Basic Potentiometer Panel¶

Overview¶

A versatile analog control panel featuring four high-quality rotary potentiometers. Perfect for audio mixing, motor speed control, parameter adjustment, or any application requiring analog input.

Specifications¶

Size: 8 HP × 3U (40.64 mm × 128.5 mm)
Depth: 35 mm (including potentiometers)
Material: Aluminum (2mm thickness)
Finish: Black anodized
Power Requirements: None (passive)
Mounting: T-slot compatible with 4 mounting points (M5/M6 twist nuts)

Features¶

Four independent 10kΩ linear potentiometers
Standard 6mm shaft with knurled split shaft
PCB-mount or panel-mount options
Clear numbered labeling (1-4)
Gold-plated contacts for reliability
Smooth rotation with detent option available

Design Files¶

Design files will be available soon. This is an example panel for demonstration.

Example file structure: - Mechanical Drawing (DXF) - 3D Model (STEP) - Assembly Instructions (PDF)

Bill of Materials¶

Qty	Part	Description	Approx. Cost
1	Panel	Aluminum 2mm, 8HP×3U, anodized	$15.00
4	Potentiometer	10kΩ linear, PCB mount	$8.00
4	Knob	20mm diameter, aluminum	$12.00
4	M3 Screw	8mm length, countersunk	$1.00
4	T-slot T-nut	M5/M6 compatible with rail system	$2.00
1	Connector	6-pin JST or screw terminal	$2.00

Total Estimated Cost: ~$40.00

Wiring¶

Pin 1: Ground
Pin 2: +V (Potentiometer supply voltage)
Pin 3: Pot 1 Wiper
Pin 4: Pot 2 Wiper
Pin 5: Pot 3 Wiper
Pin 6: Pot 4 Wiper

Note: All potentiometers share common ground and +V connections
Typical +V supply: 3.3V or 5V depending on your ADC

Assembly Instructions¶

Panel Preparation
Verify all holes are deburred and clean
Check fit with T-slot rail before proceeding
Install Potentiometers
Insert potentiometers from front of panel
Secure with mounting nuts (hand-tight, then 1/4 turn)
Ensure all pots are aligned vertically
Wiring
Connect all ground terminals together
Connect all +V terminals together
Run wiper connections to connector
Use heat shrink on exposed connections
Install Knobs
Align knob indicator to 12 o'clock position
Tighten set screw
Mounting
Install T-slot twist nuts (M5/M6) in panel mounting slots
Position panel on rail
Insert and tighten M3 mounting screws
Verify panel is secure and aligned

Applications¶

Audio: Volume, tone, pan, or effect controls
Lighting: Dimmer controls for multiple channels
Motor Control: Speed or position adjustment
Robotics: Manual control of servo positions
Home Automation: Scene brightness or temperature control

Variations¶

This design can be easily adapted:

Different Values: Use 1kΩ, 100kΩ, or logarithmic taper pots
Panel Size: Scale to 4 HP (2 pots) or 12 HP (6 pots)
Rotary Encoders: Replace pots with digital encoders
Integrated PCB: Add buffer or amplifier circuitry

License¶

This design is released under the MIT License.

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to use, copy, modify, and distribute this design for any purpose.

Author¶

Ranch Hand Robotics
GitHub: @Ranch-Hand-Robotics
Date: January 2026

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