Have you ever needed to add a rotational sensor to a robot? They are really expensive and so I tried to make a fully printable optical potentiometer. Take a look at my Blog to get more informations
http://coolrobotprojects.blogspot.co.at/ The open-Frameworks-Code that generates the Gradient/Encoder-pattern:
https://github.com/thunderbug1/encoder_pattern_generat The generation of the non radial pattern works but the radial ones don´t. The thing that´s still missing is a little paper ring with a gradient on it and which is glued to the rotor. MK1: (First version) for the photoelectric fork sensor I use this: http://www.pollin.de/shop/downloads/D120592D.PDF MK2: (Actual early preview) Sensor: http://www.pollin.de/shop/downloads/D120525D.PDF (Version A)