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Messages - schmitzmatt

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IR Pens / Re: "The Groove" by IRPensOnline
« on: March 03, 2010, 02:11:24 PM »
I purchased a Groove last Spring and was impressed with the dual switching functionality and pressure sensitive switch, but the body seemed to be a little less than desirable. 

The newest Groove's that I've ordered are absolutely awesome.  The battery door is somewhat difficult to open, but the battery holder in the pen, pressure switch, and manual switch are all much improved.  For the money, it cannot be beat.  Definitely a great investment.  The improvement in the pen since the initial model is wonderful.

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Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard / Re: Powering on/Syncing Wiimote
« on: March 17, 2009, 12:02:54 AM »
Ok, here is my solution so far:

I am testing this in 4 classrooms.  Each setup includes.

Hardware:
1 IR pen (buy a good pen with good batteries!)
1 Wiimote
1 USB rechargeable battery pack with tripod style threaded mount
1 10' USB extension cable
1 Belkin mini surge strip with USB ports
1 Bluetooth adapter with Microsoft drivers
1 security camera ceiling mount with base or scissors clip for drop ceiling

Software:
Smoothboard by Boon Jin
Wiimote Connect by Thex
Linktivity Presenter
RM Easiteach
Paint.NET

I run the USB extension from the cord that attaches to the Wiimote rechargable battery pack to the Belkin power adapter on the ceiling outlet.  I only plug in the charger as needed or overnight.  1 and 2 buttons are taped down constantly to put wiimote in sync mode.  Thex's Wiimote Connect software will find the wiimote (sometimes takes two consecutive tries, but works) and then use Smoothboard and I'm running.  So far, so good.

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Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard / Re: Powering on/Syncing Wiimote
« on: March 06, 2009, 10:49:11 PM »
Boon Jin,

Thank you for the advice.  Your software is a great tool and I appreciate the work you've invested in this project.

I will try the autoconnect feature, but I'm a little confused as how I should power the Wiimote.  Is there a battery pack connector that will accept a DC adapter?  Would this be something I would have to make? 

I was thinking to go with the USB powered battery pack because I thought it might answer my problems.  Can you direct me to an AC adapter vendor for the wiimote?

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Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard / Powering on/Syncing Wiimote
« on: March 06, 2009, 03:40:24 PM »
I currently have a classroom I am pilot testing Smoothboard with a Wiimote attached to a telescoping mount from the ceiling.  My setup is working great, but the problem I am having is that I have to add the Wiimote as a bluetooth device everytime after I reboot the computer or change batteries.

It is easy for me to do this, but I have a feeling that my teachers will not use the Wii Whiteboard if they have to hold the 1 and 2 buttons and go through the bluetooth add wizard all the time.  I typically have to remove the existing wiimote and re-add it once the wiimote has shut off. 

Is there a way to turn on the Wiimote or keep it always on when it doesn't have a bluetooth connection?  The only way I know how to turn it on is by running the add device to the bluetooth list wizard.  Is there another way?  Am I missing something?

I have ordered the rechargable USB battery pack from Penteractive and I am hoping that this will keep my Wiimote always on.  Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

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Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard / Re: Write over a powerpoint presentation like SMART floating tools
« on: March 06, 2009, 03:32:54 PM »
Classroom Present allows you to import PowerPoint slides and build your own custom decks that you are able to annotate on.  Also allows you to pull up a students computer during your class to demonstrate from their desk.  Great for 1:1 environments with tablets, but useful for the instructor alone.  I don't have a lot of experience with it, but so far, so good.

http://classroompresenter.cs.washington.edu/

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