NES-Hacks: Your home for Wii and DS Hacking!

Posted on gamesfaq.com by SKNMAK.

This should help those that are having trouble with there sensor bars.

A.)-------------------Introduction----------
The Nintendo Wii is a completely new gaming console that revolutionizes the video game genre, The new Wii-mote is pixel perfect and is very easy for even a 4 year old to use, which brings most families and friends together for some fun and interactive gameplay. However, this FAQ will help you if you are having problems with your Wii-mote's accuracy during gameplay, and other gaming situations. I've noticed a lot of complaints about the Sensor bar and the Wii-motes accuracy. So if you are having basic problems such as your Aiming cursor's jumping around the screen, hopefully this faq will help you and answer questions you might have about the Sensor Bar.

B.)-------------------What is the Sensor Bar?--
The sensor bar is basically and IR emitter. It plugs into the back of the Wii. The Wii powers the Sensor Bar so it can give off just enough light for the Wii-mote to know where you are pointing. The Sensor bar can be placed above or below the center of the T.V screen. The best range to place the Sensor bar would be about 3 inches above or below the screen for the best accuracy. The sensor bar is about 20cm in length and has 10 sensor infared lights; 5 on each end of the sensor bar. This gives you the freedom you need while playing Wii games on all T.V sizes. The sensor bar letsyou know and the Wii know, where you are pointing. The Wii-mote has a 1024 x 768 monochrome camera on the front of it, with a IR pass filter. *NOTE: If that IR filter is removed, the Wii-mote can track any bright object* The built in camera on the Wii-mote includes a built in processor capable of tracking up to 4 moving objects. The sensor bar tracks by the Wii mote and provides accurate pointing information. In some games, the sensor bar lets the Wii console know when you are moving your arm forward or backwards. The tilt features and accelerometer are inside the Wii console and the Wii-motes, which has nothing to do with the Sensor bars infared LEDs. It has a pointing range of about 11-16 ft away from the sensor bar (depending on your sensitivity settings)  The sensor bar is not required for all games though, only for games that utilize the "pointing" feature.

C.)-------------------Setting up your Sensor Bar correctly-

You will need to set up your Sensor bar correctly for the best gameplay possible.

1.) Make sure your Sensor Bar is plugged into the back of the Wii.

2.) Make sure that there are no other sources of light around your Wii.
***(such as burning candles beams of sunlight, christmas trees, bright lights etc.)***

3.) Go to the "Wii Settings", then Select "Sensor Bar" and go to where you set the "Sensitivity"

***(make sure you have your Sensor bar correctly set for above or below the screen in the "Sensor bar Position" )***

***(This also the range that will affect how far sit away from the T.V / Sensor Bar. 1-5,  1 being very close, and 5 being very far)**

4.) Select the middle setting (which is 3) and move your controller/those 2 blinking dots \around the screen. If you see MORE than 2 blinking lights, then there's another source of light somewhere around your T.V.

***(find the un-needed source and move it or turn off the un-needed source of light off)**

***(such as burning candles beams of sunlight, christmas trees, bright lights etc.)***

5.) If you have more than 2 blinking dots, use the (-) or (+) to either decrease or increase the Sensitivity, until you ONLY HAVE 2 blinking dots.

    If you did what I told you to do above then you shouldn't have any problems with the Wii-mote's accuracy during gameplay.

D.)--------------------FAQ's (Q's snd A's)--------------

If the above steps didn't work for you, then maybe this section will help you enjoy your Wii experience better.
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Q. My Wii-mote aiming cursor keeps jumping during gameplay or loadings sections during gameplay!!!

A. This happens most often in Red Steel, and most likely in other FPS and future games to come. Follow my "Setting up your Sensor Bar correctly" section. If that doesn't work you can either check and make sure that your batteries are NOT low in the Wii-mote. MAKE SURE that there are no extra sources of light around your T.V or sensor bar. Make sure that there isn't a reflective object, that is emitting light around your sensor bar. You can also try turning off the Wii completely, then turning it back on; so hopefully it would work fine now.
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Q. Does turning down the Volume in my Wii-mote's help the accuracy during gameplay.

A. Well, this could be an alternative to some FPS (most noticeable in Red Steel). This also takes away some of the realistic/extra experiences while playing Wii games. Some have said that turning down the volume completely will help, but I always keep my Volume turned all the up, so it could possibly work for some gamers around the globe. Try it, if it works, then enjoy your games; If it doesn't work then read my "Setting up your Sensor Bar correctly" section.
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Q. Am I screwed if my Sensor Bar ever gets broken!

A.-New Sensor Bars are available for the Wii console.

   Google for a new Official sensor bar.

***(note make sure that there are no spaces in the link above after you copy and paste the link)*

  -New Sensor Bars will also be available very soon at Gamestop.com As of 02/15/07 they will be available for $19.99. Link below:

   http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?coo … Fid=802612

   If you don't wanna go that route, then all you basically need is 2 strong sources of lights similar to the sensor bars' IR LEDs.

There are 4 alternatives that I know of:

  -Use another IR emitter, similar to the Sensor Bar

  -You can buy some IR LEDs and build one yourself, its really not that hard to build and there are plenty of online guides already! (just use a search engine...Google....yahoo etc.)

  -Use 2 Candles, SERIOUSLY. Although this works perfectly, it's also a fire hazard!!!; so don't fall asleep, anything can happen. Just buy some cheap candles and place them either on the top or
the bottom of the T.V screen, configure your Wii's Sensor bar settings correctly. Then you should be able to use the Wii Menu and enjoy your games correctly. Depending on the size of the candles will determine the range/feet you will be able to sit away from the Sensor bar. Basically, 2 small candles will allow you to sit about 6-8 feet away from your T.V, whereas 2 larger candles (with more light will allow you to sit about 10-12 feet away (or more) from your T.V.

  -I've also heard of using 2 Flashlights. I haven't tried this yet, but people have said that it works as well as the candles do. UV light works as well.
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Q. Is it common for the Wii-mote to jump in certain games and not others?

A. Yes, it is common. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Trauma Center: Second Opinion uses the sensor bar flawlessly with no problems at all. Whereas, games like Red Steel and Call of Duty 3 will have a few "aiming problems".  Just follow the steps in this FAQ and hopefully you will know what to do for future references.
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Q. I've done everything you've said in this FAQ, but my Wii-mote accuracy on screen is still messed up.

A. Check your batteries to make sure that they aren't low. Turn the volume down, then restart the console. BE SURE to double check for other light sources around the sensor bar. Make sure the Sensitivity settings are set up correctly. Make sure nothing is blocking the Sensor Bar and also make sure nothing is blocking the Wii-mote sensor. Otherwise try using candles, who knows, it might work out for ya.
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Q. How would I know if my Sensor Bar is damaged?

A. If you are constantly experiencing problems while using your Wii-mote, then your sensor bar could possibly be damaged. If you know you have done all of the things above, then is away to troubleshoot your sensor bar:

Troubleshooting your Sensor Bar can be easy if you have all of the needed items.

  -Turn on your Wii console and use a Camera or a cell phone camera to look at the sensor bar. If you see all 10 lights; 5 on each end of the Sensor bar (they will be white blue'ish color), then sensor bar is in good condition. Here's a link to help you better understand what the sensor bar should look like.

  Sensor Bar Camera Test

  -Otherwise, contact Nintendo for more help and support.
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Q. Do you think there will be other "newer" version of the Sensor Bar from Nintendo and Third Party companies?

A. Well, I haven't heard of any "NEWER" version of the Sensor bar at this time, but it is very possible. Now if something happens to your original Sensor bar, there are 2 links above on where to find and buy them. There could be 3rd party battery powered wireless sensor bars in the future. Nintendo or 3rd party companies could make a new sensor bar for projector screens or 50 inch + T.V screens or just to improve the regular sensor bar.


E.)-----------------------Test----------------------

*02/07/2007* (thanks thunderbolt83)
I did a test after receiveing a e-mail from thunderbolt83. He stated that "the sensor bar does not need to remain on your TV, it can be moved closer for a better signal. Also, it can be turned to face the player", for better gameplay. He said, "When I played Zelda, I sat on a couch to the right of my TV, and after turning the bar to face slightly to the right, the cursor moved more smoothly." I tried it and everything he told me was true; But I've played Zelda: TP while sitting in a chair on the side of the T.V (not directly facing the T.V) and I had perfect aiming, but I turning your sensor bar wouldn't hurt anything. So I've decided to expand a little bit on what he did. I played Red Steel about 35 feet away from the T.V. Of course I couldn't get a good signal. So I placed the sensor bar on a small tabel about 3 feet tall, set up my Sensor bar settings, and played Red Steel. The game played fine. So this should be great if you plan on playing multiplayer games with 3 or more people in an open space. You don't have to be stuck right in front of the T.V any longer.

*02/04/07*
Windows with sunlight trying to beam through in your area of playing can affect your gameplay alot! When there's sun trying to beam though your blinds?!?! I was setting up my Senor Bar Sensitivity, and when I pointed at my Window I noticed atleast 18 dots blinking on the screen! Which mad my gameplay in Red Steel HELL! Now to correct this problem, if you can't find away to play your Wii away from a bright window, is to DECREASE the Sensitivity, until you can't see all of the blinking dots anymore. When you only see 2 blinking dots, then everthing is okay. NOTE: Since you are decreasing your settings you will have to sit a little closer to the T.V if you encounter "flickering" problems.

*02/03/07*
2 sources of light isn't always needed! I pointed my Wii-mote at a mirror (away from the T.V of course) with the reflection of a light. The light with the ceiling fan connected in my room. The light bulb was covered and worked well in Red Steel. The mirror was on the other side of the room. BUT, there was one big problem, I couldn't zoom in and out in Red Steel,  therefore the Sensor Bar DOES recognize when you are pointing forward or moving your Wii-mote backwards. LOL, I don't recommend anyone playing the game while pointing at a wall with a mirror on it.

*02/02/07*
UV light seems to be the best source of light to use, other than the Sensor Bar and candles. Sadly you'll have to wear sunglasses though, or suffer some real eye damage. I went into a completely different room, about 26 feet away form the Wii console and pointed myWii-mote at a UV lamp, and amazingly my brother told me that I was pointing at the screen. I told him no I wasn't and he said I was. Take note that I was on a different room and I was NOT pointing at the T.V at all. The UV lightworked perfectly, but was just too bright!.

(c) Copyright 2007 SKNMAK
Originally posted on gamesfaq.com

Last edited by The_Wii_Nes_Boy (2008-07-02 13:09:28)