Let ADM Help You Identify a Replacement Encoder

Has your building elevator broke down? Crane hoist or conveyor belt needs turning but you can’t identify your existing encoder? We know how overwhelming it can sometimes be to find a replacement encoder. There are countless types for many different applications that making a mistake is most likely if you don’t know what you are looking for.

Worry not, ADM can help! We have a team of encoder experts that can identify what you are looking for.  

We recently supported a customer who sent us a photo of a PCA incremental shaft encoder clearly showing the part number. From there, our team was able to easily recognise what they needed. If you have a photo of your old encoder, send it to us and we can sort it out for you.  

But what if you don’t have a photo? What if you have a photo but the label is unreadable? This could happen to some old encoders or those exposed to harsh environments.  

These are the questions we would usually ask to get you the suitable encoder replacement: 

1. What is the application? F&B? Industrial? This will give us an insight regarding the environment. 

2. What is being measured? This will let us know if you need accessories, such as wheels, etc.  

3. Is that an absolute or incremental encoder? If you don’t know the answer, the following can help us check what it is:  

• What are the consequences if the position (count) is incorrect? If the position is critical, then you require an absolute encoder.  

• What happens if there is a power failure? If a position needs to be read accurately after a power outage, absolute encoder is still the best option.  

• If a “zeroing” or “homing” process can be done after a power failure (or upon turning on the machine), incremental encoder is your best pick. 

4. What kind of shaft? Is it a solid shaft, blind hollow, or through hollow encoder?  

5. Are there any size restrictions for the body of the encoder? This will determine the flange or the body size. 

6. Are there any IP protection requirements? If you are using this for harsh or heavy-duty purposes, this information is important. 

7. What type of output connection is required? Cable or plug? If cable, you can provide us with the length and number of cores. If plug, you can provide us the plug information.  

It is normal to answer “I don’t know” to most of these questions. An important thing to note is that encoders offer a variety of features, and you need to weigh your non-negotiable, minimum requirements so your application can run smoothly, versus the nice-to-have features that will not have an impact to your process.   

Leave the hard work to us. Contact our team of encoder experts on 1300 236 467 or send your photo to sales@admtech.com.au. You can also find more contact information here.