Joystick facts for kids
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. A popular variation of the joystick used on modern video game consoles is the analog stick.
The joystick has been the principal flight control in the cockpit of many aircraft, particularly military fast jets, where center stick or side-stick location may be employed.
Joysticks are also used for controlling machines such as cranes, trucks, underwater unmanned vehicles and zero turning radius lawn mowers. Miniature finger-operated joysticks have been adopted as input devices for smaller electronic equipment such as mobile phones.
Images for kids
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Cockpit of a glider with its joystick visible
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A prototype Project Gemini joystick-type hand controller, 1962
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CH Products Mach 2 analog joystick as used with many early home computer systems. The small knobs are for (mechanical) calibration, and the sliders engage the self-centering springs.
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Saitek's Cyborg 3D Gold around the 2000s. Note its throttle, its extra buttons, and its hat switch.
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Miniature joystick to be operated by the right thumb, next to an electronic viewfinder
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Detailed view
See also
In Spanish: Palanca de mando para niños
