USB HID Joysticks
![](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/Images/GuideImages/15590_USB_Joystick_3.jpg)
- Hand-Operated Joysticks for Control of Up to Four 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
MCMK4
4-Axis Joystick
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Feature Comparison of USB HID Joysticks | |||||||
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Item # | MJC1 | MJC2 | MJC3 | MCMJ1 | MCMK1 | MCMK4 | MCMK3 |
Number of Axes Supported | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
Axis Control Via Encoder Knobs | ![]() |
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Axis Control Via Joystick | - | ![]() |
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Speed Dial for Sensitivity Adjustment | ![]() |
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Toggle Switch for Fast or High-Precision Movement | ![]() |
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Magnetic Coupling Between Joysticksa | - | - | - | ![]() |
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Programmable LED Push-Button for Each Axisb |
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Features
- Joysticks Utilizing Standard USB HID Protocol
- Four Different Form Factors for Seven Joysticks
- One Encoder Knob for Single Axis Control
- One Joystick Knob for Two or Three Axis Control
- Three-Knob Box for Control of up to Three Axes
- Four Encoder Knobs for Control of Up to Four Axes
- Included Speed Dial or Toggle Switch for Sensitivity Adjustment
Thorlabs USB HID Joysticks are designed to provide intuitive, tactile, and manual control for various devices utilizing the USB HID (Human Interface Device) 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 by 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.
MJCx Series Joysticks
The MJC1 Joystick features an encoder knob for control of a single channel depending on the velocity the knob is rotated, while the MJC2 and MJC3 Joysticks feature a joystick knob that allows for two and three channel control, respectively. A dial labeled Speed is to the left of the knob or joystick and can be used to fine tune the sensitivity of movement of each device, or as an extra axis. Each joystick also features a push-button switch to the right of the knob or joystick which allows the joysticks to switch between fast or high-precision movement, or can have its functionality set by the user. The joysticks ship with a USB 3.1 Type-A to Type-C cable for connection to a computer. The MJC1 joystick is compatible with our BPC30x Series Benchtop Piezo Controllers, while the MJC2 and MJC3 joysticks are compatible with our Benchtop Brushless DC Servo Controllers, Rack-Mounted Brushless DC Servo Controller, and Stepper Motor Controllers.
![A microscopy console constructed using the MCMK1, MCMK4, and MCMJ1 joysticks.](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/tabImages/MCM_Joystick_Console_A1-300.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The MCM series joysticks can be combined to create a microscopy console using magnetic coupling.
MCM Series Joysticks
The MCMJ1 Joystick consists of a hand-operated joystick box with an attached USB cable, while the MCMK1, MCMK3, and MCMK4 Joysticks are hand-operated 1-, 3-, or 4-knob boxes respectively. These joysticks include LED push-buttons associated with each individual axis, with the LED programmable to provide feedback on the status of each axis. 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 associated knob or axis; whether the button serves 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. The MCMJ1 and MCMK1 joysticks include a toggle switch for toggling between two states for use in affecting the sensitivity of the joysticks, while the MCMK3 joystick features a speed dial on the top face to adjust the velocity of the encoder knobs. Two extra push-buttons on the MCMK4 joystick could be used for a similar purpose, as a global disable button, as a toggle for use of a fifth axis, or for other user-defined functions. The MCMJ1, MCMK1, and MCMK4 joysticks all include magnets to allow the joysticks to couple to each other, allowing for the creation of microscopy consoles by attaching combinations of the joysticks together, as shown to the right.
The MCMK3 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 the MCM series joysticks can be done using the visual interface provided by the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility, which can be found in the MCM Series Software tab along with the mimimum computer requirements.
Item # | MJC1 | MJC2 and MJC3 | MCMK3 |
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Compatible Controllersa |
BPC301, BPC303 Benchtop Piezo Controllers | BBD30x Series Benchtop Brushless DC Servo Controllers RBD201 Rack-Mounted Brushless DC Servo Controller BSC20x Series Stepper Motor Controllers |
MCM301 3-Axis Controller for Microscopy PDXC, PDXC2 Piezo Inertia Stage Controllers |
Item # | MJC1, MJC2, and MJC3 |
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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 # | MCMJ1 | MCMK1 | MCMK4 | MCMK3 |
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HID Specifications | ||||
Reporting Controller Features - HID In |
1 Encoder Joystick for 2 Unique Axis Controls, 2 RGB LED Push-Buttons, and 1 Toggle Switch |
1 Rotating Encoder Knob for 1 Unique Axis Control, 1 RGB LED Push-Button, and 1 Toggle Switch |
4 Rotating Encoder Knobs for 4 Unique Axis Controls, 4 RGB LED Push-Buttons, and 2 Red/Green Push-Buttons |
3 Unique Axis Controls, 3 Push-Buttons with Embedded Green LEDs |
Joystick/Encoder Knob Bit Resolution |
10 Bits | |||
Rotating Encoder Knob Encoder Resolution |
- | 0.35° | ||
Input Power Requirements | ||||
Voltage | 5 VDC (USB) | |||
Current | <150 mA | <100 mA | <150 mA | 50 mA (Avg.), 100 mA (Max) |
General | ||||
Computer Connection | USB 2.0 | |||
Housing Dimensions (W x D x H) |
126.8 mm x 139.0 mm x 119.4 mm (4.99" x 5.47" x 4.70") |
126.8 mm x 139.0 mm x 69.2 mm (4.99" x 5.47" x 2.72") |
260.2 mm x 163.0 mm x 70.6 mm (10.24" x 6.42" x 2.78") |
128.1 mm x 150.3 mm x 80.4 mm (5.04" x 5.92" x 3.17") |
Minimum Computer Requirements | |
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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 MCM Series USB HID Joysticks
Thorlabs offers software tools for the MCM series of joysticks, including the MCMK1, MCMK3, MCMK4, and MCMJ1 joysticks. 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 MCM series joystick controllers and assessing the HID In and Out reporting functionality. The Firmware Update Utility can be used to update the firmware of the MCM series joysticks. 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. |
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- 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.
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
- 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.
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
- High-Reliability Joystick Utilizing USB HID Protocol
- 2-Axis Control Via a Joystick Knob
- Toggle Switch for Sensitivity Adjustment
- Two RGB LED Push-Buttons for Assignment to Either Axis
- Powered via Attached USB Cable
The MCMJ1 Joystick consists of a hand-operated joystick box with an attached USB cable, which provides XY control over 2 separate axes. A toggle switch above the joystick allows for switching between two different states, labelled HIGH and LOW, which can be used to affect the joystick velocity. Two push-button switches, with embedded full-color, RGB LEDs, are also included on the face of the joystick, and can be linked to each axis individually. 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 associated axis of the joystick; whether the LED lights up to indicate a stop in motion, active movement, a limit in direction, or being disabled; and the brightness and color of the LED if it is in use.
The MCMJ1 joystick can be used in concert with the MCMK1 and MCMK4 joysticks to form a microscopy console via magnetic coupling, as seen in the Overview tab above..
This joystick is a USB HID device and is powered through the USB cable. As an HID device, the joystick can be configured and used with a variety of different controllers or devices which utilize the HID class, as well as configured for general applications. For more information about configuring and setting up this joystick over USB HID, please see the manual by clicking on the relevant red Docs icon () below.
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- High-Reliability Joysticks Utilizing USB HID Protocol
- Knobs Provide Hand-Operated Control for Up to One or Four Channels
- MCMK1 Includes Toggle Switch for Sensitivity Adjustment
- Each Knob has Associated RGB LED Push-Button
- Powered via Attached USB Cable
The MCMK1 and MCMK4 Joysticks are hand-operated, 1- or 4-knob boxes with an attached USB cable. Each of the rotating encoder knobs have an associated push-button LED switch and provides their own channel, allowing for either one or up to four unique axes to be controlled by a single joystick. The push-button switches each have an embedded full-color, RGB LED, which can provide feedback on axis motion, limits, locking status, or other indicators. 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 associated encoder knob or as an independent control for another purpose; whether the LED lights up as a status indicator; and the brightness and color of the LED if it is in use. The MCMK1 Joystick also includes a toggle switch for toggling between two states, labelled HIGH and LOW, which can be used to affect the knob sensitivity for example. Instead of this switch, the MCMK4 Joystick includes two smaller push-button LEDs, labelled A and B, located on the right side of the front face above the fourth knob; these buttons can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a toggle for use of a fifth axis, as a dual speed control switch, and as a global disable button.
The MCMK1 and MCMK4 joysticks can be used in concert with the MCMJ1 joystick to form a microscopy console via magnetic coupling, as seen in the Overview tab above.
These joysticks are both USB HID devices and are powered through the USB cable. As HID devices, the joysticks can be configured and used with a variety of different controllers or devices which utilize the HID class, as well as configured for general applications. For more information about configuring and setting up the joysticks over USB HID, please see the manual by clicking on the relevant red Docs icon () below.
![Back to Top Back to Top](http://punchout.thorlabs.com/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
- High-Reliability Joystick Utilizing 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 via Attached USB Cable
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 see 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.