I lost my Wii in a divorce back in 2011, though at times I missed it. I didn't miss having another power brick; I didn't miss finding a home for another gizmo; and I didn't miss component cables. I've been HDMI only since then, and while there are some adapters that let you use a Wii via HDMI, this allows me to use my HTPC to run the Dolphin emulator. Dolphin is free (as in speech), works very well, and though it works with any controllers (can emulate Wiimotes or GameCube controllers using anything that works on your PC), it allows you to use authentic (or knock off) Wii controllers. Wii sensor bars are a misnomer, as the bar does no sensing (the Wii remote does that), but they need power for their USB emitters. Wireless sensor bars work, as do any number of other solutions, but this is among the best. That's not the magic bit, the reliable Bluetooth connection for Wii remotes is what's special. There are other solutions, but not cheaper nor easier. This is what you want.
Setting it up is kinda easy once you know what to do. It took a bit long to figure out what to do, so let me help you. Note I didn't bother with the included CD for a variety of reasons (notably I don't have a built in drive on my machine).
* there is no driver required nor available. Try as I might to find one, it doesn't exist.
* there is a firmware update, and as it's tiny and easy to install, we'll start there.
1) Download the firmware update at http://www.mayflash.com/support/download/ (look for W010
Wireless Sensor DolphinBar MAYFLASH DolphinBar)
2) Unrar it (need to do this twice) and run updater (note sensor bar not plugged in)
3) while holding synch, plug sensor bar into usb port (a good quality extender should work, but unpowered hubs not recommended)
4) after plugging in and releasing synch, option to install firmware will pop up; Update firmware (take a second, as it's tiny)
5) there's a hardware switch for above and below TV placement on the back of the bar (never seen one of those), so fill that out. Also change to mode 4
6) Make sure your copy of Dolphin is a recent one from dolphin-emu.org (not dolphin-emulator.com--that caused hours of issues!)
7) Pair Wiimote(s) and everything should work with default settings. You may want to verify "continuous scanning" is enabled on the controller settings (I believe it was defaulted to on).
* note that the Wii Remotes will automatically turn off in time, but using the power button will turn it off sooner.
* all accessories (classic controller, nunchuck, etc...) should work
* four controllers should work
* I got 90-95% OEM Wii sensor bar performance (it has a harsher cut off than I recall, but when pointed at the screen, it works great).
* remember that Dolphin like a Wii has a software setting for above/below TV placement
* the cable is disgracefully short, though it does kind help in cable routing, as you basically run the extender cable to the TV and plug this in there. I had no issues with a quality (though only $6-8) USB 2.0 extension cable. There are reported issues with unpowered hubs.
My biggest hardware issue came from not knowing what mode to use (If everything else wasn't so good I'd deduct a star). 1&2 aren't really for gaming. 3 kinda works, but it's not what you want. Choose mode 4. Note you can change modes with the Wiimote (press home and the D pad--each direction corresponds to a different mode). The biggest issue overall is downloading from the wrong site. It's latest version wasn't recent and simply wouldn't work. Use mode 4 and a recent version from dolphin-emu.org, and you should be fine!
| Brand | May Flash |
|---|---|
| Series | W010 |
| Item model number | W010 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 1 x 0.7 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10 x 1 x 0.7 inches |
| Color | black |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Manufacturer | May Flash |
| ASIN | B00HZWEB74 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 23, 2014 |
