Hack Like Heck: Andy West

makerkaren — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 21:21:17 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by makerkaren on 4/2/2018 9:21:17 PM

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Audition Video
players.brightcove.net/.../index.html

Declaration of Intent	Andy West intends to Hack Like Heck
Hack Like Heck Project Progress	My build is done... it's video time!

Name: andywest

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 andywest!

Tags: challenger_hlh