Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: kolias on May 13, 2022, 10:04:21 PM

Title: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: kolias on May 13, 2022, 10:04:21 PM
On my new cnc I will be using a Windows 8 laptop which will be connected to Mach3 with ESS. I never used a joystick before but I was thinking to do so now since the keyboard on a laptop is too small.

My setup is pretty basic, Y,A,X.Z axes with 4 stepper motors, I just want axes control. What kind of joysticks are available to control all 3 axes?

Thanks
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: JohnHaine on May 14, 2022, 04:10:24 AM
Xbox controller.   
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: kolias on May 14, 2022, 10:13:59 AM
I understand these Xbox controllers are quite versatile but I was looking for the ones with a “stickshift” for just axis movements. Are any alternatives?
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: JohnHaine on May 15, 2022, 05:24:39 AM
What do you mean by stickshift?  XBC gives you 2 joysticks which you can assign to 4 axes plus sundry buttons.
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: kolias on May 15, 2022, 09:49:28 AM
Years ago I remember seen simple joysticks or “stickshifts” used to control axis movement on cnc machines but times have change fast and what is now mostly available are XBC and other similar controllers with mpg wheels and many buttons..

Nothing wrong with XBC, just a matter of preference, but I prefer other similar handheld devices and in my search I found quite a lot. However I also learned that a joystick needs a controller too and I hope when I decide to get one my C11G BOB will be able to handle the requirements

The idea of having a joystick was because the laptop keyboard is small and I thought a joystick will solve this problem but if I have to get extra controllers, software, firmware, etc. then it gets too complicated and perhaps it may better to get used to my keyboard. I like simplicity.

All the above it’s a new subject to me and I need to further educate myself on it
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: JohnHaine on May 15, 2022, 10:28:47 AM
With an XBC you just have a USB or wireless link to the PC, no additional box needed (except possibly a USB wireless adapter).  It needs a SW plugin, and depending on what OS version you have there may be some other MS DLLs needed. See https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=45733.msg290423#msg290423
Title: Re: Need Axes Control with Joystick
Post by: kolias on May 15, 2022, 11:13:47 AM
Thanks for the info John, I know the XBC is popular and perhaps that’s the way I should go. I still have 2-3 months before my cnc is ready to start config and this gives me enough time to search more on this subject and decide