element14, a collaborative social community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, and modding guru Benjamin J. Heckendorn, a.k.a. Ben Heck, present an action-packed episode of “The Ben Heck Show” for the modding- and DIY-inclined, featuring a kinetic motion-inspired wind-up charger for Android phones and a Rapid Pinball Prototyping System (RPPS) for Ben’s latest pinball creation.
“Have you ever noticed that there never seems to be a charger around when you need one – I sure have,” said Ben Heck. “In this latest episode, I look at kinetic motion to create a portable cell phone battery charger in the event you’re ever lost on a deserted island and need to call for help to get rescued.”
Ben uses two simple, affordable items– a wind-up LED flashlight and micro USB adapter – and morphs them into a portable, wind-up battery charger for Android phones. Later it’s back to pinball wars as Ben constructs a custom RPPS gaming cabinet with fellow modding friends that allows users to rapidly fire new shots. Ben rounds out the episode with a complete overhaul of an old, non-working LCD screen and turns it into a perfectly functioning monitor.
“Ben’s latest project is a great example of how a little mod-like thinking, some DIY energy, and affordable electronics components can create useful, everyday gadgets,” said Alisha Mowbray, senior vice president of marketing, element14. “The wind-up charger gives Android users an easy and affordable way to ensure they always have a ready-to-use cell phone, whether they’re on the road without a car charger, on a long camping weekend, or stuck at the airport.”
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