Mostly 3D Printed Binary Encoder

An encoder converts information from one format or code to another. The device presented in this Thing will convert the decimal numbers 0 through 9 into their binary equivalents. However, the concepts presented here can be used to create encoders for any reasonable number of items and codes (say 20 or less). Aside from some easily obtained microswitches and a few screws, all of the parts for this mostly mechanical machine can be 3D printed.

**Why Am I Doing This?**

I recently came across a book published in 1968 entitled ["How to Build a Working Digital Computer"](https://archive.org/details/howtobuildaworkingdigitalcomputer_jun67) by Edward Alcosser, James P. Phillips, and Allen M. Wolk. Believers in the "learn by doing" philosophy, they show how to construct such a computer using "simple inexpensive components usually found around the house or in a neighborhood electrical parts store". This is often called the "paperclip computer" book since they use paperclips to create variou