How to Test an Encoder with a Digital Multimeter

Figure 1: Test an Encoder with a multimeter.

A basic multimeter can be utilized to measure the encoder’s parameters. Bear in mind that a digital multimeter can measure the average duty cycle, frequency, peak voltage, and average voltage of an encoder. Maybe you like to learn how to test an encoder with a digital multimeter. Whatever your needs may be, this article got you covered.

1. Troubleshooting

That can be compared against the average output specified by the manufacturer and can identify whether the encoder is faulty or not. In most instances of encoder problems, the values measured by a multimeter would show to be normal even when the encoder is malfunctioning. In such scenarios, an oscilloscope is necessary for troubleshooting.

Take note that a digital multimeter can offer you an accurate or exact value for duty cycle, frequency, and voltage. Nonetheless, only an oscilloscope can present you with the behavior of the electrical signals. That makes troubleshooting simpler and easier. After all, a picture is worth a thousand’s words.

2. Steps

For all your testing needs with a multimeter, just follow the steps below, so you are properly guided. But before anything else, make sure you don’t work or operate on your machine without understanding or reading the manufacturer and installation manuals.

1. Connect the 12-volt power supply positive to pin A and negative to pin B.
2. For the next step, connect the positive lead of your multimeter to pin C.
3. Connect then the multimeter’s negative lead to pin B.
4. The voltage should fluctuate from zero to twelve volts while you slowly rotate the shaft on the encoder.

Figure 2: The voltage should fluctuate from zero to twelve volts.

5. If you didn’t get a 12-volt reading, or the voltage just did not drop when the shaft is turned, it means your encoder is bad or defective.

3. Matters

Measurements along with a multimeter can show the duty cycle, frequency, and voltage of the signal from your encoder. Use this method only if your controller is now showing a rate when the conveyor is running. This method shows that the encoder has failed totally. Further, this method will not identify if your encoder is transmitting an erratic signal.

4. Final Thoughts

Any encoder motor that you would like to use might have numerous types of systems. Nonetheless, the way of testing for all of such encoders are pretty much the same. The steps of testing an encoder which is discussed above, are the most accurate and certainly simple steps for you to easily test your encoder with a digital multimeter wherever and whenever you like to.

Figure 3: Numerous types of encoders.

Compared to other tutorials out there, the steps above are simple to understand and perform at the same time, not to mention they will not cause you any type of confusion. Therefore, you will easily understand and will be able to test any encoder you like with such steps.

Related Info