Touch-senstive encoders

[Anthony]

Does anyone know where to get or how to make touch-sensitive encoders similar to Digidesign Icon series controllers and other high-end controllers?  If these are not available, maybe they can be made by using some sort of proximity sensor technology.  Thanks.

[Screaming_Rabbit]

Does anyone know where to get or how to make touch-sensitive encoders similar to Digidesign Icon series controllers and other high-end controllers?  If these are not available, maybe they can be made by using some sort of proximity sensor technology.  Thanks.

... just use the encoder's ground pin not for ground, but to connect to your touch sense input (certainly a conductive knob is needed). Any encoder with metal shaft should basically work.

If you don't handle the sensing in the PIC, you can use e.g. http://www.qprox.com/assets/Downloadablefile/qt102_2r3.05-15437.pdf

Greets, Roger