Hand Controllers

We deliver the highest quality specialist hand controllers.
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Joysticks & Trackballs

Joysticks are the most suitable hand controllers for dynamic applications such as remote vehicle operation and camera tracking systems, and displacement joysticks are the most common type. Trackballs are ideal for applications that require the precise positioning of a cursor on a display screen.

Joysticks

Our modular displacement joystick range has been developed specifically for applications that require robustness and reliability combined with optimum accuracy and a user-friendly feel.
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Trackballs

Our trackballs are extremely robust and are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth, free and linear action.
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Joysticks

Joysticks are the most suitable hand controller for dynamic applications such as the remote operation of a vehicle or camera tracking system. They are available in two basic forms: ‘force sensitive’ or the more traditional ‘displacement’
type where the handle is free to move through an arc of typically ±20 degrees.

Displacement Joysticks

Joysticks are the most suitable hand controllers for dynamic applications such as remote vehicle operation and camera tracking systems, and displacement joysticks are the most common type. Our modular displacement joystick range has been developed specifically for applications that require robustness and reliability combined with optimum accuracy and a user-friendly feel.

Force applied to the handle causes the joystick to move, usually between 20° and 30°. This movement is detected and converted to an electrical signal. For applications that require a proportional output we use conductive plastic (not open track or wire-wound) potentiometers or specialist Hall effect sensors (as you prefer) to sense displacement. In our modular products with potentiometric sensors, the outputs are referenced to centre taps to remove any offsets and give stability, ensuring that, at zero deflection, the outputs are not affected by the supply voltage. Direct coupling of the sensors to the gimbal mechanism totally eliminates backlash. Based on our 30 years of experience in engineering joysticks, we have selected the strongest commercially-available gimbal mechanism. Its components are machined from steel or aluminium and are supported by sealed stainless steel ball races mounted in a machined solid frame. The use of stainless steel and anodised aluminium also provides excellent corrosion resistance. Rising from the gimbal mechanism is a hollow inconel alloy central shaft used to mount a grip. The bore of the shaft can accommodate up to 24 AWG wires for attachment to switches, triggers or force-operated joysticks. We can even increase this if your applications allows the use of 30 AWG wires. This gives you a choice of many different handgrip configurations based either on our MG1 modular control grip or on a fully customised configuration. The hollow shaft then passes through a sprung plate that acts as a return-to-centre mechanism. The design of the plate is such that the force required to operate the joystick is the same regardless of the direction of movement. Full-scale output on our modular displacement joysticks is provided from the X and Y axes simultaneously through the use of a square gate. The Z axis is operated by rotating the grip. All axes can be operated together, and all provide ±20° of movement with a return-to-centre action. When the joystick is mounted into a panel, a gaiter – manufactured from EPDM rubber – gives sealing to IP66 while remaining flexible over a wide temperature range.
Displacement Joysticks​

Characteristics

Our MP1 modular displacement joystick is designed for ultimate reliability and performance. It features:

  • Conductive plastic potentiometers or Hall effect sensors
  • Continuous resolution, high-level, analogue output
  • Choice of electrical interfaces
  • Extreme robustness
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Smooth action
  • Two-axis units panel sealed to IP66
  • Two or three axes (more if multi-function grip is attached)
  • Choice of mounting detail
  • No backlash
  • Two-year warranty
  • Directionally unbiased action
  • Excellent return to zero
  • Engineered using an ISO 9001 / AS9100-approved quality system

 

A range of options are available so you can configure your device to meet your needs.

Specification

Displacement Joysticks​​ – Technical Data

Electrical
ExcitationVoltage5 ± 0.5 VDC
Current150 mA + output current
Output voltage, per encoderTTL compatible true square wave on output A (yellow) and B (orange).
High2.7V min.
Low0.8V max.
Output current, per encoder18 mA max sink; Fan out of 10 TTL
Insulation, per encoder>10M ohms at 500V
Direction sensing+ XXB leads XA by 90 ± 30°
+ YYA leads YB by 90 ± 30°
Typical Resolution1.5 inch ball150 pulses per ball revolution
2.0 inch ball200 pulses per ball revolution
2.5 inch ball250 pulses per ball revolution
3.0 inch ball300 pulses per ball revolution
Mechanical
Storage temperatureMT4 series-60°C to +90°C
MT6 series-10°C to +55°C
Operating temperatureMT4 series-40°C to +70°C
MT6 series0°C to +50°C
HumidityMT4 seriesUp to 100% non-condensing
MT6 seriesUp to 95% non-condensing
MTBFTrackball only100,000 hours 2 million ball revolutions
Assumes a level of routine maintenance

Downloads

Download the Datasheets now:

Displacement Joysticks​

Force Joysticks

Force-operated – also known as stiff stick – joysticks have no moving parts, and are therefore extremely reliable. They are an obvious choice for applications that require careful control of movement within a small control space, such as vehicle-mounted or airborne equipment. We are proud to be one of the few specialist companies to engineer our own miniature force-operated joysticks.

Force-operated joysticks use strain gauges attached to a fixed metal post to convert applied force into a proportional electrical output. Typically a movement of less than 1mm is needed to achieve full-scale output. Daco force-operated joysticks consist of a force-sensitive spring fixed into a base and surrounded by a housing.

The force applied to the spring in the plane parallel to the base is resolved into X and Y components. These are sensed separately by strain gauges bonded to the spring and connected to form two half Wheatstone bridges. The resulting analogue output has infinite resolution and is proportional to input voltage and applied force.

Force-operated joysticks are noteworthy for their small footprint. They require less space for mounting and the base assembly is smaller than an equivalent displacement joystick; if a grip is fitted no space is needed to accommodate an arc of travel.

Daco’s force-operated joysticks provide full proportional control yet take no more space than a simple switch. Our devices typically have a body length of approximately 25mm. This makes them ideal for fitting in control grips, such as MG1, for use as thumbsticks. The low mass of the thumbsticks reduces their sensitivity to vibration and increases the effectiveness of mechanical damping.

Despite their size, our force-operated joysticks are extremely resilient, having an overload capability factor of 10. We have tested all our products to 10,000,000 cycles, with each cycle being full scale in both +ve and -ve directions. All units are fitted with an internal protective bellows that can be supplemented with an external elastomer seal. These features, coupled with the use of fully anodised aluminium exposed components, mean that the devices are suitable for the most demanding applications.

Characteristics

MJ3 modular force-operated joysticks are two-axis devices that use strain gauges to convert applied force into an infinite resolution analogue output, proportional to input voltage and the force applied. They have the following characteristics:

  • Small size
  • Continuous resolution
  • Over 400 possible configurations
  • No moving parts
  • High reliability
  • Sealed to IP67
  • Anodised to give good corrosion resistance
  • Low return-to-zero hysteresis
  • Low weight
  • Robust, with 10 times overload capability without damage
  • Two-year warranty
  • Engineered using an ISO 9001 / AS9100-approved quality system
 

The small size of our MJ3 joystick – typically 25mm – lends itself to a variety of mounting arrangements, including fitting in control grips such as Daco’s MG1.

Specification

Force Joysticks​ – Technical Data

The Daco MP3 force-operated joystick is extremely robust, small and easy to use. 

Electrical
ExcitationRated10V or ± 5VDC
Maximum12V or ± 6VDC
Input resistance650 Ohms nominal
OutputResistance (per half bridge)325 Ohms nominal
No force±125mV maximum
Sensitivity95mV/N nominal
Full scale (FS)1.0 ± 0.2VDC
Balance (+FS to -FS)200mV maximum
ResolutionStepless
Non-linearity±1% FS maximum
Hysteresis at zero±0.3% FS maximum
±1.0% FS maximum if elastomer seal used
Interaction±5% maximum
Zero offset thermal drift±0.04% FS/°C typical
Insulation>50M Ohms at 50VDC
Mechanical
Force, full scale10.5N nominal
Force, maximum±0.35mm nominal
Deflection, full scale10.5N nominal
Weight25gms maximum
Life>3x10^6 FS cycles
TemperatureOperating-40 to +70°C
Storage-55 to +90°C
Sealing (panel sealed)BS 5490 IP67
External materials (front of panel)Anodised aluminium alloy
Epichlorohydrin 60 (elastomer seal)
Joystick bodyBlack anodised
Joystick knobBlack anodised

Downloads

Download the Datasheets now:

Force Joystick​s

Trackballs

Trackballs are ideal for applications that require the precise positioning of a cursor on a display screen. Daco trackballs are extremely robust and are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth, free and linear action.
We have designed our trackballs to deliver the highest performance under the most difficult conditions. In many trackballs the encoder shafts used to sense rotation are also used to support the ball. This design leaves the device vulnerable to damage because any shock applied to the ball is transmitted to the encoders. The use of inflexible suspension points means that, if the trackball is mounted at an angle or is subjected to vibration, the contact between ball and encoder can be broken, thereby stopping meaningful electrical output. And as the ball can never rotate in the direction of both encoder shafts simultaneously, there is a bias in the ball’s rotation that prevents it from operating smoothly. Daco trackballs feature separate support and encoder shafts, optimising function and usability. Ball rotation is sensed by two high-quality optical encoders that, in our modular designs, contact the ball via a soft polyurethane foam roller chosen for its resistance to compression set, flame and corrosion. The foam’s flexibility allows it to “ride over” any small particulate contamination, which can cause jamming on other trackball encoders. This also ensures that contact between the ball and the encoders is maintained even if the trackball is mounted at an angle or is subjected to heavy vibration. We have engineered the encoders specifically for demanding applications. They have very low friction and inertia, which means there is minimum effect on the “feel” of the trackball’s operation.The ball itself is supported by six stainless steel ball bearings – within a polymer bearing – that are free to rotate in any direction. This means that there is never a bias in the direction of operation. Any excessive force applied to the ball is transmitted through the lower polymer bearing into the robust housing holding it, thereby avoiding damage to the encoders. The result is a highly-reliable and cost-effective design.

The modular trackballs are available in two versions – the MT4 and the MT6. The MT4 is higher specification and is therefore the more popular choice for more demanding environments. The MT6 is commonly used for less extreme applications.

Trackballs

Characteristics

The modular trackballs are available in two versions – the MT4 and the MT6. The MT4 is higher specification and is therefore the more popular choice for more demanding environments. The MT6 is commonly used for less extreme applications.

Both series feature

  • High reliability
  • Very smooth action
  • Quiet operation
  • Extreme robustness
  • Low start-up and operating force
  • Operating force unaffected by direction of rotation
  • Operation at any angle of mounting
  • Operation even under heavy vibration
  • Ball – and hence cursor – direction remains linear even when spun to make large movements (does not exhibit a curving response)
  • Minimum two-year warranty
  • Engineered under an ISO 9001 / AS9100-approved quality system

MT4 trackballs also feature

  • Anodised main structure to give extra corrosion resistance
  • Fully floating drip seal
  • High-temperature components on interface circuit boards
  • Operating temperature range extended to -40°C to +70°C
  • Aluminium top flange to reduce products of combustion
  • Warranty extension to three years
  • Wire with dual-wall insulation combining radiated polyalkene and radiated polyvinylidene fluoride – this wire has low toxicity products of combustion and meets a wide range of specifications including MIL W 81004 and DEF STAN 61-12 part 18

Specification

Trackballs – Technical Data

Electrical
ExcitationVoltage5 ± 0.5 VDC
Current150 mA + output current
Output voltage, per encoderTTL compatible true square wave on output A (yellow) and B (orange).
High2.7V min.
Low0.8V max.
Output current, per encoder18 mA max sink; Fan out of 10 TTL
Insulation, per encoder>10M ohms at 500V
Direction sensing+ XXB leads XA by 90 ± 30°
+ YYA leads YB by 90 ± 30°
Typical Resolution1.5 inch ball150 pulses per ball revolution
2.0 inch ball200 pulses per ball revolution
2.5 inch ball250 pulses per ball revolution
3.0 inch ball300 pulses per ball revolution
Mechanical
Storage temperatureMT4 series-60°C to +90°C
MT6 series-10°C to +55°C
Operating temperatureMT4 series-40°C to +70°C
MT6 series0°C to +50°C
HumidityMT4 seriesUp to 100% non-condensing
MT6 seriesUp to 95% non-condensing
MTBFTrackball only100,000 hours 2 million ball revolutions
Assumes a level of routine maintenance

Downloads

Download the Datasheets 

Trackballs

Contact

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