SparkFun
Wireless Joystick Breakout Board for XBee
· MPN: DEV-14008
This breakout board makes it easier to build a custom wireless controller for XBee-based projects, without relying on a standard hobby RC transmitter. It is ...
This breakout board makes it easier to build a custom wireless controller for XBee-based projects, without relying on a standard hobby RC transmitter. It is designed for makers who want to choose their own control layout for robots, vehicles and other radio-controlled builds.
The board includes an onboard SAMD21 and provides sockets for your own XBee module and lithium-ion battery. It can be assembled in different configurations, including dual joysticks for tank-style steering or a single joystick layout with four 12mm momentary pushbuttons.
Power management is built in with an MCP73831 LiPo charge IC and a MAX17043 fuel gauge. SparkFun provides a Hookup Guide with assembly instructions, plus a tank-steering motor controller tutorial to help you get started.
Please note that assembly is required, so basic soldering knowledge is needed. This kit is not supported on Windows 7/8 due to driver support limitations. XBee board, LiPo battery, buttons, switches and joysticks are not included.
Features:
- XBee project control: Provides a custom wireless control platform for XBee-based projects.
- Onboard SAMD21: Equipped with the increasingly popular SAMD21 onboard.
- Configurable layout: Can be assembled into the configuration you want.
- Dual joystick option: Supports a dual joystick configuration for better RC steering robots, such as tanks.
- Single joystick option: Supports a single joystick configuration with four 12mm momentary pushbuttons.
- Battery support: Includes a socket for your own lithium-ion battery.
- LiPo charging: Built-in LiPo charge IC (MCP73831).
- Fuel gauge: Built-in fuel gauge (MAX17043).
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- LiPo
- A lithium polymer rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics projects. It matters because LiPo batteries need correct charging circuitry and care, and this board includes hardware intended for that battery type.
- MCP73831
- A lithium battery charger chip used to safely charge a single-cell LiPo battery. It matters because it lets the board recharge a battery from USB or another input without needing a separate charger module.
- SAMD21
- The SAMD21 is a Microchip microcontroller used in many Arduino-compatible boards. It matters here because USB host library support can depend on the exact microcontroller on your mainboard.
Find this product in
Wireless Joystick Breakout Schematic
Schematic · 105.2 KB · Click any page to view full size
ATSAMD21 Microcontroller Datasheet
Datasheet · 16.9 MB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 658.5 KB · Click any page to view full size
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