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$2 USB Optical rotary upgrade for most joysticks

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PL1:
Here's another of my crazy spitball ideas to throw into the mix.

The concept uses a flat metal semi-circular pivot like those found in the old analog joysticks to position the rotary encoder at the end of the shaft and keep it from twisting out of alignment.

Bottom view -

Haven't worked out the exact "clicker pen" mechanism to engage and disengage the sliding sleeve, or if it would be better to move the encoder to engage with the sleeve and shaft.


Scott

griffindodd:
Ok here's where I am up to so far...



- The 12 tooth metal sprocket is attached to the end of the joystick shaft with a locking bolt, the sprocket cost $2.79 from Surplus Center.
- The switch plate (represented by the mini CD) spins freely around the sprocket shaft but it restricted from rotating by slots around poles/screws at the edges.
- The switch is a momentary-off-momentary giving two switch positions, click momentary left and click momentary right, hook these up to your keyboard controller of choice. The switch always flicks back to off when released. $0.50 from BG Micro.

Unfortunately this is as much as I have been able to construct due to my lack of small cutting tools to make a decent slotted switch plate, it's starting to get very frustrating that I can't fabricate some of these more precise pieces that I need to test ideas. But I'm sure you guys can see the concept here. I think I need to invest in a good Dremel and various spinny cutting doo hickeys

Gray_Area:

--- Quote from: griffindodd on September 18, 2012, 12:13:00 am ---Ok here's where I am up to so far...
--- End quote ---

How is 'return-to-center' of the guy on-screen handled?...or is it a factor?

griffindodd:
I've only tested on Ikari Warriors that doesn't have that game feature, you just psin the handle to point in the direction you want

pinballjim:
Here's another probably dumb idea... instead of doing this optical stuff, why not have a pin sticking off the bottom of the joystick that rotates the switch used for the mouse scroll wheel?  It'd take some creative mounting but at least you'd get a click sensation.

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