Joystick

What does joystick mean?

A Joystick is an Input Device that can be used for controlling the movement for the cursor or a pointer in a computer device. The Pointer/cursor movement is controlled by maneuvering a layer on the joystick. The Input devices is mostly used for gaming applications and, sometimes, in graphics applications. A joystick also can be helpful as an input device for people with movement disabilities.

When was the first joystick Invented?

                                      

The first joystick was Invented at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory by C.B. Mirick and patented 1926. It was a two-axis electronic joystick, similar to the joysticks in use today, and was original designed for remotely piloting aircraft.

Magnavox Odyssey Shooting Gallery (1972)

     

The remarkable rifle was actually the first 'light gun' controller available for a home console. The shooting Gallery had four compatible titles on the Magnavox Odyssey. Wildly inaccurate, the gun would score a hit if the player shot at any light source-meaning you could point the thing at a light bulb to record a hit. But given that there was no scoring system, you were only cheating yourself. 

Magnavox Odyssey 100 (1972)

       

The first commercial digital video game console for the home, the magnavox odyssey 100 shipped with an analogue controller of less complexity than some ancient hand-carved tone tools. With one dial to control horizontal movement and one for vertical, players could navigate 'pong' paddles for endless hours of joy/until their fingers cramped up.

How to Connect a Joystick to a PC?

Computer joysticks are some of the most common computer peripherals sold, as PC gamers often demand them for flight simulators and other gaming software. Connecting a joystick to a PC is an easy as plugging the device into the computer. 

Step 1:-- Remove the Joystick from the packaging.

Step 2:-- Place your Joystick on a flat surface near your PC. This is so that you can measure the length of the USB cable to ensure it will reach the computer's USB port.

Slide your Joysticks's USB cable into your computer's USB port on wither back or the front of your PC. 

Advantages of Joysticks :

• It is useful playing computer and video games.
• Very easy to use by beginners.
• It is very fast Interface.
• It is easier to navigate.
• The control is in 3D (three dimensions).
• They provide fast interactions as required in most games and hence used in games such as racing or flying styles etc. 

Disadvantages Of Joysticks :

• It is difficult to control the ON screen pointer compare to mouse. Some people find it more difficult to control than mouse.
• Movement indirect in plane different from the screen.
• They are not robust and can break it too much force is applied on them.
• It requires lifting of hand from keyboard keys and requires different hand movements.
• The prolonged use of joystick can cause fatigue in the arms. 

 Writer: Mr. Krishan Kumar Saini 

Today we have learnt Basics about Joystick. Hope this lesson is helpful for you.