The purpose of this was to demonstrate the effect that a potentiometer has on the circuit, as well as to show how different types of the same type of component serve the same function despite having different methods of actuation.
The potentiometers that we chose to demonstrate were a slide potentiometer, a thumbwheel potentiometer, a trimmer potentiometer and a rotary potentiometer since these tend to be the four most common potentiometers that are used. Potentiometers are considered a type of sensor that measures voltage. It acts like a variable resistor by using linear or rotary analog. To show how they functioned, we attached each potentiometer up to a pair of LEDs in series so that as the resistance was reduced, the LEDs would turn on.
The potentiometers were connected to individual switches so that the user could choose which potentiometer they wanted to use or show a comparison between the potentiometers they are demonstrating. This board was designed to run using 5V.
Our learning experiences included: testing out types of potentiometers, calculating resistor value to adjust LEDs brightness, soldering on a perforated board, and creating a 3D printed case.
The potentiometer circuit was designed with a perforated board. This gave us space to solder our parts. We are use to using the solderless board that had the lines connected inside. Because of this, we attempted to re-create the effect on the perforated board. To avoid wiring and unattractive solder, a 3D printed case was created to host the board.
Parts List
- 1 x Perf board
- 1 x USB C
- 8 x LEDs
- 8 x 1k Resistors
- 1 x Turn-top Potentiometer
- 1 x Thumbwheel Potentiometer
- 1 x Slide Potentiometer
- 1 x Rotary Potentiometer
Files
Potentiometer Case:
3D Printer Case.stl (3.0 KB)