Wiimote Tracker

Use a Nintendo Wiimote as an IR camera for head tracking

The Wiimote tracker uses a Nintendo Wiimote’s built-in infrared camera to track IR LED points, offering a cost-effective alternative to webcam-based tracking. The Wiimote’s IR camera has excellent sensitivity and can track up to 4 IR points simultaneously.

How It Works

The Nintendo Wiimote contains a high-quality IR camera that was originally designed to track the Wii sensor bar. OpenTrack uses this camera to track IR LEDs mounted on your head, similar to PointTracker but with dedicated IR hardware.

The Wiimote’s IR camera has 1024x768 resolution and can track up to 4 bright IR points at 100Hz, making it excellent for head tracking.

Requirements

Hardware

• Wiimote: Nintendo Wii Remote (original Wii or Wii U)
• Bluetooth adapter: Built-in or USB Bluetooth adapter on PC
• IR LEDs: 3-4 infrared LEDs (850nm or 940nm wavelength)
• Power source: Battery pack for LEDs (3-5V)
• LED mounting: Cap, clip, or headset

Software

Windows:

• WiimoteLib or WiiYourself library (included with OpenTrack)
• Bluetooth drivers

Linux:

• cwiid library
• Bluetooth stack (BlueZ)

A used Wiimote can be found for $15-30, making this one of the most budget-friendly high-quality tracking options.

Setup Instructions

1. Pair Wiimote with PC

   Windows:

   1. Open Bluetooth settings
   2. Put Wiimote in pairing mode (press 1+2 buttons simultaneously)
   3. Look for “Nintendo RVL-CNT-01” in Bluetooth devices
   4. Pair without entering a PIN (press Pair immediately)

   Linux:

   # Put Wiimote in pairing mode first (press 1+2)
   sudo bluetoothctl
   scan on
   # Note the Wiimote's MAC address
   pair [MAC_ADDRESS]
   connect [MAC_ADDRESS]
   trust [MAC_ADDRESS]
   

   The Wiimote must be paired each time you use it, as it doesn’t save pairing information.

2. Build IR LED Setup

   Create a 3 or 4-point IR LED array:

   3-point configuration (recommended for beginners):

   • Arrange in asymmetric triangle
   • Typical spacing: 40-80mm between LEDs
   • Mount on cap brim or headband

   4-point configuration (more robust):

   • Arrange in quad pattern
   • Use wider spacing for better accuracy
   • Mount securely to prevent flexing

   Use the same LED hardware as PointTracker - see the Hardware Guide for detailed LED build instructions.

3. Configure Tracker in OpenTrack

   1. Select “Wiimote” as tracker in OpenTrack
   2. Click tracker settings
   3. The Wiimote should automatically connect if paired
   4. Configure the same settings as PointTracker:
      • Camera FOV
      • Model type (cap/clip/custom)
      • Model dimensions
4. Position Wiimote

   Mount the Wiimote:

   • On top of monitor, pointing down at your head
   • About 30-100cm from your head position
   • Ensure clear line of sight to LED array
   • Angle slightly downward (~10-20 degrees)

   The Wiimote’s IR camera has a ~45 degree field of view. Position it so your head stays within this FOV during use.

5. Test Tracking

   1. Turn on your IR LEDs
   2. Start tracking in OpenTrack
   3. The Wiimote’s LEDs will light up when tracking
   4. Verify smooth head tracking

   You can also check the raw IR data in the tracker settings dialog.

Configuration Options

The Wiimote tracker uses the same settings as PointTracker:

Model Configuration

Option	Default	Description
Model Type	-	Cap, Clip, or Custom
Model Dimensions	-	LED positions in millimeters
FOV	45°	Wiimote IR camera field of view

Point Settings

Option	Default	Description
Min Point Size	2	Minimum blob size
Max Point Size	50	Maximum blob size
Dynamic Pose	false	Enable predictive tracking

The Wiimote’s IR camera automatically handles threshold and gain, so there are no manual threshold settings like in PointTracker.

Technical Details

Wiimote IR Camera Specs

• Resolution: 1024x768 (effective IR resolution)
• Framerate: 100Hz (10ms update rate)
• FOV: ~45 degrees diagonal
• Range: Up to 5 meters for bright IR sources
• Points: Tracks up to 4 IR points simultaneously

Communication

• Protocol: Bluetooth HID
• Latency: ~10-15ms (very low)
• Range: Up to 10 meters (typical Bluetooth range)

IR Sensitivity

The Wiimote’s IR camera is highly sensitive:

• Built-in IR filter blocks visible light
• Automatic gain control
• High signal-to-noise ratio
• Works in various lighting conditions

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Dedicated IR camera (no webcam modification)
• High update rate (100Hz)
• Very low latency (~10ms)
• Excellent IR sensitivity
• Budget-friendly ($15-30 used)
• Built-in IR filter
• Wireless (Bluetooth)

Limitations

• Requires Bluetooth pairing each session
• Limited FOV (~45°)
• Must be positioned relatively close
• Wiimote battery drains during use
• Windows pairing can be finicky
• Discontinued hardware (use market)

Troubleshooting

Wiimote won't pair

Windows:

• Don’t enter a PIN, just click Pair immediately
• Try removing old Wiimote pairings first
• Some Bluetooth adapters have compatibility issues
• Try different Bluetooth adapter if repeated failures
• Install latest Bluetooth drivers

Linux:

• Ensure BlueZ is running: sudo systemctl start bluetooth
• Check Bluetooth adapter: hciconfig
• Try different Bluetooth adapter if issues persist
• Grant appropriate permissions to access Bluetooth

Wiimote disconnects frequently

• Replace Wiimote batteries (low battery causes disconnects)
• Move closer to PC (reduce Bluetooth distance)
• Remove obstacles between Wiimote and PC
• Disable Bluetooth power saving in Windows
• Check for Bluetooth interference from other devices

IR points not detected

• Check that LEDs are actually powered and working
• View LEDs through phone camera to verify IR emission
• Move closer to Wiimote (within 3 meters)
• Increase LED brightness
• Check Wiimote orientation (IR camera is at front)
• Verify no bright IR sources in background (sunlight, halogens)

Tracking range too limited

• Use brighter IR LEDs or add more LEDs in parallel
• Move Wiimote closer to tracking area
• Use wider angle arrangement for better detection
• Check that Wiimote IR camera has clear view
• Clean Wiimote IR camera lens

Jittery tracking

• Enable point filtering in tracker settings
• Check that LEDs are securely mounted
• Ensure consistent LED brightness
• Use OpenTrack’s Accela filter
• Verify Wiimote is mounted securely

Comparison with Other Trackers

Feature	Wiimote	PointTracker	Easy Tracker
Hardware cost	Low ($15-30)	Medium ($30-50)	Medium ($30-50)
Setup difficulty	Medium	Medium	Medium
Camera modification	None	Required	Required
Update rate	100Hz	30-120Hz	30-120Hz
Latency	Very Low (10ms)	Very Low (10-20ms)	Very Low (10-20ms)
FOV	Limited (45°)	Adjustable	Adjustable
Wireless	Yes (Bluetooth)	No	No
IR sensitivity	Excellent	Good	Good

Tips for Best Results

1. LED Brightness: Use bright IR LEDs (100mW or higher) for best range
2. LED Spacing: Wider spacing improves accuracy, aim for 60-100mm
3. Wiimote Position: Mount securely on monitor top, angled slightly down
4. Pairing: Keep Wiimote close to PC during pairing process
5. Batteries: Use fresh batteries or rechargeable pack for longest sessions
6. Background: Avoid IR-bright backgrounds (windows, certain lights)
7. Testing: Use Wiimote’s button LEDs as status indicator (lit = connected)

Alternative: Wii U Pro Controller

Some users report success using the Wii U Pro Controller, which also has an IR camera. Pairing is similar but may require different libraries.

DIY Mounting Solutions

Monitor Mount

• Velcro strips on monitor top
• 3D printed bracket
• Adjustable camera mount
• Ensure stable positioning

Desk Mount

• Microphone boom arm
• Tripod with ball head
• Custom 3D printed stand
• Adjustable for different positions

Power Management

The Wiimote will auto-sleep after a few minutes of inactivity. In OpenTrack, it’s kept active by continuous polling, but you may want to:

• Use rechargeable batteries
• Connect Wiimote to USB power (requires adapter cable)
• Keep fresh batteries on hand for long sessions

Linux-Specific Notes

Required Packages

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt-get install libcwiid-dev bluez

# Arch Linux  
sudo pacman -S cwiid bluez bluez-utils

# Fedora
sudo dnf install cwiid bluez

Permissions

You may need to add your user to the bluetooth group:

sudo usermod -a -G bluetooth $USER
# Log out and back in

See Also

• PointTracker - Webcam-based alternative
• Easy Tracker - Flexible point tracking
• Hardware Guide - Building IR LED arrays