At the recent Bay Area Maker Faire, Nolan Moore demonstrated a unique way to control an AR Drone 2.0 using a hacked Nintendo Power Glove. This innovative approach is reminiscent of a wrist-worn device we featured yesterday, which was built back in 2014 by Josef Holmner. The Nintendo Power Glove, originally a gaming accessory from the late 1980s, has been repurposed into a sophisticated drone controller, showcasing the potential of retro technology in modern applications.
Reimagining the Nintendo Power Glove
The slightly more stylish Nintendo Power Glove wireless drone controller can be seen in action in the video below. The internal electronics of the glove have been completely overhauled. The original components were replaced with a wireless controller and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to sense motion. Additionally, sensors were added to record the flexing of fingers, allowing for intuitive control of the drone. This transformation highlights the versatility of the Power Glove, which was initially designed for gaming but now finds new life in the realm of drone technology.
The sensors within the Nintendo Power Glove drone controller are monitored by a Teensy LC board, a small and powerful microcontroller board. This board processes the input from the sensors and sends commands over WiFi using an ESP8266 module. The ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability, making it an ideal choice for this project. According to its creator, this setup allows for precise and responsive control of the drone, making it a viable alternative to traditional remote controllers.
Applications and Future Potential
The use of the Nintendo Power Glove as a drone controller opens up a world of possibilities for both hobbyists and professionals. For instance, this technology could be adapted for use in search and rescue operations, where intuitive and hands-free control of drones could be crucial. Additionally, it could be used in filmmaking, allowing directors and cinematographers to control camera drones with natural hand movements, resulting in smoother and more dynamic shots.
Moreover, this project exemplifies the growing trend of repurposing and hacking old technology for new uses. The Maker Movement, which encourages DIY and open-source projects, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Projects like this one not only breathe new life into outdated gadgets but also inspire others to think creatively about the technology they have at their disposal.
If you enjoy building Pi projects, you might be interested in our comprehensive list of Raspberry Pi displays, HATS, and small screens. These components can be used to create a wide range of projects, from simple displays to complex interactive systems. Additionally, you might also be interested in this list of awesome Raspberry Pi Zero projects we have put together. The Raspberry Pi Zero is a smaller, more affordable version of the popular Raspberry Pi, and it has been used in countless innovative projects.
In conclusion, Nolan Moore’s hacked Nintendo Power Glove is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Maker community. By repurposing an old gaming accessory, he has created a functional and stylish drone controller that could have a wide range of applications. This project not only showcases the potential of retro technology but also serves as an inspiration for others to explore the possibilities of DIY and open-source projects.
Source: HackADay
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