On 01/11/2010 17:22, YES NOPE9 wrote:
> I am building an interface and fancy using a rotary encoder to dial in so=
me parameters.  The encoder would have no detents and would rotate forever =
in each direction.  I would like quadrature output.  I would like a robust =
encoder ( ~ 1 Million rotations ) that will 'feel' good to the operator and=
 resist monkey-handed use.  A qty one cost of $10 to $20 would be grand.  A=
 selector switch will determine which parameter is being entered or that th=
e encoder is in a 'parked' state.  The parameter values vary from one to 10=
0,000 units.
>
> I am open to recommendations about what others prefer as an input device.=
   Turn a knob ?  Turn the knob on it's side ?  Something else ?
>
> Gus in Denver
Optical then. Best mech ones are not up to 1million. Optical can be over 10=
M
Alps
Greyhill

you can have the edge of a disk as a knob poking through a slot.

For fun I made one by hacking up a Ball type mouse (they have 2 x=20
optical quadrature encoders with shafts..)

you can use an optical mouse type sensor and wipe your finger. (if you a=20
ball less mouse you can try this now). No moving parts.

Or  use an Alps or synaptic touchpad and stroke it.

It really depends on the kind of thing you are controlling. My usual=20
design if it's incrementing/decrementing is to step in ones (or less) at=20
slow movement and multiply step if the knob is spun faster. Sometimes a=20
large knob with flywheel has a nice feel if a large change is needed as=20
well as small ones like HF radio tuning across band vs fine tuning an=20
SSB signal

--=20
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