[sdiy] potentiometers for modulars

[Tony Clark]

> I'm after several days on the phone/net searching for good quality not too
> expensive potentiometers. Relying only on datasheets I found that best for
> me would be:
> Clarostat 580
> Vishay-Spectrol 180
> but distributors neither don't have it, or don't want to sell less than 2500
> pcs.
> Is there a place I could buy 50-100 of them? Or at least one to see if it's
> really as good as expected?

   Unfortunately I can't seem to find any normal distributor that carries 
those.  Good luck finding a supplier for those.  I'm assuming you picked 
those because of the metal bushing instead of plastic?  From what I can 
tell, this adds a significant amount of money to the cost especially in 
the 50-100 range.  Usually it's about a $1.50-2.00 USD difference.

   For my modular I chose Vishay series 249.  They feel really good and 
have an excellent rotational life expectancy.  Basically you can get them 
in two types, conductive plastic (series 248) or CERMET (series 249).  
Tolerance is 20% and 10% respectively.  Rotational life for both is 
50,000 (probably 100,000 for conductive plastic) which should be more 
than adequate.  And the super nice thing is that they are available in 
1/8" or 1/4" shafts.
   Anyone who wants to use these, though, should be aware that because 
these (and other similar style pots from other manufacturers) use a 
plastic body and bushing it is rather easy to over tighten them and 
literally separate the bushing from the pot body!  Just tighten them 
snug (with the locking washer) and they'll never move.
   Other similar style pots include Clarostat series 590 and Bournes 
series 91 (5/8" instead of 1/2").
   If you want a metal bushing version, Vishay series 148 or 149.  The 
cost of these is higher, of course, but definately more robust.  Cost is 
about $6.30 @ 25 versus $4.82 for the 248/9's.
   Panel pots are expensive, but if there's two things that should _never_ 
be compromised, it would be pots and jacks.

   Cheers,

   Tony

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