14 DAY TRIAL // We're pretty sure that, for many of you, Ben Heck is not a particular familiar name, but those with a penchant for modding have certainly heard of this iconic figure, who's come up, over time, with some of the coolest computer and Xbox mods the world has ever seen.
And now, Benjamin J. Heckendorn, a.k.a. Ben Heck, together with element14, a collaborative social community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, are debuting a special episode of "The Ben Heck Show" that takes viewers on an exclusive tour of Ben's "mod cave".
"The Ben Heck Show" is a bi-weekly online television series (available for free) dedicated to the science, art and mindset of system and hardware modders with a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic enthusiasts (e.g., tech geeks), each episode spotlighting Ben's mods of popular electronic devices.
Sponsored exclusively by element14 and produced by Internet TV network Revision3, the show educates viewers on the underlying technology powering each of Ben's featured projects, offering his unique insight regarding hardware modification techniques, tools and design tips.
Now, coming back to the promised tour, it seems that during his latest episode, Ben shows viewers some of his favorite projects, including his infamous Bill Paxton pinball machine and his very first mod of a portable Atari that he built in 2000.
He also gives viewers a sneak peek of his new off-site workshop where more complex projects will be built, and then takes them on a journey through a fairly typical day in the life of Ben Heck – from building prototype projects to installing pinball machines for friends.
In addition, Ben reveals his highly-anticipated signature Xbox 360 laptop that he built during the first six episodes of the show.
Fans were able to register online since the debut of the show in September for a chance to win this "big build," and one lucky winner will be announced during the next episode on Dec. 20.
"This episode is like MTV's 'Cribs,' only my home is not as extravagant as the celebrities' mansions," joked Ben Heck.
"It is, however, my creative oasis and it's where I've been able to turn my hobby into a full-time gig. I'm excited to open my doors to show viewers just where all my ideas begin and what inspires me to turn ordinary products into something bigger and better," the famous modder added.