Looking for continuous rotary component with strong detents

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,

I'm working on a project where I need a component for selecting values/positions. Normally I'd just go with a rotary encoder, but I'm not happy with the feel of them. I'm building an audio controller with a retro look, so I'd love to have more "rustic" controls that match the aesthetic. On top of that, I need up to 48 positions total.

My idea to handle the 48 positions would be to use 12 positions per revolution (1st turn: 0–11, 2nd turn: 12–23, and so on).

So my question is: Is there a component that has strong, satisfying detents, 12 positions per revolution (could be 8 or 10 as well), AND can rotate continuously without a hard stop?

Rotary switches would be perfect feel-wise since they have that nice detented action, but of course they're not continuous.

Any ideas?

2

They are if you remove the stop that prevents continuous rotation

3

Oh great, thanks! I'll give it a try.

Is this something that's actually designed to be done, or would I have to break/modify something to make it work?

4

You would need to modify the switch and this may not be possible on all of them

I suggest that you buy a couple of different ones and give it a try

5

There are many such rotary encoders that output a binary value. Such as 0-f in 4 bits on 4 pins plus the common or ground pin.

6

From long ago, there is a lock pin that determines the number of positions that you can set. If you have e.g. a rotary switch with 6 positions and you only need 4 you can move the lock pin so you will only have 4 "clicks". Tried to find a picture for it but failed. I however found https://docs.rs-online.com/308d/0900766b81465d93.pdf

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image1005×365 27.4 KB

7

It sounds like the problem is not with finding 12 position rotary encoder, rather that @ianm2 wants one with strong detents

8

What's the budget? I'd like to play with these

There are some DIY projects on this, too. Nothing I would ever be able to do…

a7

9

The strongest detents I have seen is where you pull the knob on the switch so the pin clears the hole, rotate the knob/switch and let the spring pull the pin into the new hole. I think it was military radio equipment.

10

Compare the "Detent Torque" in various encoder datasheets.

tork

em14-2.pdf (786.3 KB)

11

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Positions-Knurled-Diameter-Selector/dp/B07CG9RPKY/ref=asc_df_B07CG9RPKY?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80333278395851&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=96675&hvtargid=pla-4583932755377224&psc=1&msclkid=a0ef14372db71b6324107da86e64993c

You'd surely get better quality at DigiKey or Mouser but this could get you started.
Read the positions with an analog (or two) channel or feed the inputs to a (cascaded) PISO shift register.

Going from position twelve to position thirteen would have to be monitored with software.

12

I found a miniature 12 position rotary switch, single circuit, $56.00.

13

652-PEC11H4120FS0020

at

https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Bourns/PEC11H-4120F-S0020?qs=7MVldsJ5Uaxh8cksqYCfvg%3D%3D&mgh=1&vip=1&utm_id=20797887765&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_marketing_tactic=emeacorp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20808116062&gbraid=0AAAAADn_wf12LT7we0pr4g41g3dYcEK1H&gclid=CjwKCAiAnoXNBhAZEiwAnItcG_byffBbYNw3Lf9GPTEQkwzPe0_dQ9Sq8Vu4lNjCMrm5TmksOZ42qBoCSwcQAvD_BwE

had what seemed a relatively heavy detent of the few I found.

Detent 210 ± 70 gf—cm (2.0 ± 0.1 oz-in)

Pricing (VAT Inclusive) | Qty. 1 | £2.74

EDIT:
On a project for which I wanted to select 24 options I opted for an at hand 1P x 12W rotary swich and a two way toggle.

14

Attributed to Ben Franklin:

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

:slightly_smiling_face: