instructables

Better Rotary Encoder

by miroslavus

If you ever tried to use off the shelf rotary encoder for
your project you were most likely disappointing.
Whether it was due to the difficulty of set up or the
imprecise controls. I had the same problem so I
decided to fix it. I have designed 3D printable encoder
that is not just incredibly cheap but also a lot easier to
use.
With a 3D printer and couple of microswitches you
can build one too. Each step on the encoder leaves a
satisfying click and you could also designed your own
customized button. Please Check out the video I've
made too :)
Video

https://youtu.be/I41c4Bo2q7I

Better Rotary Encoder: Page 1

Step 1: Tools and Materials

tools:

3D printer / 3D printingservice
M3 tap
hot glue gun

materials:

PLA or any other plastic

2 microswitches (almost any will do. I'm using MSW-13)
skateboard bearing | 608zz | the one from fidget spinner
M3 screw
hot glue
super glue

And of course you'll need the .STL files which are right here. They can also be found on thingiverse:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2796327

Download
http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/F0J/6XA6/JDOUSJ0N/F0J6XA6JDOUSJ0N.stl
…

Download
http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FJL/3FVU/JDOUSJ1X/FJL3FVUJDOUSJ1X.stl
…

Download
http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FKS/BKLG/JDOUSJ37/FKSBKLGJDOUSJ37.stl
…

Download
http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FOM/N2AH/JDOUSJ39/FOMN2AHJDOUSJ39.stl
…

Step 2: Assembly

We'll start with the base where we need to tap a M3
hole. Next we can push our M3 screw trough the
switching stick. There should be enough clearance for
both parts to move freely. Now it can be screwed on
the base leaving it some play room.
Next we can move to the knob. Insert the bearing in
the bottom part. The press fit should be good enough
and you shouldn't use glue. The top part needs to be
glued on top of that with superglue. Don't use too
much glue because it will drip into the bearing and
cease it. With the whole knob assembled it can also
be press fitted on the base.

Better Rotary Encoder: Page 2

Step 3: Positioning Microswitches
This is tedious task. It doesn't matter which side you
start with and the first one will be a bit more difficult.
The microswitch must be positioned exactly at a point
where it's being pressed just before the stick returns
to it's resting position. I would suggest positioning the
microswitch closer to the knob as the stick rotates
more the further it is from it's pivot point. Once you
find the sweet spot simply use hot glue to keep it in
Better Rotary Encoder: Page 3
place. Repeat the same process on the other side
and you are good to go.
Of course you can use any glue you want but I've
found the hot works just fine. The switches don't
move and in case you place you switch bit too far or
bit too close you can always redo it.
Step 4: Wiring

Since these are just two microswitches there is no special wiring unlike with regular rotary encoder. If you want to
use it with arduino then just wire it up as a button. This is what's really great about this project.

Never had a problem with the cheapest-of-cheap rotary encoders, which are also much more
compact. The secret is in using decent software.

Better Rotary Encoder: Page 4