[TenTec] PTO Issues

[Don Rasmussen]

I have learned all the tricks, the right PTO grease to use, safety pins to ground the main tuning shaft, spacer count at the rear. 
 
I am wondering if there was an inexpensive digital replacement for the older Tentecs, using an optical encoder and no mechanical parts at all, if it would be an in-demand item or do the classic Tentec guys enjoy the physical aspect of the PTO?