Post by thread:OT: Microsoft Force Feedback Joystick

Slightly off topic, (I will use a PIC to control it in the end) Has anyone any experience of the Microsoft Force feedback joystick. I'd like to rig up a demo 'box' to control one of these, a couple of RC servos and some force sensors (probably force sensing resistors). If anyone has looked into the comms protocol of the joystick or has played with something along these lines I'd be very interseted in your views/opinions. I've seen the Microsoft demo box/stand in PC shops over here, so I know it can be done in a relatively small space (I don't need the sound !). Thanks for the bandwidth ---------------------- Dave Ward BNFL Magnox Generation England Home : spam_OUTDFHWardTakeThisOuTAOL.COM Work : .....GB9C5WZFKILLspam@spam@IBMMAIL.COM

Subject: OT: Microsoft Force Feedback Joystick Author: D Ward31 at ~LBKDOMA_NE Date: 22/07/1998 15:10 Slightly off topic, (I will use a PIC to control it in the end) Has anyone any experience of the Microsoft Force feedback joystick. I'd like to rig up a demo 'box' to control one of these, a couple of RC servos and some force sensors (probably force sensing resistors). If anyone has looked into the comms protocol of the joystick or has played with something along these lines I'd be very interseted in your views/opinions. I've seen the Microsoft demo box/stand in PC shops over here, so I know it can be done in a relatively small space (I don't need the sound !). Thanks for the bandwidth ---------------------- Dave Ward BNFL Magnox Generation England Home : DFHWardKILLspamAOL.COM Work : .....GB9C5WZFKILLspam.....IBMMAIL.COM

On Fri, 24 Jul 1998 D_Ward31_AT_~LBKDOMA_NE%~MEPHUBA_MG%EraseMECCMAILspam_OUTTakeThisOuTMAGNOX.CO.UK wrot e: > Subject: OT: Microsoft Force Feedback Joystick > Author: D Ward31 at ~LBKDOMA_NE > Date: 22/07/1998 15:10 > > > Slightly off topic, (I will use a PIC to control it in the end) > > Has anyone any experience of the Microsoft Force feedback joystick. > I'd like to rig up a demo 'box' to control one of these, a couple > of RC servos and some force sensors (probably force sensing > resistors). > > If anyone has looked into the comms protocol of the joystick or has > played with something along these lines I'd be very interseted in > your views/opinions. > > I've seen the Microsoft demo box/stand in PC shops over here, so I > know it can be done in a relatively small space (I don't need the > sound !). Knowing just exactly what kind of (censed) is inside those, consider removing the internal electronics permanently or installing a MPDT defeat switch and a connector for further expansion. In my (limited) experience on the $SUBJ, *larger stepper motors* (as in paper drum / platen feed from older dot matrix printers) will do the trick very well. RC servos need to be augmented with a slip clutch that is very hard to make for the specs you are looking for. Force sensing can be done without sensors as both geared DC motors and steppers act as generators when moved. None of this is trivial, however. The only relatively easy way of sensing force, is to leave the axles alone, and sense weight/pull at 3 or more points at the rubber feet (or attachements) of the joystick unit, to the table or mock-up. This removes space constraints inside the unit and can be used with other joysticks too. Strain gauges will work well for this. hope this helps, Peter