Simple CAD Joystick

🎮 DIY CAD Navigation Joystick

Control Fusion 360 & SolidWorks like a SpaceMouse

Build your own compact controller to navigate 3D models smoothly using a joystick and an Arduino Pro Micro.

Video link :

Instagram

Youtube

🧰 Materials Required

• ✅ Arduino Pro Micro (ATmega32U4)
• ✅ Analog joystick module (KY-023 or similar)
• ✅ Jumper wires or thin electrical wire
• ✅ Soldering iron + solder
• ✅ 8 × M2.5 screws (for enclosure)
• ✅ USB cable (USB-C or Micro-USB depending on board)
• ✅ 3D printed enclosure parts

💡 Why the Pro Micro?
➡️ It supports USB HID, allowing it to act as a mouse.

🖨️ 3D Printing

Suggested Parts

• Bottom case
• Top cover
• Joystick mount
• Ergonomic thumb cap

Recommended Settings

• Layer height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 15–20%
• Supports: Not required
• Material: PLA or PETG

💡 PETG recommended for durability.

🔌 Wiring Diagram

The joystick module has 5 pins:

👉 The button (SW) can reset the view or trigger an action.

🔧 Assembly Steps

1️⃣ Solder the wires

• Solder wires to joystick pins.
• Ensure no short circuits.

2️⃣ Mount the joystick

• Insert joystick into the printed mount.
• Route wires through the cable channels.

3️⃣ Connect to Pro Micro

• Wire according to the table above.
• Secure the Pro Micro inside the enclosure.

4️⃣ Close the case

• Assemble the enclosure.
• Fasten using the 8 M2.5 screws.

💻 Arduino Code (Mouse HID)

Upload this sketch to your Pro Micro.

/*
  Hackman3D Joystick CAD Controller
  PAN / ORBIT toggle + axis invert
  makerworld.com / @Hackman3D
*/

#include <Mouse.h>
#include <Keyboard.h>

#define X A0
#define Y A1
#define SW 2

#define DEAD 25
#define SENS 100
#define TICK 10
#define LOCK 150

bool pan=0, moving=0;
int prev=HIGH;
unsigned long tToggle=0, tTick=0;

inline void apply(){
 if(!pan) Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_SHIFT);
 Mouse.press(MOUSE_MIDDLE);
}
inline void releaseAll(){
 Mouse.release(MOUSE_MIDDLE);
 Keyboard.release(KEY_LEFT_SHIFT);
}

void setup(){
 Keyboard.begin();
 Mouse.begin();
 pinMode(SW,INPUT_PULLUP);
}

void loop(){
 unsigned long now=millis();

 int b=digitalRead(SW);
 if(prev==HIGH && b==LOW && now-tToggle>LOCK){
   tToggle=now;
   pan=!pan;
   if(moving){ releaseAll(); apply(); }
 }
 prev=b;

 if(now-tTick<TICK) return;
 tTick=now;

 int dx=(analogRead(X)-512);
 int dy=-(analogRead(Y)-512);

 if(abs(dx)>DEAD || abs(dy)>DEAD){
   if(!moving){ moving=1; apply(); }
   Mouse.move(dx/SENS,-dy/SENS,0);
 } else if(moving){
   moving=0;
   releaseAll();
 }
}

⚙️ Setup in Fusion 360 & SolidWorks

Fusion 360

• Hold middle mouse button to orbit.
• The joystick emulates mouse movement for smooth navigation.

SolidWorks

• Works directly with middle mouse orbit.
• You can map additional shortcuts if desired.

💡 Tip: adjust sensitivity by changing the divisor in the code.