USB Joystick
| USB Joystick Assistive Devices Release status: stable [box doku] | |
|---|---|
| Description | Using a USB joystick as a mouse |
| Author(s) | Spencer Featherstone |
| Last Version | 1 |
Contents
Installation & construction - USB Joystick
This page describes everything required, how to connect and configure and if known, how to construct.
This should help you to customise this solution to meet individual needs.
Overview
Use a USB joystick to control any computer application, including typing with an on screen keyboard. No hardware construction of modification is required.
USB Joystick controls mouse movements and buttons Control with: hand grasp, may require joystick to be mounted on stable surface Actions: x, y, some have z twist Buttons: usually 2+, often 4+ Computer control: 2, 3 or more axis mouse control and however many buttons on joystick
Notes first attempt = big joystick seemed to suit easy to do strong, robust handle large movements ... but need v big screen & v close have to move screen quickly & easily - LOTs of hourly & urgent medical treatments May need semi-fixed - stable base otherwise joystick can flop about
BOM and expected costs
BOM = Bill of Materials = everything required for this solution.
- BOM TABLE HERE**
Note that the costs do not include cost of computer, or any shipping costs.
Computer requirements
Need a computer with a supported operating system from the list below and any listed hardware features.
Hardware
USB port
Operating system
= NOT TABLE ... linked direct to each from main summary table!!! = Software Download = link/s
Apple
for each o/s version
Linux
discuss each distribution (base distro &/or gui)?
Windows
XP Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 +++ any sub-ver - eg home, prof AND any service pack info ???? get table of ALL from wikipedia or somewhere
Software Installation
Follow the usual installation process for your operating system. Pay special attention to any information about setup - configuration - see below #First_time_setup_-_configuration
Hardware build and installation
None required, just plug Joystick USB cable into computer USB port.
Connecting to computer
Plug Joystick USB cable into computer USB port.
First time setup - configuration
The different software behaves differently. Typically you need to calibrate each axis for the range of movement and press each button. Then you need to associate each axis and button with an action eg mouse movements and clicks
Sometimes you may need to explore/delve a bit to find the mapping for mouse actions, as the defaults are often keybard actions for game control.
Ideas
Extensions
Can also use with on screen keyboard, language input methods, mouse auto-click, and action menu systems.
