# Encoder Port

Located on the motor output side of the SPARK MAX is a 6-pin Encoder Port. This port is designed to accept the built-in hall-encoder from the [NEO Brushless Motor](http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-21-1650/), but it can also connect to other external encoders when running in Brushed Mode. The connector details can be found below. 

{% hint style="info" %}
The SPARK MAX can be configured to run in [Alternate Encoder Mode](https://docs.revrobotics.com/brushless/spark-max/encoders/alternate-encoder), which reconfigures the Data Port on the top of the controller to accept an alternative quadrature encoder in addition to the Encoder Port.
{% endhint %}

![](https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-t3eo8vwp22/product_images/uploaded_images/encoderportpinout.png)

#### Encoder Port Connector Information

| **Connector Pin** | **Pin Type** |  **Pin Function** |
| :---------------: | :----------: | :---------------: |
|         1         |     Power    |       Ground      |
|         2         |    Digital   | Encoder C / Index |
|         3         |    Digital   |     Encoder B     |
|         4         |    Digital   |     Encoder A     |
|         5         |    Analog    | Motor Temperature |
|         6         |     Power    |        +5V        |

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/e0CWwhMSoCEH7NLVoLhF/blobs/Il8LsxqrOxgs29ZgtN9s/SPARK-MAX-Encoder-Port-Pinout.png" alt="Encoder Port Pinout shown with color coding for JST PH 6-Pin Cables (REV-11-1275). Pin 1 is Black and for Ground. Pin 2 is Green and for Encoder C or Index. Pin 3 is Yellow and for Encoder B. Pin 4 is Blue and for Encoder A. Pin 5 is White and for Motor Temperature. Pin 6 is Red and for 5 Volt Power. "><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Mating Connector Information

| Description               | Manufacturer | Part Number    | Vendor  | Vendor P/N                                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------------- | ------------ | -------------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| JST-PH 6-pin Housing      | JST          | PHR-6          | DigiKey | [455-1162-ND](https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=455-1162-ND)                                                                                   |
| JST-PH Contact            | JST          | SPH-002T-P0.5L | DigiKey | [455-2148-1-ND](https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=455-2148-1-ND)                                                                               |
| Recommended Crimping Tool | IWISS        | SN-2549        | Amazon  | [SN-2549](https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Crimping-AWG28-18-Ratcheting-Connector/dp/B01N4L8QMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8\&qid=1546882885\&sr=8-2\&keywords=sn-2549) |