All valuable information,which Ive book marked, amongst dozens of others. Thanks robotmaker and DJ....it seems the thread has "drifted" off the "release" topic , but thats ok..it keeps me checking and saving pertinent threads

Dave check out usdigital.com they have so many encoders all types,i am looking to get the small one they make thats what makes pot not so great DRIFTING and accuracy

You need both in real good PID and navigation.

Hall effects and OPTICAL encoders dont drift and very high accuracy.

ADC analog pots are mostly for servo's ,because drift and accuracy not important if you do research on it will found out why ADC pots not good for PID control or navigation.

another item about ADC pots the range is same as a magnetic encoder with ADC output so thay are about the same only no drifting and accuracy little higher Second you need a very stable 5 volt source or more drifting on magnetics doesnt need to be stable

ABOUT optical encoders if you do a formula on the size of the wheel and CPR of the encoder you can find how much it travels from start to end,and higher the CPR higher the accuracy of feet traveled and same with left turn or right or backwards and using a grid map for navigation

Again, encoders should not be considered for your applied use. Counting the number of ticks will not be an accurate and reliable method of custom positioning. Use analog variable resistors (pots) and the ADC port. Good luck!

Spend a few minutes thinking about it and you'll Eureka to the reason why encoders are not designed for positioning.

I'm sold DJ. I've seen it in action on my nattering ninny. I'm truly amazed how much control I can have with speed and positioning with pots and EZ-B.

Don't forget to share your POT code in the new EZ-Script section. I know many would benefit from it

DJ i guess magnetic encoders can be use in the ADC PORT TOO

And will you have a module to read optica encoders,i would think is very easy to read PWM like the way sonars do using the echo port

Accuracy of a pot is about 2-3 bits unless you go to a higher price of a multiturn then looking at 5 bits accuracy of magentic encoder is 10 bits and can get them up to 14 bits

Voltage output on both are the same ,both put out 0-5 volts level and both are connected to the wheel so better replacement to pot is magnetic encoder,since they really do the same not really counting the ticks on a magnetic encoder

here is some info off the site usdigital that mostly makes encoders

Analog output provides an analog voltage that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. Analog output is only available in 10-bit resolution.

and some info on tracking ,there are 2 types of encoders one is absolute and other is incremental

Position Control When controlling robotic end effector's position, absolute encoders are the preferred solution. US Digital absolute encoders are unique in the market as they offer high performance without the complicated communication protocols normally associated with absolute encoders. The compact size of the miniature magnetic MA3 encoder means that absolute encoders can be used in creative and tight spaces; the designer no longer needs specialized hardware or software to interact with the encoder, opening up a new world of possibilities.