returning to this. Ive since got an AD absolute encoder wired into a 1762-IQ16 and have gotten it setup in the logic so that it takes the Gray code, converts it to binary, then takes that binary and can show where in the 360 degree rotation said encoder is. My only gripe with this encoder is that there is no SET ZERO pin on it, as there are on the AB absolute encoders that ive used in the past. I can probably do it within the logic, i just havent sat down and hammered it out yet. Im going to look into the other names mentioned above though and hope that they perhaps have the SET ZERO option.