[ICOM] Shaft Encoder vs pot?

[ken.holland at evonik.com]

Hello all,
Just a short question here, what is the difference in a *shaft encoder* (as
used in the 756 Pro PBT encoder) and a "variable resistor" or pot?  I have
wondered that when turning the volume knob on car radios - they seem to
have many little "detents" as you turn the knob.  Just what info is being
sent to the processor?  Pots I understand, but not *encoders*.

Thanks for any info.

Ken H>
K9FV