Introduction: (Assistive Tech) Dual Joystick Controller With 4 Inputs Each!

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This controller is a full functional joystick that can be operated easily with fingers, your palm, or anything if you try hard enough. I created this controller because I wanted to design cheap and effective inputs. I love the design of joysticks and wanted to make one as cheap as possible. The straw is what makes this design so cost efficient and flexible.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/920640547 (Test it here)

Supplies

Makey makey

Alligator Clips ( https://www.amazon.com/Sumnacon-Crocodile-Alligator-Clips-Cable/dp/B0C33MZ8K2 )

Copper Tape ( https://www.amazon.com/VBHHY-Copper-Foil-Double-Sided-Conductive/dp/B0CB1HMCSB/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1QRCFT1LAMA2R&keywords=Copper+tape&qid=1699376833&s=industrial&sprefix=copper+tape+%2Cindustrial%2C166&sr=1-11 )

Wooden board (Cardboard works) - This will serve as the base and should weight a bit *Should be no less than 12" wide*

3d Printed Joystick Holder (Alternate a plastic cup with the bottom cut out)

Electrical Tape

Flexible Plastic Straw

Wires and a wire stripper

Super adhesive glue / Hot glue works (Less durable).


Everyone's button preferences are different, if you wish to remap your makey makey use this link here to use any buttons you need.

https://makeymakey.com/pages/remap

Joystcik Controller v 7 (Good)

Step 1: Set Base and Print 3d File

To start this off it's optimal for a weighted base, if you have a flat wooden board of any sort that works. 12'' by 8'' is preferable.

Print two of the fusion 360 files (These are going to act as the shell for all the inputs).

Don't secure these to the board just yet!

Step 2: Straw/Joystick Set Up

  1. See supplies above, locate the straws. You're going to want a sturdy and flexible straw, cut 1-2'' off (this is how much extra straw will poke out of the joystick.
  2. Insert 6-8'' long wire into the straw and cut the sheathing on the ends so the conductive part is available.
  3. On the upper end of the straw, wrap it with copper tape so it covers everything above the stretchable kinks.
  4. Snip a part of the lower end of the straw so the wire can come out of the side a bit.
  5. Secure straw into board/base, (It's best to drill a hole and super glue it into there, make sure it's stable and standing upright.
  6. Tape the extra wire from the bottom of the straw down, extend it 4'' away from the straw and secure it to the edge of the board(use electric tape to cover any conductivity, leave the very end uncovered).
  7. Take the wire on the edge of the board and attach a piece of copper tape and clip aligator clip to it. (This is Earth input for the makey makey)
  8. Repeat this process again for other joystick.

Step 3: 3d Printed Shell Wiring Setup

  1. Use copper tape to create 4 inputs inside the inner circle of the shell. (Make sure they are not touching!)
  2. Strip the ends of 4 wires for each side (6'' in length is optimal)
  3. Within the outer circle of the shell, connect each individual wire to copper wire and make sure the wires can hang out of the shell.


Step 4: Combine Shell and Straw

  1. Make sure the wires are all outside of the shell
  2. Use strong glue to secure the shell on top of the straw contraption (You want the straw as perfectly centered as possible).
  3. Extend all loose Wires to the edge secure them down then attach a small piece of copper tape to the conductive end (This is for the alligators clips)
  4. Glue down shell
  5. Repeat this process for second joystick.

Step 5: Wire Manangement

  1. Tape down all loose wires using non-conductive electrical tape
  2. Take the ends of the sheated wires and tape some copper tape around them so your clips can easily clip on.
  3. Label all your buttons (optional)
  4. Plug in to makey makey and wire as you wish!
  5. Test buttons here https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/920640547
  6. Remap makey makey link https://makeymakey.com/pages/remap
  7. Enjoy!