Joystick Voltage Controller needed

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:31 pm

I've decided to start looking for a joystick to provide control voltages for my Voyager RME.

Firstly, is there any such thing available for sale?

Second, and I think what would be even better, if I were to have a local electronics guy mod my Triton joystick and install a couple jacks in the back, what are the necessary specs for the control voltages?

I already have a VX-352 CV Expander, so I have CV inputs and even attenuators all set to go.

I find the people here unusually knowledgable and resourceful. Thanks in advance for any advice.

analoghaze · Post by **analoghaze** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:37 pm

Synthesizers.com make something that may fit the bill. (I am not sure if this is exactly what you want though.
(bottom of page)
http://www.synthesizers.com/q142.html

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:36 pm

Wow, that's amazing. No, not what I'm looking for, but thanks!

Computer joysticks are digital devices with switches rather than pots. I need an analog joystick.

jamirokid · Post by **jamirokid** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:02 pm

Analogue Systems sells a joystick module but you would need a modular case. The French Connection keyboard would work, it has the joystick and the amazing ring controller. Modding your Triton joystick would be pretty tough. You're better off finding something made for CV. Check these out.
http://bigcitymusic.com/product.asp?cat=new&pid=1000175
http://bigcitymusic.com/product.asp?cat=new&pid=1000103

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:40 pm

Thanks jamirokid, those are precisely what I need. The French Connection is absolutely cool. Fascinating. It's a bit too much for me to spend though atm, so I might just spring for the joystick. I can customize a housing for it that I can mount on the Triton between the memory slots and the pots.

And if anyone knows of other controllers, please keep posting!

Thanks again. I can't wait to hear my Voyager RME the way it was meant to sound!

nicholas d. kent · Post by **nicholas d. kent** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:49 am

For what it's worth Doepfer makes a module the A-174. More or less similar to the one from Analogue Systems, though about half the price. They also sell a mini case for 3 or 4 modules as well as a power suppy for mounting their modules in something else.

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:28 pm

Thank you! I sent an e-mail to Big City Music (apparently the only US retailer for AS) to inquire as to what all I would need to build a joystick box. I'm sure I at least would need a power supply. It appears that the Doepfer is similar in that it would also require other parts to make a free-standing unit that I could connect to my VX-352 with patch cords.

nicholas d. kent · Post by **nicholas d. kent** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:02 am

Gonga wrote:Thank you! I sent an e-mail to Big City Music (apparently the only US retailer for AS) to inquire as to what all I would need to build a joystick box. I'm sure I at least would need a power supply. It appears that the Doepfer is similar in that it would also require other parts to make a free-standing unit that I could connect to my VX-352 with patch cords.

Correct, Big City Music is the exclusive dealer for Analogue Systems (not to be confused with Analogue Solutions who also sell modules).

You can pick up the Doepfer module plus a power supply probably for less than the oddly overpriced Analogue Systems one with no power. (http://analoguehaven.com ) Or perhaps get two while you are at it and cut the springs on one so one snaps to neutral and the other stays put.

I've looked into joysticks for patchable synths and bought one from Wiard which is no longer on sale and the doepfer. That one was actually cheaper than the Doepfer and included a button for a gate signal. One thing that can be learned from all these joysticks is design is super simple, so you could almost argue for just building everything yourself, if you can source all the parts. Amusingly I found that the joystick shaft is harder to find than the analog joystick itself. Generally the custom metal panels with their holes and lettering soak up a lot of a modules price as well of course as someone's time making them..

Finally as for power, since you aren't using it for something voltage critical like a VCO, I'd assume that most anything with a 12v DC supply could power a simple joystick designed to work with 12v like the modules mentioned. I did notice the Wiard module was at one point available as a 9v battery stand alone unit mounted in a little caddy. If you want to go that route (power it by a diy supply), I'd ask for a second opinion just in case I'm forgetting something you ought not do and get a pin out diagram of the power ribbon cable

Bryan B · Post by **Bryan B** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:09 pm

I saw this the other day while researching Modular Synthesizers and thought of your post:

http://www.modcan.com/bseries/xy.html

Don't know if that is what you are looking for or not.It is from Modcan, here is their "B Series" Modules page:

http://www.modcan.com/bseries/modulesb.html

Let us know what you find or buy! Good luck.

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:20 pm

Big City hasn't gotten back to me. I like that model because the stick is placed at the bottom, so the rest of the knobs, etc. won't get in the way. I do plan to get an analog stick.

I do wonder though, why can't the voltage controller work without a power supply, like the foot pedal?

solarpanelasses · Post by **solarpanelasses** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:32 pm

Trogotronic makes analog joysticks, they are very high quality and the guy that makes them is awesome and makes awesome music!!

http://www.trogotronic.com/

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:41 pm

Interesting device, but the joystick itself isn't analog.

If you read the description, their joystick switches in a preset voltage set by some pots above.
It's not a continuous voltage based on the position.

There are some great usages for this type of device, but it might not be most people's idea of an analog joystick.

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:48 pm

I'm still without a controller. I don't have the technical expertise to build one, and none of the European modular company reps will return any of my e-mails requesting advice.

EricK · Post by **EricK** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:00 am

I thought the dotcom joystick adapter speciffically required an analog stick.

Just Me · Post by **Just Me** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:24 am

Atari and early PC joysticks are analog. They are nothing more than potentiometers on a gimble with 2 or 3 push buttons. I've bought brand new old stock ones for around $12-15 recently to make some controllers. I've made new cables in stead of leaving the DB15 and making an adaptor.
Each axis comes out to a 1/4" TRS plug and the buttons come out on TS of TRS plugs.

Piece of pastry!

Here's a joystick.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Raider-Professio ... 439a9b4d6f

(I prefer the ones that don't self center or can be turned on and off.)
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-TANDY-DELUX ... 5d2671f448