Rotary Incremental Encoder 50P/R AB 2-Phase NPN 5-24V | 3-Pack

ABKW-3X Rotary Incremental Encoder — 38S6G5-B-G24N | 50P/R | AB 2-Phase | NPN Open Collector

Upgrade your motion-control and automation projects with this precision Rotary Incremental Encoder (3-pack). Designed for industrial and hobbyist applications alike, this solid-shaft encoder delivers clean AB 2-phase quadrature signals at 50 pulses per revolution, with a wide supply voltage range of 5–24 V DC and an open-collector NPN output that interfaces seamlessly with PLCs, microcontrollers, and motion controllers.

Made in Mainland China.

Key Features

• Model: 38S6G5-B-G24N (ABKW-3X, pack of 3)
• Output Type: AB 2-Phase Incremental, Open-Collector NPN
• Resolution: 50 Pulses per Revolution (PPR)
• Supply Voltage: 5–24 V DC
• Shaft Type: Solid Shaft
• Housing Material: Metal (precision-machined for durability)
• Power-On Delay: 0.5 seconds stabilization time
• Cable Pull Resistance: Rated to 29.4 N max
• Value Pack: Includes 3 encoders + 3 sets of mounting screws

Ideal Applications

• CNC machinery and robotics
• Conveyor and motor speed feedback systems
• 3D printers and precision positioning stages
• Industrial automation and PLC control panels
• DIY electronics and educational prototyping

Installation & Safety Guidelines

• Use elastic (flexible) shaft couplings — rigid connections can reduce service life and accuracy.
• Minimize eccentricity and angular deviation during mounting to protect internal components.
• Avoid environments with strong vibration, corrosive agents, large magnetic fields, extreme temperatures, high humidity, or acidic/alkaline conditions.
• Keep encoder signal cables separated from high-voltage or power lines; run cables through conduit where necessary.
• Insulate unconnected wires; ground the shielded cable. Short-circuiting terminals can damage internal circuitry.
• Always verify wiring against the encoder label before powering on.
• Do not disassemble the unit; it contains precision optical components.

Package Contents

• 3 × Rotary Incremental Encoder (38S6G5-B-G24N)
• 3 × Sets of Mounting Screws

Note: Images are representative; slight color variations may occur due to screen calibration. Dimensional tolerance is ±1–3 mm.

For general guidance on industrial encoder standards and signal wiring safety, visit the OSHA Hazardous Energy Control resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between an incremental encoder and an absolute encoder?

A: An incremental encoder like this 50P/R model generates pulses as the shaft rotates, allowing a controller to track relative position changes and speed. An absolute encoder outputs a unique code for each shaft position, retaining position data even after power loss. Incremental encoders are ideal for speed control, relative positioning, and cost-sensitive automation applications.

Q: What does "NPN open-collector output" mean for wiring?

A: An NPN open-collector output means the encoder's output transistor pulls the signal line LOW (to GND) when active, and leaves it open (floating) when inactive. You need a pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ–10 kΩ) connected between the output pin and your supply voltage (5–24 V) for the signal to be read correctly by a PLC or microcontroller input.

Q: Can I use this encoder with a 5 V microcontroller such as Arduino?

A: Yes. The 38S6G5-B-G24N supports supply voltages from 5 V to 24 V DC. When powered at 5 V with appropriate pull-up resistors on the A and B output lines, it is fully compatible with 5 V logic microcontrollers such as Arduino Uno or Mega.

Q: Why does this listing include 3 encoders?

A: The ABKW-3X is a value 3-pack, providing three identical 38S6G5-B-G24N encoders and three sets of mounting screws — ideal for multi-axis machines, spare-unit stocking, or team projects requiring consistent hardware across setups.

Q: What is the purpose of the 0.5-second power-on delay?

A: After power is applied, the encoder's internal circuitry requires approximately 0.5 seconds to stabilize. Pulse counts generated during this brief initialization window may be unreliable, so your controller logic should ignore encoder output for at least 0.5 seconds after powering on to ensure accurate readings.