#### Dodgydave

Joined Jun 22, 2012
9,162
Only difference would be of it's Linear or Logrithmic type..

#### Alec_t

Joined Sep 17, 2013
11,295
The potentiometer needs to pass only a few mA, not Amps. The only reasons I can think of for the high price is either (a) it's a rip-off, (b) it has a non-standard resistance track or (c) it is designed for particularly heavy duty.

#12

#### Cyrus Mingley

Joined Apr 18, 2020
87
Only difference would be of it's Linear or Logrithmic type..
What's the difference between the two?

#### Cyrus Mingley

Joined Apr 18, 2020
87
The potentiometer needs to pass only a few mA, not Amps. The only reasons I can think of for the high price is either (a) it's a rip-off, (b) it has a non-standard resistance track or (c) it is designed for particularly heavy duty.
Okay, I understand. I'll do some research, and i'm guessing its probably a ripoff, or its because its old. What's a non standard resistance track? I've never worked with potentiometers before. I don't need anything super heavy duty either.

#### Dodgydave

Joined Jun 22, 2012
9,162
Linear is the same resistance change per degree of rotation, Logrithmic has a small change at one end and a large change at over half way.

#### Cyrus Mingley

Joined Apr 18, 2020
87
Linear is the same resistance change per degree of rotation, Logrithmic has a small change at one end and a large change at over half way.
Got it, thanks for the explanation. I need a linear.

#12

#### KeepItSimpleStupid

Joined Mar 4, 2014
4,070
There are different log tapers, not just one. They are typically used for audio volume controls. There is number of turns and what the element is made from. Wire wound is probably the most durable. Here https://www.bourns.com/products/potentiometers/precision-pots-multiturn are some mult-turn pots.

The $40.00 potentiometer contains a lot more bits and it's potted or sealed from the elements like water. Thread Starter #### Cyrus Mingley Joined Apr 18, 2020 87 There are different log tapers, not just one. They are typically used for audio volume controls. The$40.00 potentiometer contains a lot more bits and it's potted or sealed from the elements like water.
Using indoors, no need to worry about water. What sort of bits are we talking about? I need this for motor control, preferably to get myself from 0 to 100 slowly, it's for a lathe

#### Alec_t

Joined Sep 17, 2013
11,295
What's a non standard resistance track?
Most pots operate with a shaft rotation angle range of about 300°, whereas a custom pot may have a track spanning only, say, 180°, or which has one or more taps at points between its two ends.

#### Cyrus Mingley

Joined Apr 18, 2020
87
Most pots operate with a shaft rotation angle range of about 300°, whereas a custom pot may have a track spanning only, say, 180°, or which has one or more taps at points between its two ends.
Got it, thanks. Think i'll go with a standard.

#### KeepItSimpleStupid

Joined Mar 4, 2014
4,070