Difference bw HBL and VBL2350

I\'m interested in switching to the brushless controllers.

Besides USB, the HBL2350 has an \"encoder\" input (not present on the VBL).

What is the merit of that encoder input?
(Is it worth the price difference)

The HBL also has a lot more analog and digital IO. These, combined with Microbasic scripting, allows users to create more sophisticated system. For simple motor control, the VBL is a fine choice.

What is the merit of that encoder input?
(Is it worth the price difference)

It is only if your motor is fitted with encoder.

Encoders allow you to measure speed and travelled distance.

Encoders are less useful with a brushless motor because the Hall sensor of the motor can also be used to measure speed and distance travelled.

Encoders will measure distance with greater resolution since they provide a lot more counts per motor revolution than the hall sensors.