Wiimote Whiteboard...next steps

Today I managed to get my wiimote whiteboard up and running. Using Uwe Schmidt's software I managed to connect my macbook pro to the wiimote successfully. This had a few issues, as it usually hangs or disconnects the wiimote when you first start it up. Removing the wiimote from the built in bluetooth preferences, and then starting the wiimote whiteboard software seemed to help.

The more I used the software the better it seems to get at connecting the wiimote. Once that is done it is just a matter of calibrating the pen, just like on any other IWB, and away you go.

There are some major differences in how you use the pen, and that led to it's own frustrations. The pen is always on, and to make a left click you turn the pen off. This does take some getting used to. You can also right click, but i have not been brave enough to try that yet.

The resolution was pretty good. I placed the wiimote on top of the ceiling mounted data projector in one of our classrooms, and it managed to see most of the board. A little fiddling to find the perfect spot and angle would make an improvement. I might try attaching it to a top corner of the board and pointing it down across the board.

Next step today was to redesign my pen. I found it too hard to keep remembering to push and release the switch to make the pen work. My mark 2 version has a pressure switch at the tip, so that when you press it against the board it turns on. The pen is much more natural to use, and works really well (despite being held together with tape!). Here are some pics of the mk2 version. Cost to build then pen...about $6. The IR LED is bought from Dick Smith seems to do the job OK, but a more powerful LED will give a better result. Try taking one out of an old TV remote.



Can I see it being used in the classroom? Possibly. You would need to get the pen design just right, it seems that this is a critical element. I would want to find a way of putting the wiimote on ac power, there are adapters available that do this, but not sure where to buy in NZ. Other than that, yes, the software works well, and I'm sure will only get better. There is a huge number of developers out there trying to adapt Johnny's work, and he himself has done amazing things.

It's been a fun experiment.

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