Summary of Arduino Joystick Mouse Control Code
This article explains how to control a computer's onscreen cursor using an Arduino Leonardo, Micro, or Due. It utilizes a joystick for relative movement and a pushbutton to toggle mouse control on and off, with an LED indicating the active state. The code translates analog inputs into cursor movements and includes safety warnings about taking over the user's mouse.
Parts used in the JoystickMouseControl:
- Arduino Leonardo board
- Arduino Micro board
- Arduino Due board
- 2 axis joystick
- Momentary pushbutton
- One 10-kilohm resistor
Using the Mouse library, you can controls a computer’s onscreen cursor with an Arduino Leonardo, Micro, or Due. This particular example uses a pushbutton to turn on and off mouse control with a joystick.
Cursor movement from the Arduino is always relative. So every time the analog input is read, the cursor’s position is updated relative to it’s current position.
Two analog inputs ranging from 0 to 1023 are translated to ranges of -12 to 12. The sketch assumes that the joystick resting values are around the middle of the range, but that they vary within a threshold.
The pushbutton allows you to toggle mouse control on and off. A status LED connected to pin 5 lights when the Arduino is controlling the mouse.
Software Required
- none
image developed using Fritzing. For more circuit examples, see the Fritzing project page
Schematic:
Code
/* JoystickMouseControl Controls the mouse from a joystick on an Arduino Leonardo or Micro. Uses a pushbutton to turn on and off mouse control, and a second pushbutton to click the left mouse button Hardware: * 2-axis joystick connected to pins A0 and A1 * pushbuttons connected to pin D2 and D3 The mouse movement is always relative. This sketch reads two analog inputs that range from 0 to 1023 (or less on either end) and translates them into ranges of -6 to 6. The sketch assumes that the joystick resting values are around the middle of the range, but that they vary within a threshold. WARNING: When you use the Mouse.move() command, the Arduino takes over your mouse! Make sure you have control before you use the command. This sketch includes a pushbutton to toggle the mouse control state, so you can turn on and off mouse control. created 15 Sept 2011 updated 28 Mar 2012 by Tom Igoe this code is in the public domain */
Hardware Required
- Arduino Leonardo, Micro, or Due board
- 2 axis joystick
- momentary pushbutton
- One 10-kilohm resistor (if needed)
For more detail: Arduino Joystick Mouse Control Code
- Which Arduino boards support this project?
The project works with the Arduino Leonardo, Micro, or Due board. - How does the cursor move in this sketch?
Cursor movement is always relative, updating the position based on the current location. - What range do the analog inputs translate to?
The sketch translates analog inputs ranging from 0 to 1023 into ranges of -6 to 6. - Can I turn mouse control on and off?
Yes, a pushbutton allows you to toggle mouse control on and off. - How can I tell if the Arduino is controlling the mouse?
A status LED connected to pin 5 lights up when the Arduino is controlling the mouse. - What happens when the Mouse.move command is used?
The Arduino takes over your mouse, so you must ensure you have control before using it. - Do I need any software required for this project?
No software is required other than the standard Arduino environment. - Where are the pushbuttons connected in the schematic?
The pushbuttons are connected to pin D2 and D3.
