This is the first iteration of my joystick gimbal design. This gimbal is part of a larger project I'm working on that also includes rudder pedals and a helicopter collective. Stay tuned for future news.

I created this design taking inspiration from Olukelo's gimbal but I decided to use only one cam for the spring. Is it possible to adjust the force of the spring using a different size of spring but there is also a adjustable tension system.

I also added an adjustable dry clutch because I plan to use this gimbal mainly for gliders and helicopters.

The motion sensor is an Hall effect and for its design I took inspiration from Tom Stanton's project "Flight Simulator Joystick and Rudder Pedals" which I recommend you watch because it explains how it works very well.

https://youtu.be/SgqflcHBTwc

https://youtu.be/XcKmBWGFUn8

The sensor is the SS496A1 and has excellent precision.

The controller is an Arduino Pro Micro (must be 32u4 processor). Other microcontroller can be used if you know how to program it.

Regarding programming the Arduino, there are many guides online so I won't cover the topic here. Anyway here you can find Arduino joystick library: https://github.com/MHeironimus/ArduinoJoystickLibrary

Here the hardware you need to assembly the gimbal:

• 4 pcs Magnet 6mmx3mm
• 8 pcs Scerw M3x12mm
• 2 pcs screw M3x16mm
• 2 pcs allen screw M3x10mm
• 2 pcs screw M5x16mm
• 6 pcs screw M5x12mm
• 4 pcs screw M10x16mm
• 8 pcs ball bearing OD 10mm, ID 5mm, W 4mm
• 4 pcs ball bearing OD 26mm, ID 20mm, W 8mm
• 2 pcs spring 9.5x20mm
• 2 pcs Hall Effect Sensor SS496A1
• Grease
• Wiring
• Cable ties
• Arduino Pro Micro

Note: Additional hardware may be required depending on the variants chosen

Print notes:

Since I prefer to use as little support as possible I uploaded two print profiles. One with only the essential supports and one with the complete supports. In both cases there are no mechanical problems but with the profile with essential supports there will be some imperfections cleanup in the bridge points.

All parts can be printed in PLA but for smoother results I suggest to print the clutch disk and caliper in nylon.

For the assembly please refer to the guide below.

Future improvements:

• Add a dust cap protection
• Signal connector between the gimbal and the cloche
• Better centering cam