Inexpensive replacement pot for external use with a servo?

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Si Ballenger's Avatar (by Gravatar)Si Ballenger posted on
February 11, 2007, 10:50 am
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Can anybody suggest a small inexpensive pot for external use with
a standard hobby servo? I'd like to use an external pot placed at
a joint to control a remote servo. It appears that that the servo
pots are of the 5k type, but the inexpensive 5k pots I see in
Jameco and such seem to operate over a range of ~300 deg instead
of a smaller range normal for the usual joint movement. To get a
smaller operating range, would the lower range of a 10k pot work
to cover a ~150 deg range? Any info would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

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Gordon McComb's Avatar (by Gravatar)Gordon McComb posted on
February 11, 2007, 12:32 pm
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Re: Inexpensive replacement pot for external use with a servo?


The pots in servos have a similar range (about 300 degrees), even if the
servo itself doesn't physically, so I think you'll have basically the
same functionality.

One difference you might encounter is that pots can have either a linear
or log taper. I'd bet most servos have a linear taper; the log taper
pots are generally for audio applications. In any case, it's something
to be aware of if you're purchasing a pot. If you can, take the servo
apart and measure the pot -- you'll have to take that one out anyway to
replace it with an external one. If it's linear taper the resistance
will change linearly as you rotate it. You want to make sure you get a
linear pot to match.

-- Gordon

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Si Ballenger's Avatar (by Gravatar)Si Ballenger posted on
February 11, 2007, 3:14 pm
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Re: Inexpensive replacement pot for external use with a servo?

On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 09:32:08 -0800, Gordon McComb


Thanks for the quick reply. I've got an old servo that has gotten
jittery, so I can check the pot when I take it apart and try to
clean its pot with some contact cleaner. All part of an idea to
make an inexpensive servo controlled/operated arm out of Walmart
yard sticks.  ;)

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