Summary of Control Your Robot Using a Wii Nunchuck (and an Arduino) using arduino
After playing Wii Boxing, the author adapted existing work to control an Arduino servo robot (SERB) using a Wii nunchuck joystick or accelerometers. The project aggregates Arduino nunchuck-reading code, hardware details, and an adapter for breadboard connection. Links to similar wireless and pan/tilt projects are included. Parts and basic electronics (SERB robot, Wii nunchuck, WiiChuck adapter, and breadboard wires) are listed for building the controller setup.
Parts used in the Arduino Controlled Servo Robot (SERB):
- Arduino Controlled Servo Robot (SERB) or any Arduino dual servo robot
- Wii Nunchuck
- WiiChuck Adapter (breadboard adapter for nunchuck)
- Assorted breadboard wires (22 AWG solid)
After wearing myself out playing Wii Boxing I got to thinking wouldn’t it be great if I could use this to control my robot, (looking to my left hand).
Looking around the internet I found a bevy of people doing similar things, (links to everyone just below the video). So what follows is a re-packaging of all their hard work, resulting in a robot controllable by both the Wii nunchuck’s joystick or more interestingly its accelerometers.
A quick video of my Arduino Controlled Servo Robot – (SERB) being controlled by a Wii nunchuck.
(resources)
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- (here) – Arduino Code – Chad at WindMeadows.com has written excellent arduino code for reading the Wii nunchuck. Code which I have included pretty much verbatim in this project. if you’re interested in more technical details this is where to look.
- (here) – Nunchuck Details – WiiLi.org has a great wiki about all things Wii, this is a link to a page that describes the nunchucks protocol and how to calibrate your nunchuck.
- (here) – WiiChuck Adapter – Tod of todbot.com very kindly produced a small adapter to make plugging your nunchuck into a breadboard particularly easy.
(similar projects)
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- (here) – Wireless Nunchuck Control – Frank over at Society of Robots went one step further adding a wireless link so he can control his Arduino robot with all the tilt and twist fun from afar.
- (here) – Nunchuck Controlled Pan and Tilt Camera – Using a Nunchuck and an Arduino to control the pan and tilt of a camera.
- (here) – Nunchuck and Arduino Controlled Canoe – Finally a rather epic project that uses an Arduino, nunchuck, servos and small trolling motor to drive a Canoe.
(if you have an Arduino nunchuck project you’ve completed drop me a line and it can be added here)
(shameless plug)
To check out more of our lovely open source projects – oomlout.com
Step 1: Parts & Tools
Only a few parts to collect before we get wiring and programming
Robot – (Arduino Controlled Servo Robot – (SERB) )
( build your own , or purchase a lovely kit ($175)
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- We use an Arduino Controlled Servo Robot – (SERB) however any Arduino powered dual servo robot will work. Other options (here)
Electronics – ($24)
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- Wii Nunchuck – ($20) – (Amazon) , or at your closest Blockbuster or CircuitCity
- WiiChuck Adapter – ($4) – A small circuit board that allows you to plug your nunchuck into a breadboard without modifying it. (if you don’t want to use your nunchuck on your Wii you can save yourself four dollars and simply cut the connector off and plug the wires directly into your breadboard) – (FunGizmos)
- Assorted pieces of Breadboard wire – (22 AWG solid)
For more detail: Control Your Robot Using a Wii Nunchuck (and an Arduino)
- Can I control the robot with the Wii nunchuck?
Yes, the project controls the Arduino servo robot using a Wii nunchuck joystick or its accelerometers. - What code is used to read the Wii nunchuck?
Arduino code by Chad at WindMeadows.com for reading the Wii nunchuck is used pretty much verbatim. - Do I need to modify the nunchuck connector to use it on a breadboard?
No, you can use a WiiChuck Adapter to plug the nunchuck into a breadboard without modifying it, or cut the connector off and wire directly. - Will any Arduino dual servo robot work?
Yes, the author uses SERB but notes any Arduino powered dual servo robot will work. - Are there examples of similar projects?
Yes, links include wireless nunchuck control, nunchuck-controlled pan and tilt camera, and a nunchuck-controlled canoe project. - Where can I find more technical details about the nunchuck protocol?
WiiLi.org has a wiki page describing the nunchuck protocol and calibration details, linked in the article. - How much do the electronics cost roughly?
The article lists electronics at about $24, with a Wii nunchuck around $20 and a WiiChuck adapter around $4. - Can I use the nunchuck accelerometers to control the robot?
Yes, the project specifically mentions using the nunchuck accelerometers for control.
