Where to buy hardware?

[GPSSim]

I have a simulator programme for a GPS which is used for training people to use the real thing. Currently it is operated by using either keyboard keystrokes or a mouse.

I am in the process of building an interface that overlays a PC screen to replicate the buttons and knobs of the GPS.

I need a dual shaft (concentric) encoder (ALPS EC11EBB24C03 or equivalent) with a momentary push button switch and a LS7183 QUADRATURE CLOCK CONVERTER.

I have found these on overseas websites but in the case of the encoder there is a minimum order value making it impractical to use that source.

I imagine that the dual encoder is used quite a bit by people here in New Zealandand and possibly the quadrature clock converter as well.

Where can I buy these items?

Thanks for your help.

Alan

[Ian Warren]

Hi Alan and Welcome , Id PM SeanG , he pulls bits and pieces from PCs adds a little bit of this and that , whola! instant TA4K pit ! . The Subject ' Cockpit Build ' in the General section

[HardCorePawn]

Have you tried RS Components? http://newzealand.rs-online.com/web/

I used them to import a single aviation mic jack a while ago...

they were happy to bring in a single unit, though you do often get a discount for volume ordering... not as cheap for the items as US-based websites, but I ended up saving a packet as the US-based outfits were quoting ridiculous prices for shipping...

I guess they got it included in a bundled shipment, so they saved on the postage...

[SeanG]

QUOTE (HardCorePawn @ Jan 8 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Have you tried RS Components? http://newzealand.rs-online.com/web/

I used them to import a single aviation mic jack a while ago...

they were happy to bring in a single unit, though you do often get a discount for volume ordering... not as cheap for the items as US-based websites, but I ended up saving a packet as the US-based outfits were quoting ridiculous prices for shipping...

I guess they got it included in a bundled shipment, so they saved on the postage...

What he said... or another great little electronics company is Mandeno http://www.mandeno.co.nz/home.php they do some very very nice parts, and I know for a fact that they do dual concentric encoders

SeanG

[GPSSim]

Thanks for the tip.

I have been through the RS New Zealand online catalogue and they don't carry it here. I'm not sure about any of their overseas sites. I did ring them, they were quite helpful and tried to find another local agent for me.

Perhaps it depends on whom you talk to, maybe it's worth another try.

Online components stock the encoders BUT have a $100USD min order for exports. http://www.onlinecomponents.com/

If I could find enough other bits I needed from their site I would use them, but right at the moment I don't need anything else.

I'll keep trying.

Thanks

[towerguy]

there is a tutorial - flightsim.com I think - about how to make a dual concentric yourself
you could try there

[GPSSim]

Thanks,

Yes, I did see a post that described how to make your own dual concentric, that was my last resort.

Alan

[greaneyr]

Hi Alan

Have you considered going down the 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' path? I'm not sure which model GPS you are building a simulation of, but if it's one that is old enough, you MAY be able to source parts from an owner whose unit has died.

Sounds like an interesting project, though.

Cheers
Richard

[GPSSim]

Hi Richard,

I've given that path some thought but these units are far from being thrown out. It is the best panel mount GA GPS I've seen.

I've tried to think where else the encoders might be used so that I could cannibalise that source. I have just been forwarded a message that hopefully gives me a local supplier.

It's quite a simple project, except for sourcing some parts that is. The windows based simulator progamme is available from the GPS manufacturer and it accurately simulates the operation of the unit. It's a very useful training aid and I just want make it more realistic by having real buttons and knobs.

Thanks for the ideas.

Alan

[GPSSim]

It looks like the only pratical source I can find for the dual shaft encoders is the US. I need to make a minimum purchase of $100USD.

Are there any people on here who may want a similar encoder. Look here for specs : http://www3.alps.com/WebObjects/catalog.wo...11EBB24C03.html

I can get them for a bit under $7USD plus freight. If I can get enough interest I will get a bunch of them to make up a minimum amount for an order.

Alan

[towerguy]

possibly interested in 6 plus a share of the freight costs

how many others are interested and how many were you looking at getting?

[GPSSim]

I was going to get three or four. I don't have anyone else yet but I think that these encoders would have uses in quite a few situations. I'm hopeful others like you will express interest. Just a matter of getting the word out there. I'll let you know how things pan out.

When I get the time I will see what else they have that I want, this will help make up the minimum order amount.

[iwik]

QUOTE (towerguy @ Jan 15 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

possibly interested in 6 plus a share of the freight costs

how many others are interested and how many were you looking at getting?

Hi Guys,
These Dual rotaries(EC11----) are available from www. Cocpitsonic.com the USA branch for $8 or $12 with knobs and he will send them out by Airpost.
Even though they may say they use Fedex.I bought 5 of these.
Hope this helps,sorry cant help with the Chip.
Les

[GPSSim]

Hi Les,

Thank you that information. I had tried to open an account with those guys but their account page only allowed accounts from the US. I presumed from this that they did not sell outside of the US.

I took another look at their site and have discovered that they do sell overseas but you have to contact them first. Looks like my problem is solved.

Thanks again.

Alan

[iwik]

QUOTE (GPSSim @ Jan 17 2009, 09:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Les,

Thank you that information. I had tried to open an account with those guys but their account page only allowed accounts from the US. I presumed from this that they did not sell outside of the US.

I took another look at their site and have discovered that they do sell overseas but you have to contact them first. Looks like my problem is solved.

Thanks again.

Alan

Hi Alan,
Thats right,with me he quoted me quite a high postage and then came back and said he was able to post by Airmail and cost was much less.
Good luck
Les