A precise and versatile hybrid sensor system and method of use that senses the location of a movable element traveling along a linear path. The system includes a magnetostrictive sensor along with a tried and proven converting mechanism that converts the linear movement of the movable element to rotational movement and then to a greatly reduced linear movement of a magnet that is directly proportional to the movement of the movable element. The magnetostrictive sensor has a sensor probe having an active length that is in close proximity and parallel to the movement of the magnet such that the magnetostrictive sensor can sense the location of the magnet to determine the location of the movable element. The magnetostrictive sensor is located exterior to the vessel to eliminate wiring within the vessel itself so as to allow the hybrid sensor to be readily used in difficult, high pressure or subsea environments.

A hydraulic actuator with a sensor mounted on the actuator cylinder for determining the position of the actuator. The arrangement comprises a hydraulic actuator which includes a cylinder having a bore in which a piston is slidably mounted for movement along the cylinder to extend and retract the hydraulic actuator. The cylinder has a side wall and a cylinder aperture extending through the side wall. A wire actuated encoder is mounted on the external surface of the cylinder, which has a wire which extends through the cylinder aperture and is attached to the piston for determining a stroke position of the piston within the cylinder.