Shaft Encoders

[Ken Stone]

>Im trying to figger out how that would be done with available components
>w/o using servo encoders.. but those WOULD be really nifty if implemented

Has anyone ever considered the usee of surplus stepper motors (ex flopp or 
hard drive) as shaft encoders?  Certain models (the more common ones) appear 
to use two 90 degree out of phase windings. With the signals generated in 
these coils correctly processed, you would have an output quite similar to
that of a shaft encoder, and for a fraction of the price, especially if,
like me, you have dozens of them lying around. I have played around briefly
with interfacing these things... enough to know it should be possible.

The other great shaft encoder to adapt is the arcade video game track ball!

Ken
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                Ken Stone  sasami at blaze.net.au
                   ** Catgirl Paradise **
               <http://www.anime.net/~kens/>
         ** Australian Miniature Horses and ponies **
             <http://www.blaze.net.au/~sasami/>
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