Newbie alley

Projects General Guidance
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Hello all, I'm relatively new to Arduinos (6 months or so) but I do have a Mega, bunch of NodeMCUs, Nanos, MKR1010 and a Nano 33 scattered over my desk now.

This is my first post in the forum - didn't really know where to start so I figured I'd head for the bar :slight_smile:

I wanted to get some advice but didn't know which section to ask in, so I wondered if someone here would take pity on a newbie and point me in the right direction?

I would like advice on some hardware for an arduino project, specifically a joystick. Can someone suggest where would be the best place to ask?

Cheers :slight_smile:

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Arduino Forum > Using Arduino > Project Guidance

Do not hesitate, in the worst case your topic will be moved by moderator into the appropriate one. :slight_smile:

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  1. learn basic C
  2. learn to use millis() timing and non-blocking code.
  3. learn to write state machines for code that works in steps or modes. HIGH and LOW are pin states.
  4. write your own button debouncer.

You get a nice start to write smooth automation as tasks without needing an OS to switch between, lean and mean.
The way it works, it's easy to add tasks until the Arduino is full.

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originalbigbri:
I would like advice on some hardware for an arduino project, specifically a joystick. Can someone suggest where would be the best place to ask?

If you want to connect a stick to a PC, use a Duino with built-in USB like Arduino Micro or PJRC Teensy 2 to turn 10-bit analog-digital reads into USB-HID for a PC.

Arduino Due and PJRC Teensy 3.1 do 12-bit ADC but with weaker, easier to burn 3.3V pins. Both are 32-bit ARM chip, massively outclass the ATmega-duinos and 12-bit analog is in shielded wires territory.

The best stick I ever had used optical sensing.

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Hi,
Welcome to the forum.

Suggestion;
You can edit the title of this thread, change it to what you really want to ask.

Such as. "Advice on joystick for an arduino project"

Then you will get the attention of members who can supply that info.

Tom... :slight_smile:

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PS The Teensy 2.0 can handle 12 analog inputs. It communicates to the PC at USB 1.1 speed, data or HID mode can be set.

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While the Mega cant handle USB I/o for your joystick project, Its very well supported.

So I'd recommend you do a couple of simple projects first with that.

Then use a micro for your joystick project as it DOES handle USB I/O, and .. Its very well supported.

Plenty of exampes around.

Fun project!

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Tip: google arduino joystick

Arduino anything.
Good chachance you will find an example with code.

SAVE THE LINK
When you copy code of others paste it at the top of your sketch.

When saying "it" doesn't work please define 'it' for us.

Ask us silly questions don't assume they are Too silly. Good chance we know because we had the same problem.

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Joysticks really vary by application.

If you are going for that "Arcade" feel, you will want something like this.

If you are going for that "retro game" feel, it might look more like this.

A "thumb" stick would look like this.

I prefer the 5-way button like on the AVR Butterfly if I'm going for a simple menu controller.

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I had a Saitek X-52 with throttle quadrant for a while. Not happy with the movement after a while.

Really good sticks I've seen in flight sim forums were made of Volvo U-joints from junkyards. They stand on the floor.

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