Introduction: Resistive Dual-Axis XY Joystick
This XY joystick with a resistive mode has been designed primarily for educational purposes or to meet specific requirements. Indeed, it is possible to find this type of joystick on the market for a few euros.
Supplies
The joystick needs the following components:
- 2 RM 104 potentiometers (10 kOhm)
- 4 male pins
- pieces of a PCB plate
- a used pen tube and a nail
- 3 parts printed in PLA: the central body and 2 movement arcs.
Step 1: PLA Components
The central body houses the RM104 variable resistors and accommodates the two movement arcs [X,Y], as well as fixing the central pivot [Z]. The arcs allow the heads of the RM104 variable resistors to rotate and are housed in the semi-spheres provided in the central body for this purpose.
Step 2: Assembling
To begin, place the RM 104 variable resistors into their designated housings. Solder the resistor connectors onto a PCB plate that has been cut to the appropriate size. Next, gather the four wires (X, Y, Gnd, and Vcc) onto a third PCB plate where the pins for future connections are located :
The arcs can be placed once the resistors have been soldered. One end of the arc is housed in a half-sphere, while the other end is housed in the head of the RM 104 variable resistor.
The joystick head and [Z] axis are glued to complete the assembly.