Identify leica rotary encoder (DST360)?

[onesixright]

Hi All,

Long shot, but worth the try. Although I don't have one, this is an exploded view of a Leica DST 360. It's basically a tripod head which can track the angles (when you attach your Disto x3 or x4 to it).

Maybe someone can "see in" the exploded view, what type  of encoder they would have used? Was searching for some spare-parts, but no dice.

Thanks!

[daqq]

Would guess magnetic? The two PCBs with the single IC on top, atop of both axis, such as this one: https://ams.com/as5270
All you need is a small magnet somewhere on the rotary (or stationary) part.

[shakalnokturn]

Optical? Maybe a couple of reflective sensors on the small PCB sensing the dull green/shiny gold on the round PCB with the star shape.

[onesixright]

Thanks you both!

I was hoping that the symbols in the exploded view would give away some indications which parts where used. Via the datasheet I could then do some guessing how they would be used (protocol wise).

The back of the X3/X4 Disto has 4 contacts. I'm guessing its VCC/GND and two other pins maybe: I2C or UART, or  ?

I'm awaiting my X3, but the DST360 I don't have. The DST itself is pretty expensive $999. The 4 pins just raised my curiosity what's happening there 😀

The DST base allows you to aim at 2 points in space and it will calculate the distance between it.

[MT]

It looks to be optical 2 leds, sensors on PCB left corner

[SeanB]

Looks like it is a capacitive sensor, like that used in micrometers, where the shaped pads in green and gold have a predictable change in capacitance with rotation, with probably a LED and phototransistor as an absolute point reference. You would have a matching set of offset capacitive leaves on the square PCB's that are close to the round PCB, so that you can use the differential measurement of capacitance to give a unique set of capacitance changes to the modified touch sensor on the board.