How would I make one of these?

[ramos96]

Hi all,

I recently was lucky enough to get a Blacktooth laser cutter/engraver, the laser output strength is controlled via a potentiometer that outputs 0-5 volts, I would like to swap out the pot to a digital type control where I can set the output more accurately and also display it, what is the best way I can accomplish this.

Humbly,
Roo

 

[panic mode]

determine needed resolution and use digital control (like MCU) with analog output.

 

[alec_t]

You could use the smoothed/filtered PWM output from an MCU which also drives an LCD display.

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

Use a 10 turn pot with a turns counting dial. I've used a pot with an integral dial, 3 digits, like these: https://www.newark.com/eti-systems/...2w/dp/83H6503?in_merch=Popular Potentiometers

Just make sure your reference is stable.

 

[dougy83]

Use a 10 turn pot with a turns counting dial.

Or more simply (and cheaply) just a 10-turn pot with a multimeter/voltmeter connected to the output.

This doesn't address the requirement of digital control, but it is more accurate than a single-turn pot.

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

Well, the turns-counting dial is indeed digital (3 numbers). I would bet that repeatability would be more important.

It's a lot easier to set a dial to 500 than a meter to 2.50 Volts.