What is the job of a Joystick?

Answer 1

A joystick is an input device used for playing Video Games or controlling a computer. You hold the grip or toggle to move characters or objects on the screen. Depending on the type, either the grip controls switches inside, or the toggle controls potentiometers (variable resistors like volume controls). Switches would give digital signals while potentiometers give analog ranges. Joysticks also have one or more "fire" buttons, usually on the stick or on a corner of the base (like the classic Atari or Radio Shack joystick). The fire button lets you launch a ball, start a game of pinball, or shoot at opponents, depending on how the game is programmed to use the joystick.

Internally, the Atari style joystick contains a simple circuit board with pairs of contacts for 5 "switches." The metal that is bent to contact the traces is literally taped to the circuit board. The 4 central switches control the movement of the character or object. The stick is fastened to a spider-like cam with 4 protrusions that press the switches. The circuit board has a hole in the center where the "socket" for the stick protrudes through. There might be a spring in that hole, and the stick may have a ball in the center that swivels in the socket.

For the PC and TRS-80 joysticks, the stick operates a double yoke that turns two potentiometers. There might not be a circuit board at all, and at least one of the potentiometers might "float" and move with the stick. Like the classic Atari stick, there is a switch in the corner for use as a fire button. However, it may be a discrete switch that is held into the hole with a clip, and not part of a circuit board.

For a classic Nintendo, its controls have a cam that is worked with the fingers and controls some sort of switches on the underlying circuit board. There are also individual switches for starting, selecting, and firing.

Then there are more advanced joysticks which are known as flight controllers. They are intended mainly for use in flight simulation games.

Full-sized arcade games probably contained the best built joysticks ever used. Video games take constant use, occasional abuse, and the actions of sore losers, so they must be very rugged.

Answer 2

A joystick is connected to the computer and can be used as an alternate control for the likes of Video Games. Although not commonly used nowadays as people tend to prefer to just use their keyboards and mouses they are still a great means for driving, flying and First game shooters.

Answer 3

A computer input device that was used to play games on computers. It usually had a handle with a firing button on the top, or where the trigger finger is.

Answer 4

A joystick is for controlling and moving things on different games.

Answer 5

This is to make a machine to perform in a certain way like the up and down, left and right arrows on you keyboard.

Answer 6

Depends on what kind...widely gaming.