JoyScream AM- squarewave AM synth in a joystick
This joystick (a “Flightstick Pro”) was another great second-hand shop find. Opening it up, I found three 100k pots (one for each joystick axis, and a throttle wheel):
My thoughts immediately turned to a 2-osc synth of some sort (each axis controlling one osc), and as I started brainstorming, the idea of a filter of some sort for the third pot came along. My final plan was for the oscillators to be supplied by a CD40106, which would feed two buffered squarewave oscillators into an AM circuit. I chose the TS12A4514 analog switch for the basis of this AM circuit, mostly due to space considerations. The filter is a passive highpass type, using a metal-film 100nF capacitor and the third pot. Each joystick axis also has an offset wheel, which can allow for setting the range of the associated osc, or just act as another frequency control.
Post-op inside photo:
The final product:
Here’s an audio demo:
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…and here’s a short video:
This one is also going on eBay to raise some money for parts. It’s probably the one I’ll have the hardest time parting with, of all the things I’ve built & sold so far. If I ever find another joystick like this, I’m keeping the next one.
hey i have one of those joystick . i dont know exactly what i’ll do with it . your work is inspiring . im happy to see inside the thing and to know that theyre are 3 1ook pots inside.
did you try to use the buttons ??
Cheers, thanks for the kind words. I did not try to use the buttons, as any idea I had to go along with what was already there would have required more circuitry, and I was low on space. It would certainly be possible though.