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Mikko OH2HVJ

writes:

Hi,

haven't come across this before, but I have a unit with several datapots.
They aren't the usual square wave out things, they have 4 connections, and the outputs output a varying analogue output from the (eg 5v) input.

for clarity, 2 pins are 5v and ground. The 2 outputs output 0 - 5v sinewaves when turned, 90 degrees apart I think, so direction can be determined.

Don't even know what these are called, and haven't found anything similar so far.

Could it be sin/cos potentiometer ? They usually have contiuous 360°
resistive element and two wipers at 90° angles for sin/cos signals.

They are/were used as absolute encoders and 360° dial settings.

In modern equipment encoders are used more often, but with these you get
non-volatility, analog signalchain and usually quite nice 'know
feeling'.

--
mikko