/diy/ - Do It Yourself

I need a sensor that will tell me what X is in this picture, either in sub-millimeter distance units or in a unit of mechanical pressure. There are two of these mechanisms on either side of the machine and I need to be able to reliably set them to the same relative pressure frequently.

The pressure will be considerable, maybe up to 200 lbs, but I don't really know until I have someway of measuring it.

The space around X is not large, maybe 5" tall by 4" between the springs by .75" wide. I can mount things to the outside face of the frame though.

The measurement doesn't have to be absolute, it can be relative. I just need an accurate number.

I cannot use any kind of rotary encoder on the cam screw but I may be able to use a linear encoder to measure X as a distance if its resolution is high enough.

What is the best sensor option for this?