Well if you think about it, it seems to me that you are dealing with a stepper motor that travels in a +X, -X direction. The only thing that confuses me is how to calibrate the spindle axle rotation to coincide with the measurements. This guy seems to ave worked it out. I would bet if someone contacted him he might give you information to replicate it....
Words of Wisdom:
“Words that sink into your ears are whispered…… not yelled”
“The biggest trouble maker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morn’n”
“The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth”
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Just remember...when it's time for the hearse to pull up..there's no luggage rack on top!
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The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it...Thomas Jefferson