Comment by schobi

I love the out-of-box thinking and clean execution by mitxela. But why not make it the other way round?

Downsides: you need enough magnetic knobs and store them when not in use. If this becomes popular, will all knobs be compatible? What if you loose some? If you buy a used module? This idea somehow creates a new set of problems.

Idea: Knob with a plug!

The outer dimension of a knob is limited by how easily you can grab it. Even if used as a socket, you need the sideways spacing anyway. But the knob face is not used. Why not have the socket in the center of the knob?

How to build this? You would need a hollow knob riding on a bearing surface around the socket. I vaguely remember magnetic position decoders that work off-axis? Or maybe have multiple magnets in the rim of the knob, in an orientation that creates a uniform magnetic field in the center? The current prototype would even be suitable for trying.

Benefits: no extra removable components. Knob and socket can be used at the same time. Can you still reach around a plugged-in cable? Is this even useful?