Lego NXT). Links to all of these are available in the
Resources section, on page 56.
NOTE: Programs like WiinRemote are freeware, haven’t
been fully tested, and may cause problems if they aren’t
fully compatible with your system.
A
1a. On your Wii Remote, press and hold buttons 1
and 2 to make the Wiimote discoverable. (Make sure
your Wii system is off so it doesn’t automatically
connect.)
1b. On your computer, search for new Bluetooth
devices. The Wiimote will have “Nintendo” in its
name.
1c. Connect to the Wiimote without using a passkey
or code, and wait for the drivers to automatically
install.
1d. Launch WiinRemote.exe (Figure A). If the program
isn’t updating the Motion Sensor graph as you move
the Wiimote, then it may not be compatible with your
system; try running it on a Windows XP machine with
the BlueSoleil Bluetooth stack.
1e. In WiinRemote, select Options ⇒ Preferences
(Figure B). In General preferences, disable the Rumble
on Edge feature (unless you want your helmet buzzing when the cursor hits the edge of the screen).
In Motion Sensor preferences, set the threshold to
0 so that small motions will register. Crank up Fast
Cursor Speed all the way to the right so that small
tilts make a big difference. Finally, check Recalibrate
on Cursor On/Off, so that if your volunteer suddenly
shifts, you can easily calibrate to his new position
by first pressing Ctrl-S to stop and then Ctrl-S to
start again.
B
2. Build the Mind Surfer helmet.
If the bike helmet is old enough, you may be able to
easily separate the plastic casing from the helmet
to make cutting easier.
WARNING: This hack will instantly render the
helmet unsafe for bicycling.
2a. Cut a rectangular, Wiimote-sized slot centered
in the top of the bike helmet using the keyhole saw
and cutting pliers. You can cut all the way through
on the sides, but leave some tabs of helmet foam at
the front and back to support the Wiimote.
Now add layers of duct tape to the sides of your
cutout to make it a snug fit so the Wiimote doesn’t
jostle around. Tie one or two rubber bands across
the top of your cutout using string (Figure C).
2b. Decorate and disguise the bike helmet by layering the decorative tape around the sides (Figure D),
but don’t cover up the rectangular cutout yet.
Optionally, you can embed string under the tape
to create a layered, mystery technology effect
(Figure E).
2c. To prevent the user’s head from touching the
Wiimote, layer the inside of the helmet with duct
tape stretching across the rectangular cutout. Add
a backing layer of duct tape where the tape faces
the Wiimote, putting sticky sides together, so that
both outer sides —touching the head and touching
the Wiimote — are smooth (Figure F).
2d. Finally, create a top cover for the Wiimote slot
out of duct tape (again with the option of embedding string), and add a backing layer to all but the
outer ½". Leave this ½" perimeter sticky to make
the cover stick to the helmet (Figure G). Insert the
Wiimote, slap on the cover, and you’re good to go!
54 Make: Volume 22
