component-selectioncomponentsswitches
Im looking for a switch-like rotary knob, that i can turn left and right. Its outputs a simple 'pulse'. You find these in selecting/setting numbers on assorted electronics. You can keep turning them (both directions), there is no absolute '0' point. But i need to know, if you turn left or right.
Its for a simple Arduino project, i want this rotating know/switch to increase the number on a LCD (turning right) and decrease the number when turning left.
But whats the name ??
Thanks.
The rotary switch under discussion is typically used for preset / factory setting or maintenance purposes - such as for setting a part of a device address, a configuration value to be read during device operation, or selection of power path for enabling one of several circuit sub-sections.
The particular part you have selected has silver-plated copper contacts (Q suffix) for power routing, rather than low-level signal routing or configuration setting.
The lack of available knobs for this type of switch aligns with the design goal of not making it convenient for end-users to make changes - like having a sticker "No user-serviceable parts inside".
For a hand-actuated equivalent, look for flatted actuator, or knob actuator designs. Some thumbwheel actuated designs are also very cost-effective, especially on eBay or other such sites.
A quick search indicates you may be able to find thumbwheels cheaper than the device you have selected, if 10 positions are not a firm requirement.
Another reason for going with thumbwheels is that they are less obtrusive than knob / shaft devices, hence allowing sleeker enclosures!
Usually positions in parenthesis are momentary positions.
So a switch that is Off/(On) is a single throw switch that is momentary switch. It will not stay in the on position, but will spring back to the off position. A switch that is Off/On will stay in either position.
Best Answer
(Incremental) Rotary encoder switch, aka "quadrature encoder". It has two outputs that are 90 degrees out of phase. Due to the phase difference you can figure out both direction and number of steps. Same principle is used in a mechanical computer mouse.
Rotary encoder on Wikipedia