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 Vista/XP/2000/Me/98 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 16 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
- Custom versions for OEMs
Building a few racing pedals or throttle quadrants for sale?
Why not let them display your product name in Windows?
At no extra cost. Contact me via email below.
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 - just ignore them
- 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, get 10kOhm ones
- 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 the best ones are industrial quality from Spectrol (Vishay) and Bourns. They have life expectancy of few million shaft revolutions. I keep a small stock - please email me for information.
- Good wiring helps! 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)?
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Button matrix (diodes are optional)
Simple alternative connection for up to 12 buttons or switches. No diodes needed.
Simple configuration utility. Download
Analog input modes
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BU0836A controller is only 2.2"×1.25" (55×32mm) in size
Connector layout
If you would like to buy BU0836A with accessories, please add them to the shopping cart:
© 2006, Leo Bodnar
Contact me
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$49.99 each + $9.99 shipping
€35.99 each + €6.99 shipping
£24.99 each + £4.99 shipping