Since you're going to have to add relays to get SPST buttons to
do DPDT reversing function, why not use a regular analog joystick,
and analog comparaters to drive them? LM339 is a quad package
and easy to make into dual window comparaters.

Better yet, use a PIC and have it drive a couple of FETs with
PWM to give you proportional control of speed. Relays for direction
if you don't want to make a full H bridge.

You don't need an A/D capable PIC if you use the tristate pin A/D trick.
e.g. Set pin low, set to input and time how long it takes to
cross input threshold. It will be fairly proportional to position.
(most joysticks are 100K ohms). Or use a 556 (like the game port
does) and measure period from astable oscillators controlled
by joystick pots.

Robert

John J. McDonough wrote:

> Some of the early video games used joysticks that were basically 4
> switches -- well, plus one for "fire"
> 
> --McD
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "R. I. Nelson" <rindesigns@charter.net>
> To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
> Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2005 7:16 PM
> Subject: [OT] Trying to find special joystick.
> 
>>I have a remote control spot/flood light (12 Volt)  That I need to
>>control.  It has 2 12V motors one for elevation and one for left and
>>right.  They just reverse the motor direction to change direction of
> 
> travel.
> 
>>They make a joy stick type control for this but they are rather
>>expensive. $90US or more  one is $165US.   I now control it with 2 DPDT
>>spring loaded center off toggle switches but would really like to get it
>>down to one joy stick type control.
>>
>>Any one have an idea of where to find something that will work.
>>
>>Bob

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist