WheelEncoderGenerator

Robotics projects are extremely complex and there are many software solutions that need to be used in order to complete such a project.

WheelEncoderGenerator is an easy-to-use application that helps you generate, adjust and print encoder discs. It's packed with all sort of tools and lots of instructions, in case you might need some assistance when working on your project.

It sports a really intuitive interface, with lots of file options and a control panel that you can use in order to adjust data and settings. WheelEncoderGenerator creates an encoder disc with a pattern on it that is read by sensors.

The sensors are interfaced with a computer or microcontroller and convert angular motion or position into a digital signal. The combination of disc and sensors is a rotary encoder (or shaft encoder). Encoders fall into two categories, incremental (relative) and absolute.

Absolute encoders convert angular positions of the shaft into discrete, unique values. It encodes a binary-based number sequence into black and white squares on the disc. That is, the encoder disc encodes a number at each distinct position of the shaft.

The resolution is the number of distinct angles that can be measured or encoded. Resolution is directly related to the number of tracks on the encoder disc. You can adjust the resolution directly from withing the control panel.

You can pick from two track options, quadrature or index, depending on the data that you want to read and the wheel's rotation. Dimensions can be changed, adjust data for outer and inner diameters either in millimeters or inches. There's also the option to invert encoders.

When you're done working, simply save the file as .weg or export it as .png, .gif or .jpg. The resolution of exported files can also be changed and you can print documents directly from within the application. It's a very nice software solution for designing encoder wheels, adjusting data, exporting or printing resulted files.