Tiny but powerful – control Fusion 360 with a joystick! A 3D printed DIY CAD manipulator inspired by SpaceMouse.
In my search for the perfect CAD manipulator (similar to a SpaceMouse), I tested several DIY projects available online. The main issue I found was their size – all of them were simply too large for my desk.
At some point, I discovered a design based on a gyroscope. It was smaller and simpler, but while waiting for the parts I realized: I don’t actually need all axes. By sacrificing the Z-axis, I could make the whole device much more compact.
That’s how the TinyCAD Manipulator was born – built using a single analog joystick like this one and an Arduino Pro Micro (ATmega32U4) like this.
Features
Compact size – smaller than most DIY alternatives.
Affordable – cost is under $5.
Dual function joystick:
Normal mode → orbit around X and Z axes in Fusion 360.
Press the joystick → switch to pan mode (move along X and Y axes).
Printed in standard PLA with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
Simple soldering and a bit of code (thanks to ChatGPT’s help).
It’s a compromise between functionality and size, but it works perfectly for my everyday needs in Fusion 360.
Maybe someone else will also find it useful!
Files included
STL for 3D printing the case
Arduino .ino code
👉 Check the short demo video on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/shorts/imRs-LNcz0A
https://youtube.com/shorts/q4TArqcYUM0
MrWasabee
