Ultra Precision Joystick Controller BU0836A

True 12-bit resolution

8 analog axes, 32 buttons, hat switch

Accuracy, sophistication and speed. Simplicity and value.
BU0836A PCB image

Joystick controller with 12-bit (4096 step) analog inputs.

Suitable for converting gameport devices to USB, retrofitting existing gaming devices or building your own from scratch.

Fully supported by Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

   Specifications

  • 8 analog inputs with 12-bit (4096 steps) resolution each
  • 32 buttons
  • 8-way ‘point-of-view’ hat switch
  • Very compact - 2.2"×1.25" (55×32mm)

   Features

  • Supported by Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000, Linux and Mac OS X
    • Forget drivers - just plug it in and it's ready to go.
  • Unique serial number makes Windows remember each device
    • Ever unplugged a joystick and had Windows lose calibration settings?
      This controller keeps settings even if plugged in a different USB port.
      Or if you use two and swap them over. Or 10 of them!
  • Analog inputs filtering
    • Digital processing removes noise from axes position reports while preserving extremely fast response.
  • Powered from USB bus
    • Simply attach pots and/or buttons and plug in USB cable
  • Full-speed 12Mb USB connection
    • 500 position updates per second for each input and button

   How to use

  • Buttons and switches are connected either as...
    full 6x6 matrix
    • connects to six ROWS and six COLUMNS pins on the controller...
    • ..with diodes if there will be 3 or more contacts activated simultaneously, e.g. if you use ON/OFF switches
    • ..no diodes if buttons used only momentarily like most joysticks
    • First 32 buttons are standard buttons
    • Last 4 contacts make up 8-direction point-of-view hat (coolie) switch
    • Literally any diodes can be used - 1N4148 or 1N4004 are good ones
    or simplified direct connection to any of GND pins
    • connect up to 12 buttons or switches
    • no diodes are needed even with switches or toggle buttons
    • no configuration needed to use either connection method
  • Compatible with any game that uses joystick - MS Flight Simulator, X-Plane, rFactor, LFS, etc
  • Uses standard Windows gaming device calibration. If necessary, curves and deadzones can be tweaked with DIView
  • Feel free to use two or more devices if 8 axis or 32 buttons is not enough
  • Use other sensors with 0..+5v output, e.g. ratiometric magnetic Hall sensors. You may use spare +5V and Gnd pins for power (up to 100mA)
  • Eight 3-pin and two 6-pin connectors are included with each controller. Pin header has standard 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch
  • Simple utility allows to invert axes and increase resolution for pots with small movement range
  • Please use support forum or email to ask questions

   Construction tips

  • What to do with unused inputs?
    • Unconnected buttons will appear as not pressed
    • Unused analog inputs are automatically disabled. They will reappear as soon pots are connected and BU0836A is powered up. In other words, if they are not connected - you will not see them
  • Which pots are the best?
    • Any value from 1kOhm to 100kOhm will work fine. If you don't know where to start use 10kOhm
    • Use linear pots (taper B.) Avoid non-linear, log pots with tapers A, D or Y used in audio level controls
    • Any pot will work but pay attention to its quality and life expectancy. Industrial quality pots have life expectancy of few million shaft revolutions. Consumer equipment ones - 50,000 or less. This makes a lot of difference in continuous use application like steering wheel.
    • Good wiring matters. For ultimately clean signal don't share +5V and GND signals between pots. Connect each pot with its own set of three wires.
    • If you can vary your mechanical construction try to use as much of pot travel range as possible.

   What happens when you buy one (or more)?

    1. Payment is processed by PayPal
      You do not need a PayPal account - credit card payments are accepted too. They are made in your local currency. You will receive a PayPal receipt via email. PayPal processes the payment and sends me only your name, e-mail, shipment address and comments (if you put any.)
    2. Order is shipped in 2-3 business days
      BU0836A is shipped worldwide from the UK with Royal Mail Airmail. Typical delivery time is about one-two weeks to the US and Europe but may take longer for South America, Asia, etc. As soon as you have paid for the order, it is in the system and will be shipped promptly.
    3. You will get confirmation that the order has shipped
      PayPal will email a notice when the package has been shipped.

    Questions or comments.


    BU0836A Controller

    OUT OF STOCK.

    Includes pin connectors, ships in 2-3 days, select any currency
    BU0836A board
    $49.99 each + $9.99 shipping
    €35.99 each + €6.99 shipping
    £24.99 each + £4.99 shipping
    I do not post to Brazil and Mexico.
Windows Joystick applet

BU0836A Hardware Found



Pot connection
Scan matrix for buttons
Button matrix (diodes are optional)
Direct connections for buttons
Simple alternative connection for up to 12 buttons or switches. No diodes needed.

BU0836A Configuration Utility
Simple configuration utility. Download


Zoom Mode Details
Analog input modes


Image of BU0836A PCB
BU0836A controller is only 2.2"×1.25" (55×32mm) in size


PCB pinout diagram
       Connector layout



If you would like to buy BU0836A with accessories, please add them to the shopping cart:

Joystick Controller BU0836A
Ultra precision joystick controller BU0836A : £24.99

OUT OF STOCK.


P260
Potentiometer P260 model P260P-D1BS3CB (datasheet) : £3.99
Heavy duty, dust proof, conductive plastic, million cycles life, 10kOhm, 1/4" shaft, ideal for pedals, joysticks, control panels, trims, throttle quadrants, etc
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


Vishay Spectrol 534
Multi-turn potentiometer Vishay Spectrol 534 (datasheet) : £9.99
10 full turns, 10kOhm, 1/4" steel shaft, 1,000,000 revolutions lifespan, ideal for trim wheels
Select range:


CTS 288 Encoder
Rotary encoder CTS 288 model 288T232R161A2 (datasheet) : £2.49
16 detents per revolution
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


CTS288V Encoder with switch
Rotary encoder CTS288 model 288V232R161B2 (datasheet) : £3.99
integrated momentary push switch
16 detents per revolution
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


ELMA E37 encoder ELMA E37 knobs
Dual concentric rotary encoder with pushbutton ELMA E37: £18.99
Shaft diameter 4mm and 6mm with 16 detents on each. Threaded bushing for panel mounting.
Lifespan of 300,000 revolution. Aeronautical quality part.
Included: E37 encoder, set of matching knobs, mounting hardware
Datasheet: encoder, knobs. Photos: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Connection diagram
 Knobs colour:
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


Knitter MPS103F pushbutton switch  Knitter switch caps
Knitter pushbutton switch MPS103F : £7.49
The highest quality pushbutton switch with excellent mechanical snap-action
SPDT, non-locking (momentary on)
Included: switch MPS103F, mounting hardware, black brass cover CO106S, one button cap KM4xx
Datasheet: switch, accessories
Button color
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


NKK MB2011 pushbutton switch  NKK MB2011 switch caps NKK MB2011 switch caps NKK MB2011 switch caps
NKK pushbutton switch MB2011 with colour cap and aluminium guard. : £6.49
Another top quality pushbutton switch with positive mechanical snap-action.
SPDT, non-locking (momentary on), 100000 operations lifespan.
Included: switch MB2011, mounting hardware, black aluminium guard cover G12B (small) or G13B (large), one button cap AT407*
Differences from Knitter MPS103F listed above: stronger snap action, flat cap surface, non-rotating cap, longer switch body.
Datasheet: switch
Cap colour: Guard size:
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


Hall effect sensor
Magnetic (Hall effect) sensor Allegro A1302 (datasheet) : £1.49
This magnetic field sensor can be connected directly to controller analog input - connection diagram
This product will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


Worldwide shipping is £4.99 per order
Finish ordering and proceed to checkout:
These products will be back on sale on the 2nd of January 2012 (we are moving offices.)


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