Analog Joystick: Complete Guide on Analog Joystick Module

The joystick is usually a game controller since it's frequently used when playing games. Nevertheless, where else it’s DIY electronics, users can use this controller to create various fun activities. There is so much you can do with it, including controlling camera movements and robots, to mention a few. Hence, in this article, you will learn more about this controller input device, including how you can interface it with Arduino.  

What is an Analog Joystick?

Also known as a thumbstick or control stick, the analog stick is a controller input device for two-dimension input. It features two potentiometers connected, X-axis- for horizontal movement and Y-axis for vertical movement.  Besides, both X-Y coordinates pinpoint just as with the normal geometry positioning the stick impeccably. In addition, it comes with top-notch switches, making it a perfect fit for RC cars, robot control, and retro gaming.

Joystick Module for Arduino projects 

 

Pin Description

Pin 1, 5 – GND and VCC

•  Supplies +5V voltage and ground module terminal to Joystick

The Pin 2 –X-OUT

• Positive supply terminal of Module. Provides 0 volts to VCC analog output voltage in accordance with the movement of Holder in X-direction (axis)

Pin 3 – Y-OUT

• Voltage is proportional to Y-axis. Provides 0 volts to VCC analog output voltage in accordance with the movement of Holder in Y-direction (axis).

Pin 4 –Switch

• Features only one demonstrative button
• It connects to the VCC through a resistor once you haven’t pressed the switch. Once you press the switch, it connects to the Ground.

 

How Does the 2-axis Thumb Joystick Module Work?

Basically, the joystick’s basic idea is to convert the stick's station on two axes into automated info that Arduino can develop. Nevertheless, translating can be a bit hard; however, thanks to its design, it has a Gimbal Mechanism and two potentiometers.

The joystick on White Background

 

Gimbal Mechanism

By rotating the joystick, the thumb knob swings the thin pole on the two rotatable and well-positioned handles (Gimbal). Hence, one handle permits movements up and down (Y-axis) while the other is left and right (X-axis). Once it tilts the stick from side to side, it makes the Y-axis shaft forward and backward. In addition, once you move the stick diagonally, both shafts will pivot.  

Potentiometer

The potentiometer connects to the joystick shaft, which determines the pole's location as analog interpretations. Once you move the fitted slide, it swings the connected potentiometer arm. It means pushing the rod forward moves the potentiometer arm towards the track end. Additionally, pulling it back towards your side turns the contact arm to the other side.  

Analog Joystick Interfacing with Arduino

In this circuit, we will interface Joystick with Arduino by controlling four LEDs according to the Joystick’s movement. Furthermore, to ensure that the 4 LEDs exemplify the joystick shaft movements, we will place them in a way that displays the direction. Besides, the Analog joystick features a drive button, which we can use for different objectives or let it remain inactive. Again, its switch has an LED linked; therefore, the sole LED turns ON by pressing the switch.  

Equipment Required

•  LEDs – 5
•  Resistor: 100ohm -3
• Joystick Module
•  Arduino UNO
•  Breadboard
•  Connecting wires

 

Wiring Joystick Module to Arduino

Wiring Joystick to Arduino UNO

  To determine X and Y joystick coordinates, we will have to link the two joystick analog outputs to Arduino analog pins. Hence, we will connect VRx in our Arduino board to the Arduino AO analog pin while the VRy to the Arduino A1 analog pin. In addition, we will connect the joystick SW pin to Arduino D8 digital pin. It will help us know if the joystick knob is already down. Additionally, the joystick requires power. Therefore, its VCC pin links to the Arduino 5V terminal while the GND pin links to the Arduino GND terminal.  

Arduino Code

Within the two inputs (analog and digital), we will read the measurements and display the outcomes on the serial monitor.  

  Once everything does work as expected, the results will display the output on the serial monitor.  

Code Explanation

The delineation begins by resetting the Joystick module connection within the Arduino. Likewise, the VRy and VRX pins connect to #1 and #0 analog pins, while the SW pin connects to Arduino Pin #8.  

  We need to ensure the SW pin remains HIGH; hence we initialize it through the “setup ()” function. The reason being, as long as it's high, we are sure that the button isn’t pressed. Afterward, we begin serial communication.  

  Use the DigitalRead (function) to read the SW pin value in the “loop ()” function. In addition, use the “analogRead()” to read VRx & VRy pins and display them on the serial monitor.  

 

Analog Stick Replacement

Step 1: Controller

Begin by removing the four 6.0 mm screws used to protect the controller rear cover using the Screwdriver. Meanwhile, don’t use much force to loosen the screw. It might make the removal impossible by causing permanent damage to the threads.  

Joystick

 

Step 2: Opening the Handle

Start with the left handle, where you will introduce an opening by pinching the controller’s left handle. Consequently, shove an opening using plastic equipment, sliding it up toward the joystick. Pop open the covering by pulling down the pincher. Finally, use the same steps to open the right handle.  

Step 3: Opening the Button

Crack-open the covering near the option and share buttons by shoving plastic opening equipment on the case splitting. Moreover, ensure that the controller part attaches to the motherboard ribbons and splits its plastic covering. On the structure, you will find three small fragments; one Gray reset button and two activate springs. Their work is to control the project field and avoid loss.

Gaming console and controller

 

Step 4: Removing the Battery

Using your fingers, disconnect the motherboard ribbon that connects both sides of the controller and pull it out gently.  Again,  when reconnecting, ensure the cable alignment faces the right position.

Step 5: Disassemble the

Using the screwdriver, take out the screws underneath the battery retainer. Also, detach the touchpad ribbon, which connects to the motherboard gently. Furthermore, you will find a touchpad ribbon that connects to the motherboard that tosses to loosen and tightens. Afterward, you will need to remove the plastic tray from the motherboard to reattach the ribbon when reassembling. Sensibly extricate the system board from the front cover.  

Step 6: Completing Disassembly

After disassembling the controller, you will have the Rear cover, front cover, and system board assembly.  

Step 7: Left Analog Stick

To prepare the circuit board for the solder work, use the “helping hands” or similar tool that will hold steadily. Next, remove the solder using flux and a desoldering wick.  After desoldering all the contacts, you can then remove the old joystick. Besides, you will need to remove the solder; hence, you might have to hold a little on the joystick when using the wick or to melt the solder.  

Video game joypad

  Make sure the joystick replacement resembles the original version. Clear the holes using small drill bits or hypodermic needles. Likewise, ensure the holes are clear with no traces of old solder. Besides, the printed circuit board has flux – a molten-looking substance used for desoldering that you can use.  

Step 8: Replacement

Connect the new joystick, ensuring it fits the circuit board appropriately, aligning the contact lineup with motherboard holes. After replacing the analog stick, what is remaining is cleaning up the former flux using some isopropyl alcohol.  

Problems with Analog Joystick

The analog joystick system has a couple of significant problems. First, the systems lack an accurate analog-to-digital converter; therefore, the crude analog-to-digital conversion process inaccurately compromises its sensitivity. Secondly, to enable the joystick system to regularly “survey” to define the stick position, the microcontroller must dedicate much power during the process.  

Summary

The Analog joystick is among the best controllers capable of creating various activities. Its two-dimension input makes it the best device for a pointer movement controller. Besides, their top-notch shifts make it an ideal module for retro gaming, robot control, controlling camera movements, and much more.