Page 47 - Computer Power User - February 2017

Modder Q&A: Adam Owen

DOHCDragon On QuakeCon,

Builds & More

Adam “DOHCDragon” Owen’s work has appeared in CPU’s “Mad Reader Mod” feature on three occasions, all of them in
conjunction with our coverage of the QuakeCon mod contest. In the October 2013 issue, we enjoyed his NES Coffee Table
Computer, we loved his 3D Printed Tiger Tank Computer in the September 2014 issue, and the September 2015 issue featured
his Peace, Love and Rockets mod.

: You told us a couple years ago that
Q your goal was to build a new system
each year for QuakeCon. Have you
managed to keep up with that pace?
: I have, the only exception was this
AO last year. I was in the 24 Hours of
Le Mods event with a fellow modder and
friend, Mike “MikeKnight” Long. I did help a
friend of mine (Rob “Whiskers” Wilson) build
a mod, though. It’s based on Commander
Keen’s ship, Bean-with-Bacon Megarocket.

: How many QuakeCons have you
Q been to now, and how did you get
started attending?
: I have been to every QuakeCon
AO starting in 2006. A friend and fellow
modder, Mike “whiterice” Walt talked me into
going, and I have been addicted ever since.

: Two of your three QuakeCon mods
Owen and his favorite mod project to date, The Behemoth.
Q that we’ve covered won the contest’s
Scratch Build category; do you favor
scratch builds over case mods in general, constructed of 3D-printed parts (except allows you to design and test things in a 3D
or did it just work out that way, and why? for the PC components, of course), and environment and then print them to make
Peace, Love and Rockets had quite a bit them a reality. I don’t think it is necessary to
: It definitely just worked out that of 3D-printed parts, as well. What would use 3D printing in case mods, in fact I have
AO way. I have always preferred case you say is the best thing about 3D printing seen some amazing computers made without
mods, but I wanted to try my hand at scratch from a modder’s perspective? it. But it is a tool I will use from now on, and
builds, which is why I created the NES I believe the work I have done shows some of
controller. The idea of the tank followed and : 3D printing is still not easy. the things it brings to the table.
the rest, as they say, is history. AO When I built the tiger tank, I was
overwhelmed and forced myself to learn the : The NES Coffee Table Computer
: Speaking of the 3D Printed Tiger art of 3D printing. That being said, once Q was awesome, just from an aesthetic
Q Tank Computer, that was entirely you have it down, it is a valuable tool. It standpoint, but the fact that you could

CPU / February2017 47