[EricH]

Originally Posted by jnaranjo

We are using a windshield wiper DC motor to swing a rod for a set number of degrees.

Are you SURE that's an FRC legal motor? I don't see it in R32, which lists the only legal FRC motors. If it is not there, I'd suggest the throttle control motor or a window motor. Maybe a servo and set it to go to an angle--that's what they're designed to do--but that depends on how hefty the rod is.

We want a sensor that can give us the angle that our rod is at.

We are short on time, so something that is in our kit of parts would be ideal.

Our rod will be hitting frisbees pretty hard, and we want to avoid breaking any overly sensitive parts of the sensor on impact.

You probably want a potentiometer with a sacrificial connection--that is, a connection that will break before the pot does. Butt up the ends of the pot shaft and another axle or shaft that is at the pivot point of the rod and rotating with it, then ziptie a short piece of surgical tubing around both. That connection will allow for shock absorption.