The Ben Heck Show

Hosted by Ben Heck. New episodes Sundays.

Join master hacker, engineer, and conjurer of cool stuff Ben Heck as he tackles new projects each week. Want to see him transform an Atari into a handheld system? Stuff an Xbox into a Macbook? Construct a Gary Oldman pinball machine? Submit YOUR idea for what Ben should build next at... Read More

Analog WASD Gaming Keyboard

Sunday, November 25th, 2012 – running time 13:29

More episodes:

Ben modifies a keyboard so the WASD keys provide the same analog control of an Xbox controller. Ben takes apart a standard keyboard to install magnets, Hall effect sensors, and a modified Xbox controller to create a better gaming keyboard.

Ben modifies a keyboard so the WASD keys provide the same analog control of an Xbox controller. Ben takes apart a standard keyboard to install magnets, Hall effect sensors, and a modified Xbox controller to create a better gaming keyboard.

Ben News

Ben shows how he tried to make the mini oscilloscope into a watch by adding some batteries.

00:52 | Play

The Problem with Digital Game Control

Ben demonstrates the difference between the finer analog control offered by the Xbox controller and the limited digital control of the keyboard using the game Left for Dead 2.

01:17 | Play

The Plan

Ben explains the parts he'll use and how the electronics will work.

01:52 | Play

The Keyboard

Ben shows the features of the keyboard that are important for modifying it for digital control and explains why he chose it.

02:20 | Play

Taking Apart the Keyboard

Preparing the keyboard for modification. Ben disassembles the keyboard.

02:48 | Play

Keyboard Circuitry

A look inside the keyboard: Ben takes a closer look at the keyboard and makes a plan for modifying it.

03:03 | Play

Modifying the WASD Keys

Ben solders the capacitors.

03:33 | Play

The Magnets

Ben explains how the magnets work to activate the Hall effect sensor.

03:54 | Play

Magnetism

Ben creates a compass with the magentas to find the north the and south ends of the magnets and explains why it's important to know.

04:23 | Play

Hall Effect Sensors

Ben explains how the Hall effect sensors work and adds them to the keyboard.

04:44 | Play

Will it Work?

Ben tests the Hall effect sensors.

05:45 | Play

Wired

Ben glues and wires the Hall effect sensors.

06:12 | Play

Analog to Digital Conversion

Ben explains the analog to digital conversion.

07:28 | Play

Getting Readings from the Hall effect Sensors

Ben shows how the code works with the outputs of the Hall effect sensors.

08:36 | Play

Xbox Box Controller Mod

Ben show how he wired the integrated circuit to the Xbox controller.

09:15 | Play

Preparing to Test the Keyboard

Ben prepares to test the keyboard with the game Left for Dead 2.

09:37 | Play

Testing the Analog WASD Keyboard

Ben shows how the modified keyboard works with Left for Dead 2.

10:02 | Play

There You Have It

Ben explains what we did in this episode and shows the finished analog WASD gaming keyboard

11:11 | Play

Rants and Raves

Ben rants and raves about gaming: Borderlands 2 and downloadable content

11:37 | Play

Viewer Question

Ben answers a viewer question about battery powered Xbox laptop

12:32 | Play

Connect with The Ben Heck Show

  • about 5 hours ago

    @SaintNicster @playouya Go for it! I should too. I have like 3 Ouya.

  • about 20 hours ago

    @llTusK Iron Man 3 > Man of Steel > Star Trek 2 Part 2

  • about 22 hours ago

    @LnghrnEngineer @cwkraft That's soylent green. Logan's Run they kill people at age 30. Can't remember why. But then one guy runs.

  • about 22 hours ago

    @cwkraft Logan's Run remake more relevant now than in 70's. Good sci-fi takes a concept (kill old people to save money) and explores it.

  • yesterday

    @UCFH Haha, nice one!

  • yesterday

    When I see movie trailers, I always imagine the pitch session: "It's Godzilla, with robots!" "It's Twilight meets Dawn of the Dead!"

About the Show

Details
Show Title:
The Ben Heck Show
Description:
Season 3 premieres November 5th with brand new episodes each week! Tune in to join master hacker, engineer, and conjurer of cool stuff Ben Heck as he tackles all new projects. Submit YOUR idea for what Ben should build next at BenHeck@Revision3.com.
Categories:
How-To & DIY, Technology & Gadgets
Launch Date:
Sep 12, 2010
Episodes:
Credits
Ben Heck (Host)