[sdiy] Resolution of analogue potentiometers?

[Michael Zacherl]

On 12.2.2013, at 23:51 , Magnus Danielson wrote:

> On 02/12/2013 03:06 AM, Michael Zacherl wrote:
>> Hi, I thought this already has been discussed but couldn't find the thread:
>> How's the actual resolution of the resistive track of an analogue potentiometer
>> specified? On some data sheets I read "<  0.1°" for a rotative pot.
>> 
>> for instance,
>> in terms of pitch control over a very wide range, using a multiturn pot or trimmer,
>> where are the limits for the resistive tracks and pots at all?
>> Technically speaking, leaving practical aspects aside for a moment.
>> 
>> Thanks, Michael.
> 
> There are many answers to this. I once spent a night with a PA speaker, measurement rig and equalizer. I ended up making fine-adjustment by gently putting more force onto the knob until it almost moved and had it very very gently shift very small amounts. That way it was hand-tuned to be within a 1 dB span from base to top in a non-repeatable way.
> 
> There is a practical limit to how much resolution you do have, but fraction of a degree or so should be possible.


on some VCOs I have about 15 octaves on a 300° pot. 
That's not very practical in many situations, but doable.
Often I just touch the front of the knob to move it for fine adjustment.
(I do have additional 'fine' pots)

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