Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Been going through my email today and noticed I tend to get the same few questions every time. Considering the new traffic from the X-Play appearence on G4, I figured this would be a great time for another “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions” post!

Q: I want to buy an Xbox 360 laptop! -or- Please send me detailed instructions via email!

A: I only build about 1 of these a year, and they’re expensive due to the large amount of labor – think decent used-car expensive. You can find How-To instructions on Engadget, or lots more information in general on our forums.

Q:  Can you make me a single-handed game controller?

A: Again, there is too much labor involved to build one for every request. However the official production model – which we talked about last fall – is forthcoming. PS2/PS3 versions first, Xbox 360 to follow. Click here to read our last update.

Q: Build me a PS360 controller!

A: Again there are instructions online. I charge far too much for this procedure, again because of time constraints. But if you’re willing to drop the cost of a PS3 to get a custom controller, by all means email me.

Q: You should make / are you working on a PS3 portable?

A: Yes. My upcoming projects are always at least hinted at, if you look closely at my stories and photos.

Q: Create an Xbox 360/PS3/Wii combo unit!

A: No.

In other news, I plan to attend the 2008 Midwest Gaming Classic. As far as I know I won’t be speaking there, but if you’d like anything signed or want to talk shop dig me up. Podcast co-host Jason Jones will probably be there as well, along with many of our forum members.

Ben’s Hack Pick of the Wii-k

Thanks to everyone who submitted hacks in the past week! I skimmed over them and picked Ryan Culy’s “Wii Controller for Single-Handed Use”:

The rebuilt Nunchuck

The basic idea is that you strap the nunchuck to one arm and press the analog stick against your leg to use it. The C and Z buttons are ported out and attached to the side of the main Wii-mote, thus making it the main controller but with nunchuck support. I picked this project because it has a good purpose and I’ve had lots of requests for something similar, and unfortunately haven’t gotten around to doing it myself. So this proves it can be done, way to go Ryan!

The C and Z buttons on the Wii-Mote

Additionaly I am impressed that he assembled the casing out of multiple layers of laser-cut acrylic – which shows patience and devotion – as well as a high tolerance for resin bond and super glue fumes.  Check out his full site below (click on “Wii Controller” under “Projects”)

Link: http://rmculy.iweb.bsu.edu/web/ 

I am adding a “Submit Cool Project” link to the right frame of this website – please use it for all future submissions. I shall try and pick one per week, time permitting. Thanks again and happy hacking!

Benheck.com Podcast the 38th

Ha ha we skipped a week and only some of you noticed! The traffic clogged us up last week anyway so pushing back the ‘cast was probably a good idea.

Eating this is not hard. At least for some.

Been a bit busy lately, but we threw together what topics we could and filled the rest with rambling and sawdust. First up is “Great Inventions of the Ages” – including spray cheese and the wheel – and how they’ve helped society. Then, in a shocking turn, I briefly discuss one of my own projects, a rariety in our podcast! Finally we do “The Sandwich List”, which, unlike a bucket list, is about which actresses in Hollywood should seriously consider eating a sandwich. I think this came up because at one point during the rambling one of us mentioned Jennifer “Rocketeer” Connelly and it kind of went from there.

Enjoy, and I hope we’ll have a more polished ‘cast next time.

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 38

www.benheckpodcast.com