Patent drawing - Atari CX40 exploded view - . Public domain image

An exploded view of the Atari CX40 joystick shows its basic construction. The printed circuit board (40) rests on top of the four posts (42) moulded into the case (12). The stick itself (20) rests on a post moulded into the base (32). The stick can rotate on the post in any direction. When rotated, the fingers on the bottom of the stick (61 and 62, two more are not shown) press down on the switches (46 through 49). To limit the amount of pressure on the switches, the fingers are connected to the shaft along a ring created by cutting out portions of the stick (56) leaving behind only small connecting tabs (60). These tabs give the stick its "feel". The fire button, not shown here, is positioned above another switch (50).