Hey all, I searched the forum and haven't seen reference to a little gizmo like this one:
which is a linear displacement sensor, or "yoyo pot", or draw wire sensor etc. Basicallly you pull the string and get either a digital or analog signal out the other end to determine linear (or multidimensional) travel.
Due to the physically constrained nature of my little sensing and motor control project, I think of all of the sensor approaches I could use, this one seems best suited.
Unfortunately, this type of sensor seems to be of the "call for pricing" variety, and I can't find something like it on any of the usual low cost electronics suppliers. One place I actually called quoted me $300 for 1 unit. Wow. Anyone know of a good source for something in the $5 price range? The accuracy requirements aren't that high, +/- 1mm would be fine.
I'm loath to make on emyself as I'm making a bunch of stuff already, but if you hav ea link to someone who has constructed such a thing I would be appreciative!