What value potentiometer for headphone volume control? - Electronic Circuits Projects Diagrams Free

tom0826 · 31st August 2003, 05:26 AM

Hi. I recently built a volume control box for listening to headphones while working on the computer. I just like having a knob of some sort to quickly turn down the music when needed.

The trouble I'm having is that I get no adjustment until the last 30 percent of the potentiometer knob. There is no sound until after two thirds rotation of the knob.

I used a Radio Shack Stereo Volume Control Potentiometer. 100K dual-ganged with audio taper (271-1732C) connected to 1/8 inch stereo headphone connectors.

I'm assuming that the problems is with using a 100K ohm pot, but not sure what resistance value I would need. Could you guys lend a hand and recommend a resistance value?

Thanks.
Tom

sam_h · 31st August 2003, 11:18 AM

Hi, Idon't know about headphone, but most speakers are around 6-8 ? which means that may need a 6-8 ? or some resistors in parrallel with the pot you already have. Alternatively you could use a digital volume control.

nettron1000 · 31st August 2003, 01:29 PM

I think you might have the pots wired backwards and yes you could replace them with a lower value, say 50K?

Sam i think you meant 4 to 8 Ohm and yeah they seem to be the most common.

eyevancsu · 31st August 2003, 03:22 PM

I agree with nettron, i use 50k or 10k at least, but with 50k probably the best.

ivan

tom0826 · 31st August 2003, 06:09 PM

Thanks, guys. I will try the 50K or 10K. I'm leaning toward the 10K since I feel like it's so far off.

I've ran into a lot of digital volume control stuff on the web. It will surely be my next project. I'm ordering both the DS1669 from Dallas Semiconductor and the LM1036 from National Semiconductor so I can play with the two two types and compare.

Thanks for you help!
Tom

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31st August 2003, 05:26 AM	(permalink)
tom0826	What value potentiometer for headphone volume control? Hi. I recently built a volume control box for listening to headphones while working on the computer. I just like having a knob of some sort to quickly turn down the music when needed. The trouble I'm having is that I get no adjustment until the last 30 percent of the potentiometer knob. There is no sound until after two thirds rotation of the knob. I used a Radio Shack Stereo Volume Control Potentiometer. 100K dual-ganged with audio taper (271-1732C) connected to 1/8 inch stereo headphone connectors. I'm assuming that the problems is with using a 100K ohm pot, but not sure what resistance value I would need. Could you guys lend a hand and recommend a resistance value? Thanks. Tom

31st August 2003, 11:18 AM	(permalink)
sam_h	Hi, Idon't know about headphone, but most speakers are around 6-8 ? which means that may need a 6-8 ? or some resistors in parrallel with the pot you already have. Alternatively you could use a digital volume control. __________________ Will Neo wake up and say, \"Bill, dude, you won\'t believe this bitchin\' dream I just had...\"?

31st August 2003, 01:29 PM	(permalink)
nettron1000	I think you might have the pots wired backwards and yes you could replace them with a lower value, say 50K? Sam i think you meant 4 to 8 Ohm and yeah they seem to be the most common. __________________ Two roads diverged into a woods...i took the one less travelled by. R. Frost.

31st August 2003, 03:22 PM	(permalink)
eyevancsu	I agree with nettron, i use 50k or 10k at least, but with 50k probably the best. ivan

31st August 2003, 06:09 PM	(permalink)
tom0826	Thanks, guys. I will try the 50K or 10K. I'm leaning toward the 10K since I feel like it's so far off. I've ran into a lot of digital volume control stuff on the web. It will surely be my next project. I'm ordering both the DS1669 from Dallas Semiconductor and the LM1036 from National Semiconductor so I can play with the two two types and compare. Thanks for you help! Tom