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.

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.

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.

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.

Further Reading : « 100 Sensors In Action, Electronic For Chemists » - Gérard Bacquet- SciencExpert Edition - 2024