Rotary encoders vs. price

[NWChen]

I'm having trouble reconciling what differentiates popular FRC rotary encoders, especially since their price varies so much. For example, based on DigiKey:


AS5145B Quadrature Magnetic Encoder; $38; 0.0879deg resolution
Grayhill 63R Quadrature Optical Encoder; $54-$75; 64PPR encoder more expensive than 256PPR encoder?
TT 6120 Hall Effect (Absolute?) Encoder; $15; 0.088deg resolution
CUI AMT203-V Absolute Encoder; $49; 0.2deg resolution


I know max RPM and mechanical life varies between each encoder, but what else accounts for each sensor's price difference/popularity?

[z_beeblebrox]

Another good option is CUI's AMT-102V (https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/AMT102-V/102-1307-ND/827015). It's $24, has up to 2048 counts per revolution and is easy to mount. We used them extensively in the 2015 season and expect to continue in 2016.

[Ty Tremblay]

I'm having trouble reconciling what differentiates popular FRC rotary encoders, especially since their price varies so much. For example, based on DigiKey:


AS5145B Quadrature Magnetic Encoder; $38; 0.0879deg resolution
Grayhill 63R Quadrature Optical Encoder; $54-$75; 64PPR encoder more expensive than 256PPR encoder?
TT 6120 Hall Effect (Absolute?) Encoder; $15; 0.088deg resolution
CUI AMT203-V Absolute Encoder; $49; 0.2deg resolution


I know max RPM and mechanical life varies between each encoder, but what else accounts for each sensor's price difference/popularity?

The Grayhill encoders have internal bearings, which increases the cost.

[Knufire]

Grayhills are also sealed and require no assembly (read: stupid-proof). This is why we use them.

[MoistRobot]

Grayhills are also sealed and require no assembly (read: stupid-proof). This is why we use them.

Re stupid-proof - no such thing; rather say "stupid resistant" :)

[MrRoboSteve]

AS5145B - low RPM, magnet must be positioned very precisely

TT 6120 -- haven't looked at this before -- isn't it a position sensor, not an encoder?

[ozrien]

Some more options...

CTRE Magnetic Encoder (absolute within one rotation and relative - we make this one)
These are unique in that it uses the same cabling as Talon SRX, so they plug right into the Talon.
http://www.ctr-electronics.com/srx-magnetic-encoder.html

If you are using Versa, there is a slice with same CTRE sensor built in.
http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/all/new-for-2016/217-5046.html

Another analog encoder (MA3 US digital) I've used and seen teams use (absolute within one rotation)
http://www.usdigital.com/products/encoders/absolute/rotary/shaft/ma3
Another popular quadrature encoder(relative - us digital) I've used and seen teams use.
http://www.usdigital.com/products/e4p

[Munchskull]

Alot of the popularity comes from how easy they are to mount. For example the greyhills yoy can easily zip tie down the wire and attach to a shaft via surgical tubing (so I hear). To some teams that justify the price. I perfer the CUI ATM-102V encoders because of the price, that said they are a pain to mount, but for my team that is a sacrifice we are willing to make.

[Knufire]

Some more options...

CTRE Magnetic Encoder (absolute within one rotation and relative - we make this one)
These are unique in that it uses the same cabling as Talon SRX, so they plug right into the Talon.
http://www.ctr-electronics.com/srx-magnetic-encoder.html

If you are using Versa, there is a slice with same CTRE sensor built in.
http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/all/new-for-2016/217-5046.html

Another analog encoder (MA3 US digital) I've used and seen teams use (absolute within one rotation)
http://www.usdigital.com/products/encoders/absolute/rotary/shaft/ma3
Another popular quadrature encoder(relative - us digital) I've used and seen teams use.
http://www.usdigital.com/products/e4p

Also the US Digital S4T, which is essentially the shafted version of the E4P.