Re: Worry, servo back powering Gecko

Along similar lines, how about using a stepper simply as an encoder?

While I wouldn't depend on one for servo feedback, that small useless
ex-disk-drive stepper might make a very nice handwheel encoder for
manual jogging. Just like the bigtime commercial machines have. The
neat part is you get a built in "detent" feel from the stepper!

BTW, the commercially available (and very expen$ive) handwheel
encoders often use what they call a "magnetic detent" instead of a
mechanical one that will eventually wear out.

Just a thought (came to me in a dream),
Tom Scarince