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Re: Rotary Encoder External Uses
If you have a rotary shaft, you can measure partial rotations.
The KOP encoders (US Digital) have either 250 or 360 (depending on the year) lines per revolution. You can decode each line as 4 pulses, for a grand total of 1000 or 1440 counts (definite positions) per rotation.
An analog potentiometer is much much better for limited position control, as it is not an incremental sensor like an encoder, but rather an absolute sensor. This means that, when you boot up, you know exactly where you are, without another sensor to reset the position. Some companies also make absolute magnetic sensors, which read the absolute angle of a shaft magnetically with no mechanical limits. There used to be one of such a sensor in the KOP, now they're in FIRST Choice.
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