HS1 Series - Miniature Hat Switch

There are many different types of the 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 of 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. The disadvantages of joystick use are usually down to the application and the operators’ preferences. For instance, some joysticks are used instead of a mouse and keyboard to save space with portable equipment, this can lead to longer information input times and difficulties in use for the operator.

A joystick is a device that 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.