Forum - Recent Threads

Animatronic puppet head show

Lostforawhile — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:07:38 GMT

I just watched the animatronic puppet head show , from several years back , do you know if there was a schematic released for the controller ? I have been going crazy trying to figure this out , I designed my puppet head to run from a servo setup, from the beginning

"Global" music streaming device

inari — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 02:42:01 GMT

As I don't have the technical know how, but am very curious to see if it would work out, might I propose a project for someone to try out? Or at the very least, get some confirmation that it might be possible. I have 2 Pis running Volumio, one for streaming my personal library and the other as a satellite. My question is, is it possible to power a Pi through wireless transmission? As a bit of background, I've been watching restoration videos and came across a globe shaped radio (MyMateVince). That reminded me of the hovering speakers. As a bit of a glorified case, is it possible to recreate that using a Pi? I have a few ideas for it, but my concerns are weight and if there would be any possible streaming interference caused by the flotation system.

Controller project

legitlegit — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:56:10 GMT

Hey people, I'm a hobbyist and I'm trying to build an Xbox compatible controller, and I was wondering if there was a simpler way to do do than I had already planned. My plan is to use the boards from an Xbox one controller, and put them into the shell of an original controller S. And, hollowing out and using the memory card ports, to include additional features, such as back up battery and Bluetooth. Thanks!

Gameboy Printer Reverse Engineer Assistance

msinclair — Fri, 22 May 2020 19:25:39 GMT

I'm trying to follow the episode on the Gameboy Printer. Got the downloadable code and hooked up my arduino/link cable/printer.

The code seems to work as described, which is great.

However, I'm finding conflicting information online about it. From what I understand Ben's code is set up to give 20x18 resolution. However, I believe the printer can actually accept 160x144 resolution. Looking in the code I think Ben is sending across info in 8x8 tiles at a time, which conveniently would explain the resolution difference.

I've played about with the code a little and think I can get slightly better, but still not 160x144.

The original code is set to either accept 0 or 255. 0 is white, 255 is black. This refers to each 8x8 tile, which is added all together to give a 20x18 resolution.

255 in binary is 11111111. After testing I think each "1" is being interpreted as "black" for the individual column in the 8x8 tile. So I can get 160x18 resolution.

I can't work out how to get each of the 8 rows to be different values within the 8x8 tile.

Furthermore, I think the printer can actually take 4 different values to print: white, light grey, dark grey or black. I've not found a way to get that in Ben's code.

Has anyone experimented with this? Any ideas on how to get the full 160x144 resolution with 4 scale grey tone?

Nintendo 64 Portable

jadeisamazingxd — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 02:28:48 GMT

I am not a programmer/creator myself, but was wondering if someone could possibly make me a Nintendo 64 handheld using Ben Heck's design video. I would love to have one, but I lack the skills needed to make it myself.

experiment

drakec — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 03:07:12 GMT

I had a bit of a question, I was wondering if it was possible to take a preprogrammed musical birthday card and reprogram it to say whatever you want. my dad and I bought an American Greetings birthday card (plays because I'm happy with a smiley face) and we took it apart and noticed 5 traces on the board that seemingly lead to nowhere but stem from the glop top processor. and we were wondering if those were some sort of programming pin set up.

Reverse Engineer a feature phone - eg; Nokia 215/3310

david98xp — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 00:35:03 GMT

A project I want to start is modifying a feature phone like a Nokia 215/216/3310.

I'm looking to make modifications to the operating system. I know it's written in C/C++.

I also know they use MTK ARM processors.

My question is before I start, what's a good way to decompile the OS/firmware?

Would it be using an MTK flash tool, backing up then hex editing?

Awaiting some advice

LCD TV to Light Table Help

chriska416 — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:42:13 GMT

I have an Envision L32W761 TV with a cracked LCD screen. The TV still works, but I want to repurpose it as a light source for a lighted table. I've removed mostly everything, but I am unable to figure out how to bypass the main board. I can leave the main board attached and everything works, but it turns itself off after 15 min. It's CCFL not LED, and I'm having trouble finding information on how to re-wire it.

The wires on the left of the PS board go to the lights (Power Board 1 jpg).

Pin 12 (top) is ON/OFF

Pin 11 is Dim

The wires on the right go to the main board (Power Board 2 jpg).
Pins 1 & 2 - marked 15V, but not used
Pins 3 & 4 - marked 12V, measure 12V
Pins 5 & 6 - marked 5V, measure 5.3V
Pins 7 & 8 & 9 - marked GND - checks out
Pin 10 - LIGHT-ON-OUT - plugged in, but powered off, reads 0v

Pin 11 - RELAY-SW- plugged in, but powered off, reads 0v

Pin 12 - BACKLIGHT-CNTRL-OUT- plugged in, but powered off, reads 0v

When powered on
Pin 10 - measures 3v
Pin 11 - measures 1.9v
Pin 12 - measures 3.3v

I've tried hooking up the 5v from 5 & 6 to both 10 & 12, but it didn't turn on. I've also used a voltage regulator to give 3.3 volts to 10 & 12, and a voltage divider to get 1.9v to pin 11. It still won't power on.

I have since re-connected the main board, and everything still works, so I know I didn't damage anything.

I am looking for help identifying what I need to do to bypass the main board. I can take more pictures if necessary.

I have also included a copy of the service manual with the schematics.

Attachments:

community.element14.com/.../Emerson-l22w765.pdf	Emerson l22w765.pdf

Tiny Namco Multicade (Not as portable, but just as awesome)

shakennot_stirred — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:43:31 GMT

I loved seeing Ben turn the little Namco upright cabinet into a more portable unit. I didn't have a need for anything that complicated in a build (I have enough arcades made from Raspberry Pi), but I really did like the idea of making all 4 games available on the tiny machine. So with about 30 minutes of very fine soldering and probably an excessive amount of hot glue, I made all 4 games select-able from outside the cabinet.

Pac-Man

Galaxian

Space Invaders

Ms. Pac Man

All select-able via a set of jumpers.

The only thing I haven't decided yet is if I want to scan in the artwork and make something more custom. But for now I'm just having fun trying not to drop it while playing games.

Ink cartrage cnc

merdoknite — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:14:11 GMT

I would like to see if you could try to make an printer ink cartridge work in a type of CNC printer instead of using a pen or marker. Using any raspberry pi to controlled it and the socket in witch it is installed in to the printer. Only looking to use the black but if all can be used in the same wat at the same time cool. Buy just need to know about black the cartridge and if it is passable

Wii u Console Mod, True Portable Build

bojangles&cerberus — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 21:30:35 GMT

okay so here is the basic ins and outs of it Currently i am modifying a Wii u console to be a single screen hand held unit that has full functionality of the original console with some added capabilities.

I have absolutely no experience in electronics, fabrication, engineering, or design just a strong curiosity on making this project work.

My inspiration for even attempting this is from seeing ideas and concepts from youtube builders like yungjeezus and MyMateVince, and of course element14's The Ben Heck Show

but no one had exactly what I was looking for.

Included is a basic and i mean basic top design and my progress thus far.

Progress to date...

1. Ripped apart an old Sony vio laptop and harvested the screen from it (not much else was useful)

2. Located the appropriate mcb from eBay and purchased along with recommended speakers.

3. Purchased GISSARAL 35000mAh Power Bank Portable External Battery Charger for Surface Pro 4 Book Pro 3 Pro 2 RT. and removed cells from original housing.

4. Purchased alternate fans to remove heat from enclosure once built 2 of Cooler Master Sleeve Bearing 80mm Silent Fan for Computer Cases and CPU Coolers.

5. Removed and broke down original Wii u console from its enclosure & removed original heat sink(see picture for reference) for modification later.

6. Wii u Has been modified to run Wii U Backup, vWii Backups, GameCube Backups, and several retro arch emulators.

7.Other items purchased include longer cable to place optical drive to the right of the console motherboard as opposed to stacked on top, and a short 90 degree to 90 degree

HDMI cable to be plugged into the console and monitor while in handheld mode.

8. Broke-down pro controller

In the end the modified console will be able to be plugged in to the wall outlet(for power) and HDMI output to the TV and played as the original console(CONSOLE MODE),

and yet be able to be unplugged and ran off of the internal power bank at aprox. 4-6 hrs of battery life(untested)(Portable Mode). While in PM it will also have a kickstand to allow

local multiplayer and to accommodate vwii functionality as I will have a sensor bar built into the front of the console

What still needs to be done...

1. Construct a case most likely out of walnut, or possibly out of resin cast & make appropriate vents, slots, and holes for all components

2. Wire Fans to console motherboard via original fan control port, either both fans to the port or one to the port one to a 5v usb plug not sure if the stain on the system is too much (again not an electrical expert).

3. Modify the heat sink to allow clearance of other components and to keep build thickness to a minimum.

4. Add copper heat-pipes to dissipate heat from heat sink to fans (this step will include "fusing" copper heat pipes to the aluminum modified heat sink, no clue how to do this).

5. Add spdt to cut off power to monitor, and power bank while in console mode.

6. Solder direct power from powerbank to console motherboard pins under power plug.

7. De-solder AV/ Wii sensor plug to allow for direct solder of sensor bar to console motherboard.

8. Move power bank control board from one side to the other to allow charging access.

9. Hard wire power for pro controller from console front usb

10.Split Pro controller components and extend out buttons half to one side ( Left stick, directional pad, Left bumpers), and the rest to the right of the console build( Right stick, Right bumpers, A,B,Y,X, Select, home, Start, Power)

can theses be extended? can they rotated? or remapped the buttons somehow(see pictures) should I place the whole board on right and only extend the left stick to the left side of the build.

this is really what I need the most help on and I am open to suggestions, I'm really hoping someone can help me with this

I will add more pictures later if people require.

Update # 1

After alot of thought and tinkering I have tested the pro controller pin out and had what I would say is success.

I was able to connect wires to the face of the pro controller board and duplicate up, down, left, right, a,b,x,y quite simply by touching tinned wires to the separate contact points

and then back to the other end of those wire thus completing the circuit.

My hope is to be able to solder wires to each of the copper button points and extend and duplicate the plates configuration wherever I want in the new housing once built

Progress Made...

#2. Wire Fans to console motherboard via original fan control port... Done!

I have decided to only wire the one directly to the console MB and wire the second one to the power bank 5v USB.

#9. Hard wire power for pro controller from console front USB. Modified!

I have decided that because the Wii U pro controllers have an 80hr. battery life I will leave the battery pack in and instead create a way to occasionally charge up the pack externally. skipping any extra strain on my internal power bank that is already running the console, monitor, speakers, and fans.

#10.Split Pro controller components and extend out buttons half to one side, and the rest to the right of the console build. Getting there!

can theses be extended? yes. can they rotated? yes. or remapped the buttons somehow(see pictures) no need to.

at least for me I think I've got a solution for these problems it would seem they can, or in at least my primitive knowledge I can make it work.

I had a thought to sync joy-cons from the Switch(Via MyMateVince's method from YouTube) and have them slide onto rails into the case housing but nixed the idea simply because I like the parts on the pro better and thought the joy-cons might cause me more issues on down the road... plus they are $80 and I'm not willing to spend that when I have other options right in front of me.

Worked on the layout of the whole portable and I have included (See pics)

as always help me I'm fumbling in the dark. I am always willing to take advice or help from those who know. Seriously please comment if you have anything add method or experience wise.

Update # 2

Okay so its been a few days and I've re-thought a few things.

Having the pro controller built in is a great idea but it breaks down when actually trying to use portable functionally, in that you have to use the game-pad to navigate and select content initially, and then switch to the pro controller setup

for this reason I have decided to include the game-pad in the design of the original build essentially having a "DS" type look.

I also came across a post on gbatemp I believe, that outlined a way to modify and remove the optical drive and converting to an all digital library, which is something I think I will attempt as I really dont have any need for the optical drive and it

will also help to reduce total weight in the end product.

Today I did some amazon shopping and picked up a few odds n' ends

1) new thermal pads for the CPU,

2) four 9 inch flat copper heat-sink tubes,

3) thermal epoxy to bond heat-sinks for better thermal dispensation

4) the kill switch to cut power between portable and console modes, 1NO1NC SPDT rated for 5A and 30Vdc (Wii U only requires approx. 15V and I believe 3A)+(the other components)

5) a spare after market pro controller to use for parts,

6) square copper pads to put on the end of the heat tubing for greater surface area at the point of the fans

7) and a larger battery for the actual Game-pad itself

I also determined which pins on the under-side of the Wii U motherboard are needed to hard wire the sensor bar while in vWii mode. This location is important because I will need to de-solder the sensor bar/ composite junction and solder just the sensor bar back to

the motherboard. also that connection is bulky and redundant as I am running audio/video via HDMI.

I am also brainstorming whether I should use low profile USB to hold my digital content, or wire a USB to SDXC card reader and use SD cards more like the switch game carts.

If you have any input or features you think I should include that I have overlooked please feel free to post, and let me know your opinion. Currently at the time of writing this the switch scene is on fire so my console build is slightly obsolete but ehh who cares.

Attachments:

Lightgun mod?

graytail — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 18:09:36 GMT

Not sure how viable this idea is, but I was thinking in work the other day, trying to drown out the awful music the store plays, when I started to wonder someting about why old lightgun games wont work with modern TVs.

I know that the big reason is that CRT and modern panels update the screen in an entirely different way, CRT drawing pixel by pixel left to right line by line, and panels update the whole screen in one go [which is what can cause screen tearing in games].

But what if you added a second panel infront of the one showing the picture, which shows an entirely black field except for one pixel that is totally clear and recreating the raster effect, allowing the screen with the picture to be seen one pixel at a time, left to right, line by line. Would this essentially recreate the CRT style of displaying an image, and allow lightgun games to work again?

Any thoughts ?

The Last Episode that Ben Heck did tease on twitter? #pieface

whyihadtoregistertoseethisvideo? — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:54:00 GMT

According Ben Heck's twitter feed from last few months, the last episode of Ben Heck should have been a portable project featuring a sketch with PieFace. There was "Raspberry Pi No HDMI Revisited - Redesign!", but didn't have PieFace, musical number nor that sentimental very last shot. The Ben Heck Show just did fade away when new hosts came.

Few evidence:

Working on the musical number for the last episode of @thebenheckshow PieFace Shall Return! #pieface

https://twitter.com/benheck/status/986031594816331777

Setting up the very last shot of @BenHeckShow

https://twitter.com/benheck/status/1000193554533232641

Still working on the final @BenHeckShow skit. Should be quite the thing!

https://twitter.com/benheck/status/1002220352364335105

Working for the 3rd weekend in a row on the final @BenHeckShow project. It will be my greatest portable ever! (fingers crossed) Might as well go out with a bang.

https://twitter.com/benheck/status/1005909997052661760

There certainly was no bang...

(this editor made weird mess, I edited this and tried to remove all formatting if it helps.)

Is there a semi-easy way to make (rf?) wireless devices (ie: phenom ps3 game controller, misc wireless keyboard with built in trackpad(s) with missing usb receiver dongles work with a generic receiver or say a logitech "unifying" usb dongle?

strayworks — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 09:50:54 GMT

I keep finding awesome wireless devices at thrift stores / garage sales that usually are missing the usb receiver(s) needed to make them work. I know logitech solved this problem with their awesome tiny usb unifying dongle. But more specifically I found a wireless ps3 game controller made by dreamgear called the Phenom for under 5 bucks! . I realize I could contact the company and purchase a replacement receiver but I am curious as to how hard would it be to hack a different usb receiver to talk to my game controller etc??? I also see many wireless keyboard(s) or keyboard mouse combos missing their little receivers as well. I am not talking about bluetooth ones as those are already easy enough to connect using the computers bluetooth system...

Help Me Ben Heckendorn you're my only hope!

RadioFreeRO — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 02:32:47 GMT

Help Me Ben Heckendorn you're my only hope! and you know I am serious because I used your full last name instead of just heck. In any case I bought a laserdisc player for my birthday (March), and was swindled out of $85 bucks. The guy told me it ran, but it did not. He told me it worked, but it did not. He threatened me after I gave him a negative feedback on eBay trying to get me to change it, and I called eBay on him. Now today I took a look at it, and except for the fact that it's all rusty on the bottom. It's a pretty clean system internally. I am poor. Which means I can not afford your services. However I need you to fix it for me, and free if at all possible. It needs some parts remade with a 3D printer. Just some gears, and a motor mount / housing. It also needs some lube, and the track gears are stuck. The spindle is also stuck in the upright position. I got a Japanese Laserdisc, and I want to be able to play it on my American laserdisc player if at all possible. However with all of these issues, and custom work needing to be done I can not afford it. Nor do I even have the know how or the equipment like you do. Also just so you are aware... the Laserdisc is of my favorite band, and the disc was never offered in the United States because it is a Japan band.

Message was edited by: Andrew Sadach

New Idea

creepebrine — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:39:35 GMT

I had some thoughts about Ben making kind of like a SBC (like his Z80 ones) with an actual Intel chip earlier than the 80186 (one that has a DIP package like 8086 or 8008) also being able to boot into DOS.

Would that be a great idea for a future project?

I apologize for my bad English, since I'm from Germany.

Hyperkin RetroN 5: HD Retro Gaming Console

localhost85 — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 07:55:55 GMT

Hello World!

I love watching console teardowns and I think a great one would be the Hyperkin RetroN 5.

This console is capable of playing games from NES, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Famicom, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA cartridges all in one system!

That's pretty impressive! Personally, I would love to know how this thing is put together and how it works.

Anyone else like this as a show idea?

Attachments:

Episode idea and on site visit???? Custom iMac

jdahmen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:36:22 GMT

I have an episode idea, since I have some components lying around that are just getting old.

A while back my toddler spilled milk on my Macbook pro. The laptop was just still running but I need to clean the internals. So I got out my isopropyl alcohol and went to town. Well, it turns out either I messed some things up or the milk finally won, because the laptops display stop working. Now I know its not the actually display because I was able to test on another laptop that the display is good. Its the lvds connector on the board or some pieces after that.

Long story short I live in the suburbs of Madison and I was wondering if you guys would help me building an iMac using 3D printed parts and a monitor?

Maybe an arduino to turn on the monitor and the macbook, when a button is pressed?

Maybe even rig up the battery to still power the monitor when unplugged.

The mini display port connector still works so this is how we could get it on the monitor.

Keep up the good work everyone love watching everything you post on youtube!!!!

Just thought this was a unique case that might be a cool episode, and I was hoping to get an onsite visit.

USB Typ-C Networkswitch

archlfrank — Mon, 28 May 2018 08:23:56 GMT

Hello,

I know that it is not necessarily polite and exemplary to ask for a product or project right after registration. But I'm looking for a specific device.

I bought a notebook with USB Type-C and got familiar with the possible adapters, especially since the port of my notebook also supports Thunderbolt 3.

I've seen network switches in shops that get their power via USB, but none of these switches also use the data lines to connect the power supplier to the network.

I can imagine a switch that connects the laptop to the switch via Thunderbolt 3 (or at least USB 3) at high performance. This switch could then provide additional Ethernet ports.

Such a mobile switch could be used for training and conferences, for example.

I don't know if this platform is the right place to bring my idea to interested hackers and companies. I don't want to make money with this idea either, I just want to be able to buy it for a good price under 80 Euros.

I would like to hear your opinion on this idea. I would like to receive an answer with "yes we will sell it".

Cub Scout Space Derby

boltman124 — Wed, 16 May 2018 03:54:56 GMT

Love the show, have been watching for years. Your humor and knowledge always astound me and my kids have started enjoying the show as well. They do not get your humor yet...give them time.

I am a Cub Scout Den Leader in Dillsburg, PA Pack 39. We are planning our first Space Derby this year on 11/4/2018. In a short amount of time, we need to build a track, winding solution, and timer system.

Do you have any interest in doing a project/show on a winding system with a wind counter for 4 space derby racers?

Do you have any interest in doing a project/show on a timer system to calculate the time to finish, speed, and rank of races?

If not, are there any ideas from the community?

I plan on building a track with wood A-frames on each end with 4 lanes of fishing lines to have heats with 4 racers at a time. We have about 50 scouts who will be participating and we want to ensure the first event goes well.

Do Your Best!

Doug DeBolt

Den 5

Pack 39

Dillsburg, PA

home built tablet monitor

jamesbryan — Sat, 12 May 2018 15:39:54 GMT

Hello, i am working on a project that i think Ben will love. i have an old toshiba satellite r15-s829 that has died and i want to salvage the monitor and make it into an external tablet monitor or at the very least a homemade graphics tablet. i know how to turn the monitor into an extrnal monitor, and even how to build a case for it but i have run into a roadblock on how to get the sensor board (SU-031-A02) hooked up and working. i know Ben loves retrotech builds and a project like this would be very useful in allowing people to resurrect old, but perfectly functional components as well as let people build their own graphics tablets for art and design.

Intellivison Controller

cdk6040 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 23:59:33 GMT

Ok, so I have an Intelivision the original brown and gold system.

I have 4 main issues with the controller and it a remake should be the same size

to fit in the system.

1. The Cord is not log enough and non removable.

There is a port mod that can be done to the system.

2. The disc control does have different functions so

a directional pad that can double as a paddle.

3. Would love to see a way for overlays to be added.( could it power a touch screen say adding a battery in the controller.

4. This controller should be able to fit in the controller storage on the system.

(Bonus) The system itself doesn't have a removable power cord and maybe composite video out.

I currently use a vcr.

( Also) I have extra games and can even loan my system out if you wish

I though id throw that in there.

Thanks, Chris

Intellivison overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5l3lV757bA&t=5s

VCR Method Hook Up

https://youtu.be/IAf6uf5A6jA

XBox 360Slim Front Buttons used as PC Power Button

link_047 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 21:41:17 GMT

So here is a breakdown of where I am.

My friend, let's call him Andy, has his mother's old HP desktop, he wants to use it as a media Center, however this thing is massive and the motherboard is super tiny, like maybe 7" x 7".

We talked about it and decided to take one of my broken Xbox 360 slims and to gut it, and put the system inside the case. The back has already be modified to fit the I/O shield, the Xbox's case had new standoffs installed to fit the motherboard, the old HDD mount has been modified to fit into the case and to hold a standard 2.5" laptop drive, and a new fan has been installed on the side panel to add airflow.

Here is where I need help, we want to use the touch based buttons on the front panel of the Xbox 360 to be the power button, eject button for the DVD drive and the sync button to be used for reset, I have already figured out how i am going to wire the LEDs on the panel to be power and HDD activity lights. Just need to figure out how to wire the power buttons. Thanks in advance.

Where can we download the Ben Heckendorn Custom Doom Levels???

zrevai — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 07:17:41 GMT

I love playing with other peoples Doom levels and would love to be able to Download The Ben Heckendorn Doom Restaurant Levels!!!! Please, can you post these levels for your fan??

A project that i would like to see

ermand3 — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 08:27:31 GMT

A project I would like to see is a portable ps3