Sealed encoder group buy?

[ToddF]

One of the lessons we have learned over the past two years is that our team is not capable of using the open frame US Digital encoders reliably. We have gone through handfuls of them, and no matter how careful we handle them, they always go bad at the most inopportune times. Looking through past posts, other teams seem to be having similar experiences. Doing some research shows that the best teams have switched over to using the sealed versions of these encoders, with ball bearing supported input shafts. As a summer project, we are going to try this out.

I just got a quote from US Digital for their S4 encoders. In small quantities, they are nearly twice as expensive as the E4P encoders if purchased from AndyMark. Like most electrical components, increasing the quantity ordered decreases price rapidly. We're looking at getting part number S4-120-250-N-S-B. I'm hoping I could put together an order of at least 50 of them, which would get the price down to $48.60 each. Would any other teams be interested in going in on a group buy of these encoders?

[Phalanx]

We've used the "H" series this year an in previous years with good success.
It also appears that the S4 is no longer available, or looks like it's being replaced.

I want to ask however, when you got your price quote did you tell them you were a FIRST Team?
They do give a discount to FIRST teams, but you have to ask for it.
IIRC the discount was about 25% on the encoders only.

[MechEng83]

Originally Posted by Phalanx

They do give a discount to FIRST teams, but you have to ask for it. IIRC the discount was about 25% on the encoders only.

The discount was moving to the next price-break, so depending on quantity, the discount percentage varies. I was pleasantly surprised the last time we put in an order, but yes, you need mention you're a FIRST team to get the discount.

[ToddF]

I did mention that we are a FIRST team, and the discount is to move up to the next price break point. So if we order 50 units, we are getting the 100 unit quantity discount.

[MrRoboSteve]

We're interested.

[MichaelBick]

We'd be interested too

[Joey Milia]

We're interested in 8

[ToddF]

Originally Posted by Joey Milia

We're interested in 8

Thanks, Joey.

Everyone else, it would be very helpful if you could edit your posts and add the quantity you are looking for. When we reach a total of 50 units, I can make arrangements for placing the group order.

[ToddF]

All,
I got a PM suggesting we take a look at the Grayhill encoders, as well.

The equivalent Grayhill encoder seems to be the series 63R.

There are two advantages of the US Digital S4 series over the Grayhill Series 63R:
- Max RPM. S4: 15,000 63R: 5,000
- Size. S4: .85" dia x .50" thk 63R: 1.25" dia x .50" thk

Please note that the US Digital S4 encoders are enclosed, and have a ball bearing mounted 1/4" dia input shaft. These are NOT the E4P encoders sold by AndyMark. The E4P series are the ones we have had problems with.

[itsjustmrb]

Team 4063 would be interested in 4 of them.

[ToddF]

Here is the current total of committed encoders.

2363: 8
696: 4
192: 8
4063: 4

Total: 24

That gets us down from the single part price of $70.36 to $53.97 each. Almost halfway to the next price break.

[ehochstein]

Originally Posted by stevep001

We're interested.

Put 3081 down for 2, unless you hear differently from Steve.

(if it is still possible to add to the order)

[AdamHeard]

what cpr?

[Ether]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

what cpr?

Originally Posted by ToddF

We're looking at getting part number S4-120-250-N-S-B.

The S4-120-250-N-S-B is 120 CPR.

[AdamHeard]

why not go with the 360?