Thread: When to use encoders?
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Unread 09-01-2012, 17:03
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Re: When to use encoders?
When should we use them?
The answer to this is almost to easy... use them when you need to. If you want to have good control of your drive train during autonomous in order to position your robot precisely, use them. If you have an omni-directional drive system set up and want to use them to improve controlability, go for it. If you want to be able to adjust the speed of your shooter (if it's one using a spinning wheel like a baseball pitching machine, for example) in order to get different distance shots, having an encoder will help maintain accuracy.

Do most teams use encoders on their drivetrain?
For your "typical" 6-wheel drop center drive train, encoders really aren't needed for tele-op. The robot is perfectly controllable with out them. They can be useful in some situations (like improving a mecanum drive train to go straight easier), but really aren't necessary. They do come in handy for autonomous, if you can develop code that uses them appropriately.

Also, what encoders should we use?

The US Digital encoders included in the KoP really are great. I would recommend sticking with those (or similar ones from US Digital) unless you have a good reason to go elsewhere.