WiiMote+Interactive+Whiteboard


 * __WiiMote Interactive Whiteboard__**

Don't have the cash for a fancy interactive whiteboard? Not really a problem. There is a cheaper open source solution. Johnny Chung Lee from Carnige Mellon University has come up with a cheapers solution using the remote from the Nintendo Wii console. Turns out that the Wii Remote uses Bluetooth and it can be connected to your PC!

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So what do you need? - Projector - Computer - Wii Remote (not the whole console, just the $45 remote) - Bluetooth (get the USB adapter if your computer does not have it built in) - A home made IR light pen - (mine is made out of about $10 worth of Radio Shack parts and a marker) - The WiiMote console (a free download from Johnny Chung Lee's website) - **Update!!!** - There is an improved console available now called SmoothBoard. It allows much smoother writing plus it has tons of other options. Get it here: http://www.boonjin.com/wp/2008/08/14/wiimote-smoothboard-045-beta

One of the kind gentlemen from our IT department installed the Notebook 10 software for the genuine name brand SmartBoard on my laptop (yes he did do it legally). Turns out it works like a charm. The KindleLabs open source project I liked below is OK but if you can, get the real thing. They even offer a 1 month free full featured demo.

I used a USB Bluetooth adapter. The first one I tried was a D-Link. I could not get it to recognize the Wii Remote. I switched over to one made by Billionton and it worked fine (and cost about $10 less). It turns out that not all Bluetooth driver will recognize the Wii Remote. Johnny Chung Lee's website recommends installing a BlueSoliel Bluetooth driver. I had nothing but problems with it and did not end up using it. [|Here is a list of compatible Bluetooth devices.]
 * __A note about Bluetooth.__**

You will need to make an IR pen for this project to work. I am currently on my third pen design. [|These forums are an excellent source of information.]
 * __IR Pens__**

If you are not comfortable with a soldering iron then [|here is a good place to buy pens].

[|Johnny Chung Lee's Project site for the Wiimot]__**e [|Forums for the WiiMote project] [|KindleLabs Open Source Whiteboard Application] [|A Flickr Search on WiiMote tools - lots of DIY lightpens] [|A link to the Smartbook Notebook 10 software.] [|www.classtools.net] (Create educational flash games.)
 * __Links

Here is another clever Aussie by the name of Jason Smith who set up the WiiMote to run for presenters. It will remotely switch powerpoint slides, handle volume, act as a mouse, and even has built in timers! Enough from me let him tell the story. media type="youtube" key="c7JaravPeKc&hl=en" height="355" width="425"
 * __If that is not enough there is even more - the WiiMote Presenter!__**

[|Here is the link to Jason's program.]


 * Update!!!** The SmoothBoard software has this presenter software included. Get it here http://www.boonjin.com/wp/2008/08/14/wiimote-smoothboard-045-beta