Wiimote Whiteboard vs. Commercial Electronic Boards

UPDATE: The Compatibility link is incorrect. Use http://www.wiili.org/index.php/Compatible_Bluetooth_Devices instead.

How to build an IR pen:

http://www.terracode.com/IR_Pen/DIY_IR_Pen.html

Summary
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An assessment of the wiimote whiteboard; comparing its features to electronic whiteboards available through commercial vendors.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• wiimote
• whiteboards
• hci
• hardhack
• johnny
• lee

[dannysokker]

There are other problems to be regarded while using the WiiMote:

1. it needs to be turn on and recalibrated everytime, which can be a hassle for non-technological users (older school teachers? :P)

2. positioning is very hard, not trivial at all.

3. you have to worry about the batteries ALL THE TIME (both wiimote and pen). You have to keep this in mind if you plan to fix the wiimote to the ceiling.

We were trying to implement this at my school but it turned to be unviable, mostly due to 1.

[drew0mckinney]

@dannysokker Agreed. Two years ago (when this was published) this was a viable option simply because the cost outweighed the benefit of purchasing an "electronic whiteboard" (can't say the brand name for obvious reasons). Now the prices of these have come down considerably. This is still a fun project, but has little lasting value given the upkeep required.

[grantt39]

Hi Drew, Just so you know I think some of your information may be incorrect. I standard interactive whiteboard in Canada is around $1500.00 plus the cost of a projector and computer. I believe you state that the cost is $3000 plus which is incorrect. I agree that using a wiimote is a cheaper alternative but you also have to still pay for a computer and projector in order for the wii system to work. Please check to ensure you have the correct information regarding cost. Thanks :)

[drew0mckinney]

@grantt39

Hi Grantt,

Thanks for the updated info. When this was posted more than two years ago, $3000 was the price the school I worked with reported paying per whiteboard. It looks that price has come down considerably in the past few years. Thanks for the updated info :)

[grogtgs]

How do you click the mouse?

[drew0mckinney]

@grogtgs Mouse clicks are registered when the pen light is on.

[joshb1441]

That looks really cool, I'm a big fan of the wii whiteboard system. Check out my video of it - /watch?v=PuXbS6N1UTc&list=UUUN­jDYRhXxyVz3uMmEAOBPg&index=1&f­eature=plcp

[Shakespeare1612]

@2000hadee True the projector is an expensive part of the system, but this is a part required my commercial whiteboards too, the for cost comparison this is negligible. Also, projectors are so useful for teaching that many classrooms / teachers already have them.

[Shakespeare1612]

@2000hadee True the projector is an expensive part of the system, but this is a part required my commercial whiteboards too, the for cost comparison this is negigable. Also, projectors are so useful for teaching that many classrooms / teachers already have them.

[B3457m4n41DZ]

Has anyone attempted mounting this so a table  can be used as the white board surface?

[italianguess]

@dannysokker wiimote can be used without battery on the ceiling just with the right transformer on direct power, or with a usb cable accessory. Wiimote will never go to sleep, if it is not paired with the wii, as the console gives it signal to power off, and will never die by itself, but for power failure. Then Wii pen can be made with rechargable batteries, and housed on a a charger for further use.. commercial board just saves you time, and mind.

[italianguess]

@dannysokker wiimote can be used without battery on the ceiling just with the right transformer on direct power. Then Wii pen can be made with rechargable batteries, and housed on a a recharger for further use



[adfesabo]

Thanks.

[Archiez2]

:D i liked his pen design

[td84]

Does anyone know if there is an alternative to Nintendo's Wiimote Pixart camera that is completely open source?

Also, does anyone know if there is another commerically available digital whiteboard camera besides the Keytec Viewtouch?

I can't find an answer to either! Thanks!!!

[nickydp1322]

you need to get the ones that are that gray bar that attaches to the side of the dry-erase board! they're awesome! our school has tons of those! ..its awesome because everything is sensed by the sensor bar!, no touchy movements like the electronic board! (and by the way... the sensor bar stays in place and can be moved whenever you want it to. its waaaay better than this cheap wii remote thing.)