Press Releases

"The Ben Heck Show" on element14 Marks 10 Million Episode Views With Coin-Operated Tabletop Arcade Build

Host and modding expert Ben Heck to give away game system in two-part special

CHICAGO – June 27, 2013 – Ben Heck throws back to the days of tabletop arcade gaming in the newest two-part episode ofThe Ben Heck Show on element14, the first collaborative engineering community and electronics store for design engineers and technology enthusiasts. The episodes will be available on element14 starting Friday, June 28 and Friday, July 7.

Heck's latest project marks the show's 10 millionth view since the program first launched in September 2010. Ben Heck show fans span across the globe from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and Sweden, among others.

"It's unbelievable that we've reached 10 million views," Heck said of the milestone. "We never expected it to take off like this, but it just goes to show how interested people are in building and modding. And this interest is reflected in the participation our fans have with the show. Many of the ideas for builds are inspired by the audience of element14 community members."

Some of Heck's more popular past builds with element14 include a Raspberry Pi computer and portable 3D printer, though his latest project is no exception. Ben attempts to recycle old electronics parts, using an "old school" Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, a cartridge-based Neo Geo game system and joy stick to build a miniature, tabletop, coin-operated arcade game.

In the two-part episode, Ben uses a JAMMA (Japanese Amusement Machinery Manufacturers Association) arcade board for the base. Much like the recycled parts of Ben's build, the standardized JAMMA connector allows for game boards to be removed and interchanged with other cabinets to create new games. He wires together a 5-12V PC power supply board and RGB sync for full color display. With the joy stick, coin slot and assorted game buttons the finishing touches are complete.

The arcade system will be given away to one lucky winner in a contest hosted by sponsor element14 at: https://www.element14.com/community/events/3711. There, visitors can also find helpful information, design tools and tutorials for every DIY tech project imaginable.

The trailer for the first part of the tabletop arcade episode of The Ben Heck Show is live and can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BFAObsge5Mo

The Ben Heck Show airs weekly online at element14. Dedicated to the science and art of system and hardware modding, the show caters to a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic and tech enthusiasts. Each episode spotlights a mod of popular electronic devices and educates viewers on the underlying technology powering each project.