Printers and methods for detecting print media thickness therein

A method for detecting the thickness of print media in a printer, the method comprising:

• setting an encoder count to zero in response to receiving a no print media sensor signal;
• receiving a signal from a dual channel encoder sensor proximate an encoder disposed at an end of a pinch arm, the encoder having a number of circumferentially spaced line pairs, the signal representing a rotation direction and the encoder count comprising the number of circumferentially spaced line pairs that, during a time interval, pass by the dual channel encoder sensor as the pinch arm and encoder rotate in the rotation direction;
• and
• in response to receiving the signal, calculating the print media thickness of the print media from the encoder count using a conversion factor.

An assembly configured to detect a print media thickness in a printer, the assembly comprising:

• a pinch arm having a first end and a second end;
• an encoder disposed at the second end of the pinch arm, the encoder having a number of circumferentially spaced line pairs, the pinch arm and encoder configured to rotate in response to engagement of the pinch arm with at least a portion of the print media,
• a dual channel encoder sensor proximate the encoder;
• and
• a biasing element for urging the pinch arm into engagement with at least the portion of the print media.