I am trying to find a component, that, similar to a potentiometer, delivers an analog output, but which can be turned indefinitely in a single direction.
I have tried searching for something like this, but I never quite found anything that does what I want, while being relatively cheap.
Please note, that I am not searching for a rotary encoder, since they either are clicky, do not have the resolution I require, do not support absolute positioning and are usually too expensive if they do support any of these.
I imagine something like a normal potentiometer with multiple wiper contacts might work in this case.
It would provide a smooth precise output even when turned in a single direction for multiple turns.
Does a cheap part exist that behaves like this and if so what is it called?
Edit: thanks /u/quetzalcoatl for providing the output potential diagram.
Best Answer
The device Spehro Pefhany's answer builds out of two pots is actually available as a single unit, for example the ALPS RDC803101A.
If you turn it, you get two sawtooth signals that are 180° out of phase, so when one output is in its “dead zone”, you can use the other one instead to determine the position.
This model also has no detents, so no clickyness at all.