Abstract: 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.