Wiimote Project

I have been peeking in here the last few days and while searching on Ebay for a good LED pen light I ended up going to the website for Streamlight (http://www.streamlight.com)

They off several LED lights as well as an Infrared one here:
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=96

Price is about $20 ish you can search for a local dealer on their site.


StylusŪ IR Combo

The bright LED penlight is compatible with all night vision equipment.

    * High-intensity LED lasts 100,000 hrs.
    * Powered by 3 "AAAA" alkaline batteries
    * Battery life 20x greater than a standered flashlight
    * Runs up to 60 continuous hrs.
    * Momentary blink and constant "on" modes
    * Serialized for easy identification
    * Pocket clip for easy access
    * Includes Sharp SpotŪ, Glare Guard and holster
    * 6.21", 1.1 oz
    * The IR LED can not be seen without Night Vision Goggles.

looks like this

I did see a link to an Inova Microlight keychain with IR already built in but it was 20 bucks and Inova doesnt list an IR flavor of the microlight on their site so it seems people are modding them and selling them. I really think that would be the best pre-made pens that you just switch out the LED on. you can get them for around 5 bucks and they are pretty small and easy to have in your hand.

im still working on a design for the wiimote project site pen that we can sell here or have contests or something. but then again, i seem to have lots of projects lately. wii-theremin is too fun to stop playing with but its not yet ready for public distrobution. it is, however, easy to implement sound but thats a different topic all together.

looks like a good deal. there are a few vendors around here, i may have to try and track one down to give it a go.

as for the AAAA, that is not a common size but you can usually find those batteries. I know that radio shack has them and i think they are 1.2 v instead of the 1.5 of AAA or AA.

yea, i picked one up, well i got the normal white LED version because they dont have the IR one here. just in messing with the white version though i already see how it is uncomfortable to use in the whiteboard app because you have to activate it on the end. unless you lock it down and then have it always on though.

otherwise i would say just build your own, its cheaper and you can make it fit however.

If you open up a regular 9V battery, there are 6 AAAA's inside.  I don't think they have a protective type cover around them so I am not sure what kind of threat they would pose, such as corrosion.  But it could be a cheaper alternative.......

While looking at items on Amazon for Wiimote projects, I saw this similar one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G20IP4/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs

It must be popular with Wiimote folks because it was linked from the LED safety glasses, which also link to wiimotes and IR LEDs. 

looks like a good deal. there are a few vendors around here, i may have to try and track one down to give it a go.

as for the AAAA, that is not a common size but you can usually find those batteries. I know that radio shack has them and i think they are 1.2 v instead of the 1.5 of AAA or AA.

Radio Shack Carries these. They are smaller than AAA batteries. They I used one inside my IRP. they are 1.5v.

In researching commercially available IR pens, I came across one that seems to only be available in lots of 100.  And, they seem to come from Asia.  This design seems like it would be a good fit for this application, since the button is where it should be, it's a nice looking, professionally made input device, and it's priced at an attractive $10.



http://www.myeglobal.com/productdetail-63106-china-DQ-108-Laser-pen-infrared-technology-to-turn-the-pages.html

Does anyone know if:  A) There's any reason they wouldn't work with the Wiimote? B) anyone has actually tried one? C) they're available stateside D) they're available in singles?

Thanks for any input (so to speak).

sswarden