Joytest

DOS program for testing TrackPoint

Written by Bob Olyha, IBM Research Division, rolyha@us.ibm.com.

Instructions for using Joytest:

  1. Run Joytest.exe from a DOS command prompt. Type joytest /? to see a list of command line options.
  2. The first screen shows whether or not the TrackPoint microcontroller and circiut are working properly. All test result messages on the right side of the screen should read "PASSED". FAILED messages in the Power On Self Test, Pot Values, or Origin section usually indicate a problem with the sensor or analog part of the TrackPoint circuit, such as broken cable.
  3. Press any key to continue ...
  4. The graphics screen allows for a functional test of the TrackPoint operation, and readout of X, Y, and Z axis joystick voltages. To check the force sensitivity of the joystick and circuit, record the change in X, Y, and Z axis joystick voltage when a measured force is applied along each axis.
  5. To check X or Y axis sensitivity, apply a force equal to 175 grams to the top of the joystick in each direction +X, -X, +Y, -Y and in a plane parallel to the plane of the keyboard. For each case record the change in the X, Y, and Z axis joystick voltage. (For this test, it may be desirable to use the /skd command line parameter when starting the program to prevent zero recalibration during the measurement.) Nominal change in voltage for 175 grams is +/- 1.0 V. Of course, nominal change in the X and Z axis voltages when force is applied in the +Y or -Y direction is 0, and so on. Acceptable off-axis signal for force in the X-Y plane is approximately 0.05 V.
  6. To check Z axis sensitivity, apply a force equal to 500 grams in the down direction, perpendicular to the plane of the keyboard. Nominal change in voltage for 500 grams in Z is -1.0 V.

Note: The procedures described above are guidelines, and do not replace the formal product specifications. This version works with all firmware versions through 3E.

Last modified: 18 October, 1999