Heckendorn Returns 1.5

OK well I’m back from my amazing north woods adventure, which actually had more action than the movie I reference in this update title. Anyways, here’s what’s up:

The teaser trailer for the documentary I’m helping with – “Echoes of the Past” – will debut in late July/early August. For more information please visit One Man Down Productions.

That’s about it for now but fear not – some interesting stuff is on the way. Stay tuned!

Death of an Old Friend

Late last night, a dear old friend of mine died…

Shed not a tear for me...

After half a decade of faithful service, my trusty $7 Radio Shack de-soldering iron finally bit the dust. It died in the call of duty, too, as it snapped while removing a large electrolytic capacitor. It has helped me build countless portables, sadly it won’t be around to see the one it was working on come to competition.

Oh, hm, it’s that pesky 666 date isn’t it. I guess this freak death is to be expected.

On a lighter note, thanks to everyone who made it to the Midwest Gaming Classic, and especially those who came to see my presentation thing. Now if only they’d let me do karaoke…

Midwest Gaming Classic Dates and Times

OK I have a confirmation on my appearance. It’s Saturday afternoon at 5 PM. For more information on the show check out their official site.

The Midwest Gaming Classic Official Site – Official Link

On top of whatever I promised to do in the below update, I will also have a PowerPoint demonstration about the history of my projects, perhaps a video or two, and a couple “works in progress” I may also bring the original VCSp, since it’s been refurbished recently. See you there!

New Neo Geo project idea

I had an idea just today, well, more of an old idea resurfacing. Anyway…

I’m wondering if anyone would be interested in a Neo Geo “Mini-Cab” arcade machine. This would be a bar-top single-slot MVS arcade machine with coin slot, arcade joysticks, swivel base, stereo sound and CRT screen. It would be about the size of a CRT “Mega Touch” machine and likely be themed, material and color-wise, like my own Neo Geo arcade machine.

I have admit part of my desire to build this is to use up the small CRT RGB monitor I have laying around so it’s one less thing to move this fall. But more than that, I am fairly dismayed at the death of “real” arcade machines out in the world today. All that’s left are Golden Tees and Mega Touches. Blah. At the very least a Neo Geo can give you a REAL golf game, yes of course I refer to the sublime NEO TURF MASTERS! Plus tons of other games that can be swapped out and are usually only $25-$40 each.

Anyone interested in such a thing? Neo Geo loving bar owners? MVS home conversion fans with limited space? The price would be well below that of a modern “arcade” machine. Shoot me an email if interested.

Midwest Gaming Classic

See Ben, Live in Concert! (Well sort of)

I will be speaking at The Midwest Gaming Classic which takes place June 3rd and 4th on the west side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I shall talk about my book, my projects and show whatever gizmo(s) I happen to be working on at that time. Perhaps I’ll even spill some secret project info, who knows?

Currently I’m scheduled to appear on the Saturday afternoon of the event, June 3rd. For more information and stuff, check out their site at www.midwestgamingclassic.com See you there!