Spruce Mini Joystick

The Spruce Mini Joystick is a mini sized proportional joystick that can be used for adaptive gaming or computer access with a suitable adaptor. Based on a generic PS2-style game controller thumbstick, it has range of motion of ±30° and requires approximately 75 grams-force to fully deflect. This joystick has a two output cables, one with a 3.5 mm TRRS audio plug (i.e., headphone jack) for the joystick, and one with a 3.5 mm mono audio plug for the push switch.

The Spruce Mini Joystick can be used directly as a left or right thumbstick for the Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) using the X1 or X2 analog input ports, or directly with the PlayStation Access Controller. It can also be used with the Forest Joystick Mouse Hub as a USB Gamepad or USB Mouse.

The Spruce Mini Joystick is open assistive technology (OpenAT). Under the terms of the open source licenses, the device may be built, used, and improved upon by anyone.

The current version of the Spruce Mini Joystick (v1.0) has been built and internally tested. It is based on a similar design that has been built and user tested.

Note: If experiencing drift when using with the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC), unplug and power off the XAC, then power on again and move the joystick in circles.

Makers Making Change Device Library

• Makers Making Change Device Page

OpenAT Joysticks

This design is part of the OpenAT Joystick project, a collection of open source designs for digital access and adapted gaming.

How to Obtain a Spruce Mini Joystick

There are several options for obtaining the device.

1. Do it Yourself (DIY) or Do it Together (DIT)

This is an open-source assistive technology, so anyone is free to build it. All of the files and instructions required to build the Spruce Mini Joystick are contained within this repository.

2. Request a build of this device

If you would like to obtain a Spruce Mini Joystick, you may submit a build request through the MMC Library Page. The requestor is responsible for the cost of materials and any shipping.

A limited number of these devices may be available at no-cost to people with disabilities that reside within Canada as part of the Accesible Technology Program Grant. If you think this applies to you, please send an email to info@makersmakingchange.com.

3. How to build this device for someone else

If you have the skills and equipment to build this device, and would like to donate your time to create the joystick for someone who needs it, visit the MMC Maker Wanted section.

Getting Started

1. Read the Makers Checklist

The Makers Checklist in the Maker Guide contains a list of tasks to complete to build the device.

2. Order the Off-The-Shelf Components

The Spruce Joystick Bill of Materials lists all of the parts and components required to build the Spruce Mini Joystick.

3. Print the 3D Printable components

Print the components needed for the Spruce Mini Joystick. Make sure to ask the user if they would like any of the optional prints such as toppers or mount adapters. Refer to the OpenAT Joystick Setup Guide for detailed mounting options.

The 3D print files for the mounting adapters are located on the OpenAT Joystick Repository

All of the files and individual print files can be in the /Build_Files/3D_Printing_Files folder.

4. Assemble the Spruce Mini Joystick

Reference the Maker Guide for the tools and steps required to build each portion.

Files

Documentation

Document	Version	Link
Design Rationale	1.0	Spruce_Mini_Joystick_Design_Rationale
Bill of Materials	1.0	Spruce_Mini_Joystick_Bill_of_Materials
Maker Guide	1.0	Spruce_Mini_Joystick_Maker_Guide
User Guide	1.0.1	Spruce_Mini_Joystick_User_Guide

Design Files

• CAD Files

Build Files

• 3D Printing Files

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Neil Squire / Makers Making Change.

This repository describes Open Hardware:

• Everything needed or used to design, make, test, or prepare the Spruce Mini Joystick is licensed under the CERN 2.0 Weakly Reciprocal license (CERN-OHL-W v2) or later .
• Accompanying material such as instruction manuals, videos, and other copyrightable works that are useful but not necessary to design, make, test, or prepare the Spruce Mini Joystick are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license (CC BY-SA 4.0) .

You may redistribute and modify this documentation and make products using it under the terms of the CERN-OHL-W v2. This documentation is distributed WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Please see the CERN-OHL-W v2 for applicable conditions.

Source Location: https://github.com/makersmakingchange/Spruce-Mini-Joystick

Attribution

Hardware and enclosure design: Josie Versloot, Neil Squire Society

Enclosure design based on snap assembly thumbstick shell by AbleGamers Charity.

A range of toppers are availablef or this joystick and utilize the mofels found in the set of toppers created by AbleGamers Charity.

The documentation template was created by Makers Making Change / Neil Squire and is used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license. It is available at the following link: https://github.com/makersmakingchange/OpenAT-Template

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About Makers Making Change

Makers Making Change is a program of Neil Squire, a Canadian non-profit that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower people with disabilities.

Makers Making Change leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Disability Professionals and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.

• Website: www.MakersMakingChange.com
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Contact Us

For technical questions, to get involved, or to share your experience we encourage you to visit our website or contact us.