Continuing evolution keeps joysticks the most intuitive means to
interface man with machine. By Gerry Larocque J. R. Merritt
Controls Inc. Hydraulic joysticks offer the simplicity of
controlling pilotoperated valves directly, and without
electronic controls that can add cost to systems. This makes
them most attractive for smaller machines where the close
proximity of pressurized hydraulic fluid is not objectionable.
Joysticks using high-life conductive plastic potentiometers are
the predominant type of electric joystic in use today. Electric
joysticks have evolved into a variety designs with functions
built into hand grips, allowing operators to perform multiple
tasks and significantly increase productivity. The advent of
hydraulics allowed controlling much higher levels of power via
valves. A hydraulic joystick connects directly to low-pressure (
pilot) hydraulic valves, allowing an operator to control the
high-pressure "working side" of the hydraulic system. The
benefits of hydraulic joysticks over mechanic