BRITER Absolute Value shaft encoders - are they any good? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: davebullock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2025, 04:44:38 pm
content: Hi, I have been looking for a low priced 'absolute value' rotary shaft encoder and discovered some being sold labelled BRITER.I need to replace a CUI-Inc AMT223A-V which seems to have failed.This encoder is associated with a 'Moonbounce' dish tracking system that I designed and built for a radio pal who is in his 80's and doesn't have a great deal of money.The original encoder was BNIB surplus off a well known auction site and worked very well until the near lightning strike in his neighbourhood.So to replace the encoder with a full price unit will be expensive, hence my investigating these interesting Chinese encoders.My original encoder had an associated Arduino Nano on which I converted the shaft encoder output to RS485 at the dish end, and then 2 wire transmission back to the control room, "shack".However I note that some of these Chinese encoders claim to have a direct RS485 output and position retaining memory when powered down. (exactly what I need!)So:-Does anyone have any experience of BRITER rotary shaft encoders, are they as good as their website claims? (They appear to be a substantial company?).Do they really 'speak' RS485 (If so, I can then 'do away' with my Arduino translator at the dish end).Do they really transmit the absolute position after a power down? (Like my AMT223A-V/NANO did)Finally....Are these 'low priced' encoders actually BRITER OEM devices or fake, for the price, they seem too good to be true :-0All input gratefully received.....Please help if you can, thanks in anticipationDave

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2025, 08:46:10 pm
content: AMT also has RS485 output versions, but I guess they are too expensive for your budget?https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/same-sky-formerly-cui-devices/AMT213F-V/10443836The Briter style one looks more like an industrial rotary encoder, so if your issue was water ingress or shaft damage that might help a bit.You can read about the RS485 protocol on the listing:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008412208729.htmlLooks like by default its set to query so you just send a request for the position.

author: davebullock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2025, 12:41:56 pm
content: Hi, thanks for your swift response.Well it's a bit of both really:-The cost was one of my initial concerns (as I built this as a gift) but secondly if the AMT encoder has died through water ingress then (as you say) a more resilient solution is required.I have not managed to retrieve the unit off his tower yet, so I can't comment as to what exactly has died.Of course most industrial encoders are priced in the 3 figure bracket so I was sceptical when I discovered the BRITER ones, hence my inquiry on this platform.Their website certainly seems comprehensive with all manner of iterations available, and as you say they seem to be totally enclosed and hopefully more robust?I am in the process of 'lashing up' a second 'controller' so I can simulate full operating conditions on my bench (and NOT in the field)...lol!Thanks....Dave