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  • DIY-erless Wii compatible NES pad

    by 
    Christopher Grant
    Christopher Grant
    04.30.2007

    Welcome to another installment of DIY-erless, where we point you towards fun and interesting ways to potentially hurt yourself in the pursuit of making things that were once constrained by the shackles and fetters of wires, wireless. Today, we'll look at creating a wireless NES pad. Sounds pretty boring, right? That's because we didn't get to the good part yet: it's a wireless NES pad that works with your Wii and all of its Virtual Console yumyums. The same site is also hosting a wireless SNES pad guide, if that's more your thing. Toss in some wireless Genesis and TurboGrafx-16 controllers and you've got an entire wireless VC arsenal.Be warned: the process involves all sorts of esoteric items, like microcontrollers, IC socket strips, and crystals (no, seriously) so weekend soldering fans might want to reconsider.[Via Wii Fanboy]

  • DIY-erless Wii sensor bar (9V battery edition)

    by 
    Christopher Grant
    Christopher Grant
    12.01.2006

    Forget about our earlier installment of DIY-erless where we encouraged you to use perforated boards, light-emitting diodes, and a fusible metal alloy to recreate the functionality of the Wii's currently wired "sensor" bar. Forget about the video where we (perhaps irresponsibly) showed you how to use candles to duplicate the "sensor" bar's functionality (note: Joystiq is not responsible for any damage to your slacks, your brand-new plasma television, or your long-haired pets and/or relatives). Instead, about $8 worth of materials from the local Transistor Hut should be all you need to make that "sensor" bar easily portable -- not to be confused with potable (note: Joystiq is not responsible for you trying to drink your video game accessory). Here's what you need to pick up: 9V battery snap connectors: $1.99 (#270-325) Crimp-on connectors, ie: butt connectors *snicker*: $1.99 (#64-3073) 9V alkaline battery: $3.49 (#23-875) Wii sensor bar (in case you trash yours or want a spare): $10 Those in hand, the folks at the AVS forum tell us it's as simple as cutting, crimping, and plugging. Voila! A do-it-yourself wireless Wii "sensor" bar, perfect for accompanying you on your evangelical missions to spread the Gospel of Wii. [Via Engadget]

  • DIY-erless Wii sensor bar

    by 
    Christopher Grant
    Christopher Grant
    11.24.2006

    We had some trouble with the Wii's wired sensor bar when playing on a projection television; even if the wire is long enough, you're left with the problem of having another wire to route around your furniture. Those without high-def projectors may scoff while explaining that this really isn't the sort of problem they would mind having but, nevertheless, we mind. In the latest installment of DIY-erless -- our ongoing look at do-it-yourself wireless hacks -- we check out DoctaBu's guide for making your own wireless Wii sensor bar. Of course, we know that it's not really a "sensor" bar but a pair of infrared sources that the Wii-mote uses to triangulate the cursor's position. Using a perfboard, some IR LEDs, some wire, and four AA batteries, one can easily create their own projector-friendly Wii sensor bar.Sure, you could always wait for that rumored retail solution, but wouldn't you rather make your own to match those homemade Wii component cables you've got rigged up. Check out a video of the process after the break.[Thanks, Jonathan]

  • DIY-erless Guitar Hero controller

    by 
    Christopher Grant
    Christopher Grant
    01.17.2006

    Some might say the cord on the Guitar Hero "controller" is more realistic, simulating the cable on an electric guitar. Lucky for us TheDude06 isn't one of them. He's done the due diligence, and posted it all on Make's forums, so we can reap the rewards. His instructions make the project seem pretty doable, if you have a little patience and a soldering iron. He says, "If you dont mind possibly trashing your contoller, there is only minimal electronics knowledge required to do this "mod". i didnt do anything more than run a wire from the guitar switch, to a pad on the controller. The only parts required were a battery holder, and a switch."Sure it costs a couple rupees, but if you have a tendency to slide on your knees or jump off the couch while rocking your face off playing, you're probably sold on the idea already.[Via Continuous Play]