new spinner hack with metal encoder wheel made on CNC mach and poll

[facesmiths]

ok I don't know if I can do two polls so I am going to see if multiple choice is available.

I am going to make this using brass to start and I want everyones opinion on what is a good size and if the encoder wheel should be able to be changed for differing amounts of spokes. also should the holes be enclosed like most mice encoders or open on ends like a throwing star weight should not be a problem either since I was planning on using .032 thick brass.
1.out side diameter
2. amount of holes or spoked
3.thickness of brass.
4. center hole size

ok I don't see an option for a poll. maybe I'm blind but I really don't see it so if you have some input just post it. I really would appreciate it

[leapinlew]

I vote for 300

I vote that this should be in the main forum.

[leapinlew]

I printed a wheel with 300 teeth. It seemed to work pretty smooth.



Here is a link to my encoder wheel fun:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=54685.0

[facesmiths]

300 hmm.
    I can look into it as I mentioned I wonder if it should be possible to easily change out the wheel for differing resolutions??
     From what I understand the eyes have to be properly blocked to allow for the thing to realize it is moving directionally.
      As there are only 2 eyes I am not sure how small I can make the spokes before they are to thin, what did you think about the angled holes made by a drill mill?
     with that I am sure I could go even as high as 600, but the angles even with mat black paint may still have reflective rate that will negatively effect the process.
     I suppose using it to test out on different mice and documenting each would be in order.   I am going to use my rig to make custom PCBs so the holes will be set exactly as the mouse PCB. luckily I found a guy on ebay that has litterally a ton or so of unetched PCB for sale and at a reasonable rate from what I can see. If it all works out I will have a section of freebie CNC code on my site unless some sites actually think they are worth the bandwidth to store them on their sites.

[facesmiths]

ok I have made a change in plans. I have some really easy to cut yet very rigid and extremely flat plastic that i am going to cut out a bunch of different encoders from and see how they do (I am going to test them on different mice and keep a track of what worked with what too.) I have an idea on how I may be able to do completely solid black *absolutly no light gets through* on completely clear thick stock too so for encoders that need extremely high spoke counts I will make them that way and make a metal plate with the proper size hole and placement then use registration marks on the plastic to make sure they are placed with in a thousandth or two of an inch of being where they need to be. ofcourse I need to test and make sure the reflective surface of the disc is not going to cause a problem. *I was not sure if this would work but the black actually goes all the way through the plastic as it is a chemical reaction that after being processed the plastic looses it's ability to change color and they say it lasts for over a million uses where an insane amount of light is flashed through it so there you are.* I will post pics of the first one I cut as a test tonight

[facesmiths]

well things have gotten way in the way of this project but there is a light at the end of the tunnel finally.looks like I may be changing the design though some.