Sensor/Encoder from HP printer questions

Using Arduino Sensors
1

Hello, I would apologize if this is posted in the wrong section.

I have been scrapping old printers recently, managed to found couple of DC, stepper motors until I bump myself on this thing, an optical encoder.

http://imageshack.us/a/img194/9351/dsc0230pax.jpg

Now the fun part of my previous week, was to find out more information about this product. Since it came from HP printers series, I have been trying to find the exact model. All I could find, was not I want. They were teaching you how to clean the encoder strip, doing maintenance,etc...

I basically want to know the pinout on that thing and its spec. information. That is all I wish.
On the PCB plate, I noticed there are 6 solder pin and those 6 are connected to 4 "wire". I am tempted to test it, but also, I don't want to short circuit/burn that encoder, since I lack of knowledge when it comes to electronics and component.

What method should I use to safely know the pinout? How do I know what voltage I should be putting?

2

I recently "dismembered" a discarded HP printer and saw exactly the same component, as well as a couple of DC motors with optical encoders at the back. I think this tutorial may point you in the right direction (some of the questions you are asking are addressed in the second half).

http://madpenguin.ca/blog/2011/06/14/tutorial-use-an-old-inkjet-printer-to-learn-servo-motor-control-with-emc2-part-2-2/

Please do post back if you find out more...It will be a few days at least before I have time to play around with the goodies I retrieved from my "victim".