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Small swing-radius hydraulic excavators are often used in narrow construction areas, especially in cities. Operators are required to control the movement of the machine very accurately so as not to damage utility wires, trees, advertising signs, gas lines, underground electric wiring, water mains, and so on. The excavators are designed to warn the operator or stop completely when the machine comes close to a known hazard. To perform this function, the machine must be able to accurately monitor the location of the bucket and boom. Angle sensors are put on the joints of the arms and boom to monitor their angles. The bucket position can be calculated with the sensor outputs. Accuracy and rigidity are the most important features for these sensors. Additionally they must be rugged enough to survive in a severe construction environment. The sensor unit has a potentiometer with +/-0.5% independent linearity.