KSP Controller with 3DOF Docking control

mech_engr · January 6

Built this controller last year for KSP2 and was super disappointed when controller support was nerfed. However, thanks to mods (InputBinder), I can finally play around with it.

It was inspired by actual spacecraft docking controls, but I wanted a small gamepad-style controller.

The translation, or docking, handle on the left-hand side moves forward, backward, left, right, upwards, and downwards. It took a lot of prototyping to get to work correctly...

The joystick on the right is a standard analog joystick with 3 axes: pitch, roll, and yaw.

If there's enough support, I could publish the plans and bill of materials. I estimate it's about $50 to build.

Construction:

3D printed housing
Arduino Pro Micro
- Custom code library for USB devices
Standard analog joystick
2 x analog sliders
3 x toggle switches
2 x square push buttons
1 x round, recessed, push button
1 x custom 3DOF docking stick
- 6 x microswitches
- 2 x springs
- Plunger-handle
  - 2 x pencil springs to center Z axis