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Joystick Module

Introduction

A joystick module is a device that can measure the movement of a knob in two directions: horizontal (X-axis) and vertical (Y-axis). A joystick module can be used to control various things such as games, robots, cameras, etc.

Principle

Joystick operates based on the resistance change of two potentiometers (usually 10-kilo ohms). By changing resistance in x and y directions, Arduino receives varying voltages which are interpreted to x and y coordinates. The processor needs an ADC unit to change the joystick’s analog values into digital values and perform necessary processing.

The default analogRead() resolution for Arduino Uno boards is 10 bits, which means the Arduino’s reference voltage (5 volts) is divided into 1024 segments. When the joystick moves along the x-axis, the ADC value rises from 0 to 1023, with the value 512 in the middle. The image below displays the ADC approximate value based on the joystick position.

Module Schematic Diagram

Usage

Hardware components

Arduino Uno R4 or R3 board * 1
Joystick Module * 1
Jumper Wires

Circuit Assembly

../_images/19_joystick_module_circuit.png

Code

Code explanation

Setting up the joystick pins. Here, we define which analog pins the X and Y axes of the joystick are connected to.
```
const int xPin = A0;
const int yPin = A1;
```
Initialization in the setup() function. This section sets up the serial communication, allowing us to send and receive messages from the Arduino through the serial monitor.
```
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
```
Reading the joystick values in the loop() function. Continuously, the Arduino reads the X and Y values from the joystick and prints them to the serial monitor. There’s a short delay after each print to make the readings more readable and to avoid overwhelming the serial monitor.
```
void loop() {
  Serial.print("X: ");
  Serial.print(analogRead(xPin));
  Serial.print(" | Y: ");
  Serial.println(analogRead(yPin));
  delay(50);
}
```

Additional Ideas

Use the joystick values to control a servo motor, making it move in response to joystick movements.