| For ease of use, accessibility, and available position Encoders, we've been referring individuals to eBay. It almost seems too easy but we've found many encoders available that we thought we'd never find. Even after checking with larger parts houses, we still come back and check here regularly. It is not unusual to find obsolete position encoders in a variety of configurations including both absolute and incremental encoders, rotary shaft encoders, linear encoders, quadrature encoders, and magnetic encoders. Many of these older encoders are posted for sale as a result of hard times at other manufacturing facilities and in many cases are NOS (new old stock). |
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| Encoder FAQ The following is a general Q & A regarding position encoders... |
| What is a position encoder? Position encoders are devices with a shaft or other means of connection to any movable object such as a motor armature, motor shaft, ball screw, etc. The encoder provides a specified output which will indicate to the associated control either the shaft's absolute position or its relative position. An encoder is considered to be a feedback device relaying exact position of one machine part to another. What is an absolute encoder? The absolute position output will vary depending on the encoder's resolution and the manufacturer's specs. An absolute encoder will indicate the exact position of the shaft typically using a binary code of outputs. What is an incremental encoder? An incremental encoder simply counts the steps from the original position using pulses or a square wave output. As a result of the shaft being turned in one direction, the count increases. Rotating the shaft in the opposite direction also produces a count, although the use of an additional output or external trigger can signal directional change to the equipment. How do you troubleshoot an industrial encoder? First, and most obvious, if you suspect your position encoder (no matter the type) is faulty, would be to try replacing it with your spare. Of course, when no spare is available things can be a bit more comlpicated. In the event of a lack of position reporting, you are twice as likely to find a mechanical failure such as a broken coupling or loose set screw as you are to find a faulty encoder. The connecting cable is also more likely the culprit than the encoder itself. Once the mechanicals and the cabling have been ruled out and no spare is available for testing it would be recommended to mechanically un-couple the encoder from the machinery or motor. This must be done with caution and in accordance to your equipment's safety standards. The encoder can be moved or rotated by hand while monitoring the report of position whether it is displayed on a cnc screen, computer monitor, or machine control. Lack of movement in regards to the displayed position would indicate the need for replacement as long as cabling and connections have been verified. My encoder is not working, now what is next? Once you've determined that the encoder has failed, the next step before ordeing a replacement would be to dissassemble the encoder. Internally, circuit boards have been known to become dislodged, ribbon cables have also been known to come unplugged and solder joints on the connectors have been known to fail or simply break. If any obvious or irrepairable damage is found inside the encoder, or If no damage is visible whatsoever, it is time to get out the parts catalog and place an order for a new encoder. Can encoders be swapped and traded? Encoders are specific to their application in terms of operating voltage, output voltage, pulses per revolution, shaft size, pin configuration, and mounting procedure. Encoders cannot be simply swapped without doing your homework. All specs need to be verified before interchanging two dissimilar encoders. |
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