What are the joysticks: their types, characteristics

The joystick as a game controller, although still relevant, has long lost its former popularity. And it's not about console gamepads, which are often confused with it. Control levers are in demand except in the context of all kinds of simulators. Most modern games are simply not adapted to such a specific controller.

But although joysticks cannot boast of popularity, they have more than enough originality! Keyboards and gamepads have changed their design for decades. At the same time, control levers have gone a real evolutionary path, having formed many interesting forms with different purposes.

What are the joysticks

Joysticks are usually divided into two large categories, types - into analog and discrete models. Separation is based on the ability of the device to analyze the position of the handle. But do not confuse this characteristic with the number of possible control planes. The analysis of the position of the handle is the ability of the equipment to read the force of pressing and the angle of inclination, and not the coordinate of movement.

Analog

Sensors of analog models are more complex and sensitive than discrete ones. They transmit the value of the program from zero to the set maximum, depending on the tilt of the lever. The greater the angle of inclination, the greater the value sent to the system. This means that the further the user rejects the handle, the faster, say, the plane in the game will gain speed or altitude. Almost all modern joysticks belong to this category.

Discrete

The discrete type, in turn, is a simpler and less popular technology. The sensor of this model is not able to accept complex numerical values. It can transmit to the program only one or zero, that is, the signal is “on” or “off”. It doesn’t matter how much the handle is rejected, because the controller will only send one value. This type of control is used only on old consoles, arcade machines, or on key phones.

Analog

The analog joystick class also has several subclasses. They consist of:

• Joysticks with an analog-to-digital converter (potentiometer).
• Encoder based controllers.
• Leverage with strain gauges.
• Joysticks using an optical matrix.
• Handles with magnetic sensors.

These subclasses are separated by the technologies that underlie them. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as a specific scope.

Potentiometer

This type of analog controller is based on the principle of an adjustable voltage divider and converting current into binary code. The lever in this case acts as a movable resistor that changes the internal voltage. The ADC converts electricity into a digital signal.

Its advantage is that such a controller is undemanding to mechanics. But high demands are made on the quality of food, which is its drawback, along with fragility.

Encoder

Encoders are optical sensors in the form of a gear wheel, in a certain way blocking the light from the LED to the photodiode. They are also used in ordinary computer mice.

Such analog devices are accurate and reliable, but have fewer steps of discreteness. This means that they recognize a smaller range of effects. For example, the angle of the aircraft in the game is changed not every degree, but every five. Often, encoder-based joysticks have a margin of only a hundred steps from edge to edge of the handle.

Strain gauges

This technology is commonly used in laptops for touchpads. Also found in some aircraft. In the environment of gaming devices, this foundation is practically not used.

Such equipment is poorly adapted for game controllers, because most of them are either held in their hands or not very securely attached to the table. A joystick based on strain gauges would be convenient only if it was tightly screwed to the surface.

Optical matrix

Optical sensors are a more generalized category, which includes encoders. They all share the same pros and cons: high accuracy and reliability at the cost of not the best sensitivity. However, for gaming purposes this is more than enough.

Magnetic sensors

Based on the principles of magnetoresistance and the use of the Hall effect. Its essence lies in the fact that the DC conductor moves along the magnetic field, creating a transverse potential difference. This effect allows you to measure the magnetic field by reading the signal.

Almost have no obvious flaws, but they boast exceptional reliability and durability.