Joystick-Controlled Servo Experiment

Introduction

This experiment demonstrates how to control a servo motor using a joystick. The joystick's movement will determine the servo's angle, allowing precise position control.

Components Needed

• Arduino (e.g., Uno, Nano)
• Analog joystick module
• Servo motor
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• External 5V power supply (if required for the servo)

Circuit Setup

Connect the joystick and servo motor to the Arduino as follows:

• Joystick Connections:
  • VCC to Arduino 5V
  • GND to Arduino GND
  • VRx to Arduino A0
• Servo Motor Connections:
  • Signal wire to Arduino pin 9
  • Power (red) to Arduino 5V (or external 5V supply if required)
  • Ground (black) to Arduino GND

Code for Joystick-Controlled Servo

Upload the following code to your Arduino to control the servo using the joystick:

// Include the Servo library
#include 

// Create a Servo object
Servo myServo;

// Define the joystick's X-axis pin
#define JOYSTICK_X A0

void setup() {
    myServo.attach(9);       // Attach the servo to pin 9
    Serial.begin(9600);      // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
    int joystickValue = analogRead(JOYSTICK_X);  // Read the joystick X-axis
    int servoAngle = map(joystickValue, 0, 1023, 0, 180); // Map joystick value to servo angle
    myServo.write(servoAngle);                  // Set the servo to the mapped angle

    // Print joystick value and servo angle for debugging
    Serial.print("Joystick: ");
    Serial.print(joystickValue);
    Serial.print(" | Servo Angle: ");
    Serial.println(servoAngle);

    delay(20); // Small delay for stability
}
            

Explanation

• analogRead(): Reads the joystick's X-axis position as an analog value (0-1023).
• map(): Converts the joystick value into a corresponding servo angle (0° to 180°).
• myServo.write(): Commands the servo to move to the specified angle.
• The joystick's central position maps to 90°, with extremes mapping to 0° or 180°.

Troubleshooting

• If the servo doesn’t move, verify the power supply and signal connections.
• Ensure the joystick is properly connected and functioning by checking the Serial Monitor.
• If the servo vibrates or makes noise, use an external power supply to ensure sufficient current.

Applications

Joystick-controlled servos can be used in:

• Robotic arms
• Camera gimbals
• Remote-controlled vehicles