Pressure Sensitive Tip IR Pen

I am a school teacher and use a wiimote whiteboard on a daily basis in my classroom.  I have always made my own IR pens using a simple lever switch and old highlighters but was always intrigued by the idea of a pressure tip pen that would more closely mimic actually writing.  There are a few commercial options but all are at least $30-$40 + shipping and I wasn't willing to pay.

This ible shows my v.3 pressure tip pen that I absolutely love now and can't believe that I used the clicker pens before.  All the parts can be purchased easily.

Step 1 Parts List

Highlighter with removable tip. - If you were creative you could probably get most highlighters to work but I found it easiest with the kind where the whole tip of the pen is removable.
Tact Switch - Come in a pack at Radioshack for around $4.
Epoxy - Simple 2 part, fast drying epoxy
Glue Gun - Low temp is sufficient
IR LED - I use TSAL6400 940nm LEDs.  You can source these from Digikey, ebay, or lots of other websites
Wire - thin is good
Battery - AA or AAA
Optional Battery Holder

Comments

[nestwilbanks]

What Is The software you used in your video