[sdiy] Question how to improve rotary encoder feel

[Julian Schmidt]

Hello All,

I have a current idea that could vastly benefit from using encoders 
instead of pots.
My only gripe is that I never had an encoder where I liked the feel. 
With the standard 24PPR encoders you have to make way too many turns to 
get to a higher value.
Rotationspeed based value speedups made the feeling even worse on the 
machines I tried. Also a lot of people complain about encoders on synths 
for the same reason.
Best solution so far is something like on the midibox or AN1X where you 
push the encoder for fine resolution.

The only one people seem to like are the Nord ones with the LED rings. I 
never had a nord machine in my hands, but Forum research suggests that 
they somehow managed to line up the LED movement on the ring with the 
encoder travel. So if you turn the encoder half a rotation, the value 
LED is at half, too.

Any idea how they've done this? looking up the specs it seems like they 
are using Bourns ECW1D-C24-SE0049L encoders 
(http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-50251.html).
49L is not specified in the datasheet, but my guess would be 48L => 
48PPR which would still be too little resolution to even bring a 7 bit 
value up to full range in one revolution.
Is the front panel resolution just reduced and interpolated on the nords?

So if anybody has some hints how to give an encoder a more potentiometer 
like feeling I'm all ears. Especially if we talk 12 bit instead of 7 bit 
parameter resolution.

For practical reasons encoders would be great for layered UIs to share a 
set of controls between multiple LFOs or preset saving. LED rings are 
sexy as hell, too. But whenever I use encoders for something other than 
menu diving and editing settings I wish for a pot in my hands ;)

Cheers,
Julian
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