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Author Topic: PC + Wii: possible?  (Read 1216 times)
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Misha
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« on: February 14, 2009, 07:07:26 AM »
I searched forum for a while, but the returned results didn't help me with this question. So, I will ask. Smiley Let me first say that the order (PC+Wii instead Wii+PC) in the topic title is intentional, since I want to ask you whether the following is possible:

I want to program for PC, but also to use features of Wii. So that my PC application be able to track the motion of Wii remote or user's fingers (like here) with help of Wii. Basically, my idea is to send motion informations from Wii to PC in real time. I guess it would be optimal if I could connect Wii to my PC via USB. Still I can't test whether this is possible, since the faculty didn't provide me a Wii unit yet.

So the first question is if this is possible. If yes, then I am interested if I need something else but the stuff that comes in the box with Wii. I will get a brand new one. If no, then I will perhaps ask further questions. Smiley
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bobster23
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« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2009, 07:35:12 AM »
dear Red Bear,
          The answer to your question is yes if (i understand you right) and it is very easy to do. From what I understand you want to connect the wii remote (a.k.a wiimote) to the computer (and not the wii console itself?).

Anyways if you want to connect the wiimote to the computer all you need is a wiimote (no need for the console) and a bluetooth conection to the computer (I read you can access the remote via usb through the numchuck connection but i know the exact details of how this is done). Once connected you can just run a program or write your own (people here can probably help you since i have not written a program for the wii yet).

I hope i answered your question

Gil
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Misha
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« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2009, 08:37:53 AM »
Thank you for the reply and the info, bobster23.

Your answer rises new questions, related to how then wiimote and wii console work together or alone, but I will probably know that as soon as I get them. I will settle this topic for now.
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bobster23
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« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2009, 10:00:04 AM »
Hi Red Bear,
       The answer is that they work alone. You can even just buy the wiimote and connect it to the computer. The Wiimote connects through the standard mouse protocol (but from what I read they abuse the protocol). There are already written program for all kinds of things or if you want to program your own program I think there are SDKs.

Gil
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bobster23
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« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2009, 11:13:40 PM »
Dear Red Bear,
I came across someone who has done a walkaround to connecting to the camera (without soldering). Apparently you can use the wiimote to connect a microprocessor (or fpga) to the compter using bluetooth. This guy did it:
http://www.windmeadow.com/node/45

From what I understand he relays the information from the camera to the computer and back through the wiimote to the microprocessor. There is also a heated discussion on this page(in the comments at the end of the page):

http://www.windmeadow.com/node/42

about if it is possible to connect directly communicate with the camera. One thing is for sure if it is possible than it requires a firmware update for the wiimote (so its going to be tough).

Hope this is helpful to you
Gil
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Misha
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« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2009, 06:38:32 AM »
Thanks again Gil,

The thing is that I would try to avoid Bluetooth, since I have problem even to make it work correctly on Windows XP. There might not be actual problems with the wiimote, but I would stick to USB rather.

OR

I should actually start to program the Wii console itself. There would be interesting to know whether the console supports OpenGL. And how-to start. Once I reach an interface I can comfortably program in, I will make my way through.
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benpaddlejones
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« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2009, 06:45:04 AM »
Red Bear
Running unlicenced code (homebrewing) on the Wii console is actually a breach of Nitendo's intellectual property. To protect this forum from potential legal issues we only focus on using the Wiimote as a PC periferal (no breach of intellectual property).

Please direct your homebrewing discussion to http://www.wiibrew.org. Feel free to discuss anything involving the Wiimote and your PC here.

This is purely to protect this forum, if the big 'N' decides to crack down on homebrewing. We don't want to get caught in the cross fire.

benpaddlejones Smiley
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Misha
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« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2009, 07:37:58 AM »
Quote from: benpaddlejones on February 15, 2009, 06:45:04 AM
To protect this forum from potential legal issues we only focus on using the Wiimote as a PC periferal (no breach of intellectual property).
I didn't know about breaching Nintendo IP by doing that, but I am still just fine with the above description of this forum's purpose.

If they protected it, there must be ways to use it without violating the protection. Thanks for that.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2009, 07:43:18 AM by Red Bear » Logged
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Misha
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« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2009, 05:34:45 AM »
Alright. I just got the Wii box and have noticed two problems:

1. No apparent way to attach a VGA screen to it.
2. My bluetooth device doesn't see Wiimote (whether wii console is turned on or not). I have internal bluetooth on Dell Inspiron 1720, and am running Windows XP SP2.

The first problem isn't that big deal. The second is, since I do not see other way to connect Wiimote with a PC than through Bluetooth. Wiimote apparently works since Wii console reacts as I power it on. (still I can't see any image from the console because of the first problem)

Any ides how to solve this?
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benpaddlejones
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« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2009, 05:51:06 AM »
Quote from: Red Bear on February 15, 2009, 07:37:58 AM
I didn't know about breaching Nintendo IP by doing that ...
If they protected it, there must be ways to use it without violating the protection. Thanks for that.

The patent is on the specific pattern of code required for games to play. To play any game including homebrew you need that pattern. So to duplicate it you are in breach of intellectual property.

Quote from: Red Bear on February 16, 2009, 05:34:45 AM
My bluetooth device doesn't see Wiimote (whether wii console is turned on or not). I have internal bluetooth on Dell Inspiron 1720, and am running Windows XP SP2.
Go to the Bluetooth Help centre read the sticky guides and if you need mroe help post as described in the self help guide and we'll get you connected.

benpaddlejones Smiley
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