Incremental encoder.

ELMA Electronic's new E18 mechanical incremental encoder is now available from Foremost Electronics.

The industry standard footprint E18 product family incorporates all of the features required for the widest range of applications while providing improved performance and manufacturability.

Typical applications include white goods, household appliances, home automation, two-way radios, power and heat distribution controls, water distribution controls, industrial controllers, audio and entertainment systems and automotive infomatics.

The new Elma E18 encoder may be THT or SMT reflow soldered to simplify PCB manufacture and supplied in tray or tape and reel packaging. Other key features include industry standard body size of 14.4 x 11.4 x 6.5 mm, rotational life up to 150,000 revolutions, resolution of 16, 24 or 30 detents, detent torque: 0.5, 1.5 or 2.5 Ncm, gold plated sliding contacts and various shaft types in brass and stainless steel are available with threaded or non-threaded bushing.

The E18 is available with an optional centre push button with the choice of 3N or 6N push force and may be further customised with bespoke shaft dimensions and shapes, user specified detent torque and IP60 or IP68 front panel sealing for rugged applications.

Alan Vincent, Sales Director of Foremost, comments, “The new E18 encoder form ELMA really does tick every box for the vast majority of domestic, industrial, audio and automotive applications. Extended lifetime and ability to assemble using re-flow soldering make the E18 the go-to decoder for all OEMs looking to speed up their manufacturing process and deliver reliable end products.”

#PAuto @4MostElectronic @elma_electronic

21 Years old and still going strong...

On November 21st 1989, Alan Cook struck out on his own to create a specialist distributor of electro-mechanical components. With a wealth of experience from his careers in both electronic engineering and broad-line distribution Alan wanted to create something different. And so Foremost Electronics was born. The goal was to provide design engineers in Britain with a reliable source of technologically advanced Emech components and offer a “service with a difference”.

Foremost has now firmly established itself as not just a component distributor but a resource for designers who require high quality components – with a difference. Foremost offers a flexible approach to component supply and is happy to undertake in-house customisation of their product range to meet the exact requirements of the designer. From engraving the cap of a switch or adding illumination, through to custom assemblies Foremost can accommodate a wide range of special requirements.

This customer focussed approach to distribution has lead to steadily increasing sales, long relationships with customers and high levels of support from their suppliers.

Suppliers have grown to appreciate the extended product life that Foremost’s customisation offers and a relationship with a specialist distributor who really understands their market.


Elma and knitter-switch, both suppliers of switches and rotary encoders have this to say about Foremost;


“Elma UK is proud to consider Foremost Electronics as both prime business partners and friends. Their on-going policy of supporting, stocking and marketing our rotary switch products is key to our future success. Thanks to Foremost for everything they do for us and happy 21st birthday! “

While Terry Moss, General Manager of knitter-switch UK says; "Knitter-switch have worked with Foremost Electronics for the past 15 years and we have always found them to be excellent at finding new design-in opportunities and retaining long term customers. Foremost have an unsurpassed knowledge of the UK Emech component market and we appreciate this singular focus which serves us very well.”


Apem, market leading manufacturers of Joysticks commented; "Foremost has been a distributor of our joysticks for 9 years now and indeed distributes many other Apem group products. During that time we have enjoyed a strong working relationship and have been very positively impressed by the service driven culture of Foremost. Many customers have reported a desire to work with Foremost in light of the stocking and service packages offered, and the technical design support in the early days of their project. We also value Foremost’s marketing activities which include strengthening both the Foremost and Apem brand with continual advertising, exhibitions and trade publication entries. We congratulate Foremost on its 21st birthday and look forward to many more years of cooperation and success”.

And last but by no means least Binder UK, suppliers of world class circular connectors said; "Proactive, responsive and customer focused; just what a manufacturer requires from a specialist distributor and exactly what we have experienced from our relationship with Foremost. Add to this a narrow and complimentary product portfolio along with excellent product, application and market knowledge; this makes Foremost Electronics the ideal partner for Binder UK.”

Alan Cook, Managing Director of Foremost Electronics closes; "We have successfully managed to find our way through a number or recessions and have always come back stronger and this current one has been no exception. We have a dedicated team of experienced technical and sales specialists, headed up by Sales Director Alan Vincent, who can use their extensive knowledge to provide our customers with the best solution to their component requirements and the long term support that is really appreciated in this rapidly changing market.”