4. Tips for Using the joystick
4.1 Ratings and Limitations
TLDR, avoid applying much more than 12 pounds of force to the handle, or overstressing
the 5-button hat switches
The joystick is rated to measure input force up to 13 pounds. We tested the failure point for the
sensors, and found that individual sensors began to deform if strained passed 50 pounds. It
hasn’t happened yet in all the years we’ve been using them as there are 8 of these working
together to distribute the load, but know that there are limits. Setting the vibration feedback
motor “constant” setting to kick in at a maximum of 4 times max input could help prevent
inadvertent damage.
The 5-button hat switches are rated for 1,000,000 cycles for each input, but can be physically
damaged if a large amount of force is applied. This hasn’t happened outside of extreme stress
testing outside of the housing, but is physically possible with very high finger strength.
There is a slight over-torque risk to the rotational suspension inside the handle in the yaw axis,
as straining on sections of the stick that are not the handle grip could provide enough leverage
to loosen it. However, we’ve tested it at over 15 inch-pounds of torque without failure.
