The optical encoders that I have seen on some of the Kenwood stuff is
basically junk....nothing more than a flimsily attached acetate wheel. Now,
if you purchase a good Bourns, Oak-Grisby, or Grayhill encoder it will last
many years or even decades. Figure about 30 to 100 dollars for a good
encoder.
In order to pull this off, you need to remove the pullup resistors from the
input lines to the uP. Next, you need to connect a 5VDC source to the power
connection on the optical encoder, and also remove any steering diodes from
the A and B channel lines. After this is done, connect the appropriate
outputs of the encoder to the uP inputs and you are set to go.
Figure about an hour job.

Pete

"HFguy" wrote in message
news:LN6Vf.293$st.0@trndny05...
DesignGuy wrote:
I've replaced the mechanical encoder on my Drake R8B twice now, and again
it's starting to act up. The mechanical encoders are prone to failure.

Is it possible to replace the encoder or encoder board with the optical
version used in the earlier R8's? Has anyone attempted this or have any
advice to offer?

Thanks

It's possible to install an optical encoder but IMO, not worth the effort.
The mechanical encoder will last longer if you take it apart, thoroughly
clean the wheel/contacts and relube it with a synthetic grease. I did this
on a new encoder and it's lasted more than three years so far. It has to
be done before the encoder starts acting up.

BTW- Have you tried the new encoder with a metal shaft? It's supposed to
be more reliable. What model year is your R8B?