The hand grip joysticks are designed for demanding applications. They come in many sizes and with varying features. To make your work easier, you have to ensure the joystick you buy offers a comfortable grip and good tension. It must also have the technology to prevent accidental inputs. Another important thing you must consider is the technology the joystick uses. There are two main types of technologies available: potentiometers and hall-effect technologies.
Potentiometer technology
This technology has been around longer than hall-effect technology. It features physical components which increase or decrease the current or voltage when moved. This is achieved through the variance of resistance in an electric circuit. For example, when the handle of the hand grip joysticks is moved, there is a variance of current or voltage. This variance is recorded and sent to the system where it is interpreted to determine the amount and direction of the deflection.
Although this technology has been around for the longest time, it has a significant drawback. Since its working involves moving parts that slide over each other, the parts are bound to wear out. This causes the electronic circuit control to fail over time. It is also vulnerable to radio frequency and electromagnetic interference.
Despite the drawback, potentiometer joysticks have many applications. The most common industrial applications include the following:
- Factory production lines
- Robotics
- Cranes
- Winches
- Medical apparatus
- Agricultural machines
- Marine equipment
- Construction equipment
- Forestry machines
Considering the handgrip joystick will be used in a disruptive environment, you must ensure they are robust enough to offer durability and reliability when going for potentiometer joysticks. They should also have the mechanisms in place to reduce equipment failure.
Hall-Effect technology
This is a more modern technology used in handgrip joysticks. The technology relies on a transducer which varies voltage output in response to a magnetic field. The sensor works as an analog transducer when returning a voltage. The sensor has a thin metal strip with a current running alongside it. When there is a magnetic field, electrons in the metal strip deflect towards the edge. This causes a voltage gradient along the strip’s short side. The best thing about this technology is that it is contactless. This means there is no wear since the internal components are not rubbing against each other, as with the potentiometer technology. As a result, the joystick will last longer.
Hall-effect technologies are predominantly used in applications like:
- Speed deduction
- Positioning
- Current sensing
- Proximity switching
Now that you understand the technologies used in a hand grip joystick, it is up to you to find the joystick that works for you. There are many options available. The key is to choose the joystick that offers the functionalities you want.
Hand Grip Joysticks