Industrial Joysticks

A joystick is a device which transforms mechanical movement from an operator and turns this into an electrical output. This electrical output can then be read by a computer system to create a desired effect. This can be either controlling a computer game, a CCTV camera or a fighter jet.

Joysticks can be used in many different ways depending on their application. These can be large full hand style joysticks with many additional buttons which are used in military jets and ground support units, through to smaller thumb or finger joysticks for controlling drones or computer games. There are also intermediate style joysticks which incorporate a Z-Axis or rotating portion, these are ideal for CCTV control where you can also zoom as well as move a camera.

There are many different types of joystick to cover many applications. Live Electronics supply a range of potentiometer and Hall Effect style joysticks which are highly accurate and very robust. Ranging from miniature finger or thumb style joysticks ideal for controlling drones, robotics and pneumatic devices to medium style joysticks which can be used for CCTV or electronic wheelchairs.

Joysticks have many advantages in certain applications. Their main advantage is the ease of use and instinctive nature for many operators. This means reduced time for training and to become proficient in the use of a device. They can also be highly accurate and enable an operator to control the device into a desired position quicker than some other forms of input such as pushbuttons or keypads. Lastly, they can incorporate additional switches allowing for the device to be used for many additional functions without the operator being required to remove their hand.