Cheap SmartBoard with Wii Remote

I've been trying to set up a Wii Remote using Bluetooth, etc. as a "cheap Smartboard." I've used the instructions, software, etc., from Johnny Wu's website. I haven't been able to get the Blue Soliel software to install. I've downloaded it several times and gone through the install process, but it "hangs up" near the end of the install. Has anyone used the process successfully? Can you make any suggestions or give me some feedback?

Thanks,
Jan McGee

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Comment by Rich White on July 7, 2008 at 8:22pm: You may be better of getting a cheap bluetooth USB adaptor ($20'ish or so) and installing the software that comes with it if all else fails .
http://www.iogear.com/product/GBU221P
or
http://www.iogear.com/product/GBU421

more suggestions here:
http://kindlelab.com/hardware.html

Comment by Jan McGee on July 7, 2008 at 8:29pm: I purchased a USB bluetooth adapter. It was one of the items on the list. I also installed the software that came with it. The laptop wouldn't recognize it without the original software. I've tried going through the rest of the steps without the BlueSoliel (using only the HP bluetooth software), but I still can't get it to work. I was able to get the Bluetooth adapter to recognize the Wii, but when it came time to set up the "touch points" it didn't work. I'm not giving up yet. I may try it on a different laptop.

Comment by Rich White on July 7, 2008 at 8:33pm: Have you tested your IR pen ? .. It sounds like you are very close.

Comment by Jan McGee on July 7, 2008 at 8:44pm: That is a possibility. Is there a way to test the pen to be sure it is set up correctly? It "works" as a light pen. The bulb is supposed to be infrared. Is there any way to be sure?

Comment by James Hollis on July 8, 2008 at 7:49am: The Bluetooth adapter is the most difficult part of the process. I went through 3 different ones before I found the inexpensive Trendnet advanced adapter (TBW-104UB) that has never failed for me yet. Here are my step-by-step instructions for building Wii whiteboard including how I tested the infra-red pen (used a digital camera).

http://www.teacheronlinetraining.com/wiimote/wiimotesteps.html

Comment by Anders on July 8, 2008 at 7:53am: Hi Jan
I´ve been trying the same as you are. There seems to be a way of testing the IR-pen: Start the IR-pen and point to a digital camera, and you could see if the IR are functional, the camera could see IR, as a human (sort of...) we can´t.

I have some similar problems like you. But I don´t give up.... I try soon again... first some vacation. I tried the bluetooth that comes with my laptop, and that´s ok.

Nice summer...
/Anders

Comment by Chris on July 14, 2008 at 2:53pm: I'm able to see my infrared pen if I turn all the lights off and look at the LED. You can see it turn red--just barely.

You can actually download other programs like this (I think, its been awhile) and use them with the Wiimote. You might be able to use them to see if its connecting or not.

Comment by BryBry on October 22, 2008 at 7:00am: Hi Jan -

I finally got mine working tonight. As others have said, the bluetooth dongle is the real kicker. Luckily, I got it right on my 2nd one - a Targus Bluetooth2.0 with EDR. I am running vista 32-bit. It took some fiddling, but all I was successful - I hope you are too.

For those wondering about pen-testing - just point the end of it at any digital cam.vid cam with an lcd display - you'll see it if it's wired right!

- B