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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] thumbwheel (was: homebrew rotary multi-position switch)

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2004-08-31

On Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:23:23 -0700 (PDT), ron amundson
<mnphysicist@...> wrote:

>> > All one would need to do, is add some type of
>> position encoding to the mouse
>> > wheel, and one would be all set.
>>
>> Nah, that'll all be handled in the software. As
>> would the resolution, for
>> that matter.
>
> Could you elaborate as to how..... Especially in a
> power down condition where upon one could loose track.
> I take it, there is some trick, as many devices, use
> relative rather than absolute positioning. WIthout a
> home position to index off of, it would seem one could
> loose the position of the pointer if it were turned
> and power was off.... Or is it interrupt driven such
> that the micro stays alive and wakes up should the
> shaft be turned???
>
> Ron
>

Usually "thumbwheel" encoders are only used incremental.
like up/down buttons. the absolute positions are stored in memory if needed
and often the thumbwheel is used to adjust many values, selected by
buttons.

ST