Testing of Encoder

It is possible to check some attributes of an incremental encoder with just a digital multimeter. To test all attributes will require a test jig that will very precisely move the encoder and measure all of the encoder outputs simultaneously. The test jig should also be independently certified to have validity.

I put our encoders output on a digital o scope and record the output over several revolutions.

As redfred suggested, it is possible. Obviously, you want to start with the literature from the manufacturer. Chances are, you should be able to download that from their website. That same literature should help you understand how to connect other devices. I like to use an LED and the appropriate resistor to limit the current flow so as to give a visual indication of the correct operation. Of course, I'd have to know what kind of output the device had (pnp or npn) and the operating voltage.

Those devices are good for functionality testing to a degree. If you have a very high resolution encoder it may be a little more difficult to see the correct operation. It depends on how many outputs your encoder has. A simple one is one channel. A bidirectional encoder has two outputs that are 90° out of phase. An absolute encoder will have three outputs.

As far as other devices, a counter/timer meter could be useful but you could also build one using standard counter chips at TTL (5VDC) levels. It all depends on what you know about the device before you start.

Do you have access to a logic analyzer ?

A scope is the logical way to do this, but,

Build an Incremental Encoder Quick Tester | Quantum Devices INC

looks like something that might be worth a look.

You're right. I went back in time to look at his other threads.

A learner, not a doer.

Ideally you'd want to use a digital storage scope. Spin the encoder at a fixed/accurate rate, for a couple of rotations and, then scroll back over the trace to see if all the pulses are equally spaced and of a similar shape. Any missing or mishaped pulses would point to a faulty encoder. If your DVM has a frequency range, you could use this as a crude check, by turning the encoder at a set/accurate RPM and measuring the output frequency i.e. RPM x PPR = Frequency

Please reference post #2.

Sorry didn't read that.

How does one test an excremental encoder? Some sort of digital probe by a proctologist?