Using a Wii Remote to control WMP on a PC

Have you ever wished you could control your music from the next room?
The Remote, (or controller) sold by Nintendo for there "Wii" gaming machine (or console) is almost perfect, and if you're like me you already have one.

The WiiMote uses Bluetooth to communicate with the system and many laptops are now sold with Bluetooth built in.

The only down side is that most are sold with a class 2 adapter that is only reliable from acros the room. But if you what to be able to use it anywhere in the house you can get a class 1 USB adapter for about $40 (check the parts list for a suitable unit).

Theoreticallyall the data going to and from the WiiMote goes through a usb port (my Bluetooth adapter may be internal but it's still USB)

Step 1: Parts/Software

A short list of items you will need to continue.

WiiMote
PC running almost any version of windows, confirmed working on 2008r2 (same kernel as windows 7)
A Bluetooth adapter, the Linksys USBBT100 is the only class 1 unit I could find.


A copy of GlovePIE You have %100 Green power, right?

Comments

[The Cloak]

Do you have to use an updated version of Bluesoleil? I can get my remote to connect no problem, but then when I run the program in Glove, it just sits there. I'm way back in the version of 1.6.1.4 if that helps at all.

[VadimS]

I've never used Bluesoleil, so unfortunatly I don't know.

[mshaik]

Hey it works fine,it even works for vlc player.go to view---add interface----console,it work s fine enjoy.

[yyoshy]

I can't believe this actually works! Now I don't have to even touch my mouse to listen to music!

[samuka1010]

hey! this really works! thanks for this!!

[PlaYer101]

Did you use class 1 or 2

[hollowthekiller]

How did u get here?!?!?!?!

[VadimS]

You should have a blue tooth icon in your task bar. You should get a similar window after clicking it. If you don't see one your bluetooth dongle may not be installed correctly.

[crazydog75]

After a little searching on how to pair it on my system I got it working and its perfect! I guess I have a built in class 1 because I can use this from anywhere in the house! Great instructable man! thanks!

[VadimS]

You're lucky then. I had to order a transceiver because it would only work from about 10ft away. I'm picking up a cheep remote to mod. Should have it by the end of the week.

[crazydog75]

I guess so, my bedroom is on the second floor where my laptop is, and I have speakers throughout the house hooked up to it. Usually I have to have my iPod and use Boxee or XBMC and a remote app, but now I can use WMP thanks to this. Much thanks again, keep up the good work.

[djrelay]

Works perfectly!

[nbagf]

just use this one instead of your very pricey bulky bluetooth adapter. here it is :http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11866

[VadimS]

You must have missed some of the instructable. You need a class 1 device. With a class 2 transmitter, it is good to about 10ft. The one in your link is class 3 and would only work to about 5ft. The one I linked to is a class 1 and should be good to 50ft+ inside. I don't see the point in a remote that doesn't work.

[VadimS]

Just double cheeked the item you linked to claims class 1 but I call bull. It's a cheep Chinese unit that can be had for $2 with no external antenna.

[yoyology]

Wow!

Will this work with VLC, iTunes, or other media playing software?

[REA]

i wrote a script for Media Player Classic. give some time and i could probably make a simple script for VLC if you want (i dont like apple, so i dont have itunes).

[VadimS]

It works with itunes but only if it's selected. Dunno about VLC.

[yoyology]

Cool! Now that I've spent some time looking at the GlovePIE website, I wonder if it could be worked out to accept input from my BlackBerry via Bluetooth. Hmmm...

[yoyology]

Ooh! Or you could add an antenna to your Bluetooth dongle to increase the range.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Increase-range-to-your-bluetooth-USB-dongle/

I'll shut up now. :-)

[yoyology]

Also, Newegg.com features a number of less expensive Bluetooth adaptors listed as "with EDR" that claim a 100m range: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=usb%20bluetooth%20adapter&bop=And&SrchInDesc=edr&Page=1&PageSize=20