Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
DC motors are used in robotics, remote-controlled cars and other devices to rotate parts, such as a robot's arms or a vehicle's wheels. DC motors are especially useful because they can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise when they're connected to an appropriate motor controller. Control a DC motor by soldering a joystick made from a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) toggle switch to the motor and its power supply.
You can setup a joystick to control your favorite games without relying on your mouse and keyboard. Hook up the joystick to control your avatar in "MapleStory," a massive multiplayer online role-playing game that is available to play for free. Windows includes native support for USB controllers, allowing you to setup the device without installing additional software.
A joystick lets you maneuver a PTZ security camera from a computer with more ease than using a mouse and keyboard. To create a PTZ controller from an existing joystick, map the parameters of the computer’s operating system and actions through a PTZ program designed for this purpose and included with the camera. The joystick will not need to be disassembled or physically altered, and can be used to control other operations as well.
The Sony Playstation 3 is a seventh-generation, home-gaming system that makes use of the "SIXAXIS" controller, which sports two separate joysticks. These joysticks are generally used in-game for movement and camera adjustment. If you are playing a game and find yourself unsatisfied with the joystick's layout, you can adjust the layout by manipulating the options in your game's menu.
A large number of joysticks designed for the personal computer connect to the device through the use of a gameport cable. However, many computers no longer possess a gameport, forcing users to buy USB joystick controllers. However, you can build a makeshift USB joystick controller by making use of an existing gameport controller and a special converter cable.
A servo traditionally refers to a robot that achieves programmed tasks while controlling its own movements through the use of negative feedback loops. However, it is also possible to control these devices using a joystick, a computer and some software.
Installing a SmartPilot autopilot system from Raymarine lets you enjoy fishing or relaxing on the deck of your pleasure boat by navigating and controlling your boat for you. It compiles information about your boat and how you use it to efficiently process radar signals to ensure you and your passengers a safe, smooth ride even when you are not at the helm. Raymarine manufactures joystick controls you connect to your SmartPilot for steering from parts of your boat other than your cockpit. You can install SeaTalk joysticks in different locations throughout your boat for maximum convenience.
The Xbox 360, like the vast majority of modern video game controllers, uses a pair of short thumbsticks to control your on-screen character. The problem with such controllers is that precise aiming is sacrificed, as compared to using a computer's mouse and keyboard. A solution offered by a variety of manufacturers is to make joysticks from their short thumbsticks, extending them for easier throw.
The GP780 gyro helps maintain a radio-controlled (RC) helicopter's stability, making it a significant component in a fully functional aircraft. These small devices work to keep the helicopter level, and to return it to center after banking. Learn how to align your GP780 gyro with the T-Rex 450 to ensure optimum performance.
"OnLive" is an online gaming service in which players can play a large number of new and classic video games on their computer. When using the service, players may find it helpful to connect a video game controller to their computer. Since the PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller makes use of a universal serial bus (USB) cable to connect to its console, this controller can be used with any computer. However, the computer must be able to recognize the controller before it can be used with OnLive.
The ST90 is a joystick created by Saitek and designed for personal computers. It is a quite basic controller, consisting of a movable throttle stick and a trigger button. As this product is quite old, it is not compatible with any operating system newer than Windows XP. One of the benefits of this device is the simplicity of the installation process -- once plugged in, it is ready to use. In order to ensure that the controls are set correctly, you may wish to test them before use.
Since PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS controllers connect to the PS3 game console using a USB cable, you can easily connect the PS3 controller to any computer. However, the computer must be able to recognize the PS3 controller. Once you find PS3 controller drivers for your computer, you can then instruct your computer to recognize the controller.
MAME stands for Multiple Machine Arcade Emulator, and is one of the most reliable applications to run old arcade games on your computer. It is available for download online and once you've set it up, all you need is each game's ROM file to run. However, even if your system runs the game perfectly, you cannot enjoy the game if the controls are awkward, especially if you need to make use of the mouse. For this purpose, MAME offers a comprehensive keyboard-configuration screen, allowing you to make every little change on the control settings.
"Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator" (MAME) is freeware for Windows that allows you to play classic arcade games on your PC. MAME enables you to configure a gamepad, mouse, game keyboard, Street Fighter IV FightStick and other game peripherals. The Street Fighter IV FightStick is an arcade joystick for the Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 that resembles the eight-button arcade joystick that also connects to a PC via USB port. You can use a FightStick with MAME instead of a mouse, keyboard or a gamepad.
Missile-oriented games began with the original "Missile Command," an arcade game which saw players assume control at a military base and attempt to blast enemy missiles out of the sky. With the advent of 3D technology, games developers have taken missile games to the next level, with missile-based titles varying widely in terms of their design and gameplay. 3D missile games are available across a variety of gaming platforms.
"Mario Super Sluggers" is available exclusively for the Wii and it lets Mario fans play baseball with some of their favorite characters. Different players bring a diverse array of skills to the field, with Yoshis of six different colors being able to perform tongue catches. This involves precise timing. You must catch up to a ball in play before it lands and stretch out Yoshi's tongue at the right moment.
The Huffy Green Machine 2 is a big green tricycle with a large front wheel and two smaller rear tires, a low seat and a joystick-style control. Designed for children ages 6 and up, the Green Machine uses 2 levers to turn the rear wheels. Sold online and in many toy stores and home retail stores, the Green Machine 2 should only be used by individuals wearing a helmet and by children who are supervised by an adult.
Huffy Corporation's Green Machine has been entertaining children 6 and older for decades. It's an alternative to a traditional bicycle for kids who have outgrown their tricycle or just want something different. While keeping the basic three wheel design, the Green Machine has a long wheel base and rear wheel steering system. These features allow riders to perform a variety of spins and other maneuvers, including a full 360 skid.
The Fisher Price Smart Cycle is a fun way for your child to learn many valuable lessons as well as keeping them active. The Smart Cycle brings learning to a whole new level with educational games and fun activities. This stationary bike lets your child feel the action as if they were actually apart of the game itself. The Smart Cycle has many challenging levels that will keep your child entertained for hours.
For a gamer with a PC and a PS3, the PS3 controller can be used under Windows XP to play games that support joystick control. Most games support keyboard and mouse, but many console-to-PC ports work best when using a controller. The connection isn't quite as easy as connecting an Xbox 360 controller, but it can be done.
PC gamers have traditionally preferred the mouse and keyboard or joystick for games. With more and more console games being ported to the PC, some gamers are looking to use a video game controller, since certain types of games play better with this type of controller. If you have a PS3 and are looking for a way to use the controller on the PC, you can download and install a driver that will allow you to use it as if it were a mouse.
The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an educational video and physical activity game device for children ages 3 to 6. The Smart Cycle is a great way to help young children learn their alphabet and numbers, as well as provide them with physical exercise at the same time. Once the Smart Cycle bike is assembled, it is easy to use.
The Hori Real Arcade Pro EX is an arcade controller stick that weighs 5.7 lbs. It's heavy enough to stay on a table during the gaming session.
Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is a physical learning arcade system designed to look like a child-sized stationary exercise bicycle. The Smart Cycle plugs into a TV and the toy works like an arcade-style video game, involving interaction and coordination to "cycle" through the games and scenes. Smart Cycle provides three basic types of games: Drive, Race and Learn. The Smart Cycle helps teach children numbers, counting, uppercase and lowercase letters, spelling, shapes, matching, reasoning, problem-solving and motor skills.
The MAME team developed MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) in 1997 to prevent vintage arcade games from being forgotten or lost and preserving video game history by allowing users to play their favorite arcade games on their computers. MAME is a versatile emulator, which enables users to add gamepads, trackballs, external gaming keyboards, joysticks and other gaming peripherals for extended gameplay. The Logitech Attack 3 is an outstanding, durable and user-friendly joystick that you can configure to play with MAME.
Controller joysticks come in two varieties: arcade fighting sticks for the fighting-game enthusiast who wants the classic feel of an arcade joystick, and flight-sim joysticks for gamers who enjoy the thrill of an aerial dogfight. Several companies specialize in creating these gaming peripherals. However, you need to exercise caution when shopping, as a poor joystick can be just as costly as a high-quality joystick.
The Sony PlayStation 3 controller is sturdy and based off the designs of Sony's two older video games systems, PlayStation and PlayStation 2. As a result, many gamers are comfortable using this controller--so comfortable that they would like to use it on their PCs. Now they can, as drivers are available that install the PS3 controller's hardware to the PC so that you can play PC games on it.
The Green Machine is a tricycle designed by Huffy. The Green Machine features a 20-inch high-traction pneumatic front tire, dual-joystick controls with a front handbrake and an adjustable seat for children 6 years of age and older. The Huffy Green Machine is available to purchase in a green-and-black model, or in a slightly smaller aqua blue Green Machine H2O model, featuring a 16-inch front wheel and a hand-operated water squirting system.
"Mario Super Sluggers" for the Wii features a wide range of popular Nintendo characters and pits them against one another on the baseball field. A few of the characters--Yoshi, Mario and Birdo in particular--have special catch moves they can execute while fielding. Unlike the latter two, Yoshi's "Tongue Catch" can be difficult to perfect. It will take some practice and good timing to make the Yoshi trick work.
As your N64 ages, you might notice some grime and gunk building up on the controllers. While in most cases the staining is harmless, if your controller has been coated with crumbs or sticky fingerprints, you may want to take some time to clean up the surface of the controller. You'll need to be careful when removing the grime, as cleaning methods that use moisture could damage your controller. With a few simple steps, you can easily remove years of accumulated stains and grime from your controllers.
Piloting an electric helicopter is similar to playing a video game flight simulator. The basic idea is to keep the nose of the helicopter leveled out when trying to land and not to slam down too hard. The best type of electric helicopters for beginners are coaxial, rather than ones with a tail rotor. Coaxial electric helicopters are ready to fly right out of the box, without any experience.
Space Invaders is one of the all-time classic video games. Released to arcades in 1978, its straightforward premise of stopping wave after wave of alien attackers hooked teenagers and adults alike. Despite its simplicity, Space Invaders challenges the reflexes and rewards quick thinking and strategy.
Flightgear is an open source flight simulator program that lets you fly many realistic aircraft in simulated conditions and environments. The game's high level of sophistication requires that you follow a few crucial steps to fly Flightgear.
Adding a joystick to your computer can add hours of gaming enjoyment for you. Unfortunately, a joystick can sometimes have technical problems. One of the easiest problems to fix is the calibration or fine-tuning. Follow these simple instructions to calibrate your computer's joystick. And simply repeat the process whenever your joystick needs a bit of a tweak to make it work better.
Fans of the old Atari 2600 games might remember playing Defender - zooming across the screen in a stream-lined battle ship taking out enemy craft and watching over the vulnerable cities below. Xbox 360 has a new version of the classic with a couple more features, allowing this year's gamers to take a trip down memory lane and use online features to communicate with another player.
Joysticks aren't as simple as two buttons and a directional pad anymore. Newer joysticks come with turbos and boosters, triggers and tabs and in all kinds of cool colors and designs.
