Re: Potentiometer Trouble ??
 

Would I be able to use an encoder on the operator interface

note: though accuracy isn't necessary for my idea, drift would be catastrophic...

Re: Potentiometer Trouble ??
 

Alex,
My interpretation of the rules has centered around the power used for the device.

<R69> All equipment connected to the Joystick Ports of the Operator Interface must be powered solely through the power available through the port. External power sources of any type are not permitted on any equipment connected to the Joystick Ports. Portable computing devices may not be connected to Joystick input ports on the Operator Interface.

Additionally, the LED outputs have current limited 5 volts for tally lights on the human interface. If you can interface an encoder under these conditions then there is no other rule I am aware of that would prevent an encoder. A pot is just an infinitely switched resistance, so it can be replaced with a switch and a resistor string if you only need 1 of 4 selections. Check the parts sources for a 1 or 2 pole, four throw (position) switch.

Re: Potentiometer Trouble ??
 

Besides getting the encoder to work electrically on the OI, you need to make sure you can reliably read the data.

If you need approximately 10 degrees accuracy, you'll want a 32 ticks/rev encoder. To accurately read the encoder, you'll need at a minimum of 1 logic 1 reading followed by a logic 0. The RC receives data at 40 times/sec, so at the very best you'll be able to read 20 ticks/sec. However, you will have a human turning the encoder, and they definetly won't do it at a defined rate. To give yourself margin, figure on 5-10 ticks/sec. This means your maximum turn rate is (5/32 or 10/32) revolutions per second.

Re: Potentiometer Trouble ??
 

First off, thanks for all the help I am getting on the board.


well, for what I am looking for... is something that could get me the position even while experiencing 3 rev/sec of speed, so I am startin' ta think that an encoder might not be the solution for me...

and

to make it simple, here what I am looking for:

Resistance: 100k
Mechanical angle: continuous
and 10 degree of accuracy

thanks for anymore help.