A potentiometer, also known as a "potentiometer", is a type of electrical component whose resistance can be varied. This component is usually used in conjunction with the knob; the user turns the knob, and this rotation is interpreted as a change in resistance in the electrical circuit. This change in resistance is then used to adjust some aspects of the electrical signal, such as the volume of the audio signal. Potentio is used in all kinds of consumer electronic equipment, as well as larger mechanical and electrical equipment. If you have little experience in the field of electrical components, you will find it easy to assemble a potentiometer.
Step
Step 1. Identify the 3 terminals on the potentio
Position the potentiometer so that its axis is facing up and the three terminals are facing you. With the potentiometer in this position, you can call the terminals from left to right with terminals 1, 2, and 3. Note this label because you may forget to reposition the potentiator while working.
Step 2. Connect the first terminal to ground
For use as a volume controller (the most common application by far), terminal 1 will serve as ground. To do this, you need to solder one end of the wire to the terminals, and the other end to the chassis or electrical component frame.
- Start by measuring the length of wire you need to connect the terminals to a convenient location on the chassis. Use wire shears to cut the wire.
- Use a soldering iron to solder the first end of the wire to terminal 1. Solder the other end to the component chassis. This will ground the potentiometer, allowing it to be turned to zero when the shaft is at the minimum position.
Step 3. Connect the second terminal to the circuit output
Terminal 2 is the input of the potentiometer, meaning that the output line of the circuit must be connected to it. For example, on a guitar, this is the wire moving away from the pickup. In integrated amplifiers, this is the wire coming from the stage before the magnification. Solder this joint as before.
Step 4. Connect the third terminal to the circuit input
Terminal 3 is the output of the potentiometer, meaning it must be connected to the input of the circuit. On guitars, this means connecting terminal 3 to the output jack. On integrated audio amplifiers, this means connecting terminal 3 to the speaker terminal. Carefully solder the wire to the terminal.
Step 5. Test the potentiometer to make sure it is properly assembled
After the potentiometer is connected, you can test it using a voltmeter. Connect the voltmeter wire to the input and output terminals of the potentiometer and turn its axis. The voltmeter reading should change as its axis is turned.
Step 6. Place the potentiometer inside the electrical component
After the potenti is connected and has been tested, you can place it as needed. Replace the electrical component cover and attach the knob to the potentiometer shaft if desired.
Tips
- The instructions above detail the process of wiring a potentiometer as a simple volume controller, which is the most common application. Many of the other tasks a potentiometer can perform require different wiring schemes.
- For other purposes that only involve 2 wires, such as a hobby motor, you can make a kind of temporary light switch by attaching one wire on the outside and one wire on the inside.
