Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up

Both practical and not-so-practical applications for the Wiimote have been around since Nintendo's console launched, but this latest hack is quite possibly the oddest thus far. Ken Moore, tinkerer extraordinaire, has inexplicably converted the controller into a new-fangled theremin. By coupling IR-infused gloves with a JV-1080 synth and the Wiimote's built-in Bluetooth, he's been able get his PC to recognize the left hand position as volume, and the right hand position as pitch. Once the IR camera in the Wiimote sends the positioning info back to the PC, MIDI sends it to the synthesizer to create sound. Now, you could just pick up a copy of Guitar Hero or Rock Band if you wanted to casually riff on some classics, but if you've got an intrinsic urge to perform a rendition of the original Star Trek theme, this might be your speed. Peep the setup in video action after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

[Tim @ Dec 1st 2008 10:39AM]

that is SO cool

[Tarnation @ Dec 1st 2008 10:49AM]

Wiimote what will you be repurposed for next.

[tom @ Dec 1st 2008 11:07AM]

The technology from the movie "minority report" could come sooner than we thought. =D

[Phoenix @ Dec 1st 2008 1:47PM]

I've got to give this guy props. Not only did he pull off a killer hack, but he also made a intelligent and still interesting Youtube video which in itself is a feat these days. I'd love to try something like this and I can't wait to see what other sorts of applications that can be brought around through these little hacks and tweaks that people are doing.

[Fusion Fuzo 05 - Mr Professional @ Dec 1st 2008 10:41AM]

One word FUGLY

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Dec 1st 2008 10:45AM]

On the internet you don't need to describe yourself. Thats why everyone is anonymous.

[Fusion Fuzo 05 - Mr Professional @ Dec 1st 2008 10:52AM]

@Thi mam(kris120890), on the internet you don't to have to wear a paper bag on your head while using your computer

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Dec 1st 2008 11:03AM]

Say that again. It sound a bit muffled.

[Fusion Fuzo 05 - Mr Professional @ Dec 1st 2008 11:07AM]

oh sorry @Thi mam(kris120890), on the internet @Thi mam(kris120890) you don't to have to wear a paper bag on your head while using your computer, it's just not professional

[Fusion Fuzo 05 - Mr Professional @ Dec 1st 2008 11:10AM]

I am a professional, so i always look good.


Professional
Fusion Fuzo

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Dec 1st 2008 11:17AM]

You always look faded so I can't tell what you like

[Fusion Fuzo 05 - Mr Professional @ Dec 1st 2008 11:20AM]

yes, I like Professional smart people like you

[kr @ Dec 1st 2008 2:29PM]

That is possibly the biggest lowrank spree I have ever seen.

Please, continue.

[Smart People Play Tuba @ Dec 1st 2008 5:38PM]

@ kr

You haven't been following Fuzo's path of destruction lately, then. It's a wasteland of barely visible text.

[Greg Brown @ Dec 1st 2008 11:10AM]

This guy looks so tired . . . I love the dedication. Awesome hack.

[ZaxCG2 @ Dec 1st 2008 11:25AM]

Wow... never heard of a theremin before...
Thanks Engadget! :O

[Joe Anstine @ Dec 1st 2008 12:00PM]

one of the coolest mods for the wiimote thus far. awesome

[Steven1350 @ Dec 1st 2008 12:01PM]

That doesnt look too hard to do actually. I bet I could make it.

I believe the software he is using is called GlovePIE. Using that, not to hard to get a data input, which I can send to speakers.

[BigD145 @ Dec 1st 2008 1:56PM]

The sound quality is horrible. Find yourself a studio if you're going to create music.

[kevin @ Dec 1st 2008 2:24PM]

Putting the NIN in Nintendo, are we?

[Caleb @ Dec 1st 2008 3:34PM]

Very nice. I remember the first time I herd & saw a theramin. About 1973 or so. I was 10 years old and my parents took us kids to a hands on science museam for children that had one on display that you could play with. What a blast! I've wanted one ever since then and this makes it very doable at home! I will have to find out more and make my own.