With the Quadrature Encoder's two output channels you can measure both the position and direction of rotation of a VEX shaft. This will allow you to calculate the speed of the shaft, as well as the distance it has traveled; these are very useful measurements for autonomous programming. A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller to use the Quadrature Encoder.



The optical shaft encoder is used to measure both relative position of and rotational distance traveled by a shaft. It works by shining light onto the edge of a disk outfitted with evenly spaced slits around the circumference. As the disk spins, light passes through the slits and is blocked by the opaque spaces between the slits. The encoder then detects how many slits have had light shine through, and in which direction the disk is spinning.



The optical shaft encoder can be used to track distance traveled, direction of motion, or position of any rotary component, such as a gripper arm.

                              

Technical Info
Sensor Type	Infrared light sensor and infrared LED
Resolution	Cortex Resolution: 360 ticks per revolution PIC Resolution: 90 ticks per revolution with easyC and easyC PRO  360 ticks per revolution, incrementing by 2 with ROBOTC
Weight	0.078 lbs. per sensor
Shaft Size	1/8 inch square
Wiring	Black: ground  Red: +5V  White: control signal
List of Contents
2	Optical Shaft Quadrature Encoder




Inventor's Guide Insert

STEP file