US Digital Videos
We believe visual storytelling is key to helping others understand our products, what we do, how we do it, and why. Here you'll find product highlights, tutorials, customer spotlights, motion control industry news, and the occasional peek at what's happening inside US Digital.
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Customer Spotlight: Hydrow Uses Motion Control to Redefine Rowing Experience
January 0001 The Hydrow® Live Outdoor Reality™ rower features a patented...
Customer Spotlight: Hydrow Uses Motion Control to Redefine Rowing Experience
The Hydrow® Live Outdoor Reality™ rower features a patented drag mechanism that is electromagnetic and computer-controlled that was designed to make the machine feel as close as possible to actually being on the water. Precise position feedback was an important part of the design and a US Digital optical encoder is a part of that system.
Our Focus is Making Our Customers Successful
January 0001 We think the best way to help our customers is to empower...
Our Focus is Making Our Customers Successful
We think the best way to help our customers is to empower our customer service team to listen to their needs and act accordingly. They aren't locked into scripted responses and predetermined outcomes. Learn more about our team and our commitment to helping our cusomters.
How We Use Automation to Create Jobs
January 0001 US Digital CEO David Madore and COO Neal Donowitz share how...
How We Use Automation to Create Jobs
US Digital CEO David Madore and COO Neal Donowitz share how the company uses automation to create jobs, not eliminate them.
Our $80 Solution Saved Customer Thousands
January 0001 When a motor manufacturer needed help validating encoder...
Our $80 Solution Saved Customer Thousands
When a motor manufacturer needed help validating encoder output for one if its customers, the manufacturer turned to us for help. They walked away with a completely customized software solution and only paid $80.
Why We Design and Manufacture In-House
January 0001 US Digital Founder and CEO David Madore shares why we...
Why We Design and Manufacture In-House
US Digital Founder and CEO David Madore shares why we believe in investing in vertical integration and doing as much as possible in house.
Rushing Encoders to F1 Teams Making Ventilators for COVID-19 Response
January 0001 US Digital produced 5,000 encoders for 'Project Pitlane' a...
Rushing Encoders to F1 Teams Making Ventilators for COVID-19 Response
US Digital produced 5,000 encoders for 'Project Pitlane' a group of Formula 1 racing teams that are making ventilators to help with the response to the Corona Virus pandemic.
Supports FIRST Robotics Team Mean Machine 2019
January 0001 In late December members of the team, which represents a...
Supports FIRST Robotics Team Mean Machine 2019
In late December members of the team, which represents a handful of students from high schools in Clark County, Wa., visited US Digital to show off their 2019 robot and thank the company for its continued support.
Bring Your Kids to Work Day 2019
January 0001 US Digital welcomed 42 kids for National Bring your Kids to...
Bring Your Kids to Work Day 2019
US Digital welcomed 42 kids for National Bring your Kids to Work Day. We can't wait to have them back in 2020!
Enhancing Entertainment Through Motion Control
January 0001 Discover how US Digital's MA3 is helping MediaMation Inc....
Enhancing Entertainment Through Motion Control
Discover how US Digital's MA3 is helping MediaMation Inc. transform the movie viewing experience.
US Digital + Microsoft
January 0001 US Digital Corporation was awarded the 2014 Dynamic...
US Digital + Microsoft
US Digital Corporation was awarded the 2014 Dynamic Business: Small and Medium Business Award by Microsoft.
US Digital Corporate Video
January 0001 A glimpse into US Digital's vertically integrated design and...
US Digital Corporate Video
A glimpse into US Digital's vertically integrated design and manufacturing facility.
Training the Next Generation of Machinists
January 0001 We're working with Lower Columbia College in Longview,...
Training the Next Generation of Machinists
We're working with Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington to train the next generation of machinists in our shop. Check out the full backstory here.
We Ship Most Orders Same Day
January 0001 We don't think you should have to wait to receive your...
We Ship Most Orders Same Day
We don't think you should have to wait to receive your encoders. That's why our priority is to build and ship standard orders within 1-2 working days. In fact — most orders placed before 11 AM Pacific Time ship the same day. All at no extra cost to you.
What's Our Story? We Make Encoders in the USA
January 0001 We make encoders and have been since 1980. Did you know we...
What's Our Story? We Make Encoders in the USA
We make encoders and have been since 1980. Did you know we do everything from design and manufacturing to next-day shipping in-house? Watch our latest video to learn how our history, culture, and customer-first mindset make us unique in the world of motion control.
'Zero Tolerance Machining' with the Wire EDM - Part 1
January 0001 Our machine shop can cut metal so precisely using our wire...
'Zero Tolerance Machining' with the Wire EDM - Part 1
Our machine shop can cut metal so precisely using our wire EDM that two parts fit together with virtually no gap between them. Learn more about how the process works in this quick video.
3D Printed Vase
January 0001 Most of the time we use 3D printing to develop quick...
3D Printed Vase
Most of the time we use 3D printing to develop quick prototypes or one-off parts for manufacturing automation, but sometimes we find ways to have a little fun...
The Next Generation of Machinists (Short)
January 0001 We're working with Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA to...
The Next Generation of Machinists (Short)
We're working with Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA to train the next generation of machinists in our shop.
We Make EVERYTHING Here (Almost)
January 0001 Did you know we design, manufacture, support, and ship *all...
We Make EVERYTHING Here (Almost)
Did you know we design, manufacture, support, and ship *all of our key encoders and products in-house? Well, it's true. Let's take a look at everything we do to make the base for one of our encoders in this 1-minute video about vertical integration.
Then & Now: Our People and Company
January 0001 A lot has changed since our company started in 1980, but...
Then & Now: Our People and Company
A lot has changed since our company started in 1980, but some of the best things stay the same. Check out a few before & after photos of our team and building.
Trash Bag Problem Solved
January 0001 A quick story about a quick solution. See the full video in...
Trash Bag Problem Solved
A quick story about a quick solution. See the full video in our, "Automation" section.
How We Make Those Wire EDM Puzzle Cubes - Part 2
January 0001 Our machine shop can cut metal so precisely using our wire...
How We Make Those Wire EDM Puzzle Cubes - Part 2
Our machine shop can cut metal so precisely using our wire EDM that two parts fit together with virtually no gap between them. Learn even more about how the process works in this 'zero tolerance machining' follow-up video. Or watch our initial company short called, "'Zero Tolerance Machining' with the Wire EDM - Part 1".
Highlighting the M3K Mini Magnetic Encoder
January 0001 Learn about US Digital's new M3K Miniature Magnetic Encoder....
Highlighting the M3K Mini Magnetic Encoder
Learn about US Digital's new M3K Miniature Magnetic Encoder. The M3K comes in incremental or incremental/absolute configurations; has an Index option and is available in resolutions up to 8,192 CPR (32,768 PPR). The push-on hub works with motor shafts in diameters from 0.118 in. to 0.250 in. and lengths of 0.500 in. or 0.390 in.
E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder
January 0001 Learn about US Digital's new E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder....
E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder
Learn about US Digital's new E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder. The E16 is designed to work in high volume, restricted space applications. It is 16mm in diameter, has a 10mm bolt circle and supports 1.5 or 2mm shafts. It comes in a variety of resolutions ranging from 250/256 to 4,000/4,096 CPR (1,000/1,024 to 16,000/16,384 PPR).
QSB Quadrature to USB Adapter
January 0001 Learn about US Digital's Quadrature to USB Adapter which...
QSB Quadrature to USB Adapter
Learn about US Digital's Quadrature to USB Adapter which works with any Windows or Linux PC and lets you do some basic testing with a wide variety analog and digital encoders.
Mini Kit Encoder Overview
January 0001 Learn more about our series of miniature kit encoders which...
Mini Kit Encoder Overview
Learn more about our series of miniature kit encoders which come in a variety of sizes, supporting different shaft sizes, resolutions and installation options.
Encoder & Product Overview
January 0001 Learn more about our complete product offering, including...
Encoder & Product Overview
Learn more about our complete product offering, including our incremental and absolute encoders, accessories and interface devices. All of these products ship same day from our manufacturing facility in the Pacific Northwest.
S16 Micro Optical Shaft Encoder
January 0001 Learn about US Digital's new S16 Micro Optical Shaft...
S16 Micro Optical Shaft Encoder
Learn about US Digital's new S16 Micro Optical Shaft Encoder. The S16 is designed to work in high volume, restricted space applications. It is 16mm in diameter and comes with a 1/8 in. 6mm or 1/4 in. shaft. It comes in a variety of resolutions ranging from 250/256 to 4,000/4,096 CPR (1,000/1,024 to 16,000/16,384 PPR).
E5 Optical Encoder Video
January 0001 The E5 Optical Kit Encoder is our most popular and versatile...
E5 Optical Encoder Video
The E5 Optical Kit Encoder is our most popular and versatile encoder. It comes in resolutions ranging from 32-5,000 CPR; has an Index option; and supports 14 shaft sizes, ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm.
Our New and Improved Injection Molding Machine
January 0001 Mechanical Engineer Camilla Garcia recently completed work...
Our New and Improved Injection Molding Machine
Mechanical Engineer Camilla Garcia recently completed work on a new automated machine that processes encoder module lenses after they are injection molded. The new machine improves upon existing design and effectively gives us 3 extra days of runtime on the machines each week.
Meet Lias, Our New Custom Machine Vision System
January 0001 We recently built and installed a custom machine vision...
Meet Lias, Our New Custom Machine Vision System
We recently built and installed a custom machine vision system to automate a visual inspection process in our plastic injection molding area. The system, called LIAS or the Lead frame Inspection Automation System, checks our optical encoder module lead frames for defects from the manufacturing process and stores them in cartridges that are sent to our clean room for the next part of the manufacturing process.
Automating SMT Line Using Custom Panel Loader
January 0001 After releasing our E4T and E8T miniature optical encoders,...
Automating SMT Line Using Custom Panel Loader
After releasing our E4T and E8T miniature optical encoders, we decided to take a look at improving efficiency in our surface mount technology (SMT) line by automating the PCB loading process. Learn more about our custom solution, and how we used our E6 optical encoders and MD3 microstepping motor drivers in the build.
Streamlining an Assembly Process with a Delta Robot
January 0001 When laser cutting room operators ran into issues preparing...
Streamlining an Assembly Process with a Delta Robot
When laser cutting room operators ran into issues preparing new, miniature optical encoder disks for a new product, US Digital turned to its in-house engineering team and a delta robot to solve the problem. The automation now allows operators to spend their time on other tasks and increases efficiency of production of the E4T encoders.
Guess What We Did With a Trash Bag
January 0001 Our team of practical problem solvers take on an unexpected...
Guess What We Did With a Trash Bag
Our team of practical problem solvers take on an unexpected (but minor) issue in our plant using trash bags, tape and some ingenuity.
E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital E16 Micro Optical Kit...
E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital E16 Micro Optical Kit Encoder.
M3K Miniature Magnetic Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital M3K Minature Magnetic...
M3K Miniature Magnetic Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital M3K Minature Magnetic Kit Encoder. The M3K features both incremental and incremental and absolute output in one small, low cost package with resolutions up to 8,192 CPR.
E2 Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital E2 optical kit encoder....
E2 Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital E2 optical kit encoder. The E2 is a rotary encoder with a rugged glass-filled polymer enclosure, which utilizes either a 5-pin locking or standard connector. The E2 is normally designed for applications of 10 feet or less.
E5, E3, & E6 Kit Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital E5 Optical Kit...
E5, E3, & E6 Kit Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital E5 Optical Kit Encoder.
E8T & E4T Optical Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital E4T and E8T optical kit...
E8T & E4T Optical Kit Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital E4T and E8T optical kit encoders. This video features the E8T encoder, but the process is the same for the E4T.
EC35 Commutation Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
January 0001 Learn how to assemble the US Digital EC35 Optical...
EC35 Commutation Optical Encoder Assembly Tutorial
Learn how to assemble the US Digital EC35 Optical Commutation Kit Encoder.
What is an encoder?
January 0001 An encoder is a sensor that translates physical motion into...
What is an encoder?
An encoder is a sensor that translates physical motion into electrical data. That data can be used by a control device to determine speed, acceleration and position. Learn more by watching our video.
How does an encoder work?
January 0001 How do encoders work? In this episode of Encoders 101, we'll...
How does an encoder work?
How do encoders work? In this episode of Encoders 101, we'll take a look at the inner workings of one of our incremental rotary encoders.
What is an encoder index?
January 0001 An Index is a unique channel on an encoder disk that can be...
What is an encoder index?
An Index is a unique channel on an encoder disk that can be used to return a system to a zero or home position after a loss of power. Not all encoders have an Index position and not all applications would require or need one.
What is the difference between resolution, precision and accuracy?
January 0001 What is the difference between resolution, accuracy and...
What is the difference between resolution, precision and accuracy?
What is the difference between resolution, accuracy and precision when it comes to encoders? In this episode of Encoders 101, we'll cover the meaning of the three words using archery as an example.
What is quadrature and how is it used?
January 0001 Looking to track direction of motion or want to squeeze a...
What is quadrature and how is it used?
Looking to track direction of motion or want to squeeze a few extra counts out of your encoder? You’re going to want to know about quadrature.
What's the difference between absolute and incremental encoders?
January 0001 What is the difference between absolute and incremental...
What's the difference between absolute and incremental encoders?
What is the difference between absolute and incremental encoders? Absolute encoders can report exact position at all times, even after power has been lost and restored. Incremental encoders must find Index before they can report exact position after a loss of power.
How to use Quick Check for QSB app
January 0001 Need to verify encoder CPR quickly? In this video, we'll...
How to use Quick Check for QSB app
Need to verify encoder CPR quickly? In this video, we'll show you how to check incremental encoder CPR on any PC using US Digital's QSB and Quick Check application.
What's the difference between incremental absolute encoders?
January 0001 What's the difference between incremental and absolute...
What's the difference between incremental absolute encoders?
What's the difference between incremental and absolute encoders? Josh with US Digital Tech Support gives you the answer in this quick video.
How to pick the right resolution encoder
January 0001 More resolution isn't always better. In this video, Josh...
How to pick the right resolution encoder
More resolution isn't always better. In this video, Josh with tech support goes over a few tips on how to pick the right resolution encoder for your next project.
How to find encoder pricing, 3D models, related parts & accessories
January 0001 Looking for product pricing, 3D models or related products,...
How to find encoder pricing, 3D models, related parts & accessories
Looking for product pricing, 3D models or related products, parts and accessories for one of our encoders? In this video Josh with tech support shows you how to configure a product on our website to get all of these things with no strings attached.
Use Device Explorer software to log encoder data and more
January 0001 Use Device Explorer software to log encoder data and more
Use Device Explorer software to log encoder data and more
Use Device Explorer software to log encoder data and more
How to find a replacement for your Avago encoder
January 0001 Are you looking to replace a Renco or Avago encoder? We have...
How to find a replacement for your Avago encoder
Are you looking to replace a Renco or Avago encoder? We have a series of compatibility guides on our website that will help you find the right US Digital replacement.
Our E5 and E6 encoder series now support up to 30VDC internally
January 0001 Our E5 and E6 series of incremental encoders now have a new...
Our E5 and E6 encoder series now support up to 30VDC internally
Our E5 and E6 series of incremental encoders now have a new output option that enables them to accept power up to 30VDC without external adapters.
What is the difference between our packaging options?
January 0001 For packaging on most of our encoder kits, we have three...
What is the difference between our packaging options?
For packaging on most of our encoder kits, we have three options: bulk and two individual configurations. These different options look similar when you’re ordering four or less encoders but when you’re ordering in larger quantities, things can look quite a bit different. Part of that has to do with how things are packaged. Part of that has to do with how many tools you get with your order.
We're updating the finish and labeling on our HB5M, HB6M and HD25
January 0001 As part of our ongoing continuous improvement efforts, we're...
We're updating the finish and labeling on our HB5M, HB6M and HD25
As part of our ongoing continuous improvement efforts, we're updating our HB5M, HB6M and HD25 series of optical encoders to make product labeling more clear and permanent.
How to configure our MD3 stepper motor driver
January 0001 In this video we’re going to walk you through how to set up...
How to configure our MD3 stepper motor driver
In this video we’re going to walk you through how to set up the MD3 and configure it using a Windows PC.