The hall effect sensor I’ve been using for my DIY controls are nice, but they aren’t cheap (~$30). I’m curious what other people are using, and if there’s a lower cost option than what I’m using. If that’s just the price of precision these days then so be it, but I figured it was worth asking at least.
Thanks!
There was a hall effect sensor in the three-leg transistor-style casing which was less than $5 a pop, IIRC it was a 5V part but would work fine at 3.3V in the application I was using it for.
Infineon make something that looks the same, but the specs are very different in the ones I can find in stock near me.
Might be a starting point?
Edit: nope, see Troll’s post below
I haven’t used the stand alone style like that before, I’m using the ones that are setup as rotary sensor such as:
Hall effect rotary position sensor 60 degree : Leo Bodnar Electronics
since I can wire them directly to say a Bodnar board.
For the other type which is basically the magnetic sensor, if I understand correctly, it simply reports if there is a magnetic field or not? You then wire it through an Arduino or similar to count magnetic pulses which can then be used to determine angular motion, etc. as you like. If I’ve got that right, I’d prefer to stay with something that can directly go into a joystick controller board for a variety of reasons.
Basically reports the strength of the field, so you have a magnet on the end of the control arm, and put the sensor in a place where the magnet will be closest to it at the maximum control input. Then you also have to calibrate the controller, but most of the time you can be lazy and just do it in the windows joystick calibration…
But those pot replacements look cool - I get why they’re so expensive though…
And the one I linked can basically go directly to the joystick board - I was using a bodnar board - but unlike a pot you have to wire it the correct way around or the smoke comes out (ask me how I know 
)
Ah perfect! I shall order some to ensure I have some spares for the inevitable miswiring.
I made my own using a Hall sensor and a diametrically magnetized ring magnet.
Interesting, same Hall sensor type? Makes the pretty simple.
As the one @Torc linked to? No, I believe that one is a switch with a ON/OFF output?
The ones I’ve got are the Allegro A1302.
I have a bunch of sensors and magnets from my first throttle project, where I used a Bodnar board. The A1302 are direct replacements for potentiomenters and easy to use.
I have since then used TLE5010 sensors, a Teensy2 microcontroller and MMJoy2 to make my controllers, so I have no use for the Hall sensors and ring magnets. I’ll send them your way if you want.
Ah perfect, 1/3 of the cost is definitely a workable number 
I ordered the electronics to setup a throttle/general lever quadrant. I’m looking at having at least 3 distinct levers (or possibly setting it up so I can just add/remove a lever as I like), and it occurred to me that using multiple magnetic sensors in close proximity might be problematic. Does anyone have any data or practical experience with having multiple HES and their magnets in close proximity to each other?
I order some quality pots as well just in case the HES option doesn’t work, easy enough to just offset the pot bodies.
Damn! I’ve forgotten to send you the magnets and hall sensors!
Have you ordered some now?
The gloves are on their way though…
I can scramble to find the sensors and magnets!
I put a bunch of the sensors and magnets side by side, on a throttle and there was some crosstalk. I solved it by putting up steel plates between the axes.
All good, yes I ordered some when I ordered another Bodnar board along with the pots.
Hmm, well I’ve got plenty of steel laying around. How thick were the pieces?
PS, how are y’all attaching them? Looking at it, hot glue honestly looks like the easiest option.
I seem to recall using 2mm steel plates.
Here’s how I did it.
But you could also print a holder, I guess.
