Howzit guys
I am busy with a project, basically what I want to achieve is creating and coding a device that can test encoders.
The encoders in question a Heidenhain ERN 1387 series (rotary encoder).
I have very limited experience with electronics but will be doing some projects that can help me learn.
Looking forward to what you guys have to say, also if there is already a project like this please point me in the right direction.
Thanks Guys
What exactly do you want to test? Defects, signal quality...?
In general you turn the encoder at known speed, and compare the measured ticks to that speed.
Basically a general test of the encoder to say whether the encoder can be reused in practice.
I still have to narrow down the "acceptable" results and the various tests that need to be done.
I want to see if I can use arduino to test the said encoder, if this is possible the coding and setup of the circuit/device is where I need help with.
I am new to arduino, actually just received mine half hour ago 
Install the Encoder library and check the related sample projects.
That is a SIN COS encoder
This is the sort of industry controller
http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/tidua05a/tidua05a.pdf
Not a good choice for a beginner as you will have to build external circuitry.
There are examples here , it would be relatively east to generate digital quadrature signal you can use but you will not get the positional accuracy that encoder uses without complex circuitry.
A couple of zero crossing detectors might suffice.
What are you trying to test ?
Reuse implies they have been removed from something , one reason for doing that is bearing wear.
Hi guys
Thanks for all the replies.
Looks like I need to step up my electronic skills to figure this one out but I LOVE A CHALLENGE.
Any advice on building the external circuitry? Looks like fun.
And to answer the Why question. We throw away a lot of these encoders from systems that we upgrade and buy a lot of these encoders for breakdowns. so I figured why not check if the encoders are working and keep them in stack as a backup plan for times where we have a machine standing because we are waiting on parts.
Thanks in advance.
A couple of zero crossing detectors might suffice.
Any advice on building the external circuitry? Looks like fun.
If you use external resistors to limit the input current to less than a milli amp you can input an AC signal to a digital pin, let the internal clamping diodes limit the voltage to a pin safe level, and trigger zero crossing interrupts.
This method won't be as accurate or symmetrical as a zero crossing detector like the H11aa1 but it could get you started.
See this Atmel application note http://www.atmel.com/Images/Atmel-2508-Zero-Cross-Detector_ApplicationNote_AVR182.pdf