Quote:
Originally Posted by qwertyuiop[]\
Does anyone know of good 3 axis joysticks that my team could use for mecanum drive this year?
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I'm going to guess that you will want to avoid piling too many analog (smoothly varying) control functions into one device.
My opinions is that this is particularly true for a device that is separated from the robot by as much as 50+ feet and that doesn't rotate/move with the bot. Also, remember that during matches, the confusion can become heightened because your bot can be moved by collisions with other bots.
Using 3-axis input devices is tough enough on computers where you get nearly instantaneous feedback that precisly matches what you send for commands. Instead of biting off that steep learning curve, I would personally come up with a good two-handed system that uses rotating knobs, sliders, buttons or other devices along with (perhaps) a joystick.
I would also think about whether some functions can be controlled through simple on/off (or slow/medium/fast, or...) commands, instead of by a smmothly varying analog signal.
If you want to brainstorm some ideas, have Mr Biladeau, Mr Convery, or Mr Harris contact me. I live and work about 30 minutes away from Oakton.
Blake