How To Build a Wiimote-enabled R/C car

Richard Davis – rdavis@sharplogic.comSharpLogic Software

Project Overview

• Modify a digitally controlled R/C car to use Wii controller

• Uses PC to process Wii Controller input and interface with modified R/C transmitter

• Uses network camera mounted on car to get video feed of what car sees

• Controlled by a single .NET application

Hardware Components

• R/C car with simple digital controls (forward, reverse, left, right)

• Wii Controller• Bluetooth USB adapter (used Belkin F8T003)• Phidget InterfaceKit 0/0/8• Wireless camera (used Airlink101 AIC-250W)• Wireless router• 4 AA battery holder, DC power plug

bluetooth

802.11

radio transmitter (~30MHz)

USB

ethernet

Tools & Misc.

• Soldering iron and accessories• Wire strippers, scissors• Extra wire (~18AWG)• Screwdriver• Batteries, lots of batteries• Electrical tape• Velcro

Soldering Transmitter Close-up

Soldering Transmitter Complete

Interface Kit Hookup

R/C Control Application

Software Components

• Run on Windows XP SP2 or later• Use Visual C# 2008 Express Edition (or higher)• Phidget .NET library– http://www.phidgets.com/

• Managed Library for Nintendo’s Wiimote– http://www.codeplex.com/WiimoteLib

Glove PIE

• Map Wiimote inputs to PC inputs (arrow keys, mouse cursor movement, etc)

• http://carl.kenner.googlepages.com/glovepie

References

• Brian Peek Coding4Fun articles:– Computer-Controlled R/C Car with Camera

http://blogs.msdn.com/coding4fun/archive/2007/01/22/1507304.aspx

– Managed Library for Nintendo’s Wiimote

http://blogs.msdn.com/coding4fun/archive/2007/03/14/1879033.aspx

– Wiimote Controlled Car

http://blogs.msdn.com/coding4fun/archive/2007/06/12/3243294.aspx