Space mouse v2 DIY

[jeffeb3]

I would think there would be a big advantage to the slim one if it means the weight of your hand/arm is better supported. You mentioned the zoom interfering. I wonder if it is hard to keep the joystick and your hand at a neutral zoom once you overcome the zero position detents in the joysticks.

The steamdeck also has replaceable joysticks. I doubt they are cheap. The switch ones (at least in the joycons, not the pro controllers) have known drift issues. We have several that constantly drift to one side when they connect. It is a bug nintendo has denied, but it is pretty common complaint.

[jeyeager (Jason Yeager)]

Need to finish assembly but it works! There’s a learning curve but this is very cool. Being able to adjust settings in the real software is helpful.

[Jonathjon (Jonathan Jones)]

That’s awesome!!!

[jeffeb3]

It seems like it would really benefit from a custom PCB on the bottom plane with mounts for the joysticks and the arduino/USB built in. Are the electronics changing at all, or have they remained pretty constant?

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

@Fabien

I officially beat “Doug the mad modder” in this race

LOL

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

@jeffeb3

would really benefit from a custom PCB on the bottom plane with mounts for the joysticks and the arduino/USB built in.

This is definitely a good idea.

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

@Fabien

Slim version incoming

I noticed in the Fusion 360 file there is about 25 mm between the bottom of the inside of the case and the lower edge of the joystick PCBs. How much of that did you take out to make your slimmer version?

[Fabien]

I cut the base 6mm beneath the joysticks pcb so that I can squeeze the Arduino in there
I’m assembling this tonight and will post the remix if the fit is good

[Fabien]

@jeffeb3

It seems like it would really benefit from a custom PCB on the bottom plane with mounts for the joysticks and the arduino/USB built in. Are the electronics changing at all, or have they remained pretty constant?

The thing is: the joysticks are mounted on the vertical walls of the box
You’d need 4 PCBs + 1 for the arduino, which is strictly waht you get with the joysticks and arduino already

You could replace the bottom lid with a PCB acting both as a lid and as a breakout board for the arduino though

[jeffeb3]

I’ll have to build one and see it for myself. I haven’t decided how busy my summer is going to be, so I am reluctant to buy parts for projects ATM.

[Fabien]

I think I found the perfect joysticks for this application, if anyone feels like trying

ASUS Rog Ally joysticks

[Waspjr (Travis)]

Haha brain seeded
This does seem like a decent upgrade.

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

@Fabien

I’m assembling this tonight and will post the remix if the fit is good

I’m planning to print your slimmer version as soon as you indicate it went well and you post the remix!

Otherwise, I have all the printed parts ready to go, and just waiting on my joysticks and arduino.

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

@Fabien

ASUS Rog Ally joysticks

UPDATE NOTE: See even cheaper option at the bottom.

I found these same ones just now on Aliexpress, for $3.52 each (US), so x 4 = $15.06 (US) — and has free shipping. I ordered them too, just to try them out and see how they work. Link here.

UPDATE: just after ordering from Aliexpress, I found an even more affordable listing on eBay: a pair of them for only $6.76 (US), so total $13.52 — again with free shipping.

For Asus ROG Ally Joystick Replacement Part 2023 New F6 O3A0 | eBay

[DougJoseph (Doug Joseph (design8studio))]

One thing I don’t care for about the lid design, is how it stands proud of the base instead of nestling in flush with the top of the base.

[Tokoloshe (Philipp)]

If one moved part of the electronics to another “box”, like his first, bigger version, but ergonomically better, that would be the best idea I think. Or move it to the back so you only need to fit the joysticks, put the arduino “behind” it, so to speak. Or left and right?

[Jonathjon (Jonathan Jones)]

@Tokoloshe

Or move it to the back so you only need to fit the joysticks, put the arduino “behind” it, so to speak. Or left and right?

I would think move it to the front. That’s the only part your hand doesn’t in some way interact with.

[Fabien]

@Tokoloshe

If one moved part of the electronics to another “box”, like his first, bigger version, but ergonomically better, that would be the best idea I think. Or move it to the back so you only need to fit the joysticks, put the arduino “behind” it, so to speak. Or left and right?

I think having the electronics in the palmrest is the best option

@Jonathjon

I would think move it to the front. That’s the only part your hand doesn’t in some way interact with.

That’s an alternative, if you put it in the front or side, it can double up as a support for macro buttons

The slim version does look and feel pretty good though

I need to make a small iteration though, because the knob hits the Arduino just a bit, and the usb port doesn’t quite line up…

I think I’ll keep the center part to the slimest it can be, and then use the bottom part to tuck away the electronics with 3 versions:

• slightly thicker bottom lid that encapsulates the arduino under the knob
• palmrest-style bottom lid, with the arduino tucked inside
• front-case bottom lid

This way, anyone could choose his favourite version…

[RockinRiley (Riley)]

Man, oh Man, give this group a challenge that a few want and watch it grow!!!
Someone needs to invite Jono, Mike, and Ryan to the piece about a custom board, LMAO!

Then where will we be

[RockinRiley (Riley)]

So how do you plan on using them Doug, solder to the terminals, or something else?