Building a custom Sensor Bar

ABC · 12-02-2006, 12:51 AM

Ok, almost all of us now know that the Sensor Bar included with the Wii is simply a bar that emits an IR signal from two positions... and as some of us experienced, it isn't that great. So, I have decided to build my own from the ground up with 3 sensors with a range of 100 feet and an upgraded power-supply. Here are the parts:

2 or 3 IR transmitters with a MUCH better range than the stock Nintendo one.

A powersuply for them... I am hoping I can solder up a 9V battery pack enclosure to make it wireless.

I am currently working on finding the best quality parts then my next step of "pre-production" will begin where I decide on how to go about my little project.

intekmdma · 12-02-2006, 12:53 AM

and then.. and then MASS PRODUCE!

ABC · 12-02-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intekmdma

and then.. and then MASS PRODUCE!

Haha, I might make a few more if it works better than the regular... which it most definitely will, for whoever wants them.

intekmdma · 12-02-2006, 12:56 AM

you definately gotta add some pictures when you get a chance!

NubHugs · 12-02-2006, 01:01 AM

You can use lit candles for the same effect, but I'm not sure how long the signal goes

ABC · 12-02-2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NubHugs

You can use lit candles for the same effect, but I'm not sure how long the signal goes

You can only do that in the dark... I am talking about a super Sensor Bar with a 100 foot range. Perfect for people with projectors, big rooms, or people who just want better accuracy.

intekmdma · 12-02-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABC

You can only do that in the dark... I am talking about a super Sensor Bar with a 100 foot range. Perfect for people with projectors, big rooms, or people who just want better accuracy.

that way... I wont have to ever get out of my bed... how convienent

NubHugs · 12-02-2006, 01:05 AM

You play with the lights on!? Anyway.. sounds like a good idea.. I bet it'd be neat playing from another room.. You think Nintendo will make a stronger Sensor Bar further down the road?

ABC · 12-02-2006, 01:26 AM

Ok bitches! I found the parts... Total: $13.82. I am getting the parts and putting it together. COMPLETELY WIRELESS.

intekmdma · 12-02-2006, 01:27 AM

pics pics pics, comon' hook it up lets see it!

ABC · 12-02-2006, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intekmdma

pics pics pics, comon' hook it up lets see it!

Well, someone beat me to it, so here it is: [MEDIA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryy7oPMZ2gU[/MEDIA]

Except I might be making mine wired with extra IR sensors for longer range... I still haven't decided how I will go about my project but it might be similar to his or completely different.

Chaox · 12-02-2006, 01:47 AM

If it works well with the products you are going to use could you post a list of the products

...so i can make my own as well.

ABC · 12-02-2006, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaox

If it works well with the products you are going to use could you post a list of the products

...so i can make my own as well.

Will do man. I think I will tackle this project next weekend. I will keep everyone updated.

ericlewis91 · 12-02-2006, 01:53 AM

just use 2 tv remotes!

Jenova · 12-02-2006, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABC

You can only do that in the dark... I am talking about a super Sensor Bar with a 100 foot range. Perfect for people with projectors, big rooms, or people who just want better accuracy.

Candles work in the daytime, I have done extensive tests. xD (I was curious!)

I think I'm going to make my own sensor bar, as well. It might not look as sharp as the Nintendo one, but it will turn out pretty good. I don't exactly need the distance, I just want to see if it helps at all with Red Steel. (I dought it's the sensor bar's fault for Red Steel's mishappenings, but might as well try.)

Miragepie · 12-02-2006, 02:00 AM

Hey ABC, how long do you think the sensors will last before the battery runs out?

Of course, depends on the battery as well...

Chaox · 12-02-2006, 02:01 AM

I NEED the distance, playing on a projector is hard enough.

wii love gamin · 12-02-2006, 02:02 AM

Quote:

NEED the distance, playing on a projector is hard enough.

me too

vagrant · 12-02-2006, 02:05 AM

My roomates brother made me one that is pretty well put together. He also found out that is you take a lense filter thingy out of a webcam, it becomes an infrared sensor camera.

ABC · 12-02-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miragepie

Hey ABC, how long do you think the sensors will last before the battery runs out?

Of course, depends on the battery as well...

It depends on the battery casing you use and the resistor you use in the signal flow chain. I am thinking of going with a 47 Ohm resistor with a 2 AAA battery enclosure. It pumping alittle more power than the video I posted so the batteries will drain quicker, but it should give you more strength as more power is getting to the Infrared LED.

So here's how it's going to look:

I am going to use a smaller resistor (47 ohms)
6 High-Output LEDS (3 on each of the 2 battery enclosures)
2 AAA Battery Enclosures (Holds 2 batteries each)
2 On-Off Switches
A solder gun and some times out of my busy ass life

Should be done by next monday.