[sdiy] Question how to improve rotary encoder feel

[rburnett at richieburnett.co.uk]

You could look at using continuous rotation pots like the Alesis Ion 
supposedly uses.

-Richie,



On 2017-06-09 11:30, Julian Schmidt wrote:
> 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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