Technologies are advancing at an unprecedented rate. Today, most industrial joysticks rely on the Hall effect sensing systems. This is because this technology is less prone to wear and tear. It is also more accurate than potentiometric sensors. The industrial hall effect joysticks thus use this contactless technology to translate joystick motion into an output signal.
Most industrial hall effect joysticks are made from nylon, plastic, nylon plastic, stainless steel, or glass-filled nylon. Some of the internal components may be made of metal for industrial use. They are used in demanding environmental conditions or on heavy-duty equipment.
There are several types of available joystick controllers. This is because they are designed for varying industrial uses. These joysticks are used on equipment like:
- Agricultural machinery
- Forklifts
- Excavators
- Cranes
- Vehicle steering
- Hoist devices
- Military or municipal vehicles
If you need joysticks for sensitive use such as steering, you will need precision joystick controllers. These joysticks are used for positioning, steering, and speed control in applications like microscope control. These controllers can also be used on:
- Wheelchairs,
- Camera controls,
- Optical measurement equipment,
- Surveillance cameras,
- Stage techniques,
- Medical diagnostic equipment.
- Game joysticks are also available and are used in video games, flight simulators, and remote controls.
Specifications
Joysticks come with varying specifications. However, the main specifications include the following:
- Number of axes. There are six degrees of freedom that correspond to the axes of the direction of movement. The possible directions are x, y, z, yaw, pitch, and roll. The most common joystick controllers come with axes of between one and six.
- Friction hold. This unique feature latches the switching lever in a selected position.
- Spring return. With this feature, a loaded spring will return the lever to the center position once you release the handle.
- Protocol support. This mostly refers to the types of connections. The most common types include USB, PROFIBUS, CANbus, and pulse width modulation.
Types of Industrial Joysticks
There are several types of ruggedized joysticks available. The most common ones are:
- Fingertip joysticks
- Handgrip joysticks
- Thumb joysticks
The type of joystick you select will depend on where and how you plan on using it. Always make sure you review the features of your preferred joystick. This is because industrial joysticks vary in mounting styles, handle options, and special features. If you plan on using the joystick in extreme conditions, ensure they are waterproof, dustproof, or both. For environments with magnetic fields, ensure the ruggedized joystick has the feature to protect it from magnetic interference.
Hall Effect Joysticks