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Lesson 09: Joystick Module

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to interface with and read data from a joystick module using the Raspberry Pi Pico W. You’ll explore initializing and reading analog values from the X and Y axes of the joystick, as well as handling digital input from its switch using MicroPython. This lesson is ideal for beginners, offering practical experience in reading and interpreting analog and digital inputs on the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

Required Components

In this project, we need the following components.

It’s definitely convenient to buy a whole kit, here’s the link:

Name	ITEMS IN THIS KIT	LINK
Universal Maker Sensor Kit	94	Universal Maker Sensor Kit

You can also buy them separately from the links below.

Component Introduction	Purchase Link
Raspberry Pi Pico W	BUY
Joystick Module	BUY
Breadboard	BUY

Wiring

../_images/Lesson_09_Jostick_Module_bb.png

Code

import machine  # Import hardware control module
import time  # Import time module

# Initialize X and Y axes of the joystick
x_joystick = machine.ADC(27)
y_joystick = machine.ADC(26)

# Initialize joystick switch with pull-up resistor
z_switch = machine.Pin(22, machine.Pin.IN, machine.Pin.PULL_UP)

while True:  # Continuous reading loop
    x_value = x_joystick.read_u16()  # Read X-axis value
    y_value = y_joystick.read_u16()  # Read Y-axis value
    z_value = z_switch.value()  # Read switch state

    # Print joystick values and switch state
    print("X: ", x_value, " Y: ", y_value)
    print("SW: ", z_value)

    time.sleep_ms(200)  # Loop every 200 milliseconds

Code Analysis

Import Libraries

The machine and time modules are imported for hardware control and time functions.
```
import machine  # Import hardware control module
import time  # Import time module
```
Initialize Joystick Axes

The joystick’s X and Y axes are connected to analog pins (27 and 26 respectively). These pins are initialized as ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) objects.
```
x_joystick = machine.ADC(27)
y_joystick = machine.ADC(26)
```
Initialize Joystick Switch

The joystick’s switch is connected to pin 22. It’s set as an input with a pull-up resistor. When the button is not pressed, it reads high (1), and when pressed, it reads low (0).
```
z_switch = machine.Pin(22, machine.Pin.IN, machine.Pin.PULL_UP)
```

Main Loop

An infinite loop continuously reads values from the joystick.
read_u16 method is used to read 16-bit values from the X and Y axes.
value() method is used to read the state of the switch.
The values are then printed, and the loop pauses for 200 milliseconds.

while True:  # Continuous reading loop
    x_value = x_joystick.read_u16()  # Read X-axis value
    y_value = y_joystick.read_u16()  # Read Y-axis value
    z_value = z_switch.value()  # Read switch state

    # Print joystick values and switch state
    print("X: ", x_value, " Y: ", y_value)
    print("SW: ", z_value)

    time.sleep_ms(200)  # Loop every 200 milliseconds