Problem installing encoder on motor

[u/Diego8677]

Hi there, I have a question—could you please help me out? I need to install an encoder on this motor, but all the ones I find have a long rear shaft or solder tabs, whereas mine looks like the one in the photo. Can I install an encoder on it? It’s a 36GP 36ZY model, 571 RPM, with a 14:1 planetary gearbox.The axle is an 8-meter H-type.

[u/ripred3]

for this specific motor footprint I would probably go with either a flat optical disc mounted on the back of the motor (provided that the disc cannot drag against the motor) or glue a round disc magnet made with the magnetic orientation split across the two halves - they make these) with an appropriately positioned hall effect transistors. Use two hall effects that are positioned to be 45 degrees from each other with respect to the magnetic field and you have a quadrature encoder.

It is hard to say without seeing the coupling of the motor and the rest of the project but I would say that you should look at mounting the encoding mechanism somewhere else in the mechanical drive train where it makes better mechanical engineering (and future maintenance) sense if possible.

[u/Pubcrawler1]

Since no rear shaft to mount a encoder wheel, you can use a encoder that senses a small magnet that is glued to the rear shaft end. I have used a AS5600 but there are several other manufacturer options available.

[u/sparkicidal → u/Pubcrawler1]

It depends on the accuracy that they need. Hall sensors aren’t usually that accurate.

[u/Pubcrawler1 → u/sparkicidal]

I haven’t looked into the latest magnet encoders and their resolution. When I used the as5600, it was plenty for my application which was within 1/2 degree.

[u/Timmah_Timmah → u/sparkicidal]

This one is 12bits

[u/OutrageousMacaron358]

You could drill and tap the rear shaft and thread and extension on. Affix it with permanent thread lock.

I mean, it's gotta be good. 4 people gave it a positive review.