plans for joystick controller

[erkiwi]

Does anyone have plans to make a 3 axis joystick controller for a small cnc machine?

[smarbaga]

hello
joysticks are x and y axis.
you would need 2 joysticks.
but this would not be hard to impliment.

[Switcher]

http://www.hossmachine.com/projects_2.html#control panel

[mxtras]

This is by far the cheapest way to go. The software it comes with allows you to assign the buttons to functions within Mach easily. Even I could do it without too much help!

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ga...s/301&cl=us,en

EDIT****

Ooooops - this is the one I actually have: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ga...s/288&cl=us,en

Scott

[SPEEDRE]

Hey Speedre here. Just thought I'd ask some questions. First, I think the other thread on this subject is way above me, as I know nowt about electronics. If a joystick is 2 axis could one just add a sub miniature switch to jog the third, or Z axis? Or for that matter just mount three momentary switches in a box and assign the proper stuff in keygrabber? I have been entertaining the pendant idea for some time now and I must admit it seems to too expensive, or, too complicated an idea, for me at least.
I sometimes wish a member here would just build one, a real low dollar one, and post the schematic and parts list so that those of who have'nt the faintest idea which end of a soldering gun is up could use.

[mxtras]

Speedre -

Get one of these game controllers. They are USB and really simple to set up with Mach. I know the "cool" factor isn't there with a game controller as a pendant, but it get you away from the keyboard and mouse.

Scott

[dpresley58]

Most joysticks have some sort of throttle wheel... Excuse my ignorance, but could this not be used to supply the Z if all you're wanting to is raise/lower?

I'm completely new to CNC, and am on the prowl for a good beginner's source for info with the objective being to start with a small unit to drill pcb's. Anyone with ideas on a good path to start my research would be appreciated.