Joysticks

We refer to the joystick as the input device that allows digital systems to be controlled by motion of a lever. The most popular use of the joystick is related to video games, where its elements facilitate interaction with virtual environments, although the joystick can be used in other areas such as robotics, simulators and remote control systems.

What is joystick?

It is a digital, analogue or electrical device which has the function of lever control for move manually a cursor or replacing the keyboard on a computer screen. It is used in computer software for moving through space and time, and indicates where or which combination of directions to press.

It consists of a lever that can be tilt in various directions to send signals to the system that controls. Its intuitive design has made it one of the most popular fundamental tool for certain tasks requiring precision and real-time response. The joystick is a key component in the development of interactive projects and mechatronic systems. The way it works is based on translate physical movement into analogue or digital signals which the system itself interprets as commands. 

Types of joysticks

There are various types of joysticks, including analogue, digital, haptic feedback and specialised versions for accessibility. Let's focus on the two most representative types of joysticks:

• DigitalDetect basic positions such as up, down, left, right and diagonal, by means of on/off switches at the base of the joystick. This type of joystick is used in arcade machines, classic consoles and 2D video games. Its main advantage is that it has a high precision in simple directions.
• AnaloguesThese allow you to indicate where to move in each of the possible directions. This type of joystick is therefore more precise and more suitable for controlling vehicle simulation games such as cars, motorbikes, planes, etc. Its main advantage is that it has greater precision and progressive control, and is ideal for 3D games and simulation applications.

History of the joystick

The first electric joystick from two axles was probably developed in Germany in 1944., during the Second World War. This device was designed to control the guided pump Henschel Hs 293, The bombing, which was launched from bomber planes. The operator, located within the aircraft, used the joystick to address on missile towards its objective via control by radio.

In the beginnings of arcade machines, also known as arcades, The joysticks used were of the digital type. This was because the most common connection standard on the circuit boards of these machines, known as Jamma, only allowed binary inputs (on or off). These inputs were generated through simple switches located at the base of the joystick, which required the joysticks to be connected to the circuit boards. joysticks will function as digital devices. Over time, as video game technologies evolved along with computers and home consoles, analogue controls began to emerge and later a combination of analogue and digital controls. both types.

In the 1980s, it was common to find joysticks with a single button from action. The first type consoles Pong potentiometers were used to control the movement, but it was the Atari 2600 which established the most popular and enduring design: a digital joystick with two axes and one release button. This model also integrated a pair of potentiometers which could be used with other peripherals such as paddles, mouse o trackballs.