Xpantastic!

> -My encoders need spayed every few weeks and worked or they get 
> intermittent. I know the encoders are very hard to find and hard to  
> mod off the shelf ones. Would anyone have any info on a source for 
> drop in replacements or be up to the modding of them ?

Hi! For the encoder you can try here:
http://www.rs-components.com/

There are many type of rotary encoders. Take a look at 265-2906 (RS 
code). This is a horizontal, endless rotary encoder with 30 stops/15 
impulses.
I think it's quite the same of the Xpander ones...

Bye!
Steeve