potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

For makers who have purchased an Adafruit Starter Pack, get help with the tutorials here!

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
ahdavidson
 
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:59 am

potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

Post by ahdavidson »

In the starter kit, there is a 10k and 1k pot. I've been using the 10k with my circuit and analogRead () function just fine.

And I know that Ohm's Law means that the 1k draws more current than the 10k with the same voltage applied, but what does this mean, practically speaking? What should be the analytical process to design a circuit using the proper component in this case?

Thanks.

adafruit
 
Posts: 12151
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 4:21 pm

Re: potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

Post by adafruit »

for a voltage divider, it doesnt matter. if you're using it as an adjustable resistor, of course it does matter

User avatar
ahdavidson
 
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:59 am

Re: potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

Post by ahdavidson »

How so?

If I connect either pot to analog pin 2 on my Arduino and run this program:

Code: Select all

const int potPin = 2; 

void setup() {
  Serial.begin (9600);
  pinMode (potPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println (analogRead (potPin));
}
I get the same results -- it prints values from 0..1023 as I rotate the slider.

adafruit
 
Posts: 12151
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 4:21 pm

Re: potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

Post by adafruit »


User avatar
ahdavidson
 
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:59 am

Re: potentiometer resistance: 10k vs 1k

Post by ahdavidson »

Got it. I thought that the case I had described was an adjustable resistor, but it seems that it's just the divider.

All this electronics work is making want to go back and get an EE degree to complement my CS!

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “Arduino Starter Pack”