Choosing between a bare incremental encoder and a complete measuring kit can stall a machine build. Do you need a raw position signal you can wire into your own logic, or a ready-to-run length counter with a wheel and display? The two options here sit at opposite ends of that decision.
Quick Verdict
For a custom control circuit, the Oak / Grigsby 128 Pulse/Rev encoder gives you a clean TTL-compatible quadrature signal at a low entry price. For a self-contained measurement setup, the 300ppr Rotary Encoder Digital Meter Counter includes the wheel, bracket, and digital meter you would otherwise have to source separately.
Price and Spec Comparison
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Key Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak / Grigsby Rotary Encoder - 128 Pulse/Rev | USD 16.95 | 128 pulses/rev, TTL quadrature | |
| 300ppr Rotary Encoder Digital Meter Counter | USD 86.20 | 300 pulses/rev, includes meter and wheel |
Where Each Product Wins
The Oak / Grigsby wins when you already have a controller or PLC and need a compact, incremental encoder to feed into it. Its TTL-compatible 5V output and quadrature A/B channels are standard for motion-control inputs.
The 300ppr counter kit wins when you want a standalone length-measuring station. The included wheel turns the encoder into a linear measurement tool, and the digital meter adds relay output and an early-warning setpoint, so it can stop or start equipment automatically.
Product Notes
Oak / Grigsby Rotary Encoder - 128 Pulse/Rev - 91Q128 - 2 CH Full Quadrature
At USD 16.95, this is the lower-cost way to add position feedback to a project. It produces 128 pulses per revolution and, because it uses full quadrature encoding, gives 512 total state changes per revolution for higher-resolution direction sensing. The shaft actuator and 1/4-inch stainless steel shaft make it easy to couple to a rotating shaft, and the sealed sleeve bearing helps it hold up in dusty spots. It runs on 5V DC and outputs 2-bit gray code with Channel A leading Channel B by 90 degrees in clockwise rotation, which is a familiar signal format for TTL logic. The limitation is the bare wire ends: there is no connector, so you will need to solder or terminate the included 4-inch cable yourself.
300ppr Rotary Encoder Digital Meter Counter with Wheel & Mounting Bracket
For USD 86.20, this kit gives you more of a complete measurement system. Each wheel revolution produces 300 encoder pulses, and the digital meter counter displays measurement data while letting you set an early-warning value. The controller has a relay output, so it can be used to stop or start equipment at a preset point. It comes with the encoder, wheel, and mounting bracket in one package, which removes the usual guesswork of matching components. The working voltage is 110-220V with a US plug, so plan power accordingly. The main drawback is that the counter is wired for 110-220V operation with a US plug, which may not suit every location's power setup.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Oak / Grigsby 128-Pulse encoder if you are wiring into an existing controller, need a low-cost incremental signal, and can handle bare leads. Choose the 300ppr counter kit if you need a standalone length counter with a wheel and relay-controlled setpoint and have 110-220V US power available.
