Rotary encoders can be used similarly to potentiometers. The difference being that an encoder has full rotation without limits (It just goes round and round). They output gray code so that you can tell how much and in which direction the encoder has been turned. They're great for navigating menu screens and things like that.
This encoder is especially cool because it has a common anode RGB LED built in, as well as a push-button. This version has an updated material that is heat resistant and slightly changed dimensions, but should still work well with our rotary encoder breakout board.
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As the title says, the quality on these are not the best. The LED makes up part of the switch mechanism and relies on some tiny springy pads to create contact between the LED and the outer pins. On the one I got the LED stopped working after trying the button function a couple of times so I disassembled the encoder to verify that I didn't burn out the LED somehow and the LED works fine on its own. In the end I managed to get the LED working at expense of the button function.
Hmm, sounds like a defective part. If you want to fill out a return ticket we can work with you on a replacement: https://www.sparkfun.com/returns
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I bought three of these and on two of them the LEDs are dim or very dim. The third one I don't think the red LED is working at all.
I used a 5v with a 150 ohm resistor. Carefully adjusting max current and forward voltage doesn't appear to make a difference.
I use this encoder along with the https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11722 BOB and Sparkfun cabling to create an RGB Tactile Switch. I don't need the encode function, but I do need the center switch press. Having the switch, PCB, knob and cable all available make this very easy to implement.
Is there a pinout somewhere that I can use?
Hi there - I couldn't find one either so I made one: https://qbalsdon.github.io/circuitpython/rotary-encoder/python/led/2021/02/27/rgb-rotary-encoder.html
I would like to know this as well! The datasheet does not specify.
I would love a version of this without detents, or maybe a guide on how to remove the detent mechanism
It's pretty simple to do. Remove the outer metal housing, pry apart the pieces then remove the little copper (?) plate in between.
Is there example code for use with raspberry pi? I'm interested in using this in place of a KY040 rotary encoder on a pi project. Thanks!
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That being said, I did a simple Google search which yielded several relevant tutorials in the results.
This is possibly a ridiculous request, but is a 3D model of this part available? Its pins fit into the footprint of the Bournes PEL12T devices but the body is slightly different.
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources for that; however, you can find a dimensional drawing (aka mechanical drawing) for the part under the Documents tab, just below the product pricing.
Yeah, I figured as much. The dimensional drawing is nice but I can't import it into Fusion 360. The manufacturer of the part, Top-Up, doesn't have any 3D models on its website.
But it turns out that these parts are copies of the TE Connectivity DPL12 parts (https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=showdoc&DocId=Data+Sheet%7F1-1773449-0%7FG%7Fpdf%7FEnglish%7FENG_DS_1-1773449-0_G.pdf%7F2-1879314-1) and TE provides models.
(edit: not an exact copy! Dang it!)
I am pretty sure Fusion360 doesn't operate in the manner, in which you described. You would have to use the mechanical drawing as a reference, for the part's dimensions, to create your own 3D model. That being said, it sounds like you were able to sort things out on your own.
(As a note, the comment section uses markdown... to add a hyperlink, use the following syntax:
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.)I know that F360 "doesn't operate in the manner, in which I described," hence the question: do you have a proper 3D model?
Anyway, I created one. Use at your own risk. it's here
I should have just bought the Bournes encoders I originally specified -- Bournes provides models.
**Prior to Arduino 1.0.1, it was possible to configure internal pull-ups in the following manner:
pinMode(pin, INPUT); // set pin to input digitalWrite(pin, HIGH); // turn on pullup resistors
remove these lines for ROT_A and B, and just declare pinMode(pin, INPUT_PULLUP); for pulled-up inputs on ROT_A, ROT_B
** warning ** The sample code for both RG and RGB encoders instructs connecting the LED contacts directly to the Arduino:
// Rotary encoder pin 1 (red anode) to digital pin 10
// Rotary encoder pin 2 (green anode) to analog pin 1
A series current limiting resistor should be used between the anodes and the Arduino pins.
Looks like a fun part. I've ordered a few, and am working on an Eagle Layout now.
I think this part would be much improved if the switch pin connected to 'C' rather than Pin 5 when pressed. Many microcontrollers have built in pull-up resistor capability, but far fewer have built in pull down capability. For those micros, an external pull down resistor looks to be necessary.
Good luck with your project. I believe that this part is in our Eagle library somewhere.
Unfortunately, we don't manufacture components like these.
For every rotary encoder you sell you should add 'how many pulses / 360°' in the description, so your customers don't have to look up the datasheet. It is 24 for this one...