How to Control a Mindstorm With a Wii Remote

Download Software

• 1

  Download and install a Bluetooth program such as BlueSoleil, Bluetooth Linux or Mobile Witch Bluetooth Remote Control.

• 2

  Download the GlovePIE and OnBrick software for programming your Wii remote and NXT (see Resources for links).

• 3

  Double-click on the desktop icon to run the software.

Connect the Wii Remote and Mindstorms to Your Computer

• 4

  Click the "Search For Devices" button to instruct the software to search for a new Bluetooth device. Click the "Next" button to begin searching. At the same time, press in the small red sync button at the back of your Wii remote. You may have to remove the back for easier access.

• 5

  Find the Wii remote titled "Nintendo RVL-CNT-01" or a similar title. Select the remote and while holding in the sync button again, right-click and select "Connect As Human Interface Device."

• 6

  Navigate to "Bluetooth" on the Mindstorm NXT menu and press "Search." The NXT should locate your computer. Select a port then choose the option to search for Bluetooth devices from your computer.

• 7

  Create a passcode for the NXT when prompted. Choose a simple sequence of numbers. Enter the passcode into your computer when prompted by the Bluetooth software. Click "OK" to connect your computer to the Mindstorm NXT. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Program the Wii Remote and NXT

• 8

  Run GlovePIE by double-clicking on the desktop icon.

• 9

  Copy and paste the following script into the GlovePIE software: Leds = 9 Key.F1 = Wiimote1.Left Key.F2 = Wiimote1.Right Key.F3 = Wiimote1.Up Key.F4 = Wiimote1.Down Key.F5 = Wiimote1. Click "Run" and the first and fourth lights on the Wii remote should light up.

• 10

  Run OnBrick and click the box titled "Left," then click on the "Motor" tab. Change the "ZigZag" box to motor A forward 30 degrees by clicking "Clear All" then selecting the first blue "A" symbol, then clicking the plus and minus symbols next to where it says "A forward degrees" until the value is 30. Click "OK" to continue. Click on the box titled "Tune" and whilst in the "Motor" tab click "Clear All" and adjust the value of the second blue A box to "A backward 30 degrees" using the plus and minus arrows.

• 11

  Repeat the process for the "Bump" box changing the motor value for motor B ( the first blue B symbol) to "B forward 30 degrees" remembering to select "Clear All before making the adjustments." Do the same for the "Object" box changing the motor value for motor B (the second blue B symbol) to "B backward 30 degrees." Change the "Circle" box to motor C (the first blue C symbol) "C forward 50 degrees."

• 12

  Navigate to the "Coms" tab and change the port to the port you selected when connecting your NXT to your computer. Click "Open" to connect to the NXT. Run GovePIE and click on the OnBrick Window. The Wii remote should now control the NXT. Use the directional pad to move and the "A" button to fire the motor.