Possible to turn Android phone into Wii style remote?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on transforming an Android phone into a Wii-style remote for controlling an Arduino-equipped motorized car using the phone's gyroscope and accelerometer. The user has identified the Wireless IMU app but notes its limitation of only transmitting to Matlab. Key tools mentioned include AIDE for Android app development, and resources for accessing the accelerometer and Bluetooth communication APIs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning through practical application and suggests using the Eclipse-based Android environment for a more professional development experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of Arduino programming
  • Familiarity with Android app development using AIDE
  • Knowledge of Bluetooth communication protocols
  • Understanding of sensor data handling, specifically accelerometer and gyroscope
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to read accelerometer data in Android using the official API
  • Learn about Bluetooth communication in Android applications
  • Explore tutorials on using the Processing IDE with Arduino
  • Investigate the Eclipse-based Android development environment for advanced app development
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, educators, and developers interested in integrating mobile technology with Arduino projects, particularly those looking to create interactive toys or remote control applications.

Nietzsche_Keen
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I can find instructions and videos everyone for how to control a remote control car with buttons on a smartphone screen. However, what I'M hoping to do is control an arduino equipped motorized car using the gyroscope and accelerometer contained within the phone. I have found the Wireless IMU app, but from what I can tell, it seems to only transmit to Matlab.

My goal is to make a toy car for my son that he can control by moving the phone. If I could just figure out how to get the accelerometer and Z coordinates to transmit through bluetooth to the arduino.

Hopefully someone can help me out here. For the record, I'm totally unfamiliar at Matlab at this point. I'm only at a very beginner level with arduino as well. I'm doing this project to learn more about all of the above.
 
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There's a development tool for Android called AIDE (android app store) where you can write java code on the phone. from there, you'll need to find how to read the accelerometer:

http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/sensors/sensors_overview.html

and then find the API for communicating with Bluetooth.

http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/bluetooth.html

the AIDE page is here:

http://www.android-ide.com/

The AIDE is good for quick apps. You don't need to worry about some issues like a development environment on your PC with Java JDK, the Android SDK and how to access your phone in developer mode...

Alternatively you could look up the Processing IDE, follow some tutorials to connect it to the ADK and do your development on your PC.

However, the most formal and best way is the Eclipse based Android environment complete with debuggers... Its the environment most professionals will use.

Anyway, there are tutorials and books that will tell you everything you need to know to get started,
 
Thanks so much! I don't know what most of that stuff is, but I look forward to learning!
 

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