Alps Alpine's potentiometers are employed in a wide range of electrical equipment. Our lineup has a large variety of potentiometers suited to different requirements and applications, including models for mixers and high-end audio systems. And in addition to total resistance and resistance taper, characteristics we explained in the previous installment on potentiometers, we support partial customization of other parameters; for example, with variations of shaft and lever length and design, and optional additions, like switches.

1. Potentiometer Size Variations

Better characteristics are achieved more easily with bigger potentiometers because they are able to house better-performing, higher-quality resistive elements, brushes and mechanisms. Alps Alpine offers potentiometer series in a wide range of sizes corresponding to the desired level of performance.

2. High-Spec Potentiometer Varieties

2. High-Spec Potentiometer Varieties

Master slide potentiometers, used in equipment like mixers, are large models with travel of either 60mm or 100mm and have superior characteristics in terms of high accuracy and operability.

Motor-Driven Potentiometers

These potentiometers support both manual operation and motor-driven automatic control. They can even be controlled remotely.

3. Partial Customization of Potentiometers

Number of Resistive Elements

Potentiometers require multiple resistive elements when, for example, you wish to control output from electrical circuits of multiple channels at the same time and at the same level. Alps Alpine's potentiometer lineup includes series that include not only models with just one resistive element (single-unit type), but also models with more than one resistive element (dual-unit and quad-unit types).

Number of Shafts (Rotary Potentiometers)

Most rotary potentiometers have just one operating shaft, but the RK097 Series also includes dual-shaft varieties that have an inner shaft and outer shaft, each having a resistive element with a resistance value that can be adjusted.

Shaft Type (Rotary Potentiometers)

We have models available with numerous variations of shaft parameters like material, design and length to match the equipment being used.

Metal Shaft

Used for consumer electronics and electrical equipment in cars, which demand durability. Metal shafts have variations in control part design (e.g. flat, slotted, serrated) and shaft length.

Insulated Shaft

Used for equipment not requiring the durability provided by a metal shaft. Insulated shafts have variations in control part design (e.g. flat, knob, driver) and shaft length.

Knob-Operated Type

A shaft design suited to electrical equipment with a slim profile. The user controls the knob from the side with a fingertip.

Ring Type

Used when a switch or display feature is to be positioned inside the control. Alps Alpine's ring type potentiometers have an LED built into the ring, enabling use of illumination to show users where the knob is.

Lever Type (Slide Potentiometers)

The RS**1 Series has a lever that comes in various forms and lengths suited to different end-product constructions. Master-type slide potentiometers include series with control part design options.

Options

Some Alps Alpine series can be supplied with an attached switch included as an option.

Other options are available for some series, including detents, center push, mounting plate and dust cover.