We had no luck at all with these open frame encoders... in fact, we ended up
replacing the encoders on our super shifters.
If you're going to use open-frame encoders... make sure that you can hold the very tight tolerances and low runouts specified in the encoder datasheets, and that you'll be using them in a relatively clean environment (or have taken provisions to keep junk out of them).
Just speaking from experience.
The 4 series of miniature encoers are quite nice, I agree... but I suggest that you use instead the
S4-type sealed and bearing supported encoder. Personally, I think the extra 10 bucks to go from an open-frame encoder to a sealed encoder is worth it as far as peace-of-mind goes.
-q