Contelec position sensors and rotary encoders

Choose the measurement task before the housing

Contelec AG, based in Biel, Switzerland, develops angle and linear position sensors. Its portfolio includes magnetic, inductive and potentiometric technology.

Start an equipment enquiry with the movement to be measured: a connected shaft, a separate magnetic actuator, a linear stroke or the tilt of a machine component.

A shaft encoder needs an appropriate mechanical connection. A bearing-free encoder requires a defined relationship between its sensor and magnet. An IMU measures tilt relative to gravity and can be mounted on a frame or boom.

Describe this arrangement before selecting an electrical interface or a housing size.

Identify the complete ordering version

A name such as Vert-X 28 identifies a product family. Keep every suffix in the installed unit’s marking to establish the ordering version. Show the cable, connector and mounting faces, and include the equipment manufacturer’s component reference when it differs from the Contelec marking.

List the Contelec code, the machine builder’s part number and the equipment identification separately. An earlier purchase document, technical drawing or spare unit photograph can help identify a worn label.

Keep the original documents available so that punctuation and individual code characters can be checked.

Specify supply, output and channels

Provide the supply voltage, output format, channel arrangement and pin assignment. Contelec offers analog signals, PWM, SPI, SSI and industrial communication interfaces across different families.

The interfaces listed for a family describe its available versions, so the intended output must be identified for the unit being ordered.

Include the controller input specification. An analog input, pulse input and communication bus need different signal arrangements. Show the operating signal range for an analog device, or the protocol and current network settings for a bus device.

A photograph of a connector helps with identification but does not define the signal.

Define the communication interface precisely

Use the full interface name in the specification. CANopen and CAN J1939 have different data exchange requirements, while SSI uses a separate connection method. Send the controller documentation and identify the communication system already used on the machine before selecting the sensor version.

For an existing CAN installation, include the known network speed, device address and configured transmission settings. Explain whether the control program will remain in use.

If the settings are documented in the machine project, attach the relevant technical extract together with the installed encoder’s full code.

Shaft mounting and connection hardware

Show the shaft shape, connection arrangement and fixing holes. The Vert-X 28 documentation includes mechanical variants with a flattened shaft and a plug coupling.

Match the required design using the installed code and mechanical drawing, including the space available for the cable and fixing hardware.

Bearing-free sensor and magnetic actuator

A Vert-X E installation has separate sensing and magnetic components. Send photographs of both and a sketch of their relative positions. Include the working gap, orientation, mounting method and available space. The selected version’s documentation supplies the relevant installation tolerances.

Specify complete travel for multiturn measurement

For an axis that moves through several revolutions, specify the complete travel and its relationship to shaft movement. A linear positioning mechanism driven through a rotating element also needs a description of its drive arrangement.

These data help determine how the measured angle and revolution count relate to position.

Potentiometer resistance and mechanical travel

A potentiometer enquiry should include its resistance, working travel, electrical angle and fixing method. Provide the terminal arrangement and wiring diagram as well as photographs of the markings.

Start with these parameters when matching a resistive position transducer to an existing installation.

Contelec lists conductive plastic and cermet potentiometers. The conductive plastic group includes rotary shaft, hollow-shaft and linear versions.

For new equipment, identify the movement and installation arrangement first, then define the resistance and electrical connection required by the control circuit.

IMU installation on moving machinery

GA6 IMUs provide pitch and roll values for tilt measurement. Explain the machine’s movement, vibration, mounting point and housing orientation. Include the supply and CAN interface requirements, together with a drawing showing where the unit sits on the frame, cab or boom.

GA6 10, 26, 32, 40 and 56 use the same sensor technology with different housing sizes and connections. If the system also requires an absolute yaw angle, describe that task separately.

The manufacturer specifies an external angle reference for absolute yaw; the required reference belongs in the system enquiry.

Prepare an equipment and parts enquiry

Send the complete code, quantity, housing photographs and connection information. For a new project, add the measurement task, controller interface and installation constraints. Include the relevant position from the machine’s component list when it is available.

Technical drawings are useful for checking the complete configuration.

Separate complete sensors from magnetic actuators, levers and mounting accessories. State the delivery destination, requested documentation and any installation sequence for a fleet of machines.

Describe the priority when comparing options: maintaining the existing control connection, fitting the mounting space or building a new sensing assembly.

Confirm the supply scope

We handle enquiries for Contelec sensing equipment and its installation components. The technical specification establishes the required version; the offer then identifies the agreed sensor, accessories and delivery arrangement.

For a list of positions, keep the machine reference beside each requested component.

Before ordering, compare the proposed codes and quantities with the application documents. Record which installation parts are included and which will be retained. This creates a clear receiving list for the delivery and a useful reference for the maintenance team when the devices are installed.