SPINNERS – Conductive type
A simple and cheap alternative to the optical spinner consists in the use of common conductive encoders. It is a simple solution that guarantees a good protection from intensive use.
This page is just an illustration of our favourite solution, in the hope that the files that we make available can be used as a starting point for those DIYers who want to improve the project 🙂
The conductive encoder
The encoder we chose is an Alps EC12E2430803, but any common non-detented encoder will work good. A small vectorboard can be adapted to the encoder, and used to strengthen the connections.
Flexible coupling connector
A cheap solution is to use a flexible joint obtained by laser cutting a PETG or polypropylene sheet. This coupling connector works good and it’s easy to assemble.
Cad files HERE.
In the example below, the encoder is soldered directly on the mobo, the flexible joint manages to transmit the rotary movement, protecting the encoder from any mechanical shock.
3d printed coupling connector
This 3d printed element is used to connect the spinner M8 screw to the encoder shaft. Two M3x10 screws are used to tighten it.
The .STL files are supplied within the “SPINNERS”package.
flexible bracket
The encoder can be fixed to the internal part of the Mobox using a flexible bracket. This arrangement ensures that the encoder is protected from excessive mechanical stress. For this purpose it is possible to use the flexible joint described above
this is the ideal solution in case the encoder is not directly soldered on the mobo.
This flexible flap can be laser cut form a PETG of Polypropylene sheet. It allows to adapt the conductive encoder in the most different ways within the Mobox.
The .DXF files are supplied within the “SPINNERS”package.