> I don't think you commented on my suggestion to use optical
> interruptors. It would seem these combine simplicity and robustness.  

Apologies. I'm thinking though about position information and what
can happen when the power is off. That also rules out simple physical
contacts. For example, if each position produces just one pulse then
the s/w has no idea of the relative position. That takes information
and that probably means driving each LED with its own frequency,
and that will mean a greater component count and some extra cost

If optos were to be used, I might make something like a circular PCB
with 5 LEDs shining through a binary pattern of holes into 5 receivers.
This would possibly become more attractive than a pot as the number
of discrete positions increased. It could even be arranged as a drum,
LEDs shining through holes rather like a tape reader

wbr
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