Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter or encoder utilizes a combination of a standard photoelectric encoder and improved slow-friction long-lasting brush-type encoder which together with the necessary code conversion circuitry will produce an absolute unambiguous decimal digital readout and a visual display of the readout all contained in a single compact housing which can be mounted in direct association to the object being measured. The encoder circuit also has an internal clutch arrangement whereby the encoder systems can be selectively disconnected from the input to allow the encoder to remain at zero or some other reference point while the relative positions of the encoder and the object whose position is being measured are changed.