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How to Build a Wii Sensor Bar

Do you have a broken sensor bar for your Nintendo Wii or do you just want to try your hand with a do-it-yourself method for creating a sensor bar? The following article will give you three separate options for creating a sensor bar. First you should know that the standard wireless sensor bar for the Nintendo Wii is not a receiver. The sensor bar is made of infrared (IR) transmitters. The first option given will help you with building your sensor bar using a circuit board base (Perfboard) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The other options are more simple and less costly, but not always as effective.

Things You'll Need

Perfboard circuit wires 4 IR LEDs 4 AA batteries two remote controls two candles

Instructions

How to Build a Wii Sensor Bar
- 1
  For the first and most effective option, you will need a Perfboard, circuit wires, 4 infrared (IR) LEDs, and 4 AA batteries. With the appropriate distance measured between the IR LEDs, you can now assemble the LEDs on opposite sides. Next, connect a battery connector to the center of the Perfboard, and then insert the 4 AA batteries into the connector. Lastly, you will want to connect a switch to the Perfboard.
- 2
  Solder a wire from the positive side of the battery holder to the inserted switch. Now, connect a wire from the switch to the positive end of any one of the IR LEDs. Next, solder wires to all the IR LEDs before finally connecting a wire back into the battery connector.
- 3
  Once everything is completely connected, you can place the homemade wireless sensor bar on top of your television or where you would normally place your sensor bar. Make sure there is no sensor bar connected to your Wii other than the one you have made. Turn on your Wii and remote to test your sensor bar. If anything seems faulty, try tightening any loose wiring. As a reminder, do not do these steps if you are uncomfortable with soldering wires. The last two steps will give you simpler options for creating a sensor bar.
- 4
  Since the original sensor bar is just a set of IR LEDs, you can emulate the IR LED capability of the sensor bar by using two active television remote controls. With no sensor turned on, set up the remotes at an appropriate distance and turn on your Wii. You should be able to calibrate the Wii remote to work properly. This is a simple, but not always effective way to simulate a Wii sensor bar.
- 5
  The final option for creating a sensor bar is to set two separate candles on opposite ends of the top of your television. Light the candles and the Wii remote should detect the infrared light. Gamers have said that this seems to work best with the Wii game, Zelda: Twilight Princess. This is the simplest option for creating a sensor bar, but it can also be the least effective. You should also be safe when trying this option when placing the candles, as so they will not knock over.

Nintendo Wii