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Potentiometers - Modifying Taper Interactive Example

This interactive demonstration of taper charts is a companion piece to our article on Modifying Potentiometer Tapers. You will want to read along there to understand the meaning of these charts.

When using a potentiometer as a variable resistor, a set resistor can be wired between the lugs to make a linear taper potentiometer function like a reverse audio taper potentiometer. The intensity of the taper depends on the ratio of the resistor value to the max value of the potentiometer. The knob allows you to adjust this ratio to see how the taper changes in the corresponding graph. Note that when wiring a resistor in parallel, the effective max resistance of the potentiometer decreases.

This knob controls the ratio of the parallel resistor to the potentiometer value for Figures 4 & 5. Try adjusting the ratio and see how the potentiometer tapers change.

When using a linear potentiometer as a voltage divider, a set resistor can be wired between lugs 1 and 2 to approximate an audio taper. The intensity of the taper depends on the ratio of the resistor value to the max value of the potentiometer. The knob allows you to adjust this ratio to see how the taper changes in the corresponding graphs. Note that when wiring a resistor between lugs 1 and 2, the effective total resistance of the potentiometer decreases as the potentiometer is rotated clockwise.

This knob controls the ratio of the parallel resistor to the potentiometer value for Figures 9, 10, and 14. Try adjusting the ratio and see how the potentiometer tapers change.

When using a linear potentiometer as a voltage divider, a set resistor can be wired between lugs 2 and 3 to approximate a reverse audio taper. The intensity of the taper depends on the ratio of the resistor value to the max value of the potentiometer. The knob allows you to adjust this ratio to see how the taper changes in the corresponding graphs. Note that when wiring a resistor between lugs 2 and 3, the effective total resistance of the potentiometer decreases as the potentiometer is rotated counter-clockwise.

This knob controls the ratio of the parallel resistor to the potentiometer value for Figures 16, 17, and 18. Try adjusting the ratio and see how the potentiometer tapers change.
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