Problems With Optical Encoders: Errors & Solutions

  • Thread starter Thread starter knight92
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
Errors in measurements using optical encoders can arise from various factors, including human error in interpreting fringe sizes and eccentricity if the shaft is not centered. Different types of optical encoders offer varying resolutions, with glass disks providing up to 4,000 ticks per revolution but requiring cleanliness and precise alignment. Dust and debris can significantly affect performance, especially in custom-built systems that may not have the same precision as manufactured ones. Maintaining the encoder's cleanliness and ensuring proper alignment are crucial to avoid measurement inaccuracies. Overall, understanding these potential issues is essential for achieving reliable results in optical encoder applications.
knight92
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
Hi I was just wondering if I make a custom protractor system what errors can occur in the measurements using optical encoder ? I think if the fringes are of different sizes (human error) then it would give false data would it not ? What are some errors that can occur usually with optical encoders ?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
There are a number of flavors of optical encoders from simple slotted disks to glass disks with photo markings on them. The latter can take you up to a resolution of about 4,000 ticks per revolution, but need to be kept clean and concentric. If the shaft wonders off from the center of the encoder, you get eccentricity in the readings and then total malfunction.

I believe DRC used to be a producer of high end optical encoders. As for the opposite extreme, the little wheels used in old fashioned computer mice are simple, but have little resolution.

Mike
 
Hi Mike, cheers for the reply. I don't need a high resolution but I just want to find out what can go wrong if I have a custom built protractor system. Can dust be a factor ? because mine won't be machine made ?
 

Thread 'Electric power distribution from powerplant to homes'

I am trying to understand how transferring electric from the powerplant to my house is more effective using high voltage. The suggested explanation that the current is equal to the power supply divided by the voltage, and hence higher voltage leads to lower current and as a result to a lower power loss on the conductives is very confusing me. I know that the current is determined by the voltage and the resistance, and not by a power capability - which defines a limit to the allowable...
View full post »

Similar threads

Tuning a PID with extraneous noise on the error signal
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Power wheelchair switches off and shows two red lights flashing
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Stargazing Fixing declination runaway on a Meade LX200 telescope
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
The predictive brain (Stimulus-Specific Error Prediction Neurons)
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Magnetic encoder signal processing
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Do entanglement networks encode a unique, local historical record?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Manchester Encoding Probability of Error
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Frequency Comb (Photonics, Optics)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
443
Interferometry (testing of optics)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Statistical Errors, Type I and Type II
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K