I do almost all of my gaming these days on PC – much better graphics, faster loading time and free online play.
But there is one aspect of console gaming that is better than PC and that’s analog control of your character in the X Y plane using the left thumbstick.
In the latest episode of our show I tackle this problem by building a PC gaming keyboard with Analog WASD keys. How hard – or rather far – you press the keys, the faster your character moves in that direction.
To those who might ask “Why not just use a Teensy HID as joystick?” the answer is I tried but it wouldn’t map to the same axis as an Xbox 360 controller. Xbox 360 controller “just works” on most games since they’re just console ports anyway (next generation please get here already!)
Season 3 of our show begins with a 2 part episode in which we build an Anti-Teen-Texting Device that parents can install in their kid’s car. Of course in my day this problem would have been solved by 1) cell phones barely existing 2) my parents would never have bought me one if they had 3) they also didn’t buy me a car …but I digress.
“It’s the most expensive 3 legged machine ever built!”
If you’re going to the Chicago Pinball Expo later this week, be sure to check out our panel at 4:00 PM Friday, October 19th!
It’s “The Mystery and Science of Pinball Theater”! See our amazing video riff of classic Bally-Williams promo videos, using Spooky Pinball’s perfect replicas of some famous hot-glue robots. This is followed by a live “game show” where the audience can win a bunch of great prizes from Spooky Pinball sponsors.
Also at the show, look for Ben Heck Zombie Adventureland T-shirts that can be signed by myself, John Popadiuk, or both!
I just can’t stop building portable 3D printers! Check out my new printrbotGO – an all new design in collaboration with printrbot.com
The goal here was to create an interesting, functional, sturdy design and then have it be available pre-built or as a kit. This is the first prototype and will be demonstrated at World Maker Faire New York weekend of September 28th – 30th.
Specs:
Printrboard electronics, steppers, pulleys, extruders and hot ends (all existing commodity parts from one source)
Print size 200mm x 185mm x 150mm. Not sure why I lost that 15mm on the Y axis, will probably have that at 200 as well in the future.
Runs off a wall wart power brick or internal Li-Polymer batteries. We estimate 2 hours print time in PLA.
Folds up to a size of 19″ x 14.5″ x 5.5″ – can fit in a plane’s overhead bin.
Much smaller “deployed” footprint than my previous models.
For lots of build photos and more details, click below!
Just a reminder, I’ll be at the 2012 New York Maker Faire showing off some cool new gadgets, including a demonstration on the Arduino stage on Sunday at 2:30.
I love coming up with solutions for not-terribly-obvious problems, such as how it’s really difficult to put Saran wrap around a half-eaten can of Spam.
So after several attempts to get the fit “just right” I have created the Spam-Saver Lid, which you can download and 3D print from Thingiverse! Happy printing and good eats!
I will be on a “Future of Pinball” panel this Saturday at the California Extreme in San Jose, CA. If you’re in the area, stop by and see what we all have to say about the future of this fun hobby!
Have you ever wanted to email a famous person, or an internet-famous one like me? Or perhaps you need to contact a company about a product, service, job opening or your charity / event?
Well, you’re in luck! In this article we discuss how to format your email and, more importantly, how not to format it. Read on!
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