What is the purpose of the encoder and how can you tell if it is working properly. thanks
The purpose for an encoder is to know where the motor is by revolutions the motor makes. Example: If you are opening a garage door with an encoded motor the encoder can tell if the door is closed or half open by the revolutions the motor makes. Hope this helps
Picture encoder as reporting device. (Watch dog) It can be use to report things like number of revolutions, position of the armature, speed, acceleration etc. this information can be used in may different ways, very often it is used as so called feedback control. It works like this; you give a command to the motor to go specific number of revolutions, encoder is watching what motor dose and confirms to the control device if it actually happens. Search Google or yahoo on steeper motors or servo motors to learn more.
