I have a popcorn maker that I would like to be able to adjust the temperature on with a rheostat/pot--from about 50ish% to 100ish% of what it does now. I assume it is sufficient to control the power to the heating element(s) rather than include a thermometer as part of the control, since what the temperature is doesn't matter to me--only that I can adjust it in the approximate range I mentioned. I attempted to create a schematic based on what I observed inside the popper (see below). I assumed the components I have marked as diodes are actually diodes--I can tell they are polarized, but their markings are otherwise illegible. Since I see nothing the size of a transformer, I suspect the motor is AC.
What I need help with is identifying the specs for a pot. I guessed that a pot with specs like the shown resistor would be OK, but I see that such pots are $45 and up each. This leads me to believe that I have made an erroneous assumption, since the popper was probably around $20. I've assumed the pot would go where I have marked "Thick red wire." There's a slew of electronics things here I don't understand, so this is more an experiment than a project that must be completed successfully. Can anyone provide insight into my thinking and specifically, identifying a reasonably priced, appropriate rheostat?
What I need help with is identifying the specs for a pot. I guessed that a pot with specs like the shown resistor would be OK, but I see that such pots are $45 and up each. This leads me to believe that I have made an erroneous assumption, since the popper was probably around $20. I've assumed the pot would go where I have marked "Thick red wire." There's a slew of electronics things here I don't understand, so this is more an experiment than a project that must be completed successfully. Can anyone provide insight into my thinking and specifically, identifying a reasonably priced, appropriate rheostat?