Abstract: An encoder detects angular movement between a shaft and support about a rotational axis. A base mounts a signal emitter and sensor. A fitting is mountable to the shaft, coaxial with the rotational axis. A signal interrupting disk on the fitting is positioned in spaced relation to the emitter and sensor. An alignment bracket may be mounted to the base for relative axial movement. A yieldable member axially biases the base and alignment bracket to a pre-mounting relationship. A fastener secures at least one of the base or alignment bracket to the support, deflecting the yieldable member and positioning the emitter sensor, in a prescribed operative position on the support. The yieldable member will return the base and alignment bracket to the pre-mounting relationship when the encoder is removed from the support.