Rotary Encoders

[gas]

Mart B

In the last century some encoders and resolvers were sold with a feature that was called "adjustable gearing". The "gearing" was just a way to change counts in the software.
I bet your mechanical guy is misunderstanding info from an old catalogue.

 

[MartB]

Thanks for the links/info gents, I suspect you're both correct in thinking that our mechanical guys are referencing this type of encoder.

 

[MikeDawkins]

Since a plc is being used, that is where the scaling should be done. With a suitable interface, DNet, ENet, SSI, a software gearbox can be programmed. The fieldbus encoders I have used are all absolute. Some are hybrids (such as Hyperface) where the current position is read serialy at powerup and then incremental mode keeps track of the position. It all depends on the interface used.

 

[monkeyhead]

Here's several multi-turn hollow shaft absolute encoders. The Baumer and Kuebler both have multiple field bus options. The Koyo is RS-485, but since it's fairly common you could probably get a protocol converter or serial server for it:

Kuebler Link
Koyo Link
Baumer Link

And some Ehthernet/IP options:

Positol Link
TR Electronics