Hall Effect Joystick
It is a proportional control lever that senses lever angle without contact, using a semiconductor sensor that measures the field of a magnet attached to the lever. Since there is no rubbing track it does not wear; even after millions of movements its center point and characteristic do not shift noticeably.
A Hall sensor produces a voltage perpendicular to the current direction when exposed to a magnetic field. As the lever moves, the position of the magnet relative to the sensor changes, and the output voltage changes proportionally with the angle. There is no mechanical contact; the only wearing part is the lever's own bearing.
- It is clearly superior to a potentiometer lever in dusty, humid, and vibrating environments.
- Dual sensors are generally used for safety; the two channels not agreeing is treated as a fault and the output is cut.
- Strong external magnetic fields and nearby high current cables can affect the measurement, so placement matters.
In wireless remote controls, contactless measurement is also an advantage for battery life; there is no resistive divider drawing current continuously. The four-way wireless joystick in AXI's HCT402 set is designed for one-handed use together with its Emergency Stop button and internal battery; the sensor type is not stated in the product data.
Where this term is used: The Importance of Hydraulic Control: Why Should It Be Commanded by an Electronic Signal?