[nullstring]

Hey guys,
 
This isn't really audio related, but I figure you guys might know what this is, or how you do this anyway.
 
You know how on a modern receiver, the volume knob is not a potentiometer.
It's connected the controller inside, and it changes the volume setting in the controller as you turn it.
 
The audio portion isn't important, what I want to know is how you connect a knob like that you a micro controller... so I can cause input based on the turning of a knob..
 
Notice, it's not a pot because you can keep turning it forever.
 
Thanks

 

[m1abrams]

Hey guys,

This isn't really audio related, but I figure you guys might know what this is, or how you do this anyway.

You know how on a modern receiver, the volume knob is not a potentiometer.
It's connected the controller inside, and it changes the volume setting in the controller as you turn it.

The audio portion isn't important, what I want to know is how you connect a knob like that you a micro controller... so I can cause input based on the turning of a knob..

Notice, it's not a pot because you can keep turning it forever.

Thanks

It is called an rotary encoder. Basic idea is the microcontroller reads the pulses that it sends.

 

[nullstring]

Thanks, exactly what I needed.
 
Yeah, I was guessing it basically completes a circuit whenever the knob is turned, but I had no idea what the device would be called.

 

[nullstring]

Actually, it's a bit different than what I was thinking.
Hrm
 
I wonder if there is something that does what I was thinking, because this thing is going to require more bits than is really necessary.
Hrm
 
And it doesn't look like it sends pulses at all.
 
The position is derived using something like this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Encoder_Disc_%283-Bit%29.svg

 

[nullstring]

Ok, I am apparently just confused.
 
There must be different types of rotary encoders, and the wiki article must be misleading.
 
In order to supply 12 pulses per rotation with 2 bits... You have to send pulses.
datasheets on digikey agree.
 
thanks again.
 
EDIT: oh, ok, these are called "incremental" rotary encoders.
 
Don't mind me as I talk to myself >_>

 

[Avro_Arrow]

Rotary encoders send out two sets of pulses.
The two sets of pulses are 90 degrees out of phase
Which way you turn it determines which pulse
stream leads the other.
 
The picture you linked to is a position encoder.
 
I talk to myself too...