Replacing broken Rotary Encoder on xLCD
Hello,
I have a Prusa MK4S and somehow i managed to break of the Rotary encoder (Knob) on the xLcd. sadly i cant just glue it back, but also other than the knob the board still works fine, so i would like to just replace the Rotary encoder myself instead of buying a new Board.
So i have been searching for the exact model of the Rotary encoder to buy a replacement, but i can't seem to find the exact model or any documentation for the board.
From what i have found it seems to be some Variant of a EC11 (SMD rotary encoder with push button). But no model i have looked at has this sort of step in the barrel below the shaft.
I haven't desolderd the part yet, so i don't know if maybe there is a part number on the underside of the encoder and i haven't measured the pins yet, so i am not 100% sure if the EC11 Variants are fully compatible.
Can anyone help me find the exact model or a fitting replacement for this part?
kind regards ^^
RE: Replacing broken Rotary Encoder on xLCD
AI search task.
"Hello,
Based on what we currently know, the encoder on the Prusa xLCD is most likely an ALPS Alpine EC11J1524413 and not just any random EC11 variant.
Prusa does publish the xLCD schematics for the MK4/MK4S, but no BOM/parts list with all individual components. That’s why the encoder doesn’t appear directly as a replacement part in the official documentation—officially, only the complete xLCD board is sold.
However, the specifications for the EC11J1524413 match very well: SMD, with pushbutton, D-flat wave, 30 detents / 15 PPR, 5 V. That is exactly why I would not order a generic EC11, but first look for this specific type.
Before ordering, I would still compare the footprint, waveform, and height with the desoldered original, because there are different versions of the Prusa xLCD.
If the ALPS type is no longer readily available, a mechanically and electrically compatible replacement might work. For example, a Same Sky RIC11-31S10K3-GSMT has already been successfully used as a replacement for a similar Prusa encoder on the Prusa forum.
In short: Yes, your EC11 guess is close—but the specific match is very likely the EC11J1524413."
Mods for Core One: Core One HT 450 degrees, Comfortable display , Very fast print start and Reducing noises
Mods for Prusa XL: Very fast print start
RE: Replacing broken Rotary Encoder on xLCD
As an afterthought: This may be a tricky desoldering and/or soldering exercise. With the LCD right next to the encoder, I would be reluctant to blast the part with hot air for desoldering. Maybe you can detach the LCD from the PCB to swivel it out of the way? (I believe it is attached with adhesive tape?) Or cut all the encoder's pins with side cutters if they are accessible, and unsolder the leftovers individually with a conventional iron.
In which way has the encoder been damaged? It is not fully torn off the board obviously -- but have some pads been torn off? (If so, do you have a plan how to re-establish the connection?) Is there mechanical damage to the part itself, like a bent shaft?
If you feel confident with this type of repair, of course please go ahead. Otherwise feel free to post further details, maybe a photo, so we can jointly figure out the best course of action.