Position & Speed
These sensors are not available as off-the-shelf fischertechnik components, but they can be assembled from fischertechnik parts.
Counter & Frequency Measurement
Suitable input signals for the counter and frequency meter include:
- the encoder on an encoder motor
- roller wheel 32367 with a forked light barrier (e.g. CNY37)
- neodymium magnets on a turntable 60 (31019) with a reed contact (36120, 36137, 210332, 219834)
- light barriers assembled from fischertechnik LEDs and the phototransistor (36134)
The roller wheel combined with a fischertechnik push-button does not produce good results because the button bounces and may generate multiple readings for each pulse.
Forked light barrier 5 (32357) from the Computing Training Robot (30572) can also be used instead of the CNY37. However, it requires an additional 5 V power supply. On the ftSwarmRS and ftSwarmJST, the 5 V supply can be provided through the servo connector; see the pinout diagrams. Caution: Incorrect polarity can destroy the ftSwarm and/or the light barrier.
Rotary Encoder
The following work very well:
- the encoders on two encoder motors
- ftKnob
Rotary encoders can also be built from a roller wheel, neodymium magnets, and light barriers. However, they are too imprecise for most applications.
Gyro
Newer ftSwarm controllers have a built-in gyro (ftSwarmRS, ftSwarmRC, ftSwarmControlUSBC). On older models (ftSwarmControlMicro, ftSwarmJST, and ftSwarmXL), an MPU6050 breakout board can optionally be connected to the extension port.
