How to Use Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout is a compact and versatile rotary encoder module designed for easy integration into electronic projects. It features a high-resolution rotary encoder for precise position feedback and a built-in push button for additional input functionality. This breakout board is ideal for creating user interfaces, menu navigation systems, and control panels in a wide range of applications.

• User interface navigation for embedded systems
• Menu selection and scrolling in control panels
• Volume or parameter adjustment in audio and video equipment
• Robotics and automation control
• DIY electronics projects requiring precise input control

The Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout is designed for ease of use and compatibility with microcontrollers like Arduino. Below are its key technical details:

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V or 5V (logic level compatible)
• Interface: Digital (rotary encoder and push button)
• Rotary Encoder Resolution: 24 pulses per revolution (PPR)
• Push Button: Integrated momentary switch
• Dimensions: 20mm x 20mm (excluding pins)
• Mounting Holes: 2 x M2.5 for secure attachment
• Connector Type: 5-pin header (GND, VCC, SW, DT, CLK)

The breakout board has a 5-pin header for easy connection. Below is the pinout:

The Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout is straightforward to use in a circuit. Below are the steps and best practices for integrating it into your project.

1. Connect the Power Supply:
   • Connect the VCC pin to the 3.3V or 5V power supply of your microcontroller.
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
2. Connect the Rotary Encoder Pins:
   • Connect the CLK and DT pins to two digital input pins on your microcontroller.
3. Connect the Push Button:
   • Connect the SW pin to another digital input pin on your microcontroller.
4. Add Pull-Up Resistors (if necessary):
   • If your microcontroller does not have internal pull-up resistors, add external pull-up resistors (10kΩ) to the SW, CLK, and DT pins.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to read the rotary encoder and push button inputs:

// Define pin connections for the rotary encoder
#define CLK 2  // Clock pin connected to digital pin 2
#define DT 3   // Data pin connected to digital pin 3
#define SW 4   // Push button pin connected to digital pin 4

int lastStateCLK;  // Variable to store the previous state of the CLK pin
int currentStateCLK;  // Variable to store the current state of the CLK pin
int counter = 0;  // Counter to track the encoder position

void setup() {
  pinMode(CLK, INPUT);  // Set CLK pin as input
  pinMode(DT, INPUT);   // Set DT pin as input
  pinMode(SW, INPUT_PULLUP);  // Set SW pin as input with internal pull-up resistor

  // Read the initial state of the CLK pin
  lastStateCLK = digitalRead(CLK);

  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Read the current state of the CLK pin
  currentStateCLK = digitalRead(CLK);

  // Check if the state of CLK has changed
  if (currentStateCLK != lastStateCLK) {
    // If the DT pin state matches the CLK state, the encoder is rotating clockwise
    if (digitalRead(DT) != currentStateCLK) {
      counter++;
    } else {
      // Otherwise, the encoder is rotating counterclockwise
      counter--;
    }

    // Print the current counter value to the serial monitor
    Serial.print("Position: ");
    Serial.println(counter);
  }

  // Update the last state of the CLK pin
  lastStateCLK = currentStateCLK;

  // Check if the push button is pressed
  if (digitalRead(SW) == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Button Pressed!");
    delay(200);  // Debounce delay
  }
}

• Debouncing: Rotary encoders and push buttons may produce noise or false signals. Use software debouncing or hardware filters to ensure reliable operation.
• Power Supply: Ensure the module is powered with the correct voltage (3.3V or 5V) to avoid damage.
• Pull-Up Resistors: Use pull-up resistors for the SW, CLK, and DT pins if your microcontroller does not have internal pull-ups.
• Secure Mounting: Use the mounting holes to securely attach the breakout board to your project.

1. No Response from the Encoder:

   • Verify all connections, especially the CLK and DT pins.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage matches the module's requirements.
   • Check for loose or broken wires.

2. Incorrect Direction Detection:

   • Swap the CLK and DT pin connections if the direction is reversed.
   • Ensure the code logic matches the encoder's behavior.

3. Push Button Not Working:

   • Check the SW pin connection and ensure it is configured as an input.
   • Verify the pull-up resistor is enabled (internal or external).

4. Erratic or Noisy Signals:

   • Add a small capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF) between the CLK and DT pins and ground to filter noise.
   • Implement software debouncing in your code.

Q: Can I use this module with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout is compatible with Raspberry Pi. Use GPIO pins for the CLK, DT, and SW connections, and ensure proper pull-up resistors are configured.

Q: What is the resolution of the rotary encoder?
A: The rotary encoder provides 24 pulses per revolution (PPR), allowing for precise position feedback.

Q: Can I use this module with 3.3V logic microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the module is compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels.

Q: How do I debounce the push button?
A: You can use a software debounce routine (e.g., delay after detecting a button press) or add a hardware debounce circuit with a resistor and capacitor.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the Adafruit ANO Rotary Navigation Encoder Breakout into your projects and troubleshoot any issues that arise.