Vex makes the VersaPlanetary Universal Female Output Shaft Kit, which makes integrating a VP Encoder into a drive train that much easier, no custom hex adapter required!
Now, the only thing you need to make custom is a bracket to hold the VP encoder onto the end of the shaft.
Edit: I’m wrong and didn’t read the thread title, please ignore me.
I’m looking for through shaft encoders. These adapters look like it would only get you end of shaft coupling. Still a interesting way to use products you may already have for a use not originally intended.
I’ve fantasized about a through shaft hex bore encoder for a long time. We’d use the heck out of it.
Modifying the versaplanet is too expensive and heavy for my liking.
I’d also like it fully supported on its own small bearings so that it can be placed floating on a shaft, and literally tapes,glued or zip tied to something rigid.
Would be game changing for a lot of teams.
Huh, I guess it would help to actually read the thread title. Whoops.
Paging CTRE, Vex, and AM (or others). We’d probably jump in line for this too provided it is more closely related to the CTRE Mag encoder than to to the CIMCoder.
I can definitely see the appeal of a product like this. Something that’s basically plug and play, no ulta precise positioning required would be a huge benefit. Heck, you could even match drill the mounting holes in place with a hand drill if you felt zip ties or tape wasn’t robust enough.
There’s definitely been a lot of progress on the front of making encoders more accessible what with gearboxes coming standard with encoder mounting options, and of course the VP encoder, but neither of those is appropriate for all applications in FRC.
With regard to the OP’s original question about encoders on a WCD chassis, I would have to agree with previous comments that it is far easier to mount the encoder on the other wheel shafts. We have done this for the past few years and it works well. We mount a CTRE Mag encoder on a 3D printed mount that spaces the encoder properly and machine our wheel shafts to accept the magnet for the encoder (similar to how it is shown in the user guide).
Personally I have always felt that every robot needs a minimum of wheel encoders and a gyro to enable basic autonomous. While there are other ways to measure distance, encoders are simple and relatively cheap.
I just finished probing the web for multi poll ring magnets to maybe try and create a solution. I found Phoenix American Magnetic Encoder solutions. Turns out they make the CIMCoder already.
Bogen encoder has a few options that are very workable, but would require some redesign and custom integration for the magnet.
+1 to this. We used the modification to the VP encoder that 5406 made which worked pretty well for us, but an actual product would be a godsend.
Last time I checked, CTRE did not see a demand for a hex bore encoder. They don’t check CD too often, so sending them an email will be vastly more effective than posting here.
Here’s the latest more polished version with a custom housing and integrated strain relief. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2805854
We had one on our arm, wrist and each side of our intake. Worked well all season.
This is the closest thing I’ve seen, thanks to team 5406. AFAIK there is no COTS encoder with a hex bore.
There was supposed to be…
Dual Output Through Hole Encoder
This was in the product development cycle two years ago. Working prototypes are on the shelf but it never came to fruition.
One issue was cost. With integrated bearings and special magnet tech for the absolute output the sensor was approaching the $100 range.
I’ll take 2 @ ~$49.99 each to start with
Acrylic or ABS housing is ok
Looks like many are having success with 3D printed variations. Maybe a revisit to plastic components is worthy. It doesn’t need to be industrial like the pictures make it look. Plastic hex interface with plastic housings might just cut it.
Why would you need the integrated bearings since it pilots on a bearing to begin with? For axial alignment (so you don’t need spacing tools like the CUI encoders)?
I have never pledged a kickstarter campaign but a FRC driven campaign I might just do.
Why would you need the integrated bearings since it pilots on a bearing to begin with? For axial alignment?
The requirement for this sensor was true dual-output. To achieve this we used a two-track multi-pole magnet. It requires precise alignment to work properly.
I’m sure costs could be lowered. I’ve thought of trying to bring it back to market several times…maybe 2019 is the year.
We have also used these on our drivetrains in the past. Super easy with a 3D printer.
