a joystick control unit . the control unit includes a controller , such as a handle , transmitting coil , plurality of receiving coils , and plurality of substrates . the handle may be subjected to spring forces which bias the controller toward a neutral position . the transmitting coil is made of electrically conducting paths on one substrate , and the receiving coils are made of electrically conducting paths on another substrate . one of the substrates is connected to the controller and , together with the controller , is movable in relation to the other substrate , which is located in a substantially fixed position . the controller and interconnected substrate may be moved in a variety of positions such that the controller and attached substrate have at least two degrees of freedom .