DIY Life

The amazing amount of electronic hacks when it comes to the Nintendo Wii remote continues to astound many of us. Although woodworking hacks have been known to happen, the majority of hacks revolve around the innovative controller's infrared, Bluetooth and motion control features.

So, here's another one:why not make an electronic interactive whiteboard? Since the Nintendo Wiimote includes an infrared transmitter and receiver, this hack involves a sensor sending out infrared signals which the Wiimote then received and relays back to a waiting PC. Result? Turn virtually any surface (like a corkboard) into a virtual whiteboard.

[via Engadget]

I personally love the Nintendo Wii. The remote control is awesome, as is the ability to surf the web and check email on your main television in the house. The games are so interactive and neat that you'll lose weight if you play them everyday. It's quite a different experience than any other gaming system, as any Wii owner will tell you.

The Wii Remote -- or Wiimote -- features infrared sensors and cameras, motion sensors and even Bluetooth. But, if that's not enough for those of you who love to spout off techno-jargon to your friends and relatives, the hack shown above might be right up your alley. This is so Minority Report, as the video even says. Well, at least it's close, eh?

Basically, you're going to need to build a small infrared transmission grid (or array), but don't let that term scare you. These can be purchased pre-assembled, or you can even make your own and power it with a simple battery (like an AA). Once you have an LED array (and yes, you'll be unable to see the infrared light transmitted), you're ready to have some futuristic, novel fun with finger tracking. Is this yet another cool Wiihack or what?

Being an avid fan of the awesome Nintendo Wii gaming system, I was recently quite awestruck by a very sweet DIYer plunking down a smidge over $20 to craft a Nintendo-inspired balance board without forking over a chunk of dough for the official Nintendo version.

If you've never seen or experienced playing (err, exercising) with the Nintendo Wii, I heavily suggest you stop by a local Best Buy or chain-of-choice to try it out. I'm no heavy gamer (far from it), but the engagement level inspired by the Wii and the propensity to get me physically moving and sweating directly in front of the TV (no ageless Jane Fonda jokes, please) has made the Wii one of my favorite geek platforms. that is, while I'm getting buff from all the exercise.

Try these balance board ingredients on for size: tennis balls, inexpensive adhesive, cheap plastic desk trays and that foam insulation you generally find on air conditioner lines outside your home. Want a decent thrill on that Wii while spending just a few bills on supplies? Click over and read all the details. I'm building this one in the next week I think.