LegTaste

I was just looking at some of the different configurations although not quite as indepth as the examples you have supplied. Thanks.

Didn't start thinking about load cell/force sensing joysticks until after i placed my order for a BU0836. That was a week ago actually, had no response to my emails but i gather this has happened to a few people. I don't fancy over paying another £5 postage for such a tiny item considering i live in the UK, and waiting so long for it to arrive. http://www.hux.net.au/?tag=load-cell-interface This looks very similar although not bi-directional, anyone know what modifications this would require? Edit Posted this before reading your post alex, i've built many circuits, but i cant say i have much of an understating of the theory behind them, converting a schematic to a layout is as in depth as it gets for me.

Thanks for the info. Any idea if the shaft is solid or hollow? For anyone else that maybe be interested here are some nicely priced strain gauges, cheaper than a good quality pot. http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Sensors/Strain-Gauges/Strain-gauges/30178

Wondered if anyone had made their own force sensing joystick, i know there is a couple of cougar mods out there, but i'm after a DIY solution. Finding force sensors of any sort isn't so easy, and they wont be cheap. Load cells as pictured below can be had for more reasonable prices I was almost set but then i realised a problem, although people have used these to great effect for car brakes, they will start at zero when off the brakes, while with a single joystick axis you will start with a centred pot and have movement in each directions. I have two ideas, one is to somehow apply half the amount of force/weight to the load cell while the stick is centred with one direction applying more force and the other easing up. The other is to use two per axis, but i have no idea if this is possible or how it will be done. I intend to use one of those leo bodnar circuits, but if anyone knows of anything else that will do what i require i would consider it.