A user input device is provided for a hydraulic system that has a source of pressurized fluid and a tank. The user input device includes a body with a supply passage for receiving the pressurized fluid, a tank passage for connection to the tank, and a first chamber. A handle is pivotally attached to the body and operates one or more valves within the body. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be pivoted independently about two orthogonal axis with separate pairs of valves operated by movement about each axis. In response to the position of the handle, each valve connects a separate chamber alternately to either the supply passage or the tank passage and different pressure sensor produces an electrical signal indicating a level of pressure in the chamber of each valve. Thus an electrical signal is produced from each valve to indicate motion of the handle.