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Hack Like Heck: Andy West

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The Hack Like Heck Competition

Help us get to know the Contestants

Ask a question in the comments below

About Hack Like Heck
Content Partner Program
The Prizes

 

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Audition Video
Declaration of IntentAndy West intends to Hack Like Heck
Hack Like Heck Project ProgressMy build is done... it's video time!

 

Name:

Element14 Community member since: February 12, 2018

Plan to Hack Like Heck: Raspberry Pi 3 Mini Arcade with a large battery

Notable projects: IR Roku remote mod

 

More about the contestant:

I'm really pushing myself to the limit to participate in this challenge. Which means that no matter what, the learning experience will be huge. I'm way out of my comfort zone, but I consider that a good thing!

 

Why are you interested in hacking like Heck?

I'm a software developer, but I've always been fascinated by video game hardware as well. I read André LaMothe's "The Black Art of Video Game Console Design" several years back and it was inspiring. But that was before inexpensive 3D printers and single board computers. I'm a fan of TBHS, so when I saw the Hack Like Heck announcement, I no longer had an excuse. I had to go for it.

 

What are your favorite projects or projects you are most proud of?

My favorite projects are the VR-related ones. My first virtual reality experience was a DOS demo way back in the 90s by a company called Superscape. I was immediately hooked. I built a head-mounted display from a pair of Casio "Pocket" TVs and some welding goggles. It was stereo 3D and everything. The thing was huge and ridiculous by today's standards, but it worked. I kind of regret that I don't have it any more.

 

Build log entries

 

Build Log #1: The Trouble with Joysticks

 

Final update

 

Well, this is incredibly disappointing. I just finished building my portable three hours before the deadline, but I don't have time to install the software or finish my project video. Late last night I ran into trouble with my USB hub, and several hours later I gave up on it. I hacked the case to make room for a different hub, but by then it was too late.

 

Anyway, I'm exhausted. I'm going to go get a few hours of sleep. This competition was really fun to participate in and hey, I've got a portable arcade system to play around with now! I'll post some images or video once I'm rested and get some games running on it.

 

Best of luck to all the other competitors!

 

I'm back!

 

I just got the awesome news that the project video deadline has been extended two days! This is really great because my build is done and I have a bunch of raw footage ready to go.

 

I've actually been playing the mini arcade today and it's super fun. I'm so glad I still get to share it and compete. Woohoo!

 

Want to know more? Ask in the comments below and tag !

  • Sorry to hear that Andy, The joystick graveyard is fascinating, would make and awesome video of trail and error 3D printing wisdom, shame the spec was so rigid to a build working or not most have done a mountain of work just to stumble on a little fix! There is an extension you probably know.. but peeps seem to be dropping off like flies but hopefully more falling over the line with a build!

  • in reply to tariq.ahmad

    Sorry, I don't have any published links currently. However, I've just created a YouTube channel so I can share my Hack Like Heck project video, so you may see VR and other interesting projects in the future!

     

    I haven't personally tried the Jedi Challenges game, but I do own a range of VR devices from Google Cardboard to Oculus Rift. While the idea of an immersive lightsaber duel is appealing, I have some doubts about the quality of the Jedi Challenges experience considering the low cost. There's a world of difference between high- and low-end VR, and the same is likely true with AR. But that's just speculation and I'd love to be proven wrong. I have seen reviews of the product, and the main concerns seem to be narrow field of view (a general AR problem) and lightsaber lag.

     

    I might see if there are any store demos in the Austin area. I don't think I would pick up this product without trying it first.

  • Hi Andy,

     

    Do you have any links to any VR projects that you've worked on?

     

    What are your thoughts on the Jedi Challenge game from Lenovo:

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwD3t_mlRbU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5ttqlpdZjU