Help Connecting a KTR-50MM Linear Encoder to an Arduino Mega

Other Hardware Sensors
1

"Hello everyone,

I am brand new to this community and I am having some trouble connecting a linear encoder KTR-50MM (https://nl.aliexpress.com/i/4000100251204.html) to an Arduino Mega board. I understand that it is a 24V sensor, so I need to step down the signal in order for it to be read by the Arduino's analog input. However, I am not sure how to do this. Despite my limited knowledge of electronics and components, I am handy with code, and I am confident that with the proper guidance I can write a program to read the encoder's output.

I've found a video on YouTube (Linear Displacement Sensor Electronic Ruler Miniature Spring Automatic Reset KTR Type 50 mm - YouTube) that talks about how to connect this encoder to an Arduino, but it doesn't make sense to me, I contacted the uploader but I didn't get any response. I don't expect anyone to just give me a solution, but I would really appreciate it if anyone could point me in the direction of some good resources or tutorials that could help me out. I have been reading the documentation for the encoder and the Arduino board, but I am not getting a clear picture of how to connect the two and how to step down the signal.

I know that there are many experienced members of this community and I would greatly appreciate any tips, recommendations or advice that you can provide me. I am willing to put in the work and I am confident that with the help of this community, I will be able to connect the encoder to the Arduino Mega board.

Thank you in advance for your help, and I look forward to learning more and contributing to this community."

2

It looks like it's just a linear potentiometer. Connect pins 1 & 3 to +5V and GND and pin 2 to A0 then you should be able to read the display with analogRead(A0).

3

Wow, that was a breeze! I guess I was making a big deal out of nothing. My main goal was to not mess anything up, like frying the sensor or board. Thanks a ton, appreciate it!

4

Good to hear that.
How smoothly does it work? Good, cheap linear pots are one of those things that can be hard to find.

5

First impressions are good. The signal doesn't jitter and is stable. The measurements look consistent at first glance. I have to check it with a dial gauge for more accuracy. So for now, it's promising.

6

Thanks for the feedback. I put one into my shopping cart on AliExpress!