The Keyes KY-040 Rotary Encoder

The Keyes KY-040 rotary encoder is a rotary input device (as in knob) that provides an indication of how much the knob has been rotated AND what direction it is rotating in.

It’s a great device for stepper and servo motor control.  You could also use it to control devices like digital potentiometers.

Rotary Position Measurement

A rotary or “shaft” encoder is an angular measuring device. It is used to precisely measure rotation of motors or to create wheel controllers (knobs) that can turn infinitely (with no end stop like a potentiometer has). Some of them are also equipped with a pushbutton when you press on the axis (like the ones used for navigation on many music controllers). They come in all kinds of resolutions, from maybe 16 to at least 1024 steps per revolution. Industrial encoders come from 1200PPR to 10000PPR (Pulse per revolution). Continue reading Arduino Rotary Encoder Module KY-040 →