Cheap working homemade arduino joystick

Hello everyone!

Today I present you :

Arduino Joystick!

One day I was checking the inside of old joystick. System wasn't that hard to understand, so I thought of making my of system.
The whole build is made only by me. I didn't check the internet pages about joysticks etc.

What is it?
It's a simple joystick type controller  that uses basic electronic parts and is easy to use even for beginners. 

Why should you make one?
It's cheap and easy to use. It has many functions and possibilities.

What can I do with it?
Controll rc car, play PONG! and many many more...!

What do I need?
-about 3mm thin pcv (I used somewhere around a4 sheet but I'm not sure about that)
-hot glue
-sharp knife (can be paper cutting knife
-2 100k ohm potentiometers
-1 bamboo stick
-scissors
-drill
-cables,soldering iron
-foam
-goldpin board (for connecting to arduino)
-arduino
-some buttons (2)
-wodden stick
-some free time :D


 Important!
You need to connect the joystick to arduino using voltage divider. All you have to do is add 2 resistors (any you want).
Connect end of resistors to arduino GND, the middle between pots and resistors to arduino communication pin. Rest should be as on my picture. ( NOW! I added the picture)

Step 1: Make the System

The system is shown on these 2 pictures. It uses the pots that I already described.
I used hot glue for all the connections.

The opposite end is mounted using bamboo stick wich is sharpened like a pencil.

Step 2: Make a Box

Just make a simple box using pcv sheets.

Don't forget about holes for buttons and controller stick.

Use hot glue to connect everything

Step 3:

 

Now solder the elements (buttons and pots) acording to the picture that I have drawn.

Step 4: Foam It!

In this step you will simply stick the foam using hot glue to the surface of your box.

However sticking foam to the face of your joystick is a bit tricky.
You have to measure and cut the holes first.

Remember stick a little foam at a time. That will ensure you that no bubbles appear.
You will also achieve better effects at the end.

Step 5: Finishing Touches.

 Cover the empty sides of your box with pcv.
On one side there are cables. You should make a little hole for them.
You can also foam the end of the stick.

All you have to do now is connect your joystick to arduino and test it out!


For more detail: Cheap working homemade arduino joystick