TheRedEye
11-23-2004, 05:52 PM
Has this guy ever come to CGE to have a booth to show off his stuff? If not, he should. I would love to check that stuff out in person.
Chris
IF you read down that page it says :roll: ;)
November 21st, 2004
PS2p Arrives
It's finally done - my Playstation 2 Portable!
Yes, that's right - a self-contained Lithium-Ion battery powered PS2 portable that takes all the original PS2 games and has built-in controls with a 5" screen and stereo speakers. And don't worry - there's a blue "power on" LED a well.
Last month I started working on this, realizing it would probably be the most complex unit I've made yet. And I was right, it took over a month to build! (It's normally about 2 weeks) This is a one-of-a-kind unit, and due to the difficulty (and other pressing engagements) it's the only one I'm going to build.
For the whole story, including never-before-seen photos of the system's guts (and my excessive use of hot glue) check out the PS2 Story pages!
Hey, guess what? I've written an entire BOOK about portables that allows you to assembly your very own! It's coming out early next year, but in the meantime here's a link to check out! Stay tuned for all the pulse-pounding details!
October 29th, 2004
Breaking Report: New-style small PS2 found smashed to bits near home of Ben Heckendorn!
Dateline Wisconsin: A smashed-up PS2 case was found today near the home of Ben Heckendorn. Local authorities say it was probably thrown into a nearby recycling bin but fell out.
"The strange thing is that no game system guts were found inside" the local coroner was quoted as saying "Since we ruled the death of the PS2 as 'questionable' we of course ordered an autopsy and much to our surprise it was empty. Truly bizarre."
Police are not willing to speculate on exactly what is going on but fuel was thrown on the proverbial rumor fire when a smashed-up Lithium-Ion battery case was also found near the scene.
"A gutted new-style PS2 case and a gutted battery case? I just don't get it." a prominent local detective felt he could admit on the record, "I've seen some strange stuff in my career but this takes the cake like a 4-year-old having a sugar rush on their birthday."
We will try to stay on top of this story as it develops. Stay tuned!
October 22nd, 2004
Email change
Just for the record, my old benheck@mwt.net email address will be DEAD by the end of the month. Any email should be sent to benheck@benheck.com from now on.
Thanks! Now I'd better get back to my portable work!
October 13th, 2004
Latest news...
Hello there portable fans! Just wanted to drop by and post an update on the status of things...
I'm currently editing my book, going over and making changes so it's ready to go. This will take me most of October (which is why updates here will be a bit light during this time) but I am going to cut some parts for a few more CNC Playstation portables and some SNES's as seen on the Project 42 page. A lot of people are interested in these so I thought making a few extra might not be a bad idea.
That new small PS2 has come out, though I guess only a few are being shipped to every store. Fear not, I shall get my hands on one ASAP and tear it apart. (My intentions should be apparent) Hopefully in November I can find the time to maybe build a portable from a system I've never used before, and maybe even finish the technical stuff on my Port Washington movie.
It may be a few weeks before my next update but I hope to have more cool news soon!
September 22nd, 2004
The final Project 42 portable is... an Atari!
Shocking, eh? Using CNC machinery (specifically, a 60-watt laser engraver) I have constructed this:
Don't bother rubbing your eyes - that IS a Playstation Dual Shock analog stick. Hey, it's a joystick isn't it? Just like the ye olde days of lore! And that wacky-looking gear-ish thing below it is the custom paddle knob. The other buttons are custom as well and painted red. And of course there's the obligatory woodgrain. I figured, if I'm gonna CNC this thing I should just go for it and make EVERYTHING custom. So I did!
When my book comes out early next year you can learn how to build one of these for yourself! In the meantime, check out portable #8 on the Project 42 page for more specs, pics and details.
In other news, that new slim PS2 is coming out soon. Could it possibly run off 7.5 volts like the PSone did? If so, I wonder what could be done with it?...
To Be Continued!
September 22nd, 2004
A new Atari portable comes down the pike
It's been a while since I've made a new Atari 2600 portable, so here you go:
It was built by hand and runs off 6 AA rechargeables. It's yet another Project 42 portable, so for more details on this unit naturally check out the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #7.
And coming soon... the final Project 42 portable! What will it be? What will it look like? Only time (in this case, about a week and a half) will tell...
September 22nd, 2004
Download The Lizard of Death!
Since the month is almost done I thought of a great way to blow my unused bandwidth - by allowing people to download my film "Lizard of Death"!
I made it back in 2000 just after I built the first Atari portable but before I starting building them en masse. It's an emulation (not a parody) of a bad 1950's horror movie, complete with vintage props, cars, costumes and filmed in black & white. We even used a program to add film grain, scratches and reduced the frame rate to 24fps (since it was shot on DV at 30fps)
If you've got a hankering for some good MST3K fodder and have a fast internet connection, head over to the Lizard of Death page and go nuts! The file will be available until the bandwidth reaches the month's limit, then available next month once more unused bandwidth has accumulated. Or perhaps replaced with a different movie...
September 17th, 2004
Another PSone Portable!
After 3 whole years, I have finally made another CNC-built Playstation 1 portable!
Unlike my first portrait-styled PSone portable I actually managed to get the controls in a normal-looking place this time. Another first is that I used clear acrylic for most of the case so you can actually see INSIDE this one! For more details and pics regarding this portable, guess what? Yup, hit the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #6.
September 13th, 2004
A day of tragedy...
I am sad to report that after 4 years of faithful service my favorite soldering iron died yesterday in a freak power-surge accident. I wasn't even aware that a soldering iron could die, but I guess it can. There was some sort of noise in the room, I don't know if the air conditioner shorted out or spiked or what... the PS2 kept running though... but then my soldering iron went cold! Everything else on the power strip was fine, including my beloved glue gun.
I guess it was time, the rubber handle was pretty worn through and all, but it's still strange. If anyone knows what could have caused this I'd be curious to find out. Granted a new 15-watt iron is only $8 bucks but you gotta wonder...
In other news that people might actually care about, I'll have a brand-new portable on the site later this week. With TRANSPARENT sides so you can see the last things my old iron ever soldered! Sigh... At least my old Atari 800 still works.
August 30th, 2004
After 3 years, another Playstation Portable!
Yes, that's right! Since I still get emails asking about it, I decided that it was time to build another Portable Playstation! To be honest my original PSp was one of my least favorite designs, so here's the newest incarnation!
This unit was built by hand, with no CNC cutting machinery used at all! It's yet another portable for my "Project 42" - the purpose of which I hope to explain soon. (Hint: It's for the good of mankind)
The main body of this PSone portable measures 8.75" x 5" x 1", the circle thing that holds the 5" screen is 6" in diameter and 1/2" thick. And there's stereo sound, which sounds great! The screen flips up to reveal the disc. For more pictures & details on this unit, visit the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #5.
I'm going to be gone for the next week (finally taking a vacation!) but soon after I get back I'll bestow the world with even more portables!
August 26rd, 2004
Update for the sake of updating
I was just looking on my site here and noticed I hadn't updated in nearly 2 weeks! What's wrong with me?
For the past 2 weeks I have been working on what is probably my most complex portable yet. I guess it's not that it's really terribly difficult, there's just so much stuff to do for it. If my luck holds it should be done this weekend and I can update the site with it.
So don't worry, I haven't fallen into a pit of hyenas or anything! Stay tuned!
August 13nd, 2004... FRIDAY THE 13th!
Latest CNC-built SNES Portable UNLEASHED!
Here's my latest portable, cut with laser beams!
This unit has a 3" screen and the case measures 4.75" x 6.75" x 1.5", which isn't much bigger than the NOAC NESp I built last month. Only 1/2" taller. I actually built this portable out of balsa wood because I thought it'd be an interesting thing to try. Well, that and engraving plastic of course.
Alas, I could not implement stereo sound into this one. It would have increased the difficulty too much. But I've added some other interesting features instead. For more details scope out the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #4.
August 2nd, 2004
Hand-built Super Nintendo Portable!
If there's one portable people ask me to build a lot, it's the Sega Dreamcast. If there's another system they ask about almost as much, it's the Super Nintendo.
Well, here ya go! (Click photo for large version with lots of detail)
Some specs on this unit:
Runs off 6 AA's - when using rechargeables the system can charge them itself by plugging in a wall adapter
Uses a 5" PSOne screen
STEREO SOUND! Wow, why didn't I ever make a stereo portable before? It sounds awesome!
Not that large - 8.25" x 5.5" x 1.25". I believe this is my thinnest portable yet.
Built WITHOUT the aid of computerized cutting equipment, much like how a caveman would have built a portable game system...
For more info and specs on this latest creation of mine, visit the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #3.
July 25th, 2004
Guess what - another NES portable!
Person #1 at water cooler: "Did you see that Ben built yet another new NES portable?"
Person #2: "Again? Geez, maybe it was better when he hardly updated his site at all..."
Person #1: "Well, I guess a slew of NESp's is better than nothing..."
Here's my latest portable - the Nintendo Entertainment System Portable, built with CNC machinery. I used a laser engraver again, much like the NOAC NESp below. For a bit more info on this machine, check out the Project 42 page and scroll down to portable #2.
Don't worry - I promise my next portable won't be a regular Nintendo!
July 13th, 2004
My original NESp is finally completed!
Ta-da!
Measuring a mere 4.75" x 6.25 x 1.5", it is the smallest portable game system I have ever built. It's barely larger than the cartridge, which slides down the back...
It runs off 4 regular AA batteries and the screen has been modified to use white LED's. This saves power - the entire unit only consumes around 400mA. I've working on this project off and on since June of 2003. For the entire story and more pics & specs, check out the NESp page! Enjoy!
July 9th, 2004
Possibly the coolest portable yet just around the corner...
Well, in my opinion at least. Earlier today, I was feeling to urge to finish a long un-finished project... so I loaded up the files. Unhappy, I redesigned the original plan in about 2 hours (I was on a roll) I then CNC cut the parts and started assembling it. Now it is 10:13 PM and I'm thinking "This thing is gonna be so cool, I have to fore-warn people so they can have their smelling salts ready when they see it!"
So by Tuesday the 13th of July 2004, I hope to update the site with UBER-PORTABLE! What does that mean? Wait and see!
(Hint: It is a long unfinished project of mine. And to my credit, I did eventually finish the Vagabond)
June 30th, 2004
New style NES Portable Built! No, really!
Person #1 at water cooler: "Is Ben EVER gonna build another portable? What does he DO all day?"
Person #2: "Have faith, o non-believer! He'll make something soon!"
Person #3, wasting work time surfing on web: "Fellows! Look over yonder... a NEW PORTABLE!"
Yes, finally after all this time I have built something! One that I've wanted to make for quite a while... There's a catch to this unit, however - I built it WITHOUT A CNC MACHINE!
*gasp* *gurgle* HUH? Yes, it's true. Exactly how I built it will be under wraps for now, but the information will be available in the future so you can make one just like this of your very own!
For a bit more info and pics regarding this unit, check out my Project 42 page. As a parting note for today, I will be making a new portable about every 2-3 weeks for the next few months, so stay tuned!
And for up-to-the-minute portable gaming news and talk, check out our Forums!
June 10th, 2004
This site now filled with 80% more gooey goodness!
Welcome to the even more filled up benheck.com! I've completed the Videogames section, you can now browse through all the portable systems just like the old days! The Downloads section is also fairly functional, but if you come across something that goes clunk, let me know!
Also be sure to check out the Forums (located under the Videogames menu) for all sorts of fun, including being able to vote on if Ramen noodles could take Macaroni & Cheese in a fight!
More portables to come!
May 17th, 2004
benheck.com Site Semi-Redesign and Content Filling!
I've been slowly working at getting this site up and going and I was trying for a fresh, new & different look from my old site. That's all well and good, but along the way I changed my navigation system. It wasn't really working the way I had hoped and dreamed...
I then thought to myself, "What was wrong with the frame-menu navigation of the Atari 2600 Portables Site...?" Having reflected on that, I set forth to fix up this site so it would have the same easy-to-navigate structure!
This site is still under construction, but you can scroll around using the Navigator thingy to the left and check some stuff out. Here's what works as of 5-17-04:
Videogame Forums, Downloads (all the videos at least) and Chat. For Movies you can check out the Port Washington & Lizard of Death pages.
So see what you can see, and if you end up in 404 land, just click BACK and bear with me...
If you need a (working) fix of portable videogaming action, check out my fully functional site at www.classicgaming.com/vcsp
Thanks for your continued patience!
April 15th, 2004 (with 3 hours left to file)
VCSp's Invade TechTV - Again!
Hello portable fans! Sorry if I haven't updated in a while... I have been busy with a bunch of projects. 2 of which actually involve portables! One of the portable projects is kicking my butt... I have now officially broken the construction time record of the original VCSp (which took 2 months) because I've been working on this new portable since January! Ah, I miss the good old days when I could whip together a PSp in 2 weeks... Actually, I kind of enjoy the fact that it's so difficult. And one of these days I should finish that NESp...
The MGDp (see below) is still purring like a drunk kitten. I added a muffler that can be Velcro-ed over the power supply fan to make it quieter. What a great trivia question it will be, that all the looped dialog for my movie was recorded by a computer made out of an 18-pack of beer.
Oh yeah, TechTV. Once again I shall grace the airways of their fine network! Naturally I have no idea how they've edited the interview, or if they've gone ahead and stitched William Shatner's head on my body, but here is a preview:
SEE! My "I Love Beer" coffee mug I have on my desk
LISTEN! As I give answers so long that by the end I've forgotten the question!
WITNESS! Me driving around in my car that got rear-ended! (don't worry, the Atari bumper sticker was unscathed)
EXPERIENCE! What it might be like to visit the fabled "Barn" and sit on my ratty old couch that a co-worker gave me!
Tune into TechTV at 8 eastern, 7 central for all the pulse-pounding excitement!
And there's more news coming soon! No, really, I mean it!
February 19th, 2004
MGDp Built!
For centuries, man has asked the undying question: "Can a computer be built inside an 18-pack of MGD?" Now, in this brave year 2004, I, Ben Heckendorn of the Atari 2600 Portables Site, have risen to the call!
This is a strange turn for me, to be sure. But I needed to build a cheap-as-possible portable computer, and this was the natural answer. For the heart-pounding story, click here!
February 15th, 2004
VCSp and Me to be on Tech TV (notice the clever rhyming!)
On February 20th, 4 PM Pacific time (6 PM in Wisconsin), I shall appear on Tech TV - The Screen Savers!. Normally on this site you see photos of me doing stuff. But now, prepare yourself for full 29.97 frames-per-second Ben Heckendorn action! See you there!
In other news, get ready for a DIFFERENT kind of portable... The post-production of my movie required me to build a portable device (much to my joy) and since it's meant to be OFF-camera, not ON, it's not gonna be pretty! But I promise it will be at least worth a laugh. Stay tuned!
February 8th, 2004
3 Videogame Movies they SHOULD make!
Every year we get "treated" to the latest movie based off a videogame. Have you ever wished they'd make one that's actually GOOD? Maybe they're just picking the wrong games?
Here, for your surf-at-work-when-its-slow reading enjoyment is MY picks for the 3 Videogames that would make great movies! I know this isn't portable-related, but it's an article I've been meaning to write for quite some time, so enjoy!
In other news, I am wrapping up work on my movie (not based off a videogame) so I should be able to spend more time with the site and portable building soon! Also look for cool new announcements later this week!
February 5th, 2004
VCSp Rev 6 "Making Of" Video
Have you ever wondered what all steps go into the making of a VCSp? Well, wonder no longer! Now available in the Downloads section is a QuickTime movie demonstrating the construction process from start to finish! It even includes the famous "band sawing" of an Atari!
December 15th, 2003
The Future of Videogames, Part 2!
Could this be the OFFICIAL PSP of the Future?
It's been two whole years since I bored you all with my first essay about the video gaming future! Since some of you may have recovered by now, it is time to release another salvo! I submit for your enjoyment, "The Future of Videogames, Part 2" Highlights include:
THRILLS! As I once again rip on Nintendo!
GASPS! As I predict the N-Gage to have its own landfill right next to Atari's!
SHUDDERS! As the PSP and GBA face off!
CHILLS! As Nintendo and Microsoft blow more money trying to dethrone Sony!
And much, much more! Sorry I've been away for awhile, finishing my movie is taking a lot of effort... But anyway, enjoy!
October 18th, 2003
Nintendo 8-bit Portable Found Being Built!
Hiya portable fans! I feel it's been too long since I've announced anything new, so I will give you...
The NESp Story Volume 1: Attack of the Pirate Chip Menace!
Yes, it's true, I am building a portable 8-bit Nintendo. The unit should be completed within the next month (aka "Volume 2"), but I figured people would enjoy reading the story-thus-far so I am posting it in advance.
Hopefully I can begin my Atari-building business before the end of the year. If you're interested in either a VCSp unit or kit, please email me with the subject "VCSp Purchase Request" as the subject and I will collect your emails for notification when the time comes.
Also, I am assembling another long-winded essay "The Future of Videogames, Part II", to be posted in the near future.
September 23rd, 2003
An Update on the Progress of Things!
Greetings, lovers of hacked up portable things! It's been about a month since I've updated so I thought I'd fill ya'll in on what's going on (my favorite Four Non Blondes song, you know...)
First and foremost, I got to meet Nolan Bushnell at the 2003 Classic Gaming Expo in Vegas! I thanked him for what he had done, which may have seemed a little vague, but I was thanking him for creating the videogame industry! Maybe I should have specified that... C'mon, I was nervous! Honestly, if I could go back in time and tell myself, age 13 or so, that I would someday meet Mr. Bushnell, my 13 year old self woulda crapped his pants! (call Christopher Lloyd, I smell a hit movie!)
In other news, I now have my own CNC router. Some of you will probably think that was more news-worthy than meeting Nolan Bushnell, well, what can I say? He's Nolan Bushnell!
Anyway, about the router... We had an old router at work that was replaced 4 years ago because it was becoming too out-of-date for our company, but for me it should be fine! I've had to fix a few things, but I got such a good deal on it that I can certainly justify that. Besides, I can hack up and modify an old router! If I tried that with a new router the bank would show up at my door with pitchforks and torches. Luckily the XY transit controls are kind of worn out so I get to replace them with a nice JOYSTICK!
The best part about a cheap machine is I don't have to pass the cost onto my customers. And the money I save will go directly into my MGD account!
The thing weighs more than the Titanic so being the Transporter and taking to a Final Destination is gonna be tricky. Perhaps I can hack it up and make ROUTERp... I will keep all of you posted on my progress!
The first project I plan to build with my router is my NESp. Yup, I am making one. In fact, it's all wired and designed, just needs to be routed. I'm 'saving' the construction of it as kind of a present for myself. It's barely larger (XY wise) than a cartridge and runs off 4 AA's. It's gonna ROCK THE CASBAH!
After I get that thing outta my system I plan to build A LOT of VCSp's and VCSp kits! Kits will include the casing and instructions. I also hope to build new and different custom portables quite often, to save myself from monotony.
So, as always, stay tuned! The best is (hopefully) yet to come!
August 20th, 2003
Portable Unit / Videogame Building Inquiry, Feedback Requested!
Hello folks, I am back! Haven't gotten the Classic Gaming Expo photos developed yet, but I'll post some when I do. (I got to meet Nolan Bushnell!!!)
I am thinking of going into this prototyping / device building thing as a full-time business. In order to support the expenses of this, I would have to expand my services. New expansion possibilities include (but not limited to):
Larger scale production of VCSp units that run off AA batteries (currently under development)
Production of KITS for people to build their own units
Outsourced prototype case-building (where a person would ask me to build a case for something and I would based off their specs)
Building of parts to create / refurbish arcade machines
Any custom part / shape building work a customer wants
And of course specialty new units every now and then
So what I'm looking for is feedback. Take a look around the site, look at what I am capable of designing and let me know if more VCSp units, build-your-own kits, custom units and custom part-building work are things that you or people you know would be interested in. I want to use the level of feedback as a 'barometer' of if I should do this or not.
Please email and tell me your thoughts, they will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
-Ben
August 7th, 2003
After All These Years, Vagabond Unit Actually Built!
I know, it's hard to believe your eyes. But here it is. Just in time for the 2003 Classic Gaming Expo, the Vagabond '03! Using the design concepts from the original Vagabond plans (circa 2000), it is the smallest VCSp ever - yet it the cartridge slides down the back! No fakey emulation or "Ataris-On-A-Chip" - a real live Atari 2600 (or part of it) is actually crammed into this baby! For the story on how (and why) I did it, click here!
( Note- the Vagabond '03 is NOT one of the '3 new systems' mentioned below on the June 17th entry. Those are still up in the air! )
July 31st, 2003
New Style Atari VCSp (and me) to be at Classic Gaming Expo 2003
Hello there, portable fans! Updating to let ya'll know that I will be attending the 2003 Classic Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. I also plan to bring a new (or old?) style portable with me... It'll have link ability so if you're one of the people who has a linkable VCSp, perhaps you can try to defeat my SKILLZ at Combat!
See you all then!
Oh, cool, thanks.