HiLetgo KY-040 Rotary Encoder Module (5-Pack)
The classic KY-040 encoder — read rotation and a push-button, perfect for a manual jog control.
Best for: Manual jog control & feedback
🎚️ Sensors
Sensors & Encoders
A basic servo arm runs open-loop: you command an angle and hope it gets there. Add an encoder and the arm can actually measure where each joint is, which is the foundation of closed-loop control, teaching-by-hand, and accurate inverse kinematics. KY-040 and EC11 rotary encoders are the cheap, Arduino-friendly way to start sensing position and adding manual control knobs.
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WayinTop KY-040 Rotary Encoder w/ Button (5-Pack)
Five KY-040 encoder breakouts — pre-soldered headers, ready for the breadboard.
Best for: Breadboard prototyping
WWZMDiB EC11 Rotary Encoder (6-Pack)
Bare EC11 encoders with knob caps — the panel-mount choice for a custom control box.
Best for: Custom control panels
Learn how to use these
The concepts
Robotic Arm Inverse Kinematics: A Beginner's Guide (with Code)
Inverse kinematics for a DIY robotic arm explained simply — what forward vs inverse kinematics means, the 2-link maths, and Arduino/Python code to move your arm to an (x, y) target.
The conceptsHow Do Robotic Arms Work? Joints, Motors & Control Explained
How do robotic arms work? Learn how joints, motors, controllers and sensors combine to move an arm precisely, explained simply for beginners and DIY builders.
Code & electronicsArduino Robotic Arm Code: Sketches, Library & Examples
Copy-paste Arduino robotic arm code: Servo library setup, sweep tests, potentiometer and serial control, record/playback, smooth motion, and PCA9685.