[Thad House]

Originally Posted by Max Boord

Arms: Potentiometer. Encoders have to be zeroed every time the robot boots up which can be a problem if the arm starts in a different position in each match.
Elevator: String Potentiometer. They output a value directly proportional to lift height. This is how 1065 measured our lift height this season.

String pots work well for a game like this year, but most years they are not a good option. Most elevator games need more then 50 inches of travel, which was the longest we could find. It also cost more then $200 just for 1 50 inch one. An encoder is a much cheaper option, and your only option in budget if you need more then 50 inches of travel.