[RyanN]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

If your looking to determine absolute position for an arm or something, you might want to look at one of these neat devices.
http://www.gmw.com/magnetic_sensors/ametes/360ASMC.html
They could also be used instead of an encoder. A simple A to D instead of dealing with interrupts. There is a white paper that discuses the use of pots as encoders. This device would be applicable. This company also sells several development boards that include a magnet and holder. They would be idea for testing.

This isn't what I'm really looking for. I'm adding the potentiometer to an arm, but the only place I can mount it is on the small gear on the last stage of the chain, so it will turn multiple times before the arm is raised. Thanks for the info though, I can think of other uses for this.