Using Wii Nunchuk Controller to Control Virtual World

Story

VR is now becoming more popular. At the moment appeared JavaScript libraries to create a virtual reality. But for objects control in the VR need create comfortable manipulate, because approach with cursor not always convenient. And I deside develop control in VR with available joystick for many people - it is a Wii Nunchuk. The Helium kit gives wireless connection to server. For VR dive, I use cardboard and cellphone. For fast prototyping, it's very convenient to use Firebase hosting.

Set Up Arduino and Helium Kit

For setting up devices, I used the instructions from the Helium site. But I didn't not use PlatformIO, I used Arduino IDE. And my kit was for Raspberry Pi, but I found pin for connect to Arduino and sketch from Helium Dashboard could work.

Connect Wii Nunchuk

I found many instructions on Google, so I used these.

Set Up Channel for Google IoT

For setting up channel to send data from Helium Dash to Google IoT Core, I used Helium site instruction. I use also Firebase Function, Firebase Hosting, Firebase DataBase. For setting up own Function, need to use this instruction. Function for this project is inside vrcontrol folder in repository. Probably function not deploy - need execute command npm install, for install need libs. Web project for Front is inside front folder in repository. How deploy web to Firebase can you read this, but for deploy web part you can use command - firebase deploy --only hosting.

Connection

To connect Helium Atom with Arduino, I used board adapter for Raspberry Pi.

Black - GND

Red - 5V

Blue - 9 pin

Wite - 8 pin

This connector is accordance RPi connector.

We need 2pin - 5V, 9pin - GND, 8pin -TX, 10pin-RX.

For Wii Nunchuk, we can see on connection bottom photo.

Black - GND

Blue - 3, 3V

White - A4

Yellow - A5

How It Works

Conclusion

This project was experiment look for approach convinient control virtual reality. It give try use Google services and make sure what can build project in short time. And fast check idea for usability and applicability in life.