Introduction: Arduino Leonardo Usb Steering Wheel
I had an old usb steering wheel laying around that died, i had a freetronics leostick laying around so i made this.
i updated the bootloader to the official leonardo one.
Step 1: Bootloader Mods
updated the bootloader to the official leonardo one.
for the steering wheel you will need an arduino leonardo compatible board with the leonardo bootloader.
update these files in root folder >hardware > arduino > cores > arduino
i used i.0.5 of the ide
files to download : HID
Step 2: Code and Wiring
here is the code i used, edit it to suit your needs :)
void setup()
{
Serial.begin(57600);
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
joySt.xAxis = 0;
joySt.yAxis = 0;
joySt.zAxis = 0;
joySt.xRotAxis = 0;
joySt.yRotAxis = 0;
joySt.zRotAxis = 0;
joySt.throttle = 0;
joySt.rudder = 0;
joySt.hatSw1 = 0;
joySt.hatSw2 = 0;
joySt.buttons = 0;
}
void loop()
{
Serial.write("DIY USB joystick V1 by the nerdling");
joySt.xAxis = analogRead(A4)/4;
joySt.yAxis = analogRead(A5)/4;
joySt.rudder = analogRead(A3)/4;
Joystick.setState(&joySt);
}
the wiring is what i used on my wheel, the throttle and brake wiring is what i used because i needed 2 pedals for 1 channel, try it out and see what you need to do to make it suit you
that's all i will tell you because that's all you need figure the rest out e.g to put it all in your wheel each one is your different

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18 Comments
Question 2 years ago on Introduction
I dont know if my question is stupid or not, but do you guys know if it would be possible to display how much throttle is used? Like a live display in the console ... 0% = no gas, 50% = half gas and 100% is full throttle. I would be really happy if you could help me out
Question 4 years ago on Step 1
Can I directly use arduino leonardo without any modifications
6 years ago
Hello Author. Thanks for this tutorial. What about the HID files to download? Whenever I click on the link it fails to download the HID zipped folder. Can you clarify what is contained in this zipped folder, what we need it for and how do I get these files from you or from an alternative source online? Many thanks
6 years ago
Hello.I have a question for you.With arduino and this code i have deadzone on steering?(Sorry for my enghish :) )
6 years ago
Made this only using smartphone - no cost - working great. sharing all
places because UNO steering wheel was in my future projects list. due to
costs of commercial gaming wheels. Now using existing smartphone and
app its super easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcFSFCocAPE
6 years ago
Would this work with a Optical Incremental Rotary Encoder like this:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/F85-Free-Shipping-Encoder-600-P-R-5V-24V-Incremental-Rotary-AB-2-Phase-6mm-Shaft/32412236109.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.RmyaMu&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_3,searchweb201644_5_505_506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008,searchweb201560_3,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6448&btsid=0e54ee8f-ee3d-477c-b5aa-0a7959493697
Reply 6 years ago
no sorry, its based on the change of resistance
the optical encoder looks like it outputs pulses based off position
you could edit the code but im not sure how
Reply 6 years ago
Thanks for letting us know. I'd would love to see a project done with an Optical Encoder.
7 years ago
is the potentiometer used for steering and can we add a clutch and h shifter which is a diy one. and in the diagram for brake and throttle is potentiometer used or can it be used??
8 years ago on Introduction
Sorry, this might be not the best idea.
In a specific configuration of the throttle and brake potis there will be
a short circuit between GND and VCC.
Or is this the reason why you are using another GND and this is not a problem?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
i used a different ground because it was closer in the diagram
this is how i wired up the throttle and brake pedals, it works fine no short
it should work with a different ground pin
8 years ago on Introduction
I cannot get this to work. I get the following error in the compiler:
Controller_3.ino: In function ‘void setup()’:
Controller_3.ino:5:3: error: ‘joySt’ was not declared in this scope
Controller_3.ino: In function ‘void loop()’:
Controller_3.ino:20:3: error: ‘joySt’ was not declared in this scope
Controller_3.ino:23:3: error: ‘Joystick’ was not declared in this scope
what Code do you have before "void setup()"
I swapped out the files in the root folder and used your code. Won't work...
any suggestions? I am also using arduino 1.0.5
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
use arduino 1.0.1. Modify the root files as this tutorial states, but for arduino 1.0.1. Secondly, make sure you have the Leonardo selected as the board you are using.
I cannot get this code to work for any other versions of arduino accept arduino 1.0.1.
link to all older arduino versions: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/OldSoftwareReleases
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
did you put the files in the root folder, eg "arduino-1.0.5" or in these folders?
root folder >hardware > arduino > cores > arduino
8 years ago on Introduction
Would a version of this work with an arduino mega? I am rather new to fiddling with Arduinos, got a mega 2560 from a friend and I have a busted steering wheel as well.
Reply 8 years ago
I don't think it would work
is it can act line a USB keyboard then yes it might
I used a freetronics leostick with the Leonardo boot loader for my steering wheel
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for the reply, after your comment I went googling and there are indeed ways of making the Mega work as a usb HID device, I might do some stuff and try to use your code while I wait for the rest of the hardware I bought for a different project with the same arduino.
Reply 8 years ago
cool, good luck