We are a specialist engineering company that’s been in the business for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality specialist hand controllers – with the fastest turnaround times and the most responsive customer service.
When it comes to unusual requirements we’ve seen almost everything. Whatever you need we have the expertise to create a solution, whether it’s a particularly resistant finish or the ability to integrate with a unique interface protocol.
We have a particular expertise in developing the best bespoke hand controllers at extremely competitive prices, regardless of order size, in the shortest possible time. Our range of stock components means we can often use modular products as a starting point for even the most complicated jobs, keeping costs down without having to sacrifice functionality or quality. This keeps design and engineering charges to a minimum and makes for the quickest turnaround time.
All Daco products are engineered under an AS9100-approved quality system and are covered by a minimum two-year warranty.
For more detail download our brochure. Our experts are standing by to discuss your requirements, so get in touch for advice and a quotation.
Handheld (more popularly known as gamepad-style) grips
(DG200 part numbers) First delivered in 2003, these grips are available from 6 weeks after definition / order. Readily available options include:• A range of force sensor miniature displacement joysticks (various knob styles and 3 operating forces now available off-the-design-shelf)• Miniature Hall effect displacement joystick (for lower operating forces)• Sealed deadman’s handles and guarded triggers• A wide range of switch options and in-grip serial interfaces• A quick-release mounted mechanism for applications that require the grip to be secure against unexpected shocks.
Yoke / gunners' control handles (DP400 part numbers)
First delivered in 2004, our yoke – or gunner-style – control handles are available with potentiometric or Hall effect sensing. They offer various angles of displacement and feature completely customisable plastic grips. They are available from 8 weeks after definition / order.
Trigger guards and enabling levers
Here are a few examples of our range of trigger guards and enabling levers available for joysticks and control grips.
Naval throttle control grips
Military grade throttle control grips with customer-specific interfaces, detents and functionality.
Electronic warfare system
2 inch diameter military grade trackerball with press-to-switch action mounted in customer-specific housing with integral RS232 interface.
Air traffic control
Military grade trackerball modified to provide enhanced electrical conductivity and reduced toxicity products of combustion.
Land-based missile control system
Fully sealed control grips with integral miniature force joystick. Smooth external finish designed to prevent retention of nerve agents.
Target acquisition system
Control grip with integral push button, miniature force joystick, 3-position toggle switch, trigger and 'deadman’s' handle.
Commercial simulator
2 inch diameter commercial grade trackerball mounted in plate with vandal proof switches.
Commercial and military applications
IP65 sealing 'surface mounting' miniature force joystick for zero below panel space requirement.
Fire appliance ladder control
2 axis switching displacement joystick and simple handle with integral top mounted toggle switch.
Compact hand-operated displacement joysticks
Developed for those applications where space is at a particular premium or a more compact arrangement is otherwise preferred, this joystick takes up less room above and below panel. Two examples are shown, reflecting the fact that our wide choice of switch, miniature joystick, guard, lever and other options is as available with this design as with our 'standard' MP1/MG1 range.
Finger-and-thumb operated displacement joysticks (DP200 part numbers)
These are rugged joysticks with a footprint of less than 70mm / 3 inches above panel and 50mm / 2 inches below panel. They feature customer-specific shielding, interface, switch and enclosure arrangements. We added the 3-axis IP67 variant in 2006 as part of the launch of the DP200
Naval command and control system
This military grade trackerball and fixed grip with integral miniature force joystick is mounted in an enclosure containing a customer-specific electrical interface.A 3 inch diameter military grade trackerball mounted in panel with 3 selection switches. The electrically-screened housing contains a PS2 interface.
Land-based fire control
2 axis displacement joystick fitted with multi-function grip containing two push buttons, 4 way trim switch, trigger and additional 'miniature' switch. Lower enclosure is demountable with integral reinforced mounting plate, transit lock and customer specific electrical interface.
Helicopter-mounted target acquisition system
2 inch diameter military grade trackerball with press-to-release action, mounted in panel with 3 nominated switches. Housing contains Mouse Systems Mouse compatible electrical interface.
Hand-operated, force-sensitive joysticks (DJ100 part numbers)
Suited to commercial and military applications, our miniature force joysticks feature reduced diameter with press-to-switch function; reduced length with press-to-switch function; large deflection; bushing body with internal bellows; top mounting flange and environmental seal. They include front selection of knobs.
Fire control
Multi-function control grip with 'protected button' side pod, mounted on a force-sensitive joystick base.
Helicopter winchman's hover controller
Flight-approved, night vision goggle-compatible hand controller for use in harsh environments. Single level of redundancy.
Film and video colour correction system
2 inch diameter commercial grade trackerball with third axis control ring and clear ball.
Fire control
Flange-mounted, multi-function control grip with integral miniature force joystick and nulling circuit.
Armoured fighting vehicle fire control
Matched pair of control grips. Left grip has a 3-position toggle switch, 2 push buttons, 1 side mounted push button, single action, double pole trigger, with trigger guard. Right grip has 3- position toggle switch, miniature force joystick, push button, side mounted push button and single action trigger.
