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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Breaker on July 30, 2008, 10:47:31 am

Title: dead zone on volume control
Post by: Breaker on July 30, 2008, 10:47:31 am
Hello all,

I'm hoping some electronics gurus might be able to assist with a small issue I'm having with my volume control.

I installed a remote volume control to my CAB's control panel using the method described at the old Oscar Controls website:
http://mirrors.arcadecontrols.com/OscarControls/volume/index.shtml

The potentiometer I used (100k as per the tutorial) has approximately 270 degrees of rotation and the volume jumps rather sharply in the first 10-15 degrees of rotation and again in the last 10-15 degrees but in between there is a rather large 'dead zone' where there is no effect on the CAB's volume. I did read that you could increase the sensitivity of potentiometers by adding resistors across the terminals, which I have tried, but this didn't have any effect. Do I need to use a different potentiometer (10K, 50K)? Have I possibly wired it incorrectly? I don't know if it's relevant but I'm using Logitech Z4 speakers.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Breaker.
Title: Re: dead zone on volume control
Post by: surface tension on July 30, 2008, 10:57:24 am
Howdy

First of all, are you usig a linear pot instead of a logarithmic?

You also say that you're putting a resistor across the terminals... It would need to be in-line with the wiper. So removing the wiper (usually center) wire and putting the resistor in series. Putting a resistor across the terminals will only decrease the resistance.
Title: Re: dead zone on volume control
Post by: Breaker on July 30, 2008, 09:12:39 pm
Hi ST,

I'm using a logarithmic pot and, I should clarify that I'm not employing resistors, just gave them a try but they had no effect.
I did put the resistor across the terminals so I could try putting them in series on the centre as per your suggestion terminal and see what happens but should this be necessary?

I suspect folks will need additional info for troubleshooting so please ask away!

Breaker.