[ICOM] Shaft Encoder vs pot?

[marditti at dslextreme.com]

Ken,

The major difference between a variable resistor and shaft encoder is as
follows.
A variable resistor typically has three terminal.  The total or maximum
resistance is between two of these terminals. The third terminal
resistance in respect to the other two is continuously variable.
An encoder is a digital unit that creates a position code relative to the
shaft rotation.  Some encoders may just provide pulses relative to the
rotation and the direction of the rotation. Other encoders may also
provide an output which may reflect the absolute shaft position.
In car radios, the detentes can be there as a tactile feedback.  The
actual function cab be a variable resistor or encoder.

This is just a very brief explanation.  I hope that it helps.


Mort,  KB6BSN

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----
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