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stupid question from a newbie

I'm working on a circuit and I'm doing some testing. I'm basically
following a set of directions. I'm unsure what the directions mean
and I'm hoping someone here can help me with it.

I'm using a voltmeter on a 3-prong 10k potentiometer, The directions
say the following:
"a digital voltmeter should be connected across the potentiometer top
and bottom (not the wiper)"

I'm not sure what it means by top and bottom. The pot has three
prongs. Anyone know what this terminology means?

Thanks

Steve
 
P

Phil Allison

Jan 1, 1970
0
I'm working on a circuit and I'm doing some testing. I'm basically
following a set of directions. I'm unsure what the directions mean
and I'm hoping someone here can help me with it.

I'm using a voltmeter on a 3-prong 10k potentiometer, The directions
say the following:
"a digital voltmeter should be connected across the potentiometer top
and bottom (not the wiper)"

I'm not sure what it means by top and bottom. The pot has three
prongs. Anyone know what this terminology means?


** Means the two ends.

What is "top" and "bottom" depends on the circumstances.

The "bottom" usually means the end that connects to circuit ground or a
lower voltage than appears on the top.



......... Phil
 
B

BobG

Jan 1, 1970
0
Measure from the wiper to either other terminal with pot full cw and
full ccw. One reading will be zero, one will be the resistance of the
pot.
 
E

Eeyore

Jan 1, 1970
0
I'm using a voltmeter on a 3-prong 10k potentiometer, The directions
say the following:
"a digital voltmeter should be connected across the potentiometer top
and bottom (not the wiper)"

I'm not sure what it means by top and bottom. The pot has three
prongs.

We call them terminals.

Anyone know what this terminology means?

Wiper, top and bottom ?

Yes, the one in the middle is going to be the wiper. Actually very, very rarely
it might not be but I'm sure it will be in your case.

The top and bottom refer to the conenctions to the pot's 'track'. The wiper is
the moving connection.

Graham
 
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