When it comes to the position sensors in ruggedized joysticks, there are many available options. The potentiometer is, however, the most popular sensor. You should, nevertheless, never compromise on quality else you will find yourself having to replace your joysticks every now and then. You also have to choose the right type of potentiometers. Here are the most popular potentiometers that are available.
Single turn conductive plastic potentiometers
These are high-resolution types of joystick potentiometers. They are used in applications that require high accuracy and reliability such as medical devices and in industrial automation. These sensors are available in a wide range of sizes and measuring angles. This means you can get ruggedized joysticks of any size that use this type of potentiometer.
Single turn wire-wound potentiometers
These sensors have a life expectancy that ranges from 100,000 to more than a million turns. They are cost-effective. If what you need is heavy-duty that can withstand high environments, the sensor to go for is the single-turn wire-wound potentiometer.
Single turn hall effect potentiometer
This is one of the distinguished types of the potentiometer. The sensor is named after the physicist Edwin Hall who created the magnetic principle that is used today in hall effect sensors. The best thing about this sensor is that it offers remarkable precision analog feedback for control and position applications like controlling the speed of a power tool. The sensors are preferred for their remarkable long life, low noise, and high accuracy when used in industrial machinery.
Single turn inductive potentiometers
This sensor is ideal when you need a desktop controller that can withstand high vibrations. The sensor is preferred for its rugged durability when used in extreme environments. It is also good to note that this sensor is very accurate and has low noise.
Multi-turn wire-wound potentiometer
These sensors are perfect for closed-loop applications in which the rotating angle is more than 360 degrees. They are mainly used in gear drives and high-resolution panel setting devices. They come in multiple shaft diameters, mounts, and power ratings. These sensors are very easy to use, very cost-effective, and long-lasting.
Other common types of potentiometers are:
- Multi-turn hybrid potentiometers
- Multi-turn hall effect contactless potentiometers
- Linear motion conductive plastic potentiometers
- Linear motion hall effect potentiometers
With there being so many potentiometer sensor options, it makes sense to work with an expert when choosing a ruggedized joystick. Getting expert advice will save you a lot of time and money.
Ruggedized Joysticks