?), but instead making some refinements to his one-handed controller. The new controller is much smaller, and also a little bit easier on the eyes than his previous model. With the right stick on the top, and face buttons, triggers, and bumpers on the bottom, it's got everything you need for some one handed fragging. The right stick, in case you're wondering, is meant to be placed on a leg or available surface, thus manipulating the stick by moving the controller itself. Pretty ingenious if you ask us. Don't go crazy trying to procure one for yourself though, as it wasn't intended for mass consumption. Ben's other one handed controller, called the Access, on the other hand, is soon to be made available to the masses.[Via Engadget]
Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop
Modding wunderkind Benjamin Heckendorn has unveiled his latest invention: The Xbox 360 Elite laptop. If this seems vaguely familiar it's probably because you're remembering Heck's Xbox 360 laptop how-to design guides from last spring. The difference here is that this one is a modded Elite with built-in camera and other upgrades (video after the break).If you're just hearing Heckendorn's name for the first time here, please feel free to take a trip down memory lane. Other mods of interest created last year include the Wii laptop and the freaky PS360 gamepad.[Via Engadget]
Ben Heck's mystery product revealed to be Audio FX Pro 5+1 headset
After teasing us for a couple of months, modder extraordinaire (and Engadget contributor) Ben Heckendorn has finally taken the wraps off his mystery commercial product, now revealed to be a gaming headset. Dubbed the Audio FX Pro 5+1, the USB (non-wireless) headset opts for an old school look but packs its share of newfangled features, including internal motors for some force feedback action, along with some virtual 5.1 surround sound. As a bonus, Ben Heck's also responsible for the product's packaging, which includes some copy you're not likely to find anywhere else ("hear the cries of dying noobs with perfect digital clarity"), not to mention some faithfully reproduced bullet holes that Ben himself created in a fit of rage inspiration. As promised, the headset also comes in at under $100 ($80, specifically), and is available for pre-order from eDimensional now, although there's no word yet on when it'll ship.[Via Joystiq]
Ben Heck lends his hand to emulation-friendly Gameport handheld
It looks like those not able to get their own one-of-a-kind Ben Heck creation could soon be able to get their hands on the next best thing, as Ben (whose work on Engadget can be found here) has now lent some of his considerable talents to the forthcoming Gameport handheld, which promises to let you get your old school emulation fix with no questions asked. While the Gameport isn't entirely Ben's doing, he did design the casing for the device, not to mention pick the name for it. The non-Ben Heck aspects of the device seem to be decent enough as well, with it boasting a 480 x 234 LCD display (the exact size isn't clear), an SD slot to handle all storage needs, and even a port to connect two systems together for multiplayer games. According to Ben, only Atari 2600 and Colecovision games are supported for the time being, although emulation of other systems will apparently be possible through software upgrades (it'll also function as a basic PMP). Unfortunately, it's still in prototype form, so it looks like we'll have to wait a while to get an idea of pricing or availability.[Via Ben Heck]
Ben Heckendorn's 7-year anniversary VCSp portAtari
Seven years after the inimitable Ben Heckendorn's original VCSp, we're presented with the latest iteration in his portable console's lineage. The new VCSp is apparently Ben's most finely crafted portable Atari system to date, even featuring the skillful placement of cartridge-as-screen-shade and the fine white plastic frame roughly the size of a chunky Game Boy Advance. The best part: if you ask nicely (can hack up some cash) Ben might even consider making one for you. Just tell 'im Engadget sent ya.
Ben Heck's latest: Atari VCSp Revision 7
What does Ben Heckendorn do when he's not modding up consoles for Engadget? Why, mod up consoles on his own dang time, of course. His latest is another Atari 2600 portable, this time aping the DS lite almost too well -- Nintendo just looks bad now. Sure, the processor requirements of the 2600 aren't substantial, but that cartridge sure is. Unfortunately, after inital tests, it seems touch screen input is a no go. Read on for some more pics, including a straight up DS comparison shot.
Ben Heckendorn updates the Atari 800 laptop mod
Will the myriad of modded consoles from Ben Heckendorn never cease? (We sure hope not.) The man who brought us the NES Micro, N64p, PPS2, Phoenix 2600, (not to mention an ongoing series of how-tos for Engadget) has finally updated his November 2005 hack of the Atari 800. That laptop, which combined a screen and the guts of the 1980s gaming system, has now been brought into the modern age (read: 2006) with a new case, a cleaner keyboard (with round keys!), and a breakout cartridge case. We particularly admire the Atari logo on the top, and Ben's usual attention to detail and a clean, efficient, design. Still, we can't wait for the day that Ben's talents get noticed by Apple, Dell, or another big-name laptop maker, so that more of the masses can be showered with his talent -- but then again, perhaps it's better that we keep him to ourselves. Check out a few more snaps on the next page, and then head over to benheck.com for his always thorough and entertaining build diary...[Thanks, technick29]
Ben Heckendorn's one-handed Xbox 360 controller
Just when we think our man Ben Heckendorn has floored us for the last time with his insane(ly amazing) console hacking projects, he pulls another stunning hat trick on us. Built by request for a serviceman injured in Iraq, Ben's single handed Xbox 360 controller places the four right-thumb buttons and right bumper at the middle and ring fingers, the right trigger at the pinky, and the left at the index -- but the most inspired bit is the left stick placed beneath on an extension, to be used as a fulcrum while the whole thing rests on a leg or other surface. And despite it all, it still has rumble. Just brilliant. Something tells us these one-handed controller hacks could be big sellers if mass produced. Ben, you laying down the patents yet?
The wait is over! A portable Atari Jaguar
We'll admit it. While the Atari Lynx was an incredibly svelte and sexy gaming machine, it was just too small for us. Even if we managed to find it at the bottom of our oversized backpack, our expansive grip completely obscured our round of Electrocop. Nope, we've been 64-bit gaming at home with our Jaguar ever since then, dreaming of a day when Atari would make their triumphant return to the hardware space and deliver us a real portable Jaguar ... a Jaguar Lite if you will. Though that day hasn't come, we're more than happy to settle for Ben Heck's homemade handheld. Finally, we can load this thing up in back of our pickup and play Aliens vs. Predator on the road ... or, even better, some Kasumi Ninja.[Via Engadget]
Ben Heckendorn's fully portable Atari Jaguar
Benjamin Heckerdorn -- that oh-so-crafy modding guru we love to love -- is at it again with his console-morphing antics, and this time the victim is the ill-fated "64-bit" Atari Jaguar. The mission? To create a portable, all-in-one, battery-powered version of Atari's flailing attempt to make it in the ever-competitive console market. Putting his blue-ribbon mod skills to the test, Ben rearranged the console innards into a 1-inch thick game board, connecting circuitry at will via his trusty soldering iron. He noticed a few oddities while dissecting the machine (aside from the controller's keypad overlay circa 1985), including a 32-bit main bus and a striking similarity between the cartridge input and your average PCI slot. Nevertheless, he was able to cram the entire system, a svelte LCD panel, and a set of stereo speakers into a homegrown enclosure that pays its dutiful respects to the Jaguar motif. Keep reading to peep another angle, and those itching for a bit of post-modern gaming nirvana should hit the read link for the full skinny...
Benheck turns beef jerky into a PSP mod
Engadget columnist, and console hacking guru, Ben Heckendorn has returned to the PSP thumb nub hack that he started two weeks back. Not to be outdone by others, Ben built his hack with IC sockets, an analog thumb stick, some hot glue (lots of hot glue) and ... some shredded beef jerky chew?Yup, the not always so pragmatic Heckendorn went with the jerky's plastic tin because it was both cheap (good for us) and readily available to the novice hacker (that's good for us too). Ben's made a detailed guide, with plenty of pictures for the instruction-impaired. Watch as everyday household ingredients (like solder and beef jerky cans) coalesce into an easily detachable analog thumb stick, ready to go wherever you and your PSP do.
A tale of two mods: different PSP joysticks
Engadget's newest columnist, hardware hacker extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn (yes, we're jealous) has built a very nifty PSP joystick mod, and provided handy steps so that you can also void your warranty and save your thumb. However, taking BenHeck's mod and improving on it, Joe Stranger has posted his own "ghetto" joystick mod in the DCEmu Forums. Stranger cleans up the design from BenHeck's schematics (giving him the proper amount of props), and makes the mod detachable with a tight little enclosure that houses a USB adapter. Check out the drool-worthy ghetto thumbstick video after the break. We want to send our PSP direct to him for pimping out.As far as mods go, this has to be one of the most useful we've ever seen. It makes us want to pick up Loco Roco again, since we won't have to wear off the skin on the pads of our thumbs to finish it.Read - Engadget's analog control stick how-toRead - DCEmu's version of Engadget's mod
