Wiimote Whiteboard vs. Commercial Electronic Boards

UPDATE: The Compatibility link is incorrect. Use www.wiili.org/i... instead.
How to build an IR pen:
www.terracode.c...
Summary
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An assessment of the wiimote whiteboard; comparing its features to electronic whiteboards available through commercial vendors.

[@srowley85]

I started using this technology to teach at a community college 11 years ago. I've tried others, but I've always come back to this because of its ease and cost. There are now packages that do the connecting for you, like Smoothboard and Python Whiteboard. Both work well, though I find Smoothboard to be more stable. I set up a system for a colleague using a Raspberry Pi 3 B and the Raspbian stretch operating system. The total cost was around $50 for the computer and Wiimote (the latter purchased via Ebay).

[@drewmckdotcom]

The multi-detection features are out of scope for this kind of assessment. This was an assessment comparing the business applications of the wiimote whiteboard with commercial electronic boards. The multi-detection is a bit on the experimental side, and will not likely be something undertaken by a teacher/professional.

[@drewmckdotcom]

@dannysokker Agreed. Two years ago (when this was published) this was a viable option simply because the cost outweighed the benefit of purchasing an "electronic whiteboard" (can't say the brand name for obvious reasons). Now the prices of these have come down considerably. This is still a fun project, but has little lasting value given the upkeep required.

[@arpruss]

1. If you already have a projector or a TV with a large enough screen, that will reduce the cost significantly. It works with any sort of screen. 2. The SmoothBoard software does provide some of the extra screen drawing functionality. 3. Any regulated (important!) 5V DC adapter can be easily wired to them. It would also be easy to wire them to be powered from the computer's USB port. 4. For initial positioning, you might be able to stick a straw to the Wii Remote and sight the screen center.

[@HenrikKjelsberg]

The wiimote can track more than one light at a time, meaning you can achieve multi-touch, this is not the case with most commercial solutions. A better calibration software and a backlit projected screen and this would be an awesome solution for a company of any size I think.

[@drewmckdotcom]

nagarjun - The wiimote won't be altered in any way. You can use the wiimote just without issue after the experiment :)

[@drewmckdotcom]

Check under "More Info" on the right. There's a link for compatible devices (including USB bluetooth) and how to use them.

[@italianguess]

@dannysokker wiimote can be used without battery on the ceiling just with the right transformer on direct power. Then Wii pen can be made with rechargable batteries, and housed on a a recharger for further use

[@cxa011500]

Also, I think it would be cool if Nintendo started releasing cheap mod packages with these uses in mind.

[@BigJoker]

The Promethean board does act as the mouse, but I'm sure there's some sort of touch sensitivity involved, right? The wiimote version definitely activates at a farther range than the Promethean pen. Also, I think the wiimote has a faster tracking rate.

[@italianguess]

@dannysokker wiimote can be used without battery on the ceiling just with the right transformer on direct power, or with a usb cable accessory. Wiimote will never go to sleep, if it is not paired with the wii, as the console gives it signal to power off, and will never die by itself, but for power failure. Then Wii pen can be made with rechargable batteries, and housed on a a charger for further use.. commercial board just saves you time, and mind.

[@soft2buy]

pretty much in detail and excellient description

[@EmoticonMayhem]

@dannysokker very true, if they were to get funding for this project though maybe they could mod a wii remote to take external power and also improve the software to automatically conect to the Wii remote every time.

[@cheesy277]

Wow...not bad drew. I'm going to do this for my eagle scout by the way.

[@drewmckdotcom]

You'll have to build the pen yourself. It's actually rather easy to do. Check out the IR pen guide in my video summary above (click "more" under "about this video"). The IR technology is what makes your remote control work. Your TV remote emits IR light through LEDs which is picked up by the receiver on your TV (just like the wiimote picks up IR signals!).

[@cody_codes_youtube]

HI DREW!

[@jacquesdupontd]

You both know we always can bypass those little problems , as you are creating your Pen you can easily make the wiimote turn on at the same time with the computer 1 point : done for not a lot money at all . 2 : For class rooms , once you've placed and secured the wiimote at the proper place ONCE , this is only an software issue for it not to be recalibrated if your not touching either to the screen position when opened as the secured wiimote , everything is possible , this idea is 1 among others

[@Anjasomc]

A lot of your negative points for the commercial whiteboard were to do with the specific 'Smart Board' brand. There are many other brands which use technology where only a pen is a mouse pointer, the same as the Wiimote.

[@drewmckdotcom]

@grogtgs Mouse clicks are registered when the pen light is on.

[@grantt39]

Hi Drew, Just so you know I think some of your information may be incorrect. I standard interactive whiteboard in Canada is around $1500.00 plus the cost of a projector and computer. I believe you state that the cost is $3000 plus which is incorrect. I agree that using a wiimote is a cheaper alternative but you also have to still pay for a computer and projector in order for the wii system to work. Please check to ensure you have the correct information regarding cost. Thanks :)

[@drewmckdotcom]

@grantt39 Hi Grantt, Thanks for the updated info. When this was posted more than two years ago, $3000 was the price the school I worked with reported paying per whiteboard. It looks that price has come down considerably in the past few years. Thanks for the updated info :)

[@drewmckdotcom]

I've seen kids younger than 13 put these things together and maintain them. In addition, there are now commercial options available for those who want to purchase ready-made light pens. Inre: 3rd party software. You're right, many school districts won't have it, but technically the commercial e-whiteboard software is third party. Also, replacing batteries? Are you joking? You seem to be raising a lot of non-issues. If you have a better assessment, please post it.

[@drewmckdotcom]

If you've got access to one, it might be a project worth your looking into :)

[@MaikJansen]

I'm searching for the best place to place my Wii remote. Facing the White board to the left (for righthanded persons), to the right (for left handed persons) or at the cealing looking down (smaller portion of the white board in view).

[@drewmckdotcom]

It should with some tinkering. Check out Johnny Lee's project page. I'm sure there are people who have ported it.

[@craimo1411]

what if you mounted a small push switch behind the LED so when you press it on the board it lights up

[@bestSVMS]

the smartboards are annoying sometimes if you have 2 pens, then it keeps stiching color

[@MiskonceptioN]

Thanks for this, it's a very informative comparison. 5 stars headed your way!

[@cxa011500]

I need to try and make this for my mom who is a teacher. It will blow her away.

[@Armoredlamb]

@MrAswan2010 lots of schools and organizations have them anyway

[@ievris]

@dannysokker NOT TRUE. 1. Calibration is 4 clicks on the screen. If this is regarded a hassle by someone he should quit his job. 2. Positioning is not very easy but it is done only once. 3. NOT TRUE AT ALL. There are adapters on the market to power your wiimote.

[@norbu103]

Why can't we make the light to shine on the back of a glass or plasctic whiteboard.

[@drewmckdotcom]

It doesn't seem entirely necessary at all, does it? The technology just isn't yet here to make something like this work intuitively at a low cost. People who are used to working on computers would just as soon project their laptop screen or simply take a picture of a real whiteboard rather than mess with either of these technologies. BTW, I carry a digital camera to all of my clients for the express purpose of "saving" whiteboarded ideas. Stupid simple -> best solution.

[@jupiter0jupiter]

Thanks for the review!

[@Arxiuz2]

Awesome Critique Mate ;) I think I know which board to suggest to my school :)

[@Excelsoft]

now this was useful, thanx

[@B3457m4n41DZ]

Has anyone attempted mounting this so a table can be used as the white board surface?

[@soft2buy]

iwiiboard has the solution for this. But students cant see anothing if you put it next to a window with sunshining even you are using a commercial whiteboard...

[@Archiez2]

:D i liked his pen design

[@kevbahr]

thank you

[@itsasadbunny]

can i use my computer monitor or do i need to use a projector?

[@grogtgs]

How do you click the mouse?

[@mega10131013]

how do you right click

[@grahamemac]

Is it possible to watch online movies using this system?

[@ElementalTJ]

I think he has a great voice. :) Good for talking. Like he should be on a radio station or something. :P

[@drewmckdotcom]

It's about you!

[@JarrodJS]

I'm 13 and I did it!

[@michael7961]

I beat the recommended crowd.

[@TheAmigops]

it would be better i could use more than one wiimote it would be better

[@shadowblade145]

@drew0mckinney These boards are much more SMART *Cough Cough* than any other BOARD*COUGH COUGH*

[@xxboudreauxx]

Its French and pronounced Sow-lay. Not Sow-leel.

[@plawr41929]

funny, he doesn't look drewish...

[@plawr41929]

Funny, he doesn't look drewish...

[@2000hadee]

wiimote board is $50! YOU NEED A $300 PROJECTOR

[@grantt39]

Hi Drew, Just so you know I think some of your information may be incorrect. I standard interactive whiteboard in Canada is around $1500.00 plus the cost of a projector and computer. I believe you state that the cost is $3000 plus which is incorrect. I agree that using a wiimote is a cheaper alternative but you also have to still pay for a computer and projector in order for the wii system to work. Please check to ensure you have the correct information regarding cost. Thanks :)