Products HomeUSB HID Joysticks
- Hand-Operated Joysticks for Control of up to Three Separate Channels
- USB HID (Human Interface Device) Configurable for General Applications
- Compatible with Piezo, Brushless DC Servo, or Stepper Motor Controllers
MCMK3
3-Knob Joystick
MJC2
2-Axis Joystick
MJC1
1-Axis Joystick
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Features
- Joysticks Utilizing Standard USB HID Protocol
- Three Different Form Factors for Four Joysticks
- One Encoder Knob for Single Axis Control
- One Joystick Knob for Two or Three Axis Control
- Three-Knob Box for up to Control of up to Three Axes
- Included Speed Dial for Sensitivity Adjustment
Thorlabs USB HID Joysticks are designed to provide intuitive, tactile, and manual control for various devices utilizing the USB HID class. Each joystick includes at least one knob and one push-button, which can be custom configured to control various parameters either separately or in tandem with each other. For more information about how to configure each joystick for general applications, including the USB HID In reporting, please see the manuals be clicking on the appropriate red Docs icons (
) below. Information on the power requirements, connections, and housing dimensions of the joysticks can be found in the Specs tab.
MJC1 Joystick
The MJC1 Joystick features an encoder knob for control of a single channel depending on the velocity the knob is rotated. A dial labeled Speed is to the left of the knob and can be used to fine tune the speed of the encoder knob or as an extra axis; unlike the encoder knob, the output of this dial is based on its rotated position instead of its rotational velocity. A push-button switch to the right of the encoder knob allows the joystick to switch between fast or high-precision movement, or can have its functionality set by the user. The joystick ships with a USB 3.1 Type-A to Type-C cable for connection to a computer and is compatible with our BPC30x Series Benchtop Piezo Controllers.
MJC2 and MJC3 Joysticks
The MJC2 and MJC3 Joysticks feature a joystick knob, a push-button switch, and a dial labeled Speed which can be used as an extra axis. The joystick knob outputs the up or down and the left or right position of the knob as separate values, with the MJC3 joystick knob also reporting a value for clockwise or counterclockwise twists. While each value is reported separately, the joystick knob can be operated so that all values are reported simultaneously, allowing for a combination of XY or XYZ movement when operated with a Thorlabs controller. These joysticks ship with a USB 3.1 Type-A to Type-C cable for connection to a computer and are compatible with our Benchtop Brushless DC Servo Controllers, Rack-Mounted Brushless DC Servo Controller, and Stepper Motor Controllers.
MCMK3 Joystick
Thorlabs' MCMK3 Joystick is a hand-operated, 3-knob box with an attached USB cable. Each of the three side faces of the joystick includes a rotating encoder knob and a push-button LED switch. Each encoder knob provides its own channel, allowing for three unique axes to be controlled by a single joystick. The push-button switches each have an embedded green LED. The function of these push buttons can be set by the user, including but not limited to whether the button operates as a switch to enable/disable the encoder knob on the same face of the joystick or as an independent control for another purpose; whether the LED lights up as a status indicator; and the brightness of the LED if it is in use. A smaller knob on the top face adjusts the velocity output of the larger rotating encoder knobs on the sides. This allows for variable levels of precision in the output of the encoder knobs.
This joystick is compatible with our MCM301 3-Axis Controller for Microscopy and our PDXC and PDXC2 ORIC® Piezo Inertia Stage Controllers. While the MCMK3 joystick has the same design as the knob box for our Compact Controllers for Microscopy, it is only directly compatible with the MCM301 controller. The MCM301 controller has three channels to support control of up to three different stages simultaneously using a single joystick. Multiple stages can be assigned to each joystick channel or operated simultaneously in daisy-chain mode using the PDXC controller. The PDXC2 controller has a single channel for joystick control in either open- or closed-loop mode.
Troubleshooting and testing the HID In and Out reporting of this joystick can be done using the visual interface provided by the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility, which can be found in the MCMK3 Software tab along with its mimimum computer requirements.
| Item # | MJC1, MJC2, and MJC3 |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| USB | USB 1.1 Using a USB Type-C Connector |
| Resolution of Joysticks/Encoders | 8 Bits |
| Input Power Requirements | |
| Voltage | 5 VDC (USB) |
| Current | <100 mA |
| General | |
| Thorlabs Controller Connection | Mini-DIN or USB C |
| Computer Connection | USB Type-A Connector |
| Housing Dimensionsa (W x D x H) |
134.9 mm x 230.5 mm x 52.6 mm (5.31" x 9.07" x 2.07") |
| Item # | MCMK3 |
|---|---|
| HID Specifications | |
| Reporting Controller Features - HID In |
3 Rotating Encoder Knobs for 3 Unique Axis Controls, 3 Push-Buttons with Embedded Green LEDs |
| Rotating Encoder Knob Bit Resolution |
10 Bits |
| Rotating Encoder Knob Encoder Resolution |
0.35° |
| Input Power Requirements | |
| Voltage | 5 VDC (USB) |
| Current | 50 mA (Avg.), 100 mA (Max) |
| General | |
| Computer Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Housing Dimensions (W x D x H) |
128.1 mm x 150.3 mm x 80.4 mm (5.04" x 5.92" x 3.17") |
Software
Version 1.0 (February 7, 2023)
The software package contains the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility, which provides a visual interface to verify the HID IN and Out reporting of the MCMK3 Joystick.
| Minimum Computer Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit (or later) |
| Other Software | Microsoft .NET 4.8 (or later) Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 |
| USB Version | USB 2.0 |
Software for MCMK3 USB HID Joystick
Thorlabs offers software tools for the MCMK3 Joystick. The software download page offers links to the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility and Thorlabs Firmware Update Utility. The Joystick Test Utility can be used for troubleshooting the MCMK3 Joystick Controller and assessing the HID In and Out reporting functionality. The Firmware Update Utility can be used to update the firmware of the MCMK3 Joystick. The minimum computer requirements to operate this software are given in the table to the right.
| Posted Comments: | |
Chad Brubaker
(posted 2024-02-16 12:08:31.54) Is is mentioned that these are compatible with DC and Stepper Motor Controllers. Does this only apply to the linked items, or does this also include the K-Cube controllers (KST201, KDC101)? I am setting up a 6-axis motion system (XYZ, RPY) utilizing 4 ZFSXXB, 1 PDR1C, and one PRMTZ8 rotary. An MJC3 next to an MCMK3 would make for a very intuitive control scheme. cdolbashian
(posted 2024-03-05 02:58:37.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry. Unfortunately your suspicion is indeed true. These joysticks are only compatible with the listed components. I have, however, suggested that we expand the compatibility by requesting as much to our software teams internally. |
Zoom- High-Reliability Joystick Utilizing USB HID Protocol
- Single-Axis Control Via an Encoder Knob
- Two Different Modes for Fast or High-Precision Moves
- Speed Dial for Sensitivity Adjustment
- Allows Remote Manual Control
- Can be Reprogrammed using a PC
- Ergonomic Design
The MJC1 Joystick has been designed to provide intuitive, tactile, manual positioning of our range of piezo-based stages. The joystick features an encoder knob for single axis control, a push button to switch between fast or high-precision movement, and a speed dial to fine tune speed control. For most applications, the default parameter settings saved with the compatible controller allow the joystick to be used out-of-the-box, with no need for further setup, negating the requirement to be connected to a host PC and allowing true remote operation. Furthermore, the parameter settings can be reprogrammed and saved to a paired controller using a PC, so the controller can be disconnected from the computer and remote operation continued.
The MJC1 Joystick is compatible with our BPC30x Series Benchtop Piezo Controllers. The joystick has both a Mini-DIN and a USB Type-C port and is shipped complete with two cables, a 6-pin Mini-DIN plug to plug cable and a USB 3.1 Type-A to Type-C cable, for use with these controllers as well as setups utilizing the USB HID class. For more information about configuring and setting up the joystick over USB HID, please see the manual by clicking on the red Docs icon () below.
Zoom- High-Reliability Joysticks Utilizing USB HID Protocol
- 2-Axis or 3-Axis Control Via a Joystick Knob
- Two Different Modes for Fast or High Precision Moves
- Speed Dial for Sensitivity Adjustment
- Allows Remote Manual Control
- Can be Reprogrammed using a PC
- Ergonomic Design
The MJC2 and MJC3 Joysticks have been designed for microscope users and provide intuitive, tactile, manual positioning of a stage. The joysticks feature a two-axis joystick knob for XY control or a three-axis joystick knob for XYZ control, respectively. Both joystick knobs can be moved left or right and up or down, with the MJC3 joystick knob also twisting clockwise or counterclockwise for third axis control. A push button to switch between fast or high-precision movement and a speed dial to fine tune speed control are also integrated into the joysticks. In most applications, the default parameter settings saved within the controller allow the joystick to be used out-of-the-box with no need for further setup. This operation mode eliminates the need for connection to a host PC and allows for true remote operation. Parameter settings can also be reprogrammed and saved to a paired controller using a PC, allowing the controller to be disconnected from the computer and remote operation continued.
The MJC2 and MJC3 Joysticks are compatible with our Benchtop Brushless DC Servo Controllers, Rack-Mounted Brushless DC Servo Controller, and Stepper Motor Controllers. The joysticks have both a Mini-DIN and a USB Type-C port and are each shipped complete with two cables, a 6-pin Mini-DIN plug to plug cable and a USB 3.1 Type-A to Type-C cable, for use with these controllers as well as setups utilizing the USB HID class. For more information about configuring and setting up the joystick over USB HID, please see the manual by clicking on the red Docs icon () below.
Zoom- Utilizes Standard USB HID Protocol
- Knobs Provide Hand-Operated Control for up to Three Channels
- Top-Located Speed Dial for Sensitivity Adjustment
- Each Knob has Associated LED Button
- Powered vis USB Port
The MCMK3 Joystick is a hand-operated, 3-knob box with an attached USB cable. Each of the three side faces of the joystick include a rotating knob and a push-button LED switch. Each encoder knob provides its own channel, allowing for three unique axes to be controlled by a single joystick. The push-button switches each have an embedded green LED. The function of these push buttons can be set by the user, including but not limited to whether the button operates as a switch to enable/disable the encoder knob on the same face of the joystick or as an independent control for another purpose; whether the LED lights up as a status indicator; and the brightness of the LED if it is in use. A smaller knob on the top face adjusts the velocity output of the larger side knobs, allowing for variable levels of precision in the output of the encoder knobs.
The MCMK3 joystick is a USB HID device and is powered through the USB cable. As an HID device, the MCMK3 joystick can be configured and used with a variety of different controllers or devices which utilize the HID class, such as the PDXC and PDXC2 Piezo Inertia Stage Controllers and the MCM301 3-Axis Controller for Microscopy. The joystick can also be configured for general applications; for more information about configuring and setting up the joystick over USB HID, please the the manual by clicking on the red Docs icon () below. While the joystick has the same design as the knob box for our Compact Controllers for Microscopy, it is only directly compatible with the MCM301 controller.
Troubleshooting and testing the HID In and Out reporting of the MCMK3 joystick can be done using the visual interface provided by the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility; a Firmware Update Utility is also available. Both utilities, as well as their minimum computer requirements, can be found in the MCMK3 Software tab.
 USB HID Joysticks |