Joystick and Lever functions are commonly used as an input control for various applications which include game controllers, heavy machinery, and automotive eShifters and steering column stalks. In each case, the joystick or lever is allowed one or two axes of rotation. Strategic placement of magnets and Hall-effect sensors within these systems provide a useful format to eliminate contact based components which wear out over time.

This document demonstrates implementations of both a video game controller thumb toggle joystick using and a retro-fitting of a production automotive turn indicator stalk found within a steering column control module. In both configurations, 3D linear Hall-effect sensors are used to capture magnetic field data. Setup and testing methods are detailed along with an analysis of mechanical error sources which can influence the measurement quality.