> For example, the brass crank could move a brass "pointer" along the
> surface of the PCB, almost but not quite touching it. Sensor pads built
> into the PCB artwork (sealed underneath the soldermask) would detect
> the presence of the pointer at particular locations

Ok, scifi is neat i am the first to say so, but KISS still rulez the 
world IMHO :-)

How about a few optocouplers C-style. Move your slider between
the "C" and you get a non-conctact and a dirt cheap solution.

Ok, next problem :-)

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