Does anyone know about rotary encoders?

[Melton Glass]

Firstly I'd like to say hello-I've been using Reaper for just over a year and
loving it.I actually found the forum a little bit later,and have enjoyed the general civility and helpfulness here.Even in the lounge!

So,I've got a Pod X3-it's years out of warranty,and if I can I always try to
repair my own gear.The multifunction knob that controls the "room" in the amp
models and the FX mix has become flaky.Turning it clockwise should turn it
up,but it will drop randomly back down as I turn it.Eventually it gets there,
but all precision is gone.Controlling the Pod with Gear box works as it should-but using the control on the Pod displays the same wacky behavior in the Gearbox UI.My guess is that the rotary encoder itself is bad.I pulled it
and it has no markings.I know next to nothing about encoders-can it be replaced with an off the shelf one like this?http://www.mouser.com/Search/Product...C12-4220FN0024

Also,I contacted Line 6 first-they want me to take it to a service center.

Thanks in advance!

[foreward]

Encoders are essentially switches set up in such a way that they produce pulses that determine direction. Measuring these the interval of these pulses will tell the device how to respond, for example, each Pilsen can correspond to a specific increase in volume or some other control.

There area number of configurations to determine position anddirection. To replace the encoder, you'll need to find out what type of encoding it uses.

If no part numbers are present, then maybe you can build some kind of tester with LED's.

I kind of doubt that you'd do any damage by trial and error, I think most encoders are 2 bit binary or grey code, like this one is.

[Melton Glass]

Originally Posted by foreward

I kind of doubt that you'd do any damage by trial and error, I think most encoders are 2 bit binary or grey code, like this one is.

That's what I thought.Getting one of each type and using the one that works looks like the way to go.Thanks!

[MadMadRiver]

It could be a cold soldered connection. Have you tried to reflow the solder?

[Melton Glass]

Originally Posted by MadMadRiver

It could be a cold soldered connection. Have you tried to reflow the solder?

I did that first.I've been dealing with cold solder joints since the '80s.They're everywhere!I have a new encoder on order-my fingers are crossed!

[Melton Glass]

Thanks Foreward & MadMadRiver for your help and suggestions.The replacement encoder I bought is grey code,and it works like a champ.Especially with the good solid solder joints!

[djz]

It may not apply to your scenario, but I have a Waldorf Blofeld which had super glitchy encoders. I replaced the encoders, but they still went glitchy after a short period of time, too quickly for it to have been dust/environmental or wear conditions.

Putting a capacitor across the encoder made them smoooooth!

[Melton Glass]

Thanks for the tip!